Student Life and Service
MYP
Service Day Service is an integral part of both the
MYP, and our school community, with students undertaking service projects in their grade’s service programs, from Grade 6 to 10, but also with an increased focus on Service As Action which entails students finding service connections in their regular classes. At the end of the last academic year, on June 22nd, 2023 MYP students participated in the inaugural MYP Service & Community Appreciation Day. The day was divided into three clear, and different sessions - Action, Sharing and Fun. The morning session was all about Action. During this session, MYP students rotated between four activities: sorting recycling, packing care packages to be delivered to a community in need in Bang Na, interacting with a service-centered art installation, and writing thank you notes to every member of the Concordian community working on campus. The recycling activity saw students help teachers clear recyclables from their classrooms, as well as sorting out recyclable material from their lockers, and recyclable materials that had been collected throughout the year.
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The care package activity saw students help one of our high school service clubs, Hear to Heart, pack bags with food and toiletries which were then delivered to an underprivileged community in Bang Na. All the products that were packed had been bought from funds that Hear to Heart had raised throughout the year.
Student Life and Service
The art installation activities saw students write notes centered around the Concordian values dragons. Students recalled times when they’d seen someone displaying one of these values, wrote a note about it, and then tied these notes to an art installation using coloured string correlating to that coloured dragon. And the final activity of the morning saw students writing thank you notes to all members of the Concordian community working on campus, from teachers to administration, from security guards to gardiners, from technicians to drivers - all members were represented, and students had a chance to thank everyone for making our school what it is. The middle session was all about Sharing. During this session, students rotated between three areas, with the showpiece being the Grade 9 Service Exhibition in which the Grade 9 students exhibited their service projects to all other MYP students. All Grade 9 students had booths where they were able to showcase their projects, and discuss how their projects impacted their chosen communities. In addition to the Grade 9 service exhibition, service projects from the other MYP grades (six, seven, eight and ten) were displayed throughout the exhibition area for everyone to see.
be part of service, whereas the teachers sharing their experiences showed the students that service doesn’t stop when you graduate from high school - it can be a lifelong endeavor. The final activity of the middle session saw a special guest speaker, Mr. Daniel Bucher, the head chef from TopGolf. Mr. Bucher spoke to all of our students about sustainability in the workplace, in particular, sustainable food production and minimizing waste. He led an interactive lecture in the Grand Theatre, and students were able to ask questions while he informed them about his passion for sustainability, and the many service ventures he takes part in both at TopGolf, and in his personal life. The final session was all about Fun. During this session, the students took part in a dodgeball competition, with the culmination being a students vs. teachers charity match which raised funds for a small local charity. While this activity was mostly about fun, it also showed students how to be creative when thinking about fundraising for their service projects.
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In all, the inaugural MYP Service & Community Appreciation Day was a successful day that allowed MYP students to share their service experiences from throughout the year, as well as come The other two areas which students together to give thanks to each other, rotated through were a room where and make our community a more giving, students could listen to teachers tell appreciative and caring place. about their own experiences with service projects, and another room in which all of Mr. Ben Weil our high school service clubs had booths Service Coordinator to talk about what they do throughout the year. The clubs showcased the different ways in which Concordian students can
School Update
Concordian
Model United Nations (MUN) II Our second annual Concordian Model United Nations conference (Concordian MUN II) has recently concluded and it was, once again, a resounding success! Over the course of two days, September 30th and October 1st, delegates from schools across Bangkok engaged in rigorous debate in their respective committees, confronting and attempting to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
