Dear Samakee Community,
This week, our Year 3 & 4 students have participated in an exciting Residential Visit to the Na Jomtien Coastline, where they had an opportunity to take part in beach activities with snorkels, rafts and kayaks, visit Samae San Island, and the sea turtle nursery at Sattahip Naval Base – to mention just a few! These annual school trips mark a significant highlight of our school programme and promote pastoral and curriculum objectives by prompting students to think about their engagement and triumphs in a very different setting.
As our students progress through their school journey, the experiences offered during Residential Visits are deliberately designed to foster increasing levels of independence and the development of essential personal and social skills. These trips provide a break from routine and contribute significantly to our students’ holistic growth. Next term, Upper School students will be off on an exciting week-long adventure!
No Sweets Policy in School
In addition to our ‘no nuts in school policy’, we also request that children, parents and carers not bring sweets, sugary snacks, or other junk food into school. Please speak with your child’s teacher for special occasions such as birthdays when some special treats may be allowed. Thank you. We appreciate your support.
Overseas Exchange Programme
Next week, we are thrilled to experience our first Overseas Exchange Programme with a small British curriculum Primary School from Hong Kong – Oxbridge. The programme aims to promote cultural exchange and enrich the lives of our students, and on Sunday evening, 13 students from Hong Kong aged 7-11 years old will arrive with four teaching staff. Various activities, trips and special events have been organised for all the children to enjoy during their visit to Samakee and all the children in Years 3-6 will be involved. I know you will make them feel welcomed!
Upper School Production 2023
Upper School students and teachers are currently working on our annual stage production.
‘Beauty IS a Beast’ is the story of Princess Beauty who is beautiful on the outside but ugly on the inside. Her fairy godmother decides to teach her a lesson by turning Beauty inside out.
… the important message is that true beauty comes from the heart.
What’s next?
- Dress rehearsal to the rest of the school will take place on the morning of Wednesday 29th November.
- All Upper School children will leave school at 12:40pm on Thursday 30th November and return to school at 5:15pm.
- Tickets will be made available (week beginning 27 November free of charge).
- The production will be filmed and photos will be taken.
Music & Visual Art Workshops
This week, we warmly welcomed Sofia Lopez-Ibor from the USA for a three-day professional development opportunity. Colleagues across Thailand and Asia joined this exciting Music and Visual Art Workshop with Samakee students and teachers. Our students’ behaviour was exemplary, and they confidently and enthusiastically engaged with Sofia’s teaching style and made beautiful music together!
Y3 – Y9 Sports Day Result
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Year 3 – Year 9 Sports Day onsite for the first time. There was great spirit from all competitors – running, jumping and throwing, gaining points for each house. Students also competed in team events working together for the illustrious trophy. Well done Shakespeare this year’s HOUSE Winners. Great positivity from all students and parents who joined in the races too.
Teaching and Learning Highlights!
Early Years Outdoor play
Outdoor play is an important part of our learning at Samakee. Look at our healthy, adventurous, curious learners at our wonderful Samakee Farm!
KS1 – Bread Making
In our EBL sessions for KS1, we’ve been enthusiastically diving into the world of bread baking! Whether it’s measuring ingredients or figuring out rising times, each step is a fun-filled equation! The children have been actively engaged, mixing dough, and skillfully shaping perfect rolls, transforming our kitchen into a bustling center of culinary creativity.
As they explored various flavors to enhance their bread, the children showcased excellent teamwork. It’s been a flavorful journey of collaboration and experimentation! Who would have thought that learning could be this delicious?
Year 3 – Poetry
In Year 3, we have been exploring poetry over the last few weeks. We looked at shape poems, rhyme, alliteration, onomatopoeia and had a go writing our own poems too. To help us with ideas we used books to research our topic and we have been using our dictionary and thesaurus skills to help us elevate our poetry writing. We have written many poems now! We look forward to sharing some of them in our upcoming assembly…
Year 3 and Year 4 Residential Trip in Sattahip
Y3 and 4 had a fantastic few days in Sattahip! Both trips started out with team games on the beach, rafting races and problem solving tasks.
On Thursday evening, we enjoyed a tasty BBQ and finished up with roasting marshmallows. Today, Y3 went to the Aquarium to learn about their topic of Under the Sea.
Y4 planted Mangroves and found out how important they are for our environment. After that, they went to the turtle sanctuary to see how we can support these wonderful animals.
We had a terrific time!
Upper School – Esport Club
Here at Samakee we have a thriving e-sports club! Esports are a great way for our students to have fun and learn valuable skills. They can help students develop problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills. Esports can also help students learn about different cultures and make new friends.
Upper School – Interactive Geography – Where in the world?
Each day our interactive humanities board is updated with a landmark from around the world. It could be natural or man-made – students check each day and at the end of the week deliver their answers to Ms Nicky!
Upcoming Important Events
Middle School Growth Mindset Master
For always having a positive attitude towards new challenges. He has consistently been trying new things and pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Well done!
Artist of the Week
Artist of the week goes to a year 7 student who has made huge progress in Art. His determination and hard work is paying off!
Upper School Credit Certificates
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.”