St Mark's International School Newsletter 2018 2019 Volume 1

In Affiliation with

ST. MARK’S

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Trilingual School of Mathematics and Science

2018-2019 Newsletter May May2019 2019 Academically Aspiring - Caringly Christian - Experientially Enriching

Achievements

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Field Trip and Scout week

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Student Showcase

Featured items in Students’ S P A C E : Mikaela Louise Echevarria, Sitthinon Leelaprapal, Jiratchaya Weerawongchairoj, Annabelle Pepyat, Haru Hayakawa, Xyren Lucas, Andrea Parreño Copyright © 2019 by St. Mark's International School

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Read Newsletters Online at http://stmarks.ac.th/

ST. MARK’S NEWS It has been a remarkable year for everyone and in this newsletter, we will look back and refresh our memories with the most exciting events that have happened in our school. Included in this newsletter are the excellent achievements that we want to share with the St. Mark’s community, Open day and our High school orientation that were successful endeavors, and our students and faculty experiencing the much anticipated Songkran Festival. Read on to learn more about the activities and latest news at St. Mark’s. Thank you for being a part of our community! We hope everyone have a restful summer and we look forward to an even better new school year.

Blessings, St. Mark’s Editorial Team

ACHIEVEMENTS Since the start of Semester 2, St. Mark’s students have again won various outstanding achievements ranging from Mathematics, English and Mandarin. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our students in their achievements. Our school can whole-heartedly claim that their attainments are truly the product of our teachers’ dedication and guidance. Congratulations to these students on their unceasing effort to succeed.

Exceptional IGCSE Results 48% of examination entries have received a grade of at least an A or higher (80% or higher) and 31% of examination entries have received a grade of at least an A* or higher (90% or higher). These results have been exemplary and we would like to congratulate our students who have been privileged to be in the company of outstanding young people, under the wings of very dedicated teachers.

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TIMO During 5-7 April 2019, several of St. Mark’s students, who had qualified for the final round of the Thailand International Mathematical Olympiad, journeyed to Phuket for this final round of competition in Thailand. The large field consisted of 1,700 participants from 23 countries. We are pleased to announce that all four of our student participants returned home with medals.

HSK On March 23, 2019 several students sat for the HSK test levels 1 & 2 of which they attained outstanding results. As part of our core three languages program and St. Mark’s as an HSK testing site, our students continue to develop exceptional skills in Mandarin. We would like to congratulate all students for their achievements.

ITMC Out of 481 student participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand, our very own students Natchayathorn (Year 5) won Gold and Tanusit (Year 9) won Bronze in the rigorous International Talent Mathematics Contest. Both students have reached yet another milestone in their success story.

HIPPO Four of our students, namely Zandeli, Matilda, Haru (all Year 4) and Thananchai (Year 10) competed against 36,000 other students from around the world and have made it to the semi-final round of HIPPO 2019 International Competition in English Language. On March 27, these students competed in the semi-final and winners will be entitled to represent Thailand in the Final round of HIPPO 2019 in Italy this May.

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TMC and ITMC Natchayathorn of Year 5 has won gold medals in both the 7th Thailand Mathematics Contest (TMC) and the International TMC held in February 2019. TMC is hosted by International Mathematics Contest Union which includes 12 countries in Asia. Students who won in this contest in each category will represent Thailand in the 2019 International Mathematics Contest.

Well done, Nat!

MATH CHALLENGE VIII Our students from different levels participated in the 8th International Maths Challenge last March 9th and 11th at Rangsit University. They achieved 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze and 1 Merit Awards. More than 600 students from 17 countries participated in the competition this year.

Congratulations to our awardees.

AMERICAN MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD On October 21, 2018, eight students from St. Mark’s participated in the American Mathematics Olympiad 2018 held in Bangkok.

This achievement at an international level accentuates the strength of St. Mark’s competency in our Mathematics program. We would like to congratulate all awardees for their good job.