With a range of topics to suit a variety of interests, there was truly something for everyone. While we can reflect on the conference and see that it was another success, it is important for us to recognize the wonderful team behind all of this: Melody, Kyla, Burger, Pearl (our Concordian MUN Secretariat), all of the pages and the press team, the nurses, IT department, Khun Alisa, Khun Aoh and the secretary team, and Mr. Laurent. This amazing conference could not have been brought to life without their hard work and commitment to creating a memorable experience for all participants. We know that next year’s conference will only build on the successes from Concordian MUN II! Mr. Aaron Curmi Advisor
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The weekend of September 30 th
October 1st, our second annual ConcordianMUN II was hosted at Concordian International School. Welcoming delegates from 17 schools all over Bangkok, we had the biggest pool of delegates yet. From human rights to AI, from AI to economic crisis, from history to present, delegates had the opportunity to debate pressing issues in society. The theme for this conference is “A World in Motion”. "A World in Motion" symbolizes not only the constant evolution of global affairs but also the responsibility we hold as global citizens to keep the momentum of progress moving forward. Being in the founding team of Concordian MUN, it has been a great pleasure seeing the growth of the conference. On behalf of the secretariat team, we would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen. As a senior graduating this year, it has been a dream running Concordian MUN, it is now time I pass on the baton to the upcoming Secretary-General. To the better future of Concordian MUN! Pei-Ying (Melody) Chuang Secretary-General of Concordian MUN II
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School Update
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School Update
and connections within our school's learning and teaching community. Interdisciplinary learning, as a focal point of our educational approach, extends beyond just grade-level Interdisciplinary Units (IDUs) and is integrated into the delivery of MYP subjects. Our dedicated and creative educators will continue to work collaboratively, exploring every way to establish meaningful interdisciplinary connections for our students.
Welcome back to another wonderful school
year! This year promises to be one filled with exciting explorations and accomplishments! Our commitment to enhancing the initiatives from previous years remains unwavering, as we strive to foster greater collaboration
In addition to our well-established standalone service program, Service as Action will serve as another potent tool, enabling us to bridge the gap between real-world issues and the engagement of our students in their subject-based learning and projects. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Targets will not only be addressed within students' service projects but will also be carefully woven into their subject-based learning experiences whenever possible. Following a comprehensive year of systematically implementing Approaches to
Learning (ATL) in the MYP, our educators have engaged in thoughtful reflection and refinement to ensure an even more structured and effective approach to foster students’ skill acquisition and development. At the heart of our educational goals, student agency remains a top priority. We are dedicated to further enhancing this aspect of learning through the continued use of the Student Learning Diary. As students continue to add their incremental achievements to their personally curated e-portfolios of this year, we expect to see the development of a comprehensive showcase of their accomplishments, both within and beyond the classroom, which will be celebrated at the student-led conferences (SLC) in April next year. This year holds great promise as we embark on these exciting educational journeys. Let’s strive to create a dynamic and enriching environment for ALL once again! Ms. Min Li Secondary School Principal
Secondary
Back to School Event On September 27 , the Secondary School hosted its th
Back to School event for parents. In the afternoon, starting in the Grand Theatre, parents met the school Admin and leadership team. Each Head of Department had a chance to briefly introduce their department team members to parents. After the initial meet, students were able to lead their parents to classrooms of the many different subjects they have this year. By meeting the teachers and visiting the classrooms, parents had an opportunity to physically see how their child’s learning is progressing and supported.
Ms. Sally Wen Secondary School Principal
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Aside from meeting the teachers and visiting the classrooms, parents could also opt to watch videos of teachers to learn more about them and to grasp a picture of the curriculum in MYP and DP. We would like to have this new format of “Back to School'' to provide options of meeting the teachers and knowing about the curriculum. It’s exciting to re-connect with people from the same school community!
