EY Updates - October 2023

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School Update

One World Festival The festival was a celebration of cultural diversity, with each section offering a unique experience inspired by activities from each of the four continents.

As the 2022-2023 school year drew to Sodexo did an amazing job catering this

a close, Concordian International School intercultural event. They set up tables held its very first One World Festival. in the back of the gym and provided an Thanks to the tireless efforts of our array of snacks from around the world, dedicated class parents, the gymnasium ensuring there were ample treats to was transformed into a global wonderland, satisfy the taste buds of students, teachers, with sections dedicated to Africa, South and parents alike. America, Oceania, and Europe. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the The festival was a celebration of cultural class parents of 2022-2023 for their diversity, with each section offering a dedication and hard work in bringing this unique experience inspired by activities incredible event to life. The One World from each of the four continents. Students Festival was not only a fun-filled day played games from Africa, made cool but also a reminder of how amazing our Oceanic crafts, played football in Europe, Concordian PYP community can be when and won cool prizes in South America. we all work together. It was an incredible last day of school! Students eagerly engaged in fun, crafty and engaging activities from each of Mr. Joe Savage the four featured continents. They also PYP Special Events Coordinator learned about different cultures and experienced how different people around the world play and have fun.

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School Update

A Beautiful Day to Learn and Play

Pre-K and K1 Music Concert June 9, 2023

It was indeed a beautiful day to learn and play – having a well-lit and decorated stage, fabulously dressed-up children beaming with pride, and a euphoric and enthusiastic crowd!

There is no greater joy seeing the youngest members of the Concordian community, our Pre-K and K1 students, performing proudly in front of a large audience! They were all brimming with pride and confidence and having fun on stage, as they performed songs in three languages, English, Chinese and Thai! The result of their hard work received so much applause and cheers most especially from the parents who were ecstatic to celebrate this memorable moment.

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School Update

Our heartiest thanks go to our administrators, Pre K and K1 teachers and teaching assistants for their unwavering guidance and assistance. A special thank you to Ms. Alice and Ms. Juan for the delightful K1 Chinese song performances and to Kru Aim, Kru Am, Kru Dear, and Kru Aiw for the lovely Thai song performances. An utmost thanks to Mr. Sebert and the Concordian Faculty Choir for their heartfelt rendition of Let Music Live. A big shout out also to our technical, maintenance and custodian team for their relentless effort to make our show run smoothly. Lastly, our utmost thanks and appreciation to our Pre-K and K1 parents for their tremendous and continued support of our program. We sincerely appreciate each and everyone of You! Pre-K and K1 Music Concert Team 2023 Mrs. Maricor, Ms. Norylove, Ms. Ting, Ms. Shella and Ms. Pam

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School Update

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School Update

PYP Back to School Week Back to School Week is undoubtedly the most important event at the beginning of a school year. It aims to start the year with a positive partnership between parents and teachers in each grade level.

The week offers parents an opportunity to listen to each teacher’s presentation and gain a better understanding of the grade-level curriculum which includes Units of Inquiry (UOI), Math, Thai language, Music, PE, Visual Arts, etc. Parents can also learn the home learning routine, classroom expectations and useful reminders. During the Q&A session, parents are encouraged to ask questions and address any concerns. From September 18th to 22nd, 2023, each day featured two grade levels presenting to parents with the Primary Years session held in the morning while the Early Years session in the afternoon. It was a great pleasure to see active parent participation during these sessions. We hope the Back to School Week has provided parents with useful information to support their child(ren)’s learning at home. We deeply value the school-home relationship and trust among teachers, students and parents. We are committed to foster positive communication this year. Ms. Ariel Wang Elementary School Principal

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Whole School Events

Moon Festival

in Elementary The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) also called the Moon

Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which this year is September 29th. It is a time for families to reunite, gathering for dinners, worshiping the moon, lighting paper lanterns, eating moon cakes and more. Concordian celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 28th. All students and staff, including teachers, office staff, custodians, gardeners and guards, received delicious mooncakes. Students enthusiastically participated in various class activities, such as listening to the famous story Chang E Ben Yue (Chang E Flying to the Moon), making crafts of lanterns and mooncakes, writing their wishes for moon worshiping and wearing pomelo peels hats, their favorite activity! Everyone knows mooncakes are the festive food of the Mid-Autumn Festival but you may wonder about the significance of pomelos. In Chinese, pomelo is “You Zi”. The word “You” has the same pronunciation of the word “bless” in Chinese while “Zi” means child(ren). Therefore placing the pomelo skins on children’s heads is a tradition believed to protect them from evil and wishing for their safety and happiness. Celebrating culture and traditions are essential components of our PYP curriculum. It is delightful to see students learningthe language and the culture of the language. We wish everyone and their family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival 祝大家中秋快乐! Ms. Ariel Wang Elementary Principal

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Whole School Events

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Whole School Events

Wai Kru Ceremony

Early Years Wai Kru Ceremony This school year marked the first time that K2 and K3 students attended the Wai Kru Ceremony at the Amphitheater! And it was the First Wai Kru for Pre-K and K1 students as well.

K1 - K3 students have learned the meaning of symbolic flowers for Wai Kru and they enjoyed decorating their class pedestal trays (พานไหว้ครู) to be given to the teachers. We can see the effort and concentration they put into it. On Wai Kru Day (Thursday, 28th September), Pre-K had the Wai Kru Ceremony at the EY Gym with nearly all of their teachers around. K1 students had Wai Kru in Thai class while K2 and K3 had their Wai Kru at the Amphitheater. The students were very excited to attend the Wai Kru Ceremony and really wanted to show their respect and gratitude, and give their flowers to the teachers.

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Whole School Events

Primary Years Wai Kru Ceremony “Pajera Chariya Honti Khunuttara Nu sa Sa ka….” This Pali sentence is the beginning of the prayer for teachers which means “The teacher who educates is the most valued person”. Students recite this chant to salute their teachers on the Wai Kru day which is one of the most important ceremonies at Concordian. During Thai class, all PY students participated in making the flower trays, they helped to design together and decorate them creatively for the ceremony. The Wai Kru Ceremony at the Grand Theater started with a Thai Classical dance and music named “Thai candle light dance” (FawnLao-Seang-Thien), which is performed in honor of the Buddha and prays for blessings on the auspicious occasion. The "Wai Kru" ceremony is a significant cultural tradition at Concordian, where students pay their respects to their teachers. It is also an opportunity for PY students to show their commitment to their education and to seek blessings for their academic endeavors.

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Whole School Events

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Whole School Events

Secondary Wai Kru Ceremony On Thursday, September 28 , 2023, I, th

Kenta G8 MSSG president

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the MSSG president, was privileged to witness and participate in the traditional event Wai Kru. This event serves to express our sincere gratitude towards all our teachers or those who have passed on knowledge to us. All the students got to present a bouquet of a variety of flowers, which all have unique meanings, and pay respect to our teachers. One of the highlights of this event for me as the MSSG president was the opportunity to share a poem about teachers with the audience. This cultural event taught me how Wai Kru reflects the values of gratitude, respect, and unity that are central to Thai culture. Reading the poem aloud in front of my peers was not only an honor but also a humbling experience, as I felt the weight of centuries-old traditions and the importance of acknowledging the role our educators play in shaping our lives.


School Update

Graduation "As you transition into the Primary Years, please know that we have the utmost faith in your ability to continue to grow, thrive, and learn." Dear Remarkable K3 Students, It is with great joy and pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on this momentous occasion. Together we celebrateyour remarkable achievement in completing the Early Years section of the PYP. Throughout your time in the Early Years, you have shared countless wonderful experiences, formed lasting friendships, and crafted cherished memories. Most importantly, you have demonstrated your genuine love for learning here at Concordian.

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Learning three languages may seem like a daunting task, but the Class of 2035, our Early Years graduates, has shown that it is not only possible but can be accomplished with enthusiasm and determination. As you transition into the Primary Years, please know that we have the utmost faith in your ability to continue to grow, thrive, and learn. Your journey into the Primary Years promises to be filled with even more exciting opportunities and discoveries. We wish you continued success, happiness, and enthusiasm as you embark

on this next chapter of your educational adventure. Congratulations once again, K3! Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder of each of you. Sincerely, Mr. Tim Byrum Elementary Principal, EY Dean of Students

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School Update

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