ASMO In November 2018, Natchayathorn (Year 5) joined the Asian Science and Mathematics Olympiads (ASMO) International competition in Malaysia. About 27,000 students competed in this year’s event, and Nat received Silver award at the Individual level, qualifying her as one of the 6 finalists in Team Thailand to represent the country. We are delighted that Nat and her team further achieved the 1st Runner-Up award. Congratulations on your endeavor for excellence!

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IMSO International Maths and Science Olympiad (IMSO) is one of the most popular maths competitions in Thailand. This year more than 190,000 students participated in it. We are proud that Natchayathorn of Year 5 was able to be among the 42 students out of over 100,000 competitors to receive a Gold medal. What an achievement!

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HKIMO and WIMO Our students who competed in Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad (HKIMO) 2018 Final had all won medals — 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze. This event was held in Hong Kong in September 2018, with over 1, 200 participants from over 10 countries. Our Gold medalist, Nat, further qualified to join World International Maths Olympiad (WIMO) in December 2018, where she got silver medal. WIMO is the culminating Maths Olympiad exclusively by invitation only for the Gold medalists of HKIMO and/or Thailand International Maths Olympiad (TIMO).

SPELLING BEE Between 7-9 November 2018, St. Mark’s students were among participants from 31 other schools in Thailand to compete in the Inter-School Spelling Bee Competition at Keerapat International School. Although it was the first time we joined this event, our students were able to make it to the final knock-out round in every category. Great job, everyone!

PETCH YOT MONGKUT NATIONAL MANDARIN COMPETITION St. Mark’s International School would like to congratulate Thanaporn of Year 4 and Nazneen of Year 7 for winning Special Recognition Award and Recognition Award respectively, at the 15th Petch Yot Mongkut Mandarin Competition, which took place on August 5, 2018. This recognition is surely deserved for such a job well done.

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Thai Polo Equestrian Distinction Award from the Royal Academy of Dance

Optimum Time Open

On behalf of St. Mark’s International School, we would like to congratulate Nira of Year 3 for receiving an award of Distinction in Ballet Dance from the Royal Academy of Dance.

Con-

gratulations to Nira and her family on

this splendid achievement.

We are pleased to announce the victory of Dhira Boonvisuit (Matt), of Year 5, who competed in the

recent Thai Polo

Equestrian Optimum

Time Open during November 9-11, 2018. Matt did very well in this tournament and was able to secure 3rd place. Congrats!

SONGKRAN 2019 St Mark’s students and faculty celebrated the colourful, traditional and fun Thai Water Festival, better known as Songkran. Students from Early Years paid tribute to their teachers by pouring water on their hands and greeting them warmly. Meanwhile, students in primary and high school brought their water guns and had fun under the sun by having a friendly water fight with their teachers. It was definitely an enjoyable day for everyone. After all, it’s Thai New Year — time for fresh beginning and well wishes!

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Distinguished Graduates Each year, our students are capable of achieving scores among the top in various standardised international assessments. In the past, our graduates have won scholarships and secured placements in prestigious universities worldwide. With our determination to pursue excellence in education, we are pleased to share the following success of our graduates, who have attained stellar achievements.

Rairom Chaiprasit studied at St. Mark's for 10 academic years, from Nursery to Year 6. After having completed her studies at St. Mark's with excellent academic record, she

became the only Thai student to be given a place in an elite government secondary school in Singapore.

Last year, with her flying colours A-Level results, she was granted the Scholars Award from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. Rairom became the first Thai student in the university’s history to have received this Scan to view video :

prestigious award. NTU is currently ranked as the 3rd best in Asia and the 12th best in the world. Congratulations, Rairom!

Chaleomplat Lorattanasane studied at St. Mark's for 9 academic years, from Year 1 - 9. After having completed Year 9, he applied to further his studies at Bournemouth University in the UK. On ground of good academic record and excellent university admission results, he was granted Bournemouth University’s scholarship to study at the university.