School Update
Grade 6 Field Trip
@China Cultural Center On September 21 2023, we went to the China Cultural st
Center and we had fun. We learned how to do Chinese dance, we painted bamboo and pandas with black ink, and we also learned to play an instrument from the teachers there who are very professional and nice. After that we went to a Chinese restaurant, we also made Chinese gyoza. My favorite part of the day was painting the pandas, we also got to bring our drawing home. The field trip was so much fun and I gained lots of knowledge. Prinnie
On September 21 , the sixth graders had a field trip and went to st
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the Chinese Cultural Center to learn about Chinese culture. We did some activities like Chinese dancing, painting and learning to play Chinese instruments. All of these activities were fun but my favorite part was learning to play the Chinese instrument 古筝 because we got to listen to the music and also play it ourselves. Afterwards we went to a Chinese restaurant and made our own dumplings, it was very fun. Then we had a chance to eat the dumplings we made, it was delicious. All in all it was very fun and a great experience, and I would definitely do it again. Reiko
School Update
今天天气热辣辣的，我们有幸去曼谷中国文化中 心学习。教我们的老师都是内行，他们与我们零 距离互动。我最喜欢弹古筝，老师鼓励我们要突 破自己。通过小小的练习，我了解到外行的人要 学会弹古筝是不容易的。需要日复一日、年复一 年的练习，才会像老师那样厉害。 G6I 许如玲 (Brownie) 你有想过走进绚丽的中国文化馆是什么感觉的 吗？我刚下校车时就可以从外面听到轻松的中国 音乐，真好听啊！当我走进中国文化中心我凝视 着美丽的中国艺术品，我试着去更好地理解中国 文化是如何从古老的传统到自由的表达。我们第 一个活动是学弹古筝，我们3 人一组，每个人都 有机会学习。第二个活动就是跳中国传统舞蹈， 这个活动女生比较擅长，可是男生就觉得有点 难，但至少我学会了一些动作。最后一个活动是 学习水墨画。水墨画的老师教我们水墨画的过程 和技法,虽然我画得不好，但是我试了两次后也 取得了进步。通过这次活动，我感到特别兴奋， 我学到了新的知识，我认为这是一个学习中文， 学习中国文化的一个好机会。 Kin庄程鈜
上个星期四，我有幸去到了 Chinese Cultural Center， 让我受益良多。我最喜欢的活动是用毛笔画竹 子，它让你敞开心扉去感受中国文化。我看了内 行老师画的作品，觉得特别美丽。但是我尝试的 时候，发现非常难，绞尽脑汁也画不出好看的 画。而且，用毛笔吸墨水，如果画错也不可以擦 掉，要找别的解决办法。但是这个 Feild Trip，还是 让我觉得特别好玩，因为可以突破自己。 G6S 吴沛宁 (Pun-Pun)
G6C 吕丽雯 (Lily)
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九月二十一日，我们去了Chinese Cultural Centre，那 里有很多活动，像跳舞，弹琴，等等， 我印象 最深的是学中国舞。舞蹈老师很艰苦地教我们， 让我想到一个主播，他是一个舞蹈内行，教泰国 舞，泰国和中国的舞蹈不太像,可是我都喜欢。 我们后来还去学了中国画，它让我了解到要好好 控制手里的毛笔，不然，会画得乱七八糟。画完 画，我们去学弹古筝，它让我感受到，要用很 多时间和耐心才能弹好。这个field trip给我的感受 是：： 中国文化真独特！
Trips
Grade 8
Bonding Trip @ Khao Yai On Thursday, October 5 , 2023, we, the G8 students, all th
boarded the bus for a 3-hour-long journey to Khao Yai. Despite the rainy weather and all of us being soaking wet, our spirits were high as we chatted about all the activities we were looking forward to on our very first bonding trip. Finally, we arrived at the mindfulness center and were blown away by its beauty. There were huge fields of grass and lots of trees and flowers; we could tell how it was made to embrace the nature of Khao Yai. After that, we all scattered into our room groups to unpack our bags and head out for dinner. The food at the mindfulness center was incredible; everyone loved the roasted chicken and fried rice. At long last, after dinner, we finally had our first activity of the bonding trip. We all headed over to the function room, and the counselors took over. The activity had everyone organized into two circles: an outer circle and an inner circle. The inner circle would rotate, allowing everyone to have a chance to chat with each other and catch up on everyone's lives. On the second day, we first headed to the lake at the mindfulness center to do walking meditation, where we would walk around the lake three times while reflecting on our lives about different things each time. After that, we went to the cafeteria to have yet another incredible breakfast before departing to the Khao Yai Art Museum where we could enjoy art and take photos with our favorite artworks. Every time we admired a new artwork, we always saw different meanings behind it. The sculptures there were also incredibly intricate, and every sculpture had a unique story and meaning.
