Dear Samakee Community,
A warm welcome to the start of the new school year; we look forward to welcoming students and parents back to school on Thursday, 18th August.
Our teachers have returned from their holidays and are busy with three INSET days for preparation, training and setting up classrooms. In contrast, our maintenance teams and office staff have worked hard over the holiday, with several new developments and renovations just being completed in time for school opening.
On Friday, I will send out a full newsletter. For the time being, it is essential to share the current requirements for Covid to ensure we continue to provide a safe and controlled environment for our community.
TERM 1 2022-23 COVID PROTOCOLS
Like many countries worldwide, Thailand has eased restrictions and reduced preventative measures. However, we still need to be careful and below are the steps we have in place for the start of the new academic year.
ATK TESTS
- All students are expected to take an ATK test on Wednesday, 17th August and upload the results on the SAS ATK Google Form.
- Children and staff will continue to take ATKs weekly on Sunday morning.
- Other than these weekly tests, students only need to be tested if they have symptoms.
ACCESS TO THE SCHOOL
- Parents will be able to access the school during the school day. However, parents wanting to come to school must take an ATK before coming (once a week) and upload a photo of the results on the SAS Google Form after each ATK test to have turnstile access using their ID card.
- Nannies and drivers wanting to enter the school must follow the same procedure with weekly ATK tests to gain turnstile access. To process ID cards, please get in touch with the school office.
- Please leave the school as soon as possible after drop-off.
- We will stagger drop-off/collection times for EYFS only to limit the number of parents arriving simultaneously. EYFS children will start at 8:30 am and should not come before 8:15. TAs will be at the entrance to meet children, and staff will take children directly to their classrooms.
- Parents may collect EYFS children at 14:15.
- We are currently discussing ways to make pick-up at the end of the day as safe and efficient as possible without disrupting learning and I will keep you informed.
THE WEARING OF MASKS
- The Ministry of Education still requires children and staff to wear masks at school. However, children and staff may remove their masks in outdoor spaces. Masks, however, must be worn when entering the school at the turnstiles.
- As appropriate, we will adjust the use of masks at school in line with MOE and MOH’s advice.
POSITIVE TEST MANAGEMENT PLAN
- The Ministry of Public Health requires anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate at home for seven whole days.
- When returning to school, children and adults should wear a mask at all times. They will also not eat/drink with others for an additional three days. A separate eating area will be provided.
- Day 8 is the date of return to school.
- Children, staff and parents must be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning to school and perform a home ATK with negative results.
COMMUNICATION
- I will continue to provide weekly updates on the COVID situation and any updated safety protocols advised by government agencies.
To everyone in our community, I look forward to welcoming you back to school for the start of the next academic year on Thursday, the 18th of August.
Kind regards,
Monica L Sudhirak
Head of School