STMARKS NEWSLETTER 16 (23 JUNE 2023)

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL APPROVAL

We are thrilled to announce that St. Mark's International School has received official approval from Cambridge Assessment International Education following a successful inspection. Led by Mr. Daryl Khong, Senior Country Manager of Cambridge Assessment International Education, the inspection took place on Wednesday, 7 June.

During the inspection, we had the opportunity to present our school vision and highlight our students' exceptional achievements in the IGCSE exams. We take great pride in sharing that Cambridge was thoroughly impressed with the quality of our teaching staff and their impressive credentials. Our dedicated teachers engaged with the Cambridge representatives, who were highly impressed with their expertise and unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional education.

Throughout the inspection process, Cambridge expressed their utmost satisfaction with our school's performance, leading to our official accreditation as a Cambridge school and examination center. This accreditation serves as a testament to the high standards of education we uphold and the continuous efforts of our teachers and staff in nurturing our students' academic growth.

Additionally, we are delighted to announce that starting from October 2023, St. Mark's will proudly administer the first set of Cambridge IGCSE exams on our campus. This milestone signifies an exciting new chapter for our school and reinforces our commitment to offering a comprehensive education that prepares our students for their future endeavors.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated teaching faculty, supportive parents, and hardworking students for their unwavering commitment and contributions. It is through their collective efforts that we have achieved this prestigious approval.

Moving forward, we will continue to work diligently to uphold the high standards set by Cambridge Assessment International Education and strive for excellence across all aspects of our educational programs. We have full confidence that our students will thrive in the Cambridge curriculum and reap the rewards of this internationally recognized qualification.

SECONDARY LABORATORY ACTIVITIES AT BIOMEDICAL DEPARTMENT - MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Recently, our Summer School students embarked on a series of 4 exhilarating laboratory sessions at the Biomedical Department, Mahidol University. The visit provided them with a unique opportunity to explore the world of scientific research and gain hands-on experience in this renowned institution.

During the session, the centre's personnel showcased various experiments, offering the students valuable insights into the field of laboratory research. The session started with an informative demonstration focusing on the proper handling of hazardous chemicals. The students witnessed a scenario where a harmful substance was accidentally spilled, and the personnel promptly displayed the appropriate safety measures.

Students had the opportunity to witness scientists analysing test samples, operating cutting-edge machinery, and engaging in detailed discussions about their research findings. This immersive experience provided the students with a glimpse into the rigorous process of drug discovery and the collaborative nature of scientific exploration.

Overall, the ongoing hands-on laboratory sessions at the Biomedical Department, Mahidol University is a resounding success. The students are able to witness first-hand the cutting-edge research taking place, gaining valuable insights into laboratory safety procedures and the multifaceted nature of laboratory research. This immersive experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on their academic and professional journeys.

MORE SUCCESS STORY ON THE ACHIEVEMENT ON THE RECENT ISA (INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ASSESSMENT)

We are thrilled to inform you that there are 4 additional Year 4 students who have been added to the list of High Achievers for the recent ISA (International Schools Assessment) in English Comprehension.  

ACER (Australian Council of Educational Research), an institution that conducts the ISA, has recently made a public statement that ISA scores for the Year 4 Reading Comprehension will need to be recalculated due to some issues found in the Reading Comprehension test conducted in February 2023.

Upon the release of the new official ISA results, there are 4 students whose names will be added to the list of our High ISA Achievers, namely: 

Praewchaya (receiving the TOP 15% rank), Takrit (receiving the TOP 20% rank), Rachata, and Poonyapat (both receiving the TOP 25% rank). 

Congratulations on the success of our students!

LITTLE SCIENTISTS ILLUMINATE WITH LAVA LAMPS: EARLY YEARS EXPLORING LIGHT AND COLOR!

We are thrilled to share an electrifying experience from our Early Years program! Our little scientists recently embarked on an exploration of light and color by creating their very own lava lamps.

In a captivating experiment, our students combined oil, water, and a dash of food coloring to witness the mesmerizing dance of colors and bubbles. With wide eyes and eager minds, they observed as the mixture transformed into a captivating display of swirling motion.

Through this hands-on activity, our Early Years students not only learned about the principles of density and immiscibility but also developed their critical thinking and observation skills. They delighted in the magic of science, asking questions and hypothesizing about the science behind the enchanting lava lamp effect.

The room was filled with awe and excitement as each student proudly presented their personalized lava lamp creation. The vibrant colors and gentle movements were a testament to their curiosity, creativity, and ability to make connections between scientific concepts and real-world phenomena.

Stay tuned for more extraordinary adventures as we continue to inspire and empower our young learners to discover the world around them.

PRIMARY STUDENTS' SPRING ROLL EXTRAVAGANZA

We're thrilled to share the amazing success of our recent primary cooking class centered around the art of crafting delicious spring rolls! Our young chefs eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn the secrets behind creating authentic and scrumptious spring rolls. Under the expert guidance of our teachers, the children skillfully prepared a variety of fresh fillings, mastering the art of balancing flavors. From vibrant veggies to succulent proteins, our budding chefs explored diverse ingredient combinations, igniting their culinary creativity.

Encouraged by the spirit of teamwork, the class fostered an environment where children not only learned culinary skills but also developed strong bonds with their peers. The highlight of the session was witnessing the beaming faces as the kids rolled up their unique spring roll creations, presenting them with pride. With new knowledge and a sense of accomplishment, our young chefs left the class with the confidence to recreate these delectable spring rolls at home.

Stay tuned for more exciting cooking adventures!

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Great news! We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievements of our students in two prestigious international competitions. In the recent HIPPO English Language Olympiad semi-final round, Rachata made us incredibly proud by securing the gold medal. This outstanding performance has also earned him a well-deserved qualification for the regional qualifiers, which will be held in Malaysia in July. We are confident that our student will continue to shine and represent our institution with excellence in the upcoming competition.

But that's not all! Another talented student of ours has also attained a gold medal in the Eurasian Spelling Bee. This exceptional accomplishment has secured Sarinruecha's qualification for the semi-final round. We are confident that our student's strong command of spelling will carry them forward in the competition, and we eagerly anticipate their performance in the upcoming semi-final round.

These achievements highlight the dedication, hard work, and linguistic prowess of our students. We extend our warmest congratulations to both students for their remarkable success. Their accomplishments are a testament to their talent and the support provided by our dedicated faculty and their family. We wish them the very best as they prepare for the regional qualifiers and the semi-final round. We are confident that they will continue to make us proud and excel in their respective competitions.