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Trips
After admiring the artwork, we went back to the mindfulness center to hang out for a bit and have another wonderful lunch. In the afternoon, we headed out to our next destination, Midwinter, where we learned about zero food waste and got to make our own pizza. We also got to enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner! Finally, we headed back to the mindfulness center and took on the straw challenge in the function room where we were put into groups and made meaningful structures out of just straws and then shared the ideas behind our structures with everyone.
This was the day we all dreaded. It was the day we headed home; however, we could proudly say that the time spent here would always have a special meaning in our hearts, as we got to bond with each other and know each other even better than before. Everyone would like to thank the people, teachers, staff, and admin who made this trip happen, and we hope future eighth graders will enjoy this trip as much as we did. Kenta G8C
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Trips
Grade 9
Bonding Trip @ Pattaya The Grade 9 Bonding Trip on September On the second day, we had breakfast
21-23, 2023, took us to Pattaya, where we then headed to the Pattaya Redemptorist stayed at the Holiday Inn Pattaya, visited School for the Blind, where we put on the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the blindfolds and let ourselves be guided Blind, and grew closer over activities like by the blind students, enjoyed a performance by the students there, and the Money Game and Air Band. played games with them. On the first night, when we arrived at the hotel, we were all impressed by the beach I really enjoyed this visit as it gave me a views from the hotel, and played games new perspective on how privileged we are, to get to know each other better. One and how to be grateful for what we have. of these games was the Speed Chatting Then, we had lunch and free time at the game, where we broke into groups and hotel until we got together again and got formed two circles facing each other, and into groups for Air Band. I loved the Air talked to nearly everyone else in the grade Band the most, as everyone was singing for 30 seconds at a time. We also shared together and cheering for the performers our relationship standards in Dream Boy, and the atmosphere was very warm and Dream Girl, and enjoyed delicious snacks wholesome. This trip helped me get closer to my classmates, and I had lots of fun provided by the hotel. with my friends. Imboon G9I
"I really enjoyed this visit as it gave me a new perspective on how privileged we are, and how to be grateful for what we have."
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Trips
Grade 10
Bonding Trip @ Khao Yai The majority of us see a rotation of the same faces everyday. On the second day, we headed to the Child Development The same set of people at home, at school, and in our respective social circles. The same friends and classmates who, for the most part, have remained the same since kindergarten. Prior to this trip, I had never really considered the possibility of not knowing my classmates by heart. Of course, growing up and spending more than half of my time around these people, one would think I would have been more than well-acquainted, if not practically best friends, with them. As it turns out, I was severely wrong with my assumptions. I, in fact, did not know all that much about my “friends”, to the point that some of the things I discovered during this trip took me by surprise and completely altered my perception of them. Although now in retrospect, I can confidently say that I have developed a much deeper understanding of the people around me, and hopefully, will continue to do so after this trip, which took place on September 7-9, 2023 Upon arrival at the True Mindfulness Center in Khao Yai on the first day, Khun Varnnee had us participate in a “Speed Chatting” activity where each of us talked to another person one-on-one briefly before moving onto the next. Through this activity, I got the opportunity to converse with a few people I hadn’t spoken to in a while, or people I wouldn’t have struck up a conversation with of my own will in school. This was followed by an activity called “Candle Sharing”, where each of us shared some personal things about ourselves to the rest of the grade in one big circle before heading to bed.
