STMARKS NEWSLETTER 5 (25 OCTOBER 2024)

INTERNATIONAL DAY 2024: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY TOGETHER

On October 11, our school came alive with vibrant colors, music, and dance as we celebrated International Day with the theme "Carnival: Celebrating Diversity Together." This special event brought students, parents, and staff together to honor the rich cultures of South America and the Caribbean.

Students took center stage, showcasing dance performances from Jamaica, the Bahamas, Argentina, Brazil, and more capturing the heart and energy of each country's traditions. Drama performances from Uruguay and Colombia were equally captivating, bringing stories to life. The day also featured a musical interlude from students of various year levels, who performed the classic "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun. 

The finale was an uplifting performance of "One Day," where Year 4-12 students sang in unison, accompanied by high school students playing the ukulele. This moving number symbolizes the unity and hope we all share for a better tomorrow.

Following the presentations, students and parents explored a cultural "world tour" by visiting classrooms, each transformed to represent a different country. Inside, they engaged in activities designed and led by students, further deepening their appreciation for the diversity and vibrancy of the countries showcased. 

The celebration continued in the canteen, where an international feast awaited. Parents contributed various dishes, turning the gathering into a delightful culinary experience that allowed everyone to savor flavors from around the globe. Laughter, conversation, and shared moments filled the air as families caught up and enjoyed each other's company.

It was a joyful day of learning, celebrating, and connecting—a true testament to the power of diversity and community!

SOCIAL MEDIA LITERACY

We recently conducted a presentation for our secondary students on the topic of social media literacy. The purpose of this session was to help students navigate social media safely and responsibly, understand how it impacts their lives, and develop awareness to critically evaluate the content they encounter online. We aimed to equip them with tools for building a positive online presence, recognising misinformation, and managing their online interactions thoughtfully. Our goal is to support students in becoming informed, responsible digital citizens in today’s connected world.

APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS

We are delighted to inform you that the school’s outdoor facilities (gymnasium, the running tracks, and the soccer field)  are finished.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that shoes with studs will NOT be permitted on the running tracks, soccer field, and basketball court, as they may cause damage to the flooring. To ensure that these surfaces provide a safe environment for all students, we kindly request that your child wear regular sports shoes for all of our outdoor sports activities.

YEAR 12 ATAR EXAMS: COUNTDOWN TO SUCCESS

The journey to university is reaching a pivotal point for our Year 12 students, with preparations in full swing for their ATAR exams. This Saturday, October 12th, marks the first exam with the Chinese as a Second Language oral exam, and we are confident the hard work put in will shine through during this important test.

Following this, the written exams will officially begin on October 28th and continue over a two-week period, with the final exam scheduled for November 8th. These exams are a crucial milestone in our student’s academic journey, and the entire St. Mark’s community is standing behind them with support and encouragement.

On Thursday, Dianne Gamange and Jennifer Sloan, the official ATAR Examiners, visited us to check that everything was in place for a seamless exam process. They were impressed with the setup, ensuring all exam papers and facilities were ready for our students. Their professionalism and attention to detail guarantee that our students will have the ideal environment to perform at their best.

As the exam period approaches, we wish all Year 12 students the best of luck. These exams culminate years of learning and dedication and will open doors to exciting new opportunities. Let’s cheer them on as they take on this challenge.

AMERICAN MATH OLYMPIAD 2024

We are thrilled to announce that our school will serve as one of the official venues in Bangkok for the 2024 American Math Olympiad (AMO) on Saturday, November 2. This prestigious competition brings together students from various schools to challenge their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.

We encourage our own students to participate in this exciting event. It's a fantastic opportunity to test your math knowledge, compete with peers, and gain experience in an international competition setting.

For more details, please visit the AMO Thailand Facebook page AMO BEST Thailand - American Mathematics Olympiad | Facebook. To make it even easier, you can scan the QR codes below to register, check the info pack, and explore past papers. We look forward to seeing our students rise to the challenge and showcase their math talents!

