Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten program prides itself in offering a high quality, individualized play-based learning experience that aims to provide holistic development.

As the world is evolving into a more skill-based society, we at SJMIS understand the importance of developing the necessary lifelong learning skills as early as preschool. We have successfully implemented a child-centered program which is supported by age and developmentally appropriate activities. We deliver this through a thematic, integrated learning approach which incorporates all subject areas, guaranteed to provide an enjoyable and memorable learning experience.

As a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Kindergarten, we provide ample opportunity for our students to develop their higher order thinking skills through experimenting, discovering, questioning, designing, predicting, problem solving and discussion sessions.

We believe in building a strong partnership between home and school which is fostered regularly through our parent-child activities. Together with our nurturing and dedicated teachers, we are able to provide our students with the best care and support while catering to every child’s individual needs.

“Children need the freedom to appreciate the infinite resources of their hands, their eyes and their ears, the resources of forms, materials, sounds and colours.” – Loris Malaguzzi

KATHERINE DEMAINE

Kindergarten Principal

At SJMIS Kindergarten we focus on developing the whole child; personal, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and physical development. Children are encouraged and allowed time to explore and discover their environment through free play as well as structured activities.

The specific learning areas, literacy, mathematics, the world around us (sciences) and creative expression are integrated in all lessons. Language development, listening and communication skills are driven by story reading, rhymes, action songs and inter-active games. Except for Thai language and culture, all classes are presented in English. Pre-reading skills are based on a variety of basic perception skills and the learning of phonetic sounds, interactive alphabet songs and rhymes.

Most important to us is the social, emotional and personal development of each child in order to equip them for the future in an ever changing world.

Faculty and staff All homeroom teachers are qualified educators from the UK, New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines, are assisted by Thai nationals and have Early Childhood credentials. Two Thai teachers are responsible for Thai language and culture classes. Development of music and movements skills is taken care of by a music teacher.
Grade levels and offered services SJMIS Kindergarten keeps the classes small for better quality education. Classes consist of only 15 students per class.An integrated program is followed based on the Californian Curriculum which include social development, physical development and cognitive development.

The school offers the following 4 levels as per the criteria set by the Ministry of Education:

Pre-K (2-3 years)

K1 (3-4 years)

K2 (4-5 years)

K3 (5-6 years)

A non-compulsory after school program is offered after school to support and reinforce the basic developmental skills program in Kindergarten. Arts and crafts as well as Thai music and dance are included in this program. Parents get the opportunity to choose the activity they would like their child to take part in.

KG facilities All classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with child friendly bathrooms with low seat toilets and wash basins. A spacious play area equipped with structures for promoting motor development, developing independence and general social skills, and expressing creativity through play is the center of attraction. The air-conditioned lunchroom is a happy space where children have their snacks and lunch in a relaxing atmosphere while developing social skills and etiquette. A separate music room allows children to move freely and experiment with a variety of musical instruments at the hands of a qualified music teacher. Three sleeping rooms provide a quiet space for children to rest after lunch, under the supervision of assistant teachers. The clinic, staffed by two nurses, is based in the Kindergarten building to make access easy in cases of emergency.
Public relations and facilities

A direct line of communication is open between parents and teachers with the help of Thai teacher’s assistants and a communication book.

Two Kindergarten ambassadors, both proficient in English and Thai, are available to share information and serve as translators on request.

Kindergarten has an open door policy where parents can come in at any time to discuss matters of concern with the principal. Teachers are available after school hours.

Daily notices are sent to parents informing them of the activities that took place during the day. Updates on activities and other important information are sent to parents by text message, letters from the principal and organizers of different activities.

ALMA SCHOOL SYSTEM