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Center, where we were split into groups and had to care for preschool kids for the duration of our visit. This activity reiterated the importance of patience and understanding when dealing with young children, especially because each of their characters were so varied and they were at different stages of development. Being surrounded by the kind of bubbliness and innocence that is rarely present in our lives now, I was reminded of the fact that nobody is born a “bad” person. At some point in the past, we all resembled these children and it is simply our unique circumstances that have shaped and molded us differently. On this trip, we bonded and reflected. We learned the value of understanding and gratitude. We discovered the benefits of collaboration and mindfulness. Overall, it was an invaluable experience and I truly look forward to whatever joint trips are in store for us in the future. Sophia, G10I
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Trips
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Trips
Grade 11
IB Retreat The G11 IB Retreat in Pattaya on September 14-16, 2023, was
an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blended learning and bonding, leaving a lasting impact on all of us. The trip commenced with a visit to a Deaf school, which not only exposed us to the world of social responsibility but also encouraged empathy and understanding. We witnessed the incredible resilience and talent of the students, learned animal sign language which was entertaining, reminding us of the importance of inclusivity and the value of giving back to our community. Throughout the retreat, our discussions on university choices, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge), and EE (Extended Essay) were not just informative but also inspiring. We found ourselves engaging in meaningful conversations about our futures, our academic pursuits, and our personal growth. Watching a profoundly motivational movie together added another layer of inspiration, leaving us with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
While the retreat was an enriching experience, there was a tinge of disappointment that we couldn't fully enjoy the beautiful Pattaya beaches due to certain restrictions. Nevertheless, the retreat extended beyond academics, immersing us in a vibrant atmosphere of laughter and unity. Mr. Clynt's drama activities had us in fits of laughter, forging connections that are bound to endure long after our IB journey. The comfortable hotel accommodations and delectable cuisine provided the ideal setting for relaxation and further strengthening our bonds. In summary, the G11 IB Retreat in Pattaya offered a well-rounded experience that not only deepened our understanding of the IB program but also solidified the relationships within our group, creating a cherished memory set to last for years to come. Best regards, Ty Bam Fern
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Trips
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Whole School Events
Moon Festival
in Secondary
On September 28 , secondary school students participated th
in a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in their Chinese classes. The event featured lantern riddles, a chopsticks ping-pong challenge, and beautifully-crafted lantern riddle decorations. Many students eagerly put their skills to the test in solving the lantern riddles. As we gazed at the full moon, we extended our wishes for it to bring health and happiness to all.
Students’ reflection
In celebration of the Moon Festival, the 中秋节快乐！Happy Moon Festival 记忆中的中秋就是放假、睡懒
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Concordian Chinese Department prepared Everyone! fun and special cultural activities for us all to participate in during our Chinese This year’s moon festival activities classes, as well as the classic Concordian tradition of receiving delicious mooncakes. definitely filled the classroom with such The incorporation of riddles and games in joy and bursts of laughter. We guessed the lesson was not only engaging but also many riddles, played a traditional game, incredibly effective in helping us learn took photos together and most importantly more about Chinese culture. On behalf enjoyed delicious mooncakes. The of my class, thank you to the Chinese Department for organizing this remarkable traditional game and riddle guessing event. We truly enjoyed this wonderful competition made us all have a chance experience. to both learn and have fun as a class. We G10 Kaem 黄玉清 definitely got to learn more culturally. A huge thank you to all chinese teachers for preparing these exciting activities for us to enjoy! G10 PeiPei
觉，吃大餐。今年，我在异国 他乡有了全新的体验。中文课 上，我写了好几个灯谜，看到 同学们热情地读着我写的字， 起劲地猜谜，我很开心。我们 还吃了月饼，不知道是不是因 为和大家一起吃，那块月饼好 像特别香甜。每逢佳节倍思 亲，在Concordian的第一个中秋 节，让我有种回家了的感觉。 G7C Penny
Whole School Events
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School Update
Shanghai
Internship, July 2023 During the month of July, 2023, 16 Concordian Grade 11 students were
fortunate to participate in the Internship Program with CP Group in Shanghai. The students spent 4 weeks working at the CP Superbrand Mall, gaining invaluable practical work experience as well as a full immersion in Chinese language and culture. Below, the students reflect and share their impressions of their internship.