SECONDARY LIFE TALK ACTIVITIES: OVERCOMING GIANTS AND EMBRACING HAWAIIAN FUN

Our recent Life Talk sessions brought a mix of inspiration and fun to our students’ day, with meaningful discussions in the morning and a vibrant celebration during lunch.

The morning session focused on the theme of "Facing Your Giants," where students delved into the struggles they face, like anxiety or worries, and discussed ways to overcome these challenges. The story of David and Goliath served as a powerful example, reminding everyone that, like David, we all have giants in our lives that seem overwhelming and impossible to defeat. 

Students learned that, no matter how big their problems may appear, they are not alone. They were encouraged to trust that God is always with them, ready to help them face their fears. Through prayer, they can seek God's presence and find peace in the midst of their battles, knowing that they have the strength to overcome whatever comes their way.

After the thoughtful morning session, the students enjoyed a Hawaiian luau party during lunch. The event was filled with exciting games and activities that not only brought smiles to their faces but also gave them a taste of Hawaiian culture. They learned about traditional Hawaiian customs, dances, and music, all while having fun with their friends.

This Life Talk event was a great reminder that even when facing life’s toughest challenges, there’s always room for joy, connection, and growth.

YEAR 2 THAI: MAKING SENTENCES

Our Year 2 students expanded their language skills in their recent Thai class by learning new vocabulary words. Working together in teams, they took turns writing the new words on the board. They also practiced their sentence-making skills as each student created sentences using the new vocabulary and wrote them on the board.

After crafting their sentences, they proudly highlighted the words they used, reinforcing their understanding and building confidence in their Thai language skills. It was a fun and interactive way for them to put their new knowledge into practice!

YEAR 4 SOSE: JAPAN AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD

In their SOSE class, our Year 4 students began exploring the fascinating country of Japan. They learned about Japan’s rich culture and some of its significant contributions to the world. To make the lesson even more engaging, students tested their patience and creativity by folding an origami crane, a traditional Japanese art form symbolizing peace and perseverance.

In upcoming classes, they will dive deeper into Japan's history and economics, exploring how it developed into the remarkable nation it is today.

YEAR 7 MATHS: ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

In this lesson, our Year 7 students are introduced to fundamental concepts in algebra, focusing on variables, coefficients, terms, and constants. Understanding these components is essential for building a solid foundation in algebraic expressions. Students will learn how to identify each part and see how they interact within expressions.

The lesson emphasizes the role of variables as placeholders for numbers, while coefficients represent the numerical factors of these variables. By breaking down algebraic expressions into their individual terms, students gain clarity on how to manipulate and evaluate them. This understanding is crucial for solving equations and progressing to more complex algebraic concepts.

Through engaging examples and practice, students will become proficient in recognizing and working with these elements in various expressions. This foundational knowledge not only prepares them for future algebra topics but also enhances their overall problem-solving skills in mathematics. Everyone enjoyed as we explore the world of algebra together.

YEAR 8 P.E.: BADMINTON STROKES AND SWING ACTION

In their P.E. class, Year 8 students started with essential warm-up exercises to prepare their bodies for physical activity and reduce the risk of injury. Following the warm-up, the teacher demonstrated four badminton strokes, focusing on the swing action of the racket arm. The students also learned various shots, exploring different ways to hit the shuttlecock or birdie.

After the demonstration, the students had the opportunity to apply everything they’ve learned so far. They practiced their grip, footwork, strokes, and shots, and familiarized themselves with the game's rules. The session culminated in a mini-game, where they showcased their skills and prepared for the upcoming class badminton tournament.

YEAR 9 GEOGRAPHY: MAP SKILLS

In this class, our Year 9 students used a proper topographical map to consolidate map skills that they previously learnt. These skills included measuring straight line distances and distances along a road between two places on the map, and six figure grid references to locate various places on a map precisely. Students then extended their skills by learning how to use both compass directions and 360˚ bearings to find the direction between two points on a map. As well as how to use contour lines to measure the change in height of the land that is represented by the map and to identify various relief features.