At the age of 17, Chaleompat commenced his university studies 2 years ahead of the standard commencement age and became one of the youngest students in his faculty to be accepted into a bachelor's program.

U N IV E R S I TY O R I E NTAT I O N On December 12, 2018, parents, teachers, and our high school students attended a presentation conducted by 2 education consultants for top Universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, and the UK. They provided some background and schedules of a few Universities with regards to the process of application. Students were very eager to know such information and asked questions to gain insights in making better decisions for their future.

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SCIENCE Year 5 students had a chance to discover how pulleys and gears work.

With the help of their Science teacher, Ms. Gigi, they’re able to measure the amount of force applied and test if the pulley can lift heavy weights. The students had an amazing experience learning such activity in their classroom.

MATHS Mathematics can never be draggy if you let your students learn it differently.

At an early age, St. Mark’s teach students to be wise in making life’s decisions. When dealing with numbers, we make sure that they know the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Eventually, they can apply this knowledge in their daily lives. Year 1 students together with their Maths teacher, went to 7/11 store to learn how to use money in real life. They made payment and received their change. The teacher made the students see how Maths is applicable in life.

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STUDENT SHOWCASES Every year, our school has 4 showcases displaying our students’ learning progress, impressive performance, showing their outstanding skills and artistry. Last April 26, 2019 was one of the successful endeavors in a carefully created showcase of English, Science, Maths, Mandarin, Music and more with the boundless passion and gift of young innovators.

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FIELD TRIPS MINI MURRAH FARM 3 buses of St. Mark's students went to Mini Murrah Farm on February 18, 2019. Students from Early Years and Primary engaged in various fun-filled activities like feeding the animals, making ice creams, and mini pizzas.

They also had the opportunity to bond more with their fellow students and teachers. It was surely a pleasant day for everyone.

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SINGAPORE TRIP

Our high school students had an educational trip to Singapore last July. Besides visiting the much-acclaimed Universal Studio and Gardens by the Bay, they had the opportunity to discover and experience Singapore as a local resident by eating at the less touristy food Centre, hiking to the hills, and taking public transportation to various places.

Everyone agreed it was a memorable trip.

S COUT WEEK St. Mark’s Scout Week for Years 6-10 was designed to give our students an opportunity to participate in different hands-on activities, fostering their development and teamwork, as well as learning outside of the classroom and developing self-dependency. This year, we visited Khung Kraben Bay Royal Development Study Centre, located in Chantaburi from 23 to 25 January 2019. Students were able to explore the different ways in which our ecology system can be improved which translate into a positive impact in the quality of life of the locals living in the area.

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S COUT WEEK On January 23-25, 2019, our Years 1-5 students together with some teachers had the scout activities organized at Nong Nooch Garden Resort, located in Chonburi. It is approximately 140 km from Bangkok or about 2-hour drive by bus. Students had fun with camp fire activities before they call the night with snack and milk and sleeping in their own tents. The boys and girls slept in separate tents built in separate areas. Everyone participated in character-building and team-building activities and was able to develop new skills in balancing on ropes and learning to communicate using simple flag signs.

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SCHOOL EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL DAY

This year’s International Day was held on October 12, 2018. The students participated in various educational activities related to their selected countries with the theme “We Are One”. Students very well portrayed their assigned countries by giving a one of a kind performance in their colourful costumes. Some parents were pleasantly surprised by their kids’ talent in dancing and singing. Everyone also got to taste different kinds of international dishes in our pot-luck lunch.

We are indeed united in one.

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SCHOOL EVENTS CHRISTMAS PRESENTATION

Last year’s Christmas presentation was spectacular. Students performed a play with the title “Follow the Star”. Each year level participated in singing, dancing and acting. Everyone had a great time especially the parents who were able to watch and enjoy their children’s performances. Students also get to experience exciting games and activities prepared by the faculty. It was truly a season to be jolly.