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School Update
Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian Bao, crispy mushroom, and chicken
breast, what is there not to love? Besides the food, I truly enjoyed this internship. I learned how to cook with a limited budget and ingredients while simultaneously learning about almost every department in the CP Superbrand Mall. We listened to more than a dozen lectures, visited many sites and universities, worked as pop-up store and Lotus staff, and developed our presentation and editing skills. This trip not only granted me knowledge of business and economics but also gave me a clearer future. It greatly assisted me when I was solidifying my list of universities, helping me erase the bias I had against going to China for my undergraduate degree. In addition, I was able to understand my friends on a deeper level and bond with other classmates that I was not all that close to. It was truly a unique experience that I would definitely do again. Grace
From this experience, I got to learn independence and team-
work in a shared living space. Next, I learned about financial management because I had to manage my own money for daily expenses such as food, leisure activities, snacks, and gifts. We visited different universities in China and got to experience what it was like learning in China with a room filled with Chinese kids. This helped some of us to really make up our minds on where we are going to attend university in the future. Matmee
This internship has expanded my perspective on China, The internship in Shanghai was a valuable experience. I enhanced my adaptability and deepened my skills for business. I left Shanghai with an unwavering enthusiasm to continue my path in the dynamic business world and embrace new opportunities. Angie
This experience has also improved my communication skills,
especially Chinese, as not only did we have to use it in everyday life, but also when communicating to the instructors or doing the assignments. After experiencing the program myself, I would also recommend the internship to others, as it was an unforgettable learning experience. Beam
learned a lot from living in one of the world’s busiest cities and working with skilled professionals. This internship opportunity helped me apply what I learned in school to real-life situations, allowing me to grow personally and professionally. My favorite part of this internship was when we got to see how different industries in China work. I think it is very interesting learning the behind-the-scenes since they work very differently than Thailand. PingPing
This internship in China was a big moment in my life. Living in
another country for a month without my family was challenging, yet it taught me a lot. This was my first time living independently in a foreign country. Everyday chores like cooking, laundry, and dishwashing became important. Although in the beginning it was hard, it taught me how to live independently with such high responsibilities. Puri 43 41
my parents and learning how to take care of myself. Doing things like washing clothes and making food were all things that I don’t regularly do at home so doing it during the trip allowed me to gain some new skills. Miumiu
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Some things that I got from this experience were living without
School Update
The experience during the internship with CP Group in Shanghai
allowed us to gain profound insights into the Chinese work culture, which we found to be hardworking yet healthy, with an intense level of competition. Being around individuals who have clear objectives and a relentless drive for success resonated deeply with me. This experience reaffirmed my view that Shanghai, with its technological advancement and innovation, could be an ideal place for my future endeavors. One of my most memorable moments for many of us was exploring Nanjing Road, which painted a vivid picture of Shanghai's immense population, diverse activities, and eclectic cuisine. My time at the company allowed me to understand its mission of
nurturing integrity, partnership, innovation, and passion for sustainable prosperity. I recognized the importance of collaboration and innovation in the company's success and saw opportunities for further enhancements, especially in the realm of technology and renovation efficiency. Importantly, I observed the significance of healthy relationships among employees in driving the company's triumph. My internship also solidified my belief that China, with its powerful and efficient workforce, is poised to be the world's leading superpower in the coming decades. Moreover, my active participation in discussions and interactions with lecturers proved beneficial not just for my personal growth but also for my peers. JJ
One of my favorite things about this trip was getting to see
how large companies solve problems on a day-to-day basis. It was really interesting to see how various parts of a company work together in such detail to solve complicated issues. Not only did this experience help me understand the corporate world better, but it also taught me a lot about teamwork, communication and problem solving. Minnie
Through participating in the Shanghai Internship I was able to
gain knowledge on how big corporations work, gain experience living alone without parents, and finally learn to be a leader. I gained the ability to manage time, responsibility to take care of not only chores but also work and think creatively. The skill I was able to develop the most was however communication. By living in a different country with a different culture I was not only able to practice communicating with real chinese people under their environment but also was able to learn their culture. Kenji
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School Update
The Shanghai Internship trip was an enriching experience that
left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional interests. Throughout the trip, not only did I gain some work experience and learn various things about business, such as how it operates and more, I also learned how to be independent. I had to cook my own food, do my own laundry and manage my own finances. Other than that, I was also able to immerse myself in Chinese culture during city visits. Risa
This entire journey has given me an unforgettable experience.
