SAS Headteacher Letter – 2 SEPT 22

Dear Samakee Community, 

Our annual Parent Welcome Evening on Thursday, 1st September, was a great success, and I thank all parents, carers and prospective parents for joining us for refreshments and an informal chat. There was a fantastic atmosphere, and thankfully, the rain held off! The event was an opportunity to meet teachers and other parents, learn more about children’s experiences in their new year group and explore the learning areas.  

The Parent Evening Questionnaire provided many questions which we have answered and collated into a document on Firefly called Response to Parent FAQs 

SAS LINE COMMUNICATION PLATFORMLINE is a popular communication platform in Thailand and one that Samakee has been using for several years. We want to reestablish our SAS LINE account for even more Samakee families and to use this to share significant school-wide updates with our school community.  

Please scan the QR code or click on this link using the device you can access LINE @ SAS LINE. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

WHAT IS THE SAMAKEE PTG?
Thank you to all the parents and carers who responded to our recent Parent Evening Questionnaire where I asked, ‘Are you interested in becoming involved in our PTG this year?” There were many positive responses and we look forward to relaunching our PTG (Parent Teacher Group) and calling our first annual general meeting (AGM) this term.  

Family Involvement is a long tradition and necessity at our school and is one of our school’s greatest strengths. For those new to our school, we encourage you to get involved in the PTG and volunteer. Your ideas, time, and talents are needed, and your involvement is invaluable for our students. Whether your commitment is big or small, there is a place for you to volunteer! 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many events traditionally organised by the PTG (Movie Night, International Day, Bake Sales, Christmas Hamper raffle and many others) have been postponed. Now, however, as we welcome parents back to the school site again, we look forward to a great school year in person. Together, we can move forward with the many activities and experiences that benefit our students, parents and staff. 

We will hold a Coffee Morning on Tuesday 4th October at 8:30 am followed by a PTG AGM. We hope to see you there! 

SAMAKEE LITTLE LEARNERS
At Samakee, Little Learners meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am during term time, and the sessions this term start on Tuesday 13th September.  

Our group encourages not only mums and dads but also grandparents, nannies and other carers to join us with their under twos for an enjoyable and stimulating morning of activities. However, to avoid confusion, we recommend that only one adult regularly joins the group with your toddler and that this support remains as consistent as possible.  

We look forward to getting to know you and your Little Learner this term. Please contact the school office to indicate your interest in joining the play sessions and complete the registration form. Thank you. 

TEACHING & LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS!EYFS CHILDREN LOVE READING!

 KEY STAGE 1 EBL – ENQUIRY BASED LEARNING

 MIDDLE SCHOOL THAI

 SCIENTIFIC METHOD

  Here is the link to this year’s calendar. School Calendar 2022-2023UPPER SCHOOL REWARD SYSTEM

ECAS (EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES) AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS 
We are delighted to bring back a complete programme of ECAs this year! ECAs will start on September 12th and run for ten weeks. Families will be able to sign-up for ECAs on Monday 5th September when full details of each club will be shared with you.  Attached is a preview of what will be available this term. 

Samakee has various after ECAs available, led by SAS teachers and outside providers; we make every attempt to ensure these clubs are relevant and motivating for students. SAS teachers and some outside instructors lead ECAs. Clubs focus mainly on Middle and Upper School students; however, a small number are open to younger children in EYFS and KS1, if appropriate to the needs of the child. 

WEEKLY ATK TESTS END
From our experience over the last year, most positive Covid cases occur when a person is symptomatic and not on our weekly testing days. Therefore, from September, we will no longer require weekly ATK testing.  

Instead, parents are to complete an ATK test for the following reasons:

• If you, your child or a household member is symptomatic;

• Following holidays, for example, the October half-term break and Christmas holiday.

• Before a residential or school trip;

• And on any occasion determined by the school. For instance, if the situation in our community or Thailand changes.

 Thank you for being so supportive, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind regards,

Monica L Sudhirak
Head of School