Dear Samakee Community,
Exploration on the farm this week has been enthusiastic as the children excitedly investigated the new “Bamboo House” and worked hard to transport sand in our new wheelbarrows. It is worth noting that all First and Middle School students have designated times to visit the farm every week, complemented by a weekly club for these budding farmers. However, it is essential to emphasise that the farm cannot be utilised as a recreational area after school due to safety considerations and the need for our staff to supervise tools and equipment vigilantly. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Songkran New Year Festival
We will celebrate Songkran this year on Friday, April 5th, 2024. Children will have a chance to learn about Songkran and may dress up in Songkran-style clothes, such as bright colours and flowery shirts. On this day, from 8:30 to 9.30 am, all of our Samakee community is invited to make offerings to nine monks from Wat Chonlaprataan Temple, located near the school. The offerings include various dried foods, such as dried rice, canned food, instant noodles, beverages, essential medicine, etc. These items will be donated to needy communities upcountry.
Please inform your child’s teacher or phase leader if you would like your child to be an observer at these Thai cultural events and not participate. Thank you.
Einstein House Event – Book Swap
Book swaps promote a love for reading and encourage children to share and engage with different types of books.
On Thursday, the children in First and Middle School are invited to bring to school three books they would like to swap and to choose two books for themselves that excite them; the third book will be given to a children’s charity upcountry to help less fortunate children. The books should be of good quality!
By participating in the book swap, children can explore new genres, authors, and stories they may not have encountered before. Additionally, giving a book to a children’s charity upcountry helps instil empathy and a sense of social responsibility in the children. Thank you!
Book Week – March 25th – 29th
Book Week 2024 was a resounding success! From engaging activities all week to today’s costume parade, it’s been a literary journey to remember. A big thank you to our dedicated staff for making this week unforgettable. Here’s to inspiring the next generation of readers throughout Samakee!
Everyday Maths Parent Workshop
On Thursday, the Maths team delivered a Workshop on Everyday Maths, using research and evidence-based findings to inform us of how we can continue to support our students at home when it comes to their ideas and confidence about Maths.
The strongest finding from research tells us that parental attitudes towards Maths is the biggest factor that impacts their child’s perceptions and attainment in the subject, even more than parents’ actual mathematical abilities. It is therefore important for parents to consistently model positive speech and attitudes at home when it comes to maths, for example changing from saying ‘It’s okay, I found Maths hard at school too.’ into positive messages such as ‘Let’s keep trying, challenging tasks help us become better learners!’. At Samakee, we strive to encourage our students to approach their learning with a Growth Mindset.
Please refer to this slide for the summarised points of the workshop.: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF86xirMpU/G8hyyJSMY-Eu0rrSHkzsXQ/view
We understand that such changes will take time and patience, thus we suggested some ‘Everyday Maths’ activities that you may do at home to encourage real-life, context-based Maths Talk. For example, when packing for a trip, you may talk about the amount of clothes you will need for the days, currencies, time zones, or travel durations and distances.
If you have any queries about Maths or today’s workshop, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Sophie (sophie.s@standrews-samakee.com) or Ms. Michelle (michelle.k@standrews-samakee.com).
Teaching and Learning Highlights!
EYFS – Exploration
We love sensory activities in EYFS! Why? By engaging all these senses, we’re not just having fun, we’re helping young minds grow and develop in incredible ways!
Nursery & KG – Music
In our KG/Nursery music classes, every moment is a magical adventure! We giggle and play as we explore the wonderful world of sounds and rhythms, drumming and dancing, playing singing games. Every day is a delightful melody just waiting to be played!
KS1 – Pa Jeep Farm
Yesterday, KS1 students visited Pa Jeep Farm, where they engaged in various hands-on activities to explore farm life and interact with animals. They participated in tasks such as rice planting, vegetable cultivation, and feeding animals, including holding baby chicks and learning about duck and rooster distinctions. The highlight was meeting Jumpa the buffalo, a beloved feature of Thai farm life, and enjoying a delicious lunch with homemade ice lollies. The day ended with exciting activities like mud slides and foam slides, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the students as they learned about agriculture and animal care firsthand.
Middle School – World of Animation
Our young authors have been diving into the world of animation! They’ve explored the magic of flipbooks, discovered the possibilities of digital animation, and even experimented with stop-motion techniques. Now, inspired by their favourite reads, they’re busy recreating iconic scenes from their beloved books. We’re bursting with anticipation to see their creative visions come to life, are you?
Middle School – Interactive Story Telling
As part of book week students created their own magical stories with a difference. To promote physical activity, fitness prompts were added to the story for listeners to move and respond to. There were some very creative stories, lots of exercises and excellent listening and following skills. An extra well done to all those students that were confident enough to read their stories to others.
Awards and Achievements
Growth Mindset Master
She has a positive attitude in swimming and PE. She shows determination and is always willing to improve. She works well independently and as part of a team.
Upcoming Important Events
March
- 30th Puppy Dash : – 11&U
- 30th – 31st : Brighton College US Swim Meet
April
- 2nd : World Autism Awareness Day
- 4th : PTG Meeting International Day
- 4th : 2nd House Event (Einstein)
- 4th : Farmers’ Market
- 5th : Multicultural Event – Songkran Alms Giving Ceremony (Early finish 13.00)
- 8th – 17th : Songkran Holiday
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.”