It's not merely an opportunity to deepen our understanding of business; it's also a gateway to learn Chinese culture. What truly sets this trip apart is the newfound sense of independence it offers. We were tasked not only with managing our finances but also with handling our laundry and culinary needs. Additionally, our visits to various universities have proven valuable in guiding our application decisions. BB
This trip for me was a fantastic experience, I learned many new things about how to operate a shopping mall, how to run a supermarket, etc. There were many valuable experiences to gain from this internship, including talks with leaders of various departments, and gaining valuable insights in the process. We also got to do many leisure activities such as Disneyland, the aquarium, and various city visits. We also got the opportunity to go on various university visits that were very beneficial to my college selection process as they provided me with more choices to choose from. Jade
After I completed my Shanghai internship, I learned a lot about
how businesses work. I also had the chance to sell products at Lotus and Superbrand Mall, which helped me improve my Chinese communication skills. Living with roommates for the first time made me more independent and responsible. I also had a great time exploring different places in Shanghai and trying out various Chinese foods. Memo
The internship part of the trip made me gain experience in how
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businesses such as CP operate worldwide. In addition, because I had learned Chinese for 12 years or so, this is a golden opportunity to use and apply my Chinese language skills, and after the trip I felt very satisfied and comfortable when communicating in Chinese. Having visited China when I was young, I was able to also compare how much development and change has occurred in China from this visit - their technology and systems are so advanced on a level that we always had to rely on our phones to pay and interact with services. This advancement showed me what is possible in terms of technology and the potential areas Thailand can develop too. Chur
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.
Trips
Grade 12
College Weekend Starting off the school year with our Seniors, we headed to
Khao Yai for a 2-night/3-day event on August 31-September 2, 2023. It gave the counselors - Dr. Tresa and Mr. Tony - and our students a chance to reconnect after the summer break and to revisit the application process that started in Grade 11. Concordian’s Founding Director, Khun Varnnee, our DP Chemistry teacher, Mr. Paul and our wonderful PHE teacher, Khun Nui also joined our event and contributed actively. Our great support staff, Ms. Fanta, Ms. Mint, Ms. Aoh and our nurse Ms. Tai were a valuable part of our trip. Even though the time spent together was taxing at times, as we discussed serious topics, students still found time to bond with one another and share in laughter. Dr. Tresa
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Trips
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Whole School Events
Global University Evening 2023 Excitement was in the air when Concordian held its first ever
Global University Evening on campus. With many wonderful universities in attendance, 40 to be exact, coming from more than 15 countries in the world, it was truly global. Students were moving back and forth between the fair and the panel discussions. Admissions Representatives shared their expertise on how to make an application stand out. Others delved into the topic of financial aid and scholarships. The evening went by fast, maybe too fast, but you couldn’t help but feel exhilarated by all of the excitement and energy that the event brought. We want to thank our parents and students for joining us and we extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to all of the college representatives! Dr. Tresa Virankabutra Director of College Counseling
List of participating institutions
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Bentley University Bocconi University Constructor University DePauw University Dickinson College EDHEC Business School EU Business School Fudan University Gettysburg College Glion Institute of Higher Education Hope College
Hotelschool The Hague IE University Istituto Marangoni Kühne Logistics University Lasalle College of the Arts Le Cordon Bleu Leiden University College Les Roches International School of Hotel Management Linfield University
Loyola University Chicago Macquarie University Monash University NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Ritsumeikan University SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern Southern Utah University Syracuse University Temple University Japan The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong The University of New South Wales Trinity College Dublin University of California, Berkeley University of Dundee University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Melbourne University of Navarra University of Pécs University of Tsukuba
Whole School Events
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Whole School Events
Grade 12
Farewell'23 "Thank you for inspiring us to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. You challenged us to go above and beyond, even if it meant sacrificing our precious beauty sleep." Dear administrators, teachers, juniors, and fellow friends, It's hard to believe that for many of us, Concordian has been our home for over 16 years. We've created countless memories as a grade, and saying goodbye will be a difficult task. From the days of accidentally ingesting sand in kindergarten, to giving our teachers the shock of their lives during our senior prank, it's been quite the journey.
