Grade 9 & 10 Week Without Walls
The Grade 9 & 10 Week Without Walls adventure to Chanthaburi was a resounding success! G9 students had a blast exploring new experiences and learning together during the day and connecting with their G10 peers in the evenings. The talented CIS teaching and counseling staff, along with support from the administrative team, went above and beyond to make the trip a safe and unforgettable experience for all.
The students truly shone, showcasing their maturity and embodying the skills and values taught at Concordian. They were eager to participate in activities, asking thought-provoking questions and exhibiting a keen sense of curiosity. From learning about the famous gem and jewelry trade in Chanthaburi, to exploring the natural wonders of Kung Krabaen Bay and Phlio National Park, they stepped outside of their comfort zones and demonstrated their fine attributes as motivated students and adventurous young adults.
The students learned about the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems, the benefits of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and even made their own fertilizer. They spent time learning about the local area, visiting an OTOP center where they learned about hand-woven products like reed mats. In the national park, they hiked fearlessly through a forest, erected tents, lit campfires and made s'mores. The hands-on experiences, combined with the educational aspects of the trip, allowed the students to gain a deeper appreciation for the environment and local culture whilst providing a valuable opportunity for the students to learn and grow outside of the classroom.
Evenings at the hotel were a blast, with students leading activities like airband, games, and improv comedy nights. In one instance, during a sudden thunderstorm, the group showcased their adaptability by making the most of their indoor time with an impromptu karaoke session that stood out as a particularly memorable moment for many. The balance between fun and education was just right, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The students returned home with new experiences and great memories that will serve as a testament to their strength, resilience, and character. Everyone involved, myself included, had a fantastic time and is already looking forward to the next trip.
Mr. Brian Gannon Trip Leader
Grade 10 discovered the great wonders of Chanthaburi on their Week Without Walls trip in November. There were lots of laughs, bonding, fun activities, and long bus rides had by all. As I reflect on this trip, it was amazing to see how students can come together and create lifelong friendships. Instead of a long note to describe the trip, here are some of the staff and and student highlights in their own words:
“We liked the hike that brought us to the mountain-top view point. We were risk-takers!” - Orange team
“The karaoke was a blast!” - Teal team
“The National Park was so fun!” - Blue team
“It was honestly very enjoyable…especially the hiking.” - Yellow team
“The night activities were really fun.” - Pink team
“The G9/10 trip to Chanthaburi was a lot of fun, and it was refreshing to witness students outside of their element! I especially enjoyed seeing the kids collaborate to survive life in the jungle!” - Ms Karissa, G9-10 Chaperone
"Seeing [students interact in a variety of ways reminded me that many of them will keep in touch for decades, and these WWW experiences will be some of their favorite stories they relive and share 20 years from now. What a joy to be involved with that!"Jamie Martindale, G9-10 Chaperone
“Chanthaburi! What a beautiful part of Thailand.” - Mr Ben, G9-10 Chaperone
“The G9 & G10 students have experienced exploring nature with rich information about the environmental sciences. It's a rare experience to see vegetable farming, sea life, plants and wildlife in the jungles. This year's WWW will surely expand their view about Thailand.” - Ms
Sally, G9-10 Trip Administrator
“I enjoyed the hikes through the woods. There were some very steep inclines and it was amazing to see how the students helped each other and motivated each other to keep hiking.” Mr Brian M,
G9-10 Chaperone“Although the learning opportunities at the Kung Krabaen Bay Centre and the hikes through nature were amazing experiences to get to know about the local natural environment, one of my favorite moments actually happened during the afternoon when it rained. Then, instead of low spirits because of a canceled afternoon, they came together to have a second lively round of karaoke and make the best of their time together!” - Ms
Rachel, G9-10 ChaperoneThank you to every student and staff member that made this trip unique, fun, and possible. We had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to next year!
Ms. Diane Coon G10 Trip Leader