STMARKS NEWSLETTER 1 (11 AUGUST 2023)

NEW INFORMATION UPDATES

We would like to share some important adjustments we have decided to implement based on careful consideration of current situation.

1. Removal of ATK Test Requirement: Based on the guidance from health authorities and current Covid-19 situation, we will no longer require students to undergo an ATK test before coming to school.
2. Mask-Wearing Policy Update: In our commitment to create an optimal learning experience, we have updated our mask-wearing policy. Effective immediately, students are strongly encouraged not to wear masks during their lessons. This adjustment is designed to enhance communication and foster effective learning interactions. Particularly in English lessons, where precise pronunciation is essential, our teachers will be able to observe students' lip movements, aiding in the correct enunciation of words.

We understand that your child's health and safety are of paramount importance to you, and we want to assure you that these changes have been carefully evaluated with their well-being in mind. Our school will continue to uphold rigorous cleaning protocols and promote excellent hygiene practices throughout the premises. Should the Covid-19 situation evolve, we remain prepared to adapt our policies accordingly.

1. Upcoming Holiday (Monday, 14 August): Please note that our school will be observing the substitution for Mother’s Day on Monday, 14 August and there will be no school on that day.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS FOR JULY 2023

The construction team has made remarkable progress in recent months, and we are delighted to inform you that most of the exterior walls and windows have been successfully installed. This significant milestone marks a major step towards completing the construction project.

Internally, the installation of tiles, aluminum doors, and windows fittings is currently underway. Our team is also making great strides in completing the ceiling installation, lighting fixtures, air-conditioning systems, and painting works. These crucial tasks are close to completion and will significantly contribute to creating a conducive learning environment for our students.

On the ground level surrounding the building, progress has been made on the construction of roads, drains, and the guard office. The installation of fences is also underway, ensuring the safety and security of our school premises.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our construction team, who have been tirelessly working to meet the project's timeline and quality standards. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the progress we have witnessed thus far.

As we near the final stages of construction, we remain focused on delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance the learning experience for our students. We are confident that these new developments will provide a modern and comfortable environment that supports the academic growth and overall well-being of our school community.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

As we kick off the 2023-2024 school year, let's take a look at the highlights from our much-awaited first day back in class.

Our school was buzzing with enthusiasm and anticipation as students and staff reunited after the summer break. Smiles and laughter filled the air, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

For some, it was a day of making new friends and getting to know new faces. Our teachers and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that every student felt welcomed and included, making the transition back to school smooth and enjoyable.

The first day was not just about introductions and routines. Students dove right into interactive learning experiences, participating in discussions, and hands-on activities that set the tone for the academic rigor ahead. The excitement for learning was palpable as students eagerly raised their hands, asked questions, and engaged in thoughtful dialogues with their peers and teachers.

We're excited to have each and every one of you as a part of the St. Mark's family for this new academic year. Let's embark on this journey together, supporting each other, and creating a positive and enriching learning environment.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates, events, and opportunities throughout the year. Wishing you all a year filled with growth, success, and memorable moments!

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM BETWEEN ST. MARK'S AND MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Recently, our Summer School students engaged in a 4-week laboratory session, a collaborative program between St. Mark's and the Excellent Centre for Drug Discovery (ECDD) at Mahidol University. The program provided students with a unique opportunity to explore various modern technology and interesting experiments, offering students valuable insights into the field of laboratory science, primarily in the area of chemistry and biology.  

The hands-on laboratory sessions at the university is a resounding success where students witnessed first-hand the cutting-edge research taking place, gaining valuable insights into laboratory safety procedures and the multifaceted nature of laboratory research.  

At the end of the 4-week session, our secondary students were awarded with certificates of completion on their laboratory science program.  This immersive experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our students' academic and professional journey.

OBSERVING HEALTHY ANIMAL CELLS AND WITNESSING CELL APOPTOSIS USING HIGHLY ADVANCE INSTRUMENTS

Exploring the practical side of learning Chemistry and Biology by using advanced instruments is a collaboration program between St. Mark's and Mahidol University, which enables our students to learn hands-on using state-of-the-art technology.  

Observing healthy animal cells under a highly powerful microscope is a valuable way to understand their structure and functions. Witnessing the process of cell apoptosis, where cells begin to die, can provide students with a firsthand understanding of this natural phenomenon.

Creating different components of a healthy animal cell and plant cell using colorful clay models is a hands-on approach that can enhance students' understanding of cell structures. Manipulating the clay models allows students to visualize and interact with the various organelles and structures within cells, reinforcing their learning in a creative and engaging way.

By combining both microscopic observations and hands-on modeling activities, students can develop a deeper understanding of cellular biology. These experiences help them differentiate between healthy and dead cells, as well as appreciate the complexity and diversity of living organisms at the cellular level.

Overall, such practical activities provide a well-rounded learning experience, allowing students to explore scientific concepts and develop their analytical and observational skills in a stimulating environment.

SECONDARY LABORATORY ACTIVITIES AT MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY - DNA

Our secondary students recently had a wonderful learning opportunity at the Excellent Center for Drug Discovery at Mahidol University. Under the guidance of the researchers from the center, our students participated in a range of activities to learn about DNA and how it is analysed.