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I want to extend my warmest thanks to all the amazing people who have supported us throughout these years. To our incredible EYP, PYP, MYP, and DP teachers, thank you for inspiring us to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. You challenged us to go above and beyond, even if it meant sacrificing our precious beauty sleep. But hey, it's all part of the master plan to shape us into remarkable individuals.
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To Khun Varnnee, thank you for building this amazing learning environment, but more importantly, thank you for ingraining the spirit of integrity and compassion within the community. To Ajarn Vichitvong, thank you for your efforts in embodying the spirit of Thainess into our community, always reminding us of our precious cultural roots. To Mr. Laurent, I may still be sulking that the sleeping pods were never implemented, but I genuinely
appreciate the continuous efforts you put into improving school facilities and ensuring our well-being. And to our amazing secondary school principals, Mr. Bill, Ms. Sally, and Ms. Min, even though your lengthy and complicated policies often left me in awe, thank you for always prioritizing student safety and making sure that we are on track with our academics. A special shoutout to our counselors, Dr. Tresa, Mr. Tony, and Khun Kay. Thank you for guiding us through the daunting college application process. You not only provided us with valuable guidance but also offered much-needed mental support along the way. Of course, we mustn't forget the backbone and unsung heroes of the Concordian community - our TAs, secretaries, all staff in the offices, IT team, maintenance team, guards, maids, cooks, and gardeners. Your constant support is truly appreciated. Without your dedication and hard work, our school wouldn't be the place it is today. As we, the Class of 2023, bid farewell to Concordian, we pass the torch to the students who will soon fill our shoes. To the juniors, as you continue on your challenging journey, we'd like to offer some advice. Remember, high school is a wild ride, full of twists and turns. Embrace every opportunity, take risks (the calculated kind, of course) and challenge yourselves intellectually. But most importantly, be good people - honesty and kindness go a long way. Oh, and please, for the love of all things caffeinated, remember to get a proper night's sleep. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your seniors. We’d be happy to help. Thank you all for the incredible memories, and let's make this farewell one to remember! Thank you! Hui Hui - Raiwin Zhang Class of 2023
Whole School Events
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Whole School Events
Grade 12 Graduation
Valedictory Ceremony The Concordian Valedictory Ceremony for Dr. Tresa Virankabutra, Concordian’s the Class of 2023 took place on June 17, 2023 and provided a wonderful occasion to celebrate our new graduates’ accomplishments and hard work over the years.
We were proud to welcome Mr. Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Director General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, who provided the keynote address. It was a memorable day, full of emotion joy, pride and most of all, anticipation for what the future will bring as the graduates venture out into the world.
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Director of College Counseling shares a few words:
Congratulations to the Senior Class of 2023! We are super proud of our Graduates! They did a wonderful job with their academic outcomes and university acceptances. Our Graduates’ final choices saw them spread out to more than 7 different countries! As they are now our Alumni, we want them to know they will always have a home with Concordian and we look forward to seeing them in the future! Continue to give your best like you did here with us!
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Whole School Events
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Whole School Events
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Whole School Events
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