STMARKS NEWSLETTER 3 (25 AUGUST 2023)
PROHIBITION OF SMART DEVICES AT SCHOOL
As we continue to foster an environment of focused learning at St. Mark’s, we kindly request your attention to an important matter regarding the use of smart devices, specifically smartwatches, within the school premises.
In recent times, technology has undoubtedly transformed the way we interact and access information. While we acknowledge the numerous benefits that smart devices offer, we also recognize the potential challenges they may pose to the learning environment. It is with this concern in mind that we reiterate our school’s policy prohibiting the use of smart devices, including smartwatches, during school hours.
We believe that the presence of smart devices in the classroom could inadvertently disrupt the learning process. These devices have the potential to divert students’ attention away from lessons, discussions, and activities, hindering their ability to fully engage with the curriculum and their peers. Additionally, the notifications, alarms, and interactive features of smartwatches can create unnecessary distractions, ultimately affecting the quality of education and the overall classroom experience.
To ensure an optimal learning environment and promote effective communication, we kindly request your cooperation in adhering to the following guidelines:
- Smart Devices Restriction: All students refrain from bringing smart devices, including smartwatches, to school.
- Communication Channels: In case of an emergency or the need to communicate with your child during school hours, please contact the school office. Our staff will assist in relaying any urgent messages to the students promptly.
We sincerely believe that by adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning. Your support in this matter is highly appreciated as we strive to provide the best educational experience for all our students.
KINDERGARTEN ENGLISH: EXPLORING THE LETTER "S"
Our little learners have been enthusiastically learning letters, and this time, it's all about the letter 'S'.
During this week's class, our students have been engaged in a variety of activities that revolve around the letter 'S'. From tracing its shape to practicing its sound and eventually writing it on their own, our kindergartners have been making great strides in their early literacy journey.
Through hands-on exercises and interactive games, the teacher have been helping the children become familiar with the appearance and sound of the letter 'S'. The students have had the chance to trace the letter with their tiny fingers, allowing them to gain a tactile understanding of its form. This multisensory approach has been proven to be effective in helping young minds grasp new concepts.
From imitating the hissing of a snake to giggling at the soft shushing sound, our kindergarten classroom has been filled with laughter and learning. These activities not only aid in phonemic awareness but also make the learning process enjoyable and engaging.
As we progress, the students have been encouraged to try writing the letter 'S' independently. Starting with simple strokes and curves, they're gradually building the skills needed for forming the letter confidently. This step-by-step approach ensures that every child can participate at their own pace and celebrate their achievements along the way.
YEAR 2 ENGLISH: VOCABULARIES
Our Year 2 students recently participated in an exciting and educational class activity. In an effort to enhance their vocabulary and language skills, our young learners engaged in two classic word games: Ice Cream (Hangman) and Word Search. Not only did these games bring joy and laughter to the classroom, but they also facilitated valuable learning experiences.
Students took turns selecting letters, trying to unravel the mystery word before the ice cream figure was completely drawn. The game promoted healthy competition while fostering a supportive environment as classmates cheered each other on. With each correct guess, students broadened their vocabulary and gained a deeper understanding of word structures.
In the Word Search activity, our Year 2 students turned into word detectives as they scoured a grid of letters to uncover hidden words. This activity not only honed their observation skills but also exposed them to a plethora of new vocabulary.
These classic word games might seem like just play, but they offer a host of educational benefits for our Year 2 students. Through Ice Cream (Hangman) and Word Search, students are introduced to new words, reinforcing spelling skills, enhancing memory retention, and fostering an appreciation for language. The games are a testament to the idea that learning can be both enjoyable and effective when presented in creative and engaging ways.
YEAR 6 MANDARIN: READING AND WRITING NEW VOCABULARIES
In Year 6's Mandarin class, students were captivated by the lesson about "The Little Flower in the Stone Crack." This tale follows a child's conversation with their mother after discovering a resilient red flower atop a mountain. Through this story, students grasped the concept of courage in adversity.
To enhance the learning experience, students took turns reading the text aloud, aiding in the identification of unfamiliar Chinese characters. This interactive approach not only improves pronunciation but also helps in expanding their vocabulary.
The teacher incorporated visual aids which proved crucial in explaining complex idioms and phrases like "The sun is shining, the rain is pouring down, the wind is gusting, and the snow is falling." These visual cues enable students to grasp the nuanced meanings and imagery within the language.
One highlight of the lesson was the incorporation of a range of pictures depicting bravery. These visuals stimulate discussion, enabling students to create sentences based on the images. By associating words with visual stimuli, the students develop a more profound connection with the language and its contextual usage.
The Year 6 students practiced their writing skills by the use of the "picture + storytelling" approach that helps them remember to write characters that might seem complex such as "evil" and "courage". By intertwining the act of writing with vivid storytelling, the characters come to life, making them easier to recall.
YEAR 10 BIOLOGY: RELIABILITY
In a captivating exploration of genetics and heredity, Year 10 Biology students undertook a comprehensive survey of other year-level students' genetic traits.
Armed with measuring tools, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge, they measured heights, ear lobe attachments, and tongue-rolling abilities, generating data that was transformed into both continuous and discontinuous graphs. The survey encompassed a large sample size, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the students from other year levels and increasing the reliability of the results.
The class activity not only deepened their understanding of genetics but also honed their research skills, statistical analysis, and presentation abilities.