ST. MARK'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL eNewsletter

YEARS 1-5 FIELD TRIP: MINI MURRAH FARM

Last February 2nd, the students from years 1 to 5 went on an exciting field trip to Mini Murrah Farm located in Chacheongsao. It was a day packed with various activities that left everyone smiling and learning.

Upon arriving at the farm, the students eagerly dove into different tasks. They got their hands busy making soap, crafting pizzas, and experimenting with ice cream flavors. It was a chance for them to explore their creativity and have a bit of messy fun.

One of the highlights was the interaction with the animals. Feeding rabbits, goats, and water buffalo was a hit with the students. It was heartwarming to see them connect with the animals and learn about responsibility and care.

In addition to the animal encounters, the students had the unique experience of planting rice. Wading into the rice fields, they got a taste of what it takes to grow this staple crop. And of course, they couldn't resist sliding down the man-made slide nestled among the rice paddies—an unexpected thrill amidst the greenery.

To cap off the day, the students hopped aboard a short train ride that looped around the farm. Divided into batches, they enjoyed the scenic views and the gentle breeze, making memories with each passing moment.

The students had a fantastic time as laughter echoed across the fields, and smiles lit up their faces. It was more than just a trip; it was an opportunity to connect with nature and each other.

Here are some letters that our Year 5 students wrote in their English class about their experience during the recent field trip.

YEARS 6-11 FIELD TRIP: MRT KLONG BANG PAI STATION

On February 2nd, students from years 6 to 11 embarked on a fascinating field trip to MRT Klong Bang Pai Station. This excursion provided them with a unique opportunity to explore the complexity of urban transportation and gain insights into the operations of the newly inaugurated MRT Purple Line.

As the students arrived at the station, the prospect of riding the sleek and modern MRT trains was met with eager anticipation. Boarding the purple line, they went on a journey through the bustling cityscape, marveling at the efficiency and convenience of public transportation.

Upon reaching the station office, the students were welcomed by the staff who graciously offered them a behind-the-scenes tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, they were given a comprehensive overview of how the MRT system operates.

The tour examined the train itself, with discussions about its various components and functionalities. From the propulsion system to the signaling mechanisms, the students gained a newfound appreciation for the engineering marvel that keeps the trains running smoothly day in and day out.

Furthermore, the students were enlightened about the complex network of tracks that crisscross the city, connecting various stations and facilitating seamless transportation for millions of commuters each day. They learned about the meticulous planning and maintenance required to ensure the safety and reliability of the MRT system.

As the tour drew to a close, the students left with a deeper understanding of urban infrastructure and the vital role that public transportation plays in shaping the modern metropolis. They were inspired by the dedication and ingenuity of the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the city moving.

In conclusion, the field trip to MRT Klong Bai Pai Station was an eye-opening experience for the students. It provided them with valuable insights into the complexities of urban transportation and sparked their curiosity about the world around them. As they returned to their classrooms, they carried with them a newfound appreciation for the marvels of modern engineering and the importance of sustainable urban development.

PREP MANDARIN: 进' (JIN) MEANING "COME IN"

In our prep class, the students recently learned about Chinese characters, focusing on the character '进' (Jìn), meaning 'come in.'

Before exploring the new word, our students revisited old characters by breaking them down into radicals. This method helps reinforce their understanding of previously learned characters and prepares them for new vocabulary.

As the teacher introduced '进,' the classroom buzzed with activity. Through interactive exercises like acting out scenarios and reading sentences, our students understood the word's meaning in context.

After grasping the concept, our students practiced identifying '进' within sentences to strengthen their comprehension skills. This hands-on approach made the word more relatable and understandable.

But our students' exploration didn't end there. With paper and pencils, our students practiced writing '进,' focusing on stroke order and precision. This practice helped improve their penmanship and appreciation for Chinese calligraphy.

YEAR 5 HISTORY: FETCHING WATER

In Year 5 history class, students had an interesting lesson on the daily challenges faced by people in the past, particularly concerning the task of fetching water. To make this lesson more relatable, the teacher organized a simple yet insightful activity for the students.

Before the luxury of running water, individuals had to manually collect water for their daily needs. They would often carry about 10 liters of water multiple times a day, every day of the week. It was a demanding task that defined their daily routines.

To help our students understand the weight of this responsibility, they were taken outside and asked to carry 10 liters of water over a short distance. This activity aimed to give them a physical sense of the effort required and the time consumed for such a basic necessity in the past.

As our students carried the water, they experienced firsthand the strain it put on their bodies. They quickly grasped how demanding and time-consuming it must have been for people in the past to complete this essential chore.

Through this hands-on experience, our students developed a deeper appreciation for the modern conveniences we often take for granted, such as running water. They also gained empathy for the challenges faced by people in different historical contexts.

We believe that these practical learning experiences enhance our students' understanding of history and encourage them to think critically about the world around them.

YEAR 8 BIOLOGY: ENZYME REACTION

In their Biology class, our Year 8 students observed the enzyme reaction between catalase and hydrogen peroxide, two key players found in liver cells.

Using a glowing splint test, students investigated whether this reaction produced oxygen. This experiment served as a hands-on lesson in surface area and enzyme denaturing. By heating things up, students learned how enzymes can change when exposed to high temperatures.

STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENTS

We are thrilled to share some exciting news regarding the outstanding achievements of our students from August to November 2023. It is with immense pride and joy that we congratulate our students for their remarkable accomplishments in various academic competitions.

Here are the achievements our students garnered:

Fermat Mathematical Olympiad:
- 1 Gold Medal
- 2 Bronze Medals
- 1 Merit Award

5th Copernicus Olympiad (Natural Science Category):
- 1 Gold Medal
- 2 Silver Medals

Philippine Math and Science Olympics (Math Category):
- 1 Gold Medal
- 1 Silver Medal
- 3 Bronze Medals
- 1 Achiever Award

Philippine Math and Science Olympics (Science Category):
- 1 Gold Medal
- 1 Silver Medal
- 3 Bronze Medals

Eurasian Spelling Bee Lexical Skills Competition:
- 1 Gold Medal

These achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students. We commend them for their commitment to excellence and their pursuit of academic success. Their accomplishments not only bring honor to themselves but also reflect positively on our school community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated and excelled in these competitions. Your determination and perseverance have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of every one of you.