17th May 2024
Dear Samakee Community,
This week's visit from our Educational Advisor, Pauline Barker, proved exceptionally productive. She explored our newly established facilities, diligently observed teaching and learning, and engaged with our staff to discuss curriculum developments, management, and other school-related issues. The insights she provided have left us eager for the new academic year and anticipating exciting new developments ahead.
We look forward to reading her report in the coming weeks.
Next Wednesday, 22nd May, is an INSET day. An INSET day, which stands for "In-Service Education and Training" day, is a dedicated day in our school calendar when students do not attend classes. Instead, teachers and staff engage in professional development activities. These days are designed for teachers to participate in training sessions, workshops, planning meetings, and other activities to improve teaching methods, curriculum delivery, school policies, or personal development. We will focus on planning for the new academic year on Wednesday, and the school will be closed to students.
School Photographs
This week, the school was excitedly buzzing as photographers captured class and individual photos. We expect the samples to arrive within about two weeks, and we will promptly inform you so you can place your orders.
Parent and Carers Questionnaire April 2024
Thank you for participating in our recent Parent and Carer Questionnaire. The results have provided valuable insight and your positive responses reflect the hard work we put into the school and our drive to improve your children’s experiences.
Thank you for helping us improve. Always contact us if you feel there is something more specific we need to know/do! If you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Here is the link to a summary of the overall results of the April 2024 survey.
Year 2 Assembly
A huge well done to all of the children today for their fantastic performance! It was so lovely to see them stand on stage, speak, sing, act and play an instruments, all with confidence! We are very proud of them!
Teaching and Learning Highlights!
EYFS - Building Big Dreams
Large building blocks aren't just about fun (although there's plenty of that!), they're a fantastic way for children to learn and grow. Our dedicated block area fuels their fascination with construction. With large wooden blocks and loose parts, they can build towers that reach for the sky, houses for favourite characters and castles fit for royalty!
Year 2 - Fairytale and Fantasy Topic
Over the past couple of weeks, the children in Y2 have been busy making swords and shields as part of our Fairytale and Fantasy topic. They have used books and images to look at the different coats of arms of medieval Europe and thought about how they could incorporate these into their designs. They’ve come up with their own ideas for colours, patterns and shapes and used a range of materials to create them. Once made, we worked together to choreograph a battle scene with them, which the children looked forward to sharing in our assembly on Friday!
Year 3 - Volcano
Year 3 have been looking at Pompeii and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius over the last two weeks. In Art, we used a variety of paper, tissue and card to help us create a 3D looking volcano. Next week, we will use straws to blow around paint to help us create the effect of lava and smoke escaping from the volcano.
Shakespeare - South Korea
Shakespeare Tutor Group truly shined as they took the helm for the South Korean activities during International Day 2024! Their engaging activities captivated the Middle School students who attended, spreading joy and cultural understanding. Let's not forget to mention the delectable Kimchi, skillfully crafted by Ms. Tan, which was an absolute hit - simply irresistible!
Awards and Achievements
Bulldog Dash @Bangkok Prep
We are so proud of our Samakee Swimmers! 10 students across the age range went to the Bkk Prep Bulldog Dash last Saturday. For some it was their first Swim meet and for others it was their first swim meet in a 50m pool. Congratulations to all. Lots of Personal Best times and we are already looking forward to our last swim meet of the season at SISB on 1/2 Jun
U11 SAS Football Team
Well done U11 SAS Football Team. Unbeaten against bigger schools. Unfortunately beaten by the rain.
Samakee Growth Mindset
She has demonstrated a strong growth mindset for her fantastic positive attitude and perseverance during the middle school production. She happily takes on board feedback and uses it to improve.
Artist of the Week
Artist of the week goes to a year 9 student who has made so much progress this year. She is currently working on a canvas piece for the exhibition based on some lovely photographs of her favourite food. We cannot wait to see the final piece in the Art Showcase on the 31st May!
Upcoming Important Events
May
21st - Science Fair
28th - Talent Show - 8:30 am
28th - Face-to-face Parent Consultations
30th - Virtual Parent Consultations
31st - Art Exhibition - 13:30
June
6th - Middle School Production - 18:00
7th - 2nd Swim Gala
13th - Key Values Award Ceremony (AM)
13th - Year 9 Leavers Assembly (PM)
14th - Last day of term 2
(Early finish at 13:00)
Back-to-School Survey
Thank you to those families who have already let the school and teachers know their plans for the next academic year. We understand that it may be difficult for some families to know what the future holds. Nevertheless, whatever your plans may be or however uncertain they are at this time, we ask that you please take the time to complete this questionnaire based on your most likely expectations. Thank you.
Please click the form here: Back-to-School Survey
SAS LINE Communication Platform
LINE is a widely used communication platform in Thailand, and it's a platform that Samakee has been utilizing for quite some time. We encourage all our families to connect with our official SAS LINE account to ensure we can easily disseminate important school-wide updates to our entire school community.
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