After learning about what DNA is and its importance to all living things, the students then explored how PCR is used to amplify DNA so that it can be used for research or in identifying the presence of pathogens. Each of our students then extracted their own DNA samples from various fruits, which they subsequently fragmented, stained, and then loaded onto gel electrophoresis plates so that the fragments could be separated for analysis. Further to this the students were able to see how specific genetic markers could be used and identified using completed gel electrophoresis plates.

The time at Mahidol University has really given our students a chance to see what happens in a research laboratory and to connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-life applications in a very tangible way. It is hoped that through this positive experience, students will not only come to appreciate more the importance of learning science but also give them further understanding of what opportunities are available to them in the future.

SWEET SUCCESS: EARLY YEARS STUDENTS MASTER THE ART OF BAKING CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Our talented early years' students embarked on a delightful baking adventure – mastering the art of making delicious chocolate chip cookies!

The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as our young students dove into the world of baking. With their little hands covered in flour and their eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, these little chefs embarked on a delicious adventure, learning the art of baking chocolate chip cookies. Guided by their teachers, they explored the basics of baking, knowing the ingredients to mix the dough. As they engaged their senses, felt the texture of the ingredients, and smelled the enticing aroma of chocolate, they began to understand the science and processes involved in creating this beloved treat.

The room was filled with pride and joy as the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air. As our early years students eagerly bit into their creations, their faces lit up with delight.

EARLY YEARS DIY PIZZA

In our Early Years' summer activity, our little chefs went on a delicious journey of making their own DIY pizzas. It was a fantastic experience that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and, of course, a love for cooking!

Our students were full of excitement as they get ready to take on the challenge of creating their own pizzas. The aroma of fresh ingredients filled the air. They gathered around the table, where they found an array of fresh and colorful ingredients. The toppings included gooey cheese, tasty meat options, pineapple, and mushrooms allowing the students to personalize their pizzas to their heart's content.

The enthusiasm and joy displayed by our students throughout the process were truly heartwarming.

FILTERING FUN: GROUP A STUDENTS DIVE INTO DIY FILTER CREATION IN SCIENCE CLASS

In Group A's science class, students embarked on an exciting hands-on project, exploring the world of filtration. Guided by their teacher, these young scientists harnessed their creativity and problem-solving skills to create DIY filters using everyday materials. 

Before diving into the project, our students learned about the concept of filtration and its real-life applications. Through engaging discussions and demonstrations, they discovered how filters separate substances from a mixture, allowing the passage of some components while trapping others. 

Equipped with a bottle, sand, rocks, charcoal, and cotton, our Group A students transformed into resourceful engineers. They quickly realized that these readily available materials could be combined to create effective filtration systems. As they carefully arranged the layers, they understood the importance of each component in the filter's function.

The DIY filter project became an opportunity for our Group A students to practice the scientific method and embrace the power of trial and error. As they tested their filters with various mixtures, they observed the outcomes and made adjustments to improve their designs.

UNLEASHING SCIENTIFIC CURIOSITY: GROUP C STUDENTS EXPLORE DISTILLATION METHOD IN ENGAGING EXPERIMENTS

Group C students embarked on an exciting scientific journey, diving into the world of distillation. With enthusiasm and curiosity, students delved into the principles and applications of this essential separation technique.  They learned that distillation is a method used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points.

Equipped with a range of apparatus including flasks, condensers, and heat sources, our Group C designed and conducted their own distillation experiments, carefully selecting mixtures to test and observing the separation process with keen eyes.

As the experiments progressed, our students became intimately acquainted with the distillation process. They applied heat to the mixtures, causing them to vaporize. The vapor traveled through the apparatus, where it encountered a condenser, cooling it down and causing it to condense back into a liquid. This liquid, now separated from the original mixture, was collected, studied, and analyzed by our students.

Throughout the experiments, our Group C students made intriguing observations and exciting discoveries. They witnessed firsthand how distillation removed impurities, allowing for the extraction of pure substances. 

PRIMARY STUDENTS: BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE ADVENTURE

Our primary students took part in a hands-on cooking session focused on baking the scrumptious delicacy known as blueberry cheesecake. Under the guidance of our teachers, the students experienced the joy of creating a delectable dessert from scratch. The students were introduced to the recipe, learning about the ingredients and their respective roles in the cheesecake. They discussed the significance of accurate measurements and the importance of following instructions.

With a newfound understanding, our students set out on their hands-on adventure. They pressed and crushed graham and Oreo crackers to create the perfect crust, feeling the satisfying texture beneath their fingertips. The aroma of warm butter filled the air as they mixed and molded the crust into place, ensuring a solid foundation for their culinary masterpiece. They mixed the creamy cheesecake batter, and carefully folded in the vibrant blueberries. Our students learned various culinary techniques such as whisking, folding, and the art of creating a smooth texture.

The students let their cheesecakes chill in the fridge and after 30 mins their faces lit up with pride at the sight of their delicious treat.