STMARKS NEWSLETTER 20 (25 APRIL 2025)
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2025
On April 11, our school came alive with color, laughter, and tradition as we celebrated Songkran, the Thai New Year, together as a school community.
Students began with a meaningful ceremony where they paid respect to their teachers by gently pouring fragrant water, adorned with flower petals, onto their hands—a beautiful gesture symbolizing gratitude and blessings for the year ahead.
After the ceremony, it was time for some fun! Dressed in vibrant Songkran outfits, students came prepared with their water guns and big smiles. The school’s football field quickly turned into a joyful splash zone, where students and teachers alike joined in an epic water fight. The laughter was contagious, and the spirit of Songkran—renewal, respect, and celebration—was felt by everyone.
It was a wonderful way to connect with Thai culture and build joyful memories with friends and teachers. Here's to a refreshed and happy Thai New Year! 🌼
THAI FOREIGN LANGUAGE: THAI DESSERT
On April 9, our Thai Foreign Language (TFL) students celebrated the upcoming Songkran Festival with a fun and flavorful cultural activity—making Bualoy, a traditional Thai dessert.
As part of their cultural learning, students got hands-on experience shaping colorful rice cake balls, boiling them to perfection, and mixing them with warm, sweet coconut syrup. The activity not only introduced them to Thai culinary traditions but also offered a meaningful way to welcome Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to explore Thai culture through taste and teamwork.
KINDER ART: CREATING RAINBOWS
This week, our little artists have been creating beautiful rainbows, using a mix of vibrant materials and techniques. With each color they carefully placed, students learned about color order, spatial awareness, and expressing emotion through art. But it wasn’t just about the colors—this project was also a perfect opportunity to practice fine motor skills!
Using scissors safely and confidently, our young learners strengthened their hand muscles and coordination—essential skills for writing, drawing, and other classroom activities. It’s amazing to see how much confidence grows with every snip and every smile! We’re so proud of how creatively and carefully our students worked.
Y1 ART: PAPER TULIP ORIGAMI
Our Year 2 students recently explored the art of origami, crafting vibrant paper tulips during their art class. This hands-on activity introduced them to the basics of paper folding, enhancing their fine motor skills and fostering creativity. Each student selected colorful paper to create their tulip, resulting in a beautiful array of handcrafted flowers. The project not only brought the classroom to life with color but also instilled a sense of accomplishment as students saw their creations take shape.
Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, offers numerous educational benefits. It encourages patience, precision, and spatial awareness, making it an excellent activity for young learners. By engaging in this project, students practiced following step-by-step instructions and developed a deeper appreciation for the art form.
Y6 ENGLISH: GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In English class, our Year 6 students dove into the world of Greek mythology with a creative and confidence-building project. Each student selected a Greek god or goddess to research, learning about their unique powers, personalities, and stories. To bring their learning to life, students designed thoughtful costumes that reflected their chosen deity and prepared short presentations to share with their classmates.
With enthusiasm and creativity, they stood before their classmates to present their findings—improving their public speaking, confidence, and communication skills along the way. It was a wonderful opportunity to combine research, creativity, and performance in a fun and meaningful way.