HAPPY TEACHER’S DAY! Just like so many artists, astronauts, entrepreneurs and surgeons, we are who we are today partly because of a great teacher. St. Mark’s gave recognition to our hardworking teachers who devoted their lives to giving our children the tools to succeed and inspire them to pursue greatness.

Students offered some performance and gifts for their respective teachers.

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STUDENT’S S P A C E A place for free writing and creativity that let’s your imagination spark

A Science project - “No Smoking poster“ by Mikaela Louise Echevarria, Sitthinon Leelaprapal and Jiratchaya Weerawongchairoj Year 1

An art project with the title “ Deer” by Annabelle Pepyat Year 6

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STUDENT’S S P A C E A place for free writing and creativity that let’s your imagination spark

By Haru Hayakawa

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Year 4

STUDENT’S S P A C E A place for free writing and creativity that let’s your imagination spark

By Xyren Lucas Year 5

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STUDENT’S S P A C E A place for free writing and creativity that let’s your imagination spark

Writing Project by Andrea Parreno Year 10

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10 Simple ways to build an unbreakable bond with your child

By Angela Pruess

1. Reading We all know reading with children is a simple way to improve their language and reading skills. But research also shows that reading with children actually stimulates patterns of brain development responsible for connection and bonding.

2. Art

7. Cooking

Engaging in art or craft activities with children is an awesome way to provide not only a fun and enjoyable experience, but a therapeutic one as well. No matter their age, you'll be hard pressed to find a child who can't find an art medium that interests him.

Family mealtimes tend to be stress laden. This is usually caused by trying to remove children from the scene of meal preparation. As most parents can attest, this automatically prompts our children to persist in their crusade toward the kitchen. Why not save our energy and use this time for precious connection and partnering?

3. Music

8. Board games

Whether listening to them play an instrument or dancing to the “Trolls" soundtrack together, music offers lots of benefits for both parent and child, including bringing our awareness into our bodies and into the current moment. Your kids will be practicing mindfulness without even knowing it!

Yes, kids still like to play board games (although I've had kids come into my office who don't know what they are). The reciprocal nature of the interactions involved offer many benefits to the parent-child relationship. The give-and-take nature of board games mimics the back-and-forth rhythm of a conversation, making it a natural context for children to share what's on their minds.

4. Nature Feeling stressed? Stress is often a huge barrier to parents engaging with their children. Spending time with your child out in nature will go a long way to increase emotional health and physical well-being for both parties.

9. Listening

Okay, so you may be thinking, “Listening isn't an activity!" But I would argue that approaching it as such will do wonders for your relationship with your child. Caught up in the daily current of work and 5. Play responsibility, it can be challenging to truly listen to Play is the language of children, so it only makes our children in a way that is beneficial. sense that we should try to connect with them 10. Writing though something that comes so naturally. When parents enter their child's world and follow their lead in play, they open up the possibility for For older children, writing and journaling promany positive outcomes, including taking on a duce great benefits, including the reduction of different relationship role and seeing our children stress and improved personal health. While journaling has been mostly relegated to a solitary activifrom a new perspective. ty, literally under lock and key, both parent and 6. Physical touch child can communicate and connect through collaborative journaling.

Studies have found that humans are able to identify specific emotions of love, gratitude, and compassion Sources: https://www.mother.ly/parenting/how-to-build-an -unbreakable-bond-with-your-child through blind touch. Through this lens, it's easy to see how touch plays a major role in forming strong https://buzzingbubs.com/articles/bond-with-your-child connections between parent and child.

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900 Rama 9 Rd, Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 Thailand

Email: info@stmarks.ac.th Phone:

+ 66 -2-300-5463

www.stmarks.ac.th

Guided by Christian philosophy, St. Mark's International School aims to provide quality Early Years through Secondary education, enabling each student to achieve their fullest potential by becoming confident, motivated, optimistic and responsible young citizens.

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