From the Boardroom

School Update

From the Boardroom

Mr. John Chu Board of Trustees Member

T

he vision and mission of the school has always been at the forefront for the Board of Trustees.

We always strive to engrain their values into our community and students. Year after year, we remind ourselves the purpose of our work is to develop young people who embody the mission statement.

We encourage personal growth and wide diversity within our community. To see if we are fulfilling objectives, we contacted a mix of alumni who had graduated from our school.

How did Concordian Influence your life?

“Concordian's influence is tripartite:

1. Building a strong vision and intellect foundation: Concordian provided excellent academics via inspiring teachers, thought-provoking curriculum, and strong school leadership. This creates a strong intellectual curiosity, and drive to success - in the academics world and beyond.

2. Instilling a moral compass: Concordian truly lives up to its motto in championing integrity and compassion. The more I grow up, the more I realize how important this is. It truly is a defining feature of the school - one day I would hope to be able to afford to send my kids here as well so they can be taught the same.

3. Creating a well-rounded individual: The 'education' provided by Concordian goes way beyond the textbooks. School leader and teachers go above and beyond to hone and polish our communications and presence, creating a cultured well-rounded individual with savoir faire and know-how to become independent young adults. It was never just about the GPAs - we learn to take ownership of our path to success, and most importantly to give back and help others along the way too.”

- Pete (Class of 2012) “CIS has amazing teachers not only care about you academically but also about you as a person. Without Dr. C and Mr. Ravi (I struggled quite a bit in Physics and Maths IB HL), I wouldn't have gotten into Imperial/EEE and get to where I am today. The friends I made at CIS are the most humble, sincere, and hard working people I know. I'm glad I grew up with them, the group of people you surround yourself with really shapes who you are today.” - Aei (class of 2014) “Concordian gave me the frameworks, attitudes, and values to help me navigate through whatever life has to throw at me. Growing up there meant I had the support and opportunities to grow as a person and to understand how I wanted to fit in the world. Whether it was attempting something outside my comfort zone or persevering through personal challenges, there were always people there who had supported me along the whole journey.” - Calvin (class of 2016) What was the most important lesson or values you took from CIS into your life?

“There were many, but honestly one thing that really made a significant impact on my life from Concordian is developing my love for reading… Read what you love until you love to read.” – Ong (class of 2014),

The 7 Alumni featured are Ong (Class of 2014), Pete (Class of 2012), Cream (Class of 2014), Aei (Class of 2014), Man (Class of 2010), Ali (Class of 2016), and Calvin (Class of 2016). These students attended schools such as Stanford, Imperial College, UCLA, NYU-Abu Dhabi, UBC, and Chulalongkorn University. Four are CEOs or COOs for their own startups or growth companies, two are in product management and investing, and one is still studying.

“One of the most important lessons I've taken away from Concordian is to live and act with compassion and empathy. Many students, including myself, often overlook this and don't truly understand why it matters, but I've come to understand that living with the intent of having a positive impact on others makes the difference between a cherished life and a meaningless one.”

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I will highlight some of the feedback we have received to see how effective we, as a board, have been leading the school. I will let their statements speak for themselves. Note that some preferred to remain anonymous.

School Update

“To lead a balanced life. Concordian helped me to think about my life holistically - not just what I learned in the classroom. IB allows me to explore charity, sport, and many other activities outside of the classroom - which have made me a well-balanced person even when I'm working in my own startups.”

– Man (Class of 2010)

What is the biggest impact Concordian had in your life?

“Ultimately the biggest impact driver is the fact that Concordian teaches me to think for myself. This pushes me to take ownership of my own life and be comfortable with who I am and what I'm doing”

“Concordian laid the foundation for how I want to Any advice you have for current students? live my life, according to the principles I hold dear.

“Pursue your genuine curiosity, and passion - try to I am deeply grateful for the people at Concordian, as form your own specific knowledge. Keep re-defining/ I would not be who I am today without their presence.” re-iterating until you've found your calling. Learn to code, learn to produce media. These are permission- “Helped build a solid foundation for my character and less leverages. Getting excellent scores academically values.” – Cream (Class of 2014) does not equate to having a wealthy & happy life later Based on the feedback of our alumni, I believe our on. So don't stress too much on your grades!” work for the Board of Trustees has been successful “Take ownership of your life, trust your intuition and and must continue with the same focus and vigor. give it your best at whatever you want to do. It's ok not to know what you want to do or where you want Thank you for your trust and the gift of your children to be. In fact I don't think you ever know for sure, and to our school. even if you do, the answer may change somewhere John Chu along the road. However you should at least have a Board of Trustees Member rough idea of what kind of uni or what degree(s) you might pursue, then work backward how to get there... roughly what IB classes to take, what grades are required.”

Getting to Know The board Members John Chu

Senior Director, Information System at TRR group of Companies Why is serving on the Board of Trustees important to you?

Because of my desire to return something back to Thailand’s future.

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What professional expertise do you bring to your role?

I am technologically-minded and have an interest in education.

What makes Concordian's Mission and Vision powerful for you?

Its emphasis on students becoming well-rounded and morally ethical.

What would you like the Concordian Community to know about the Board of Trustees?

The students and the community are our top priorities!

Darunee Rakphongphairoj

Head of Procurement from C.P. Medical Center Why is serving on the Board of Trustees important to you?

To understand the policies and how the academic rules and regulations apply to the different school sections.

What professional expertise do you bring to your role?

I have expertise in Human Resources, specifically Learning & Development.

What makes Concordian's Mission and Vision powerful for you?

CIS not only excels in academics but nurtures students to be socially-responsible future visionary leaders with integrity, morals, and compassion for others.

What would you like the Concordian Community to know about the Board of Trustees?

The members are parent representatives and we vow to do our duty based on student benefits, both in terms of academics and other activities. We analyse thoroughly and reach a consensus prior to making decisions.