16th February 2024
Dear Samakee Community,
Humanities Day is approaching on Tuesday, the 20th, where students and staff alike will explore the intriguing theme: “What makes us Human?”
Throughout the day, a series of twelve activities will engage groups of children in a journey through various cultures, inviting reflection on the common threads that unite us and the differences that distinguish us from one another.
We are delighted by the enthusiastic response from parents keen to contribute to this event and our community quilt, scheduled to take place from 13:00 to 14:00 on Tuesday afternoon. Staff and students will collaborate to assemble the finished pieces into a quilt that will capture aspects such as:
- What aspects of our families make them unique?
- What holds importance for our families?
- The shared interests and activities that bring our families together.
The culminating quilts, created by groups of children during the day and by parents in the afternoon, will celebrate the richness of our diverse experiences!
Parent Consultations
Next week, we are again looking forward to Parent Consultations, and at Samakee, these meetings occur three times a year. In response to parent requests, we provide optional face-to-face and virtual meetings, and parents may attend either a face-to-face or a virtual meeting. Please take a look at your email for full details of this event.
Face-to-Face Parent Consultations – Tuesday, 20th March
The face-to-face sessions will take place at school between 14:40 and 18:20.
Virtual Parent Consultations – Thursday, 22nd March, from 15:40 to 19:00
We use Google Calendar Appointments for these virtual consultations.
Tuesday, 20th, and Thursday, 22nd March are regular school days; nevertheless, it is essential to note that due to Parent Consultations, no School Clubs/ECAs are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday next week. Clubs will continue as usual on Monday, the 19th, and Wednesday, the 21st.
During the meetings, teachers will talk with you about your child’s progress in school. However, please note that although we have three scheduled meetings per academic year, we are always more than happy to meet with parents at any time if they have questions or concerns about their child. Our final Parent Consultation Meetings this year will occur on May 28th and 30th.
We look forward to talking with you.
Upper School Residential: Dolphin Bay Chronicles
Our Upper School Residential was a blast! From seaside adventures to collaborative activities, our students embraced independence, tried new things, and fostered lasting memories. Here’s to forging stronger bonds and embracing a growth mindset!
Teaching and Learning Highlights!
EYFS – Samakee Farm
“Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.” That is why our experience on the Samakee Farm is so important to us!
Year 3 – Planting
What do seeds need to germinate? Year 3 have been practising many skills throughout this investigation – writing instructions, recording observations, being responsible for watering our own plant… We cannot wait to see what our plants grow into!
Year 5/6 – Thai social
In Year 5/6 Upper School, Thai social studies students learned about the production of local goods in various regions of Thailand. Additionally, the students actively engaged in crafting representative local products for each area, such as batik handkerchiefs, rice crackers, and Thai balm. By creating these diverse local items, students gained a deeper understanding of Thai culture.
Upper School – Financial Literacy in Maths!
Students have been applying their learning about proportion to real-life contexts such as working out which products are the best value for money. Students collaborated in small groups to discuss their innovative and imaginative ideas. At Samakee, it’s not enough to get the correct answer, students must justify how they know their answer to be true to their maths community. This builds key mathematical reasoning skills and deeper understanding, which has been shown to boost attainment.
Awards and Achievements
First LEGO League Explore Thailand 2023/2024
A group of St Andrews middle school students took part in the First Lego League – Explore Competition. They had to design a place to show off their hobbies using Lego Robotics with motors, sensors, sound and lights. They then made a large poster to present their project and make a speech about the importance of the project. The competition took place at the National Science Museum, against 40 other teams from across Thailand. After the Lego officials judged their work, the St Andrews Samakee team were awarded the “Rookie Inspiration” award, for a team’s first performance in the Lego League their work was very creditable. After the award ceremony, the students collected their medals on stage from the Lego officials. Well done on your excellent robotics project!
Growth Mindset Masters
For having a positive attitude when faced with a challenge. She takes on board feedback and listens to ways that she can improve. What an excellent role model.
Upcoming Important Events
Nightingale House Event – Clever Classroom Door
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at “Clever Classroom Doors”, brought to you by the Nightingale team, happening on Friday 23rd February! Join us for a day of creativity, teamwork, and loads of fun as we transform our classrooms into a world of imagination and learning. Let’s make our classrooms come alive with colour and innovation! This event is not just about doors; it’s about creating a vibrant, collaborative learning space that reflects our unique personalities and ideas. Save the date, spread the word, and get ready for a day filled with flair and camaraderie!
Sports Day – EYFS & KS1
6th March 2024
All students in the First School will be taken off the timetable for the first part of the morning (8:45 – 10:00) to compete in fun games and activities, whereby they can demonstrate some of the skills learned in their PE classes.
Parent participation is encouraged!
Monica L Sudhirak
Head of School
Head of School, Monica L Sudhirak: msudhirak@standrews-samakee.com
First School Phase Leader, Tabietha Sudhirak: tsudhirak@standrews-samakee.com
Middle School Phase leader, Hannah Riddi: hannah.ridd@standrews-samakee.com
Upper School Phase Leader, Nicky Page: npage@standrews-samakee.com
“Samakee is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment.”