IMPACT 23 by Concordian International School

ISSUE 23: OCTOBER 2018 ll BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE

Laurent G.

CONTENTS 4

Editor's Note

5 6 7 8

Message from Administrators Message from Khun Varnnee Message from Aj. Vichitvong Message from Mr. Laurent Message from Dr. James

9 11 12

Counseling Corner Greetings from Dr. Tresa PYP Counseling Corner MYP Counseling Corner

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School Update New Leadership Positions Welcome New Faculty Early Years Update Primary Years Update Secondary School Update

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Showcase Attending the Harvard Leadership Program Dragonflies presenting Dragonfly

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Athletics News Coash Aun at the 2018 Asian Games Boys Varsity Volleyball Concordian vs. Ekamai Showdown Lady Dragons Full Speed Ahead G7-U Girls Basketball Track and Field News Varsity Girls Football Southeast Asia Ice Hockey Youth Cup Events and Activities Meet, Eat, and Connect Concordian's Graduating Class of 2018 G5 Graduation K3 Graduation Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's Birthday IB Retreat G8-10 Bonding Trip Shanghai Lotus Internship Reflections There is Something about Music

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Special Feature Types of Bullying Cyberbullied

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Community Service MYP Community Project: Soldiers, the Fence of Our Nation

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Dear Impact Readers,

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elcome to the 2018-2019 school year! The halls of Concordian have once again filled with the sound of students greeting their teachers, walking to class, and heading to their @SAs. Students who timidly approached their homerooms in August now stride confidently into school, ready to take on the next day of learning. This year is off to a great start with students taking advantage of new facilities and programming, and our diverse faculty members bringing fresh expertise.

I am thrilled to present this Back to School Issue of IMPACT magazine. In this issue we commemorate the graduations from last semester and introduce readers to what’s new at Concordian this year. This edition includes inspiring stories of sportsmanship from our athletes, reflections on the IB retreat from our Diploma Program students, photos of students performing in There’s Something About Music, and much more!

Concordian’s commitment to a better world makes our community positive and encouraging for our members. Impact’s goal is to display the efforts made toward this commitment in the pages that follow. Let’s continue to treat each other with kindness and respect and work together to develop mutual understanding both within and beyond Concordian’s campus.

Thank you everyone and enjoy this issue of Impact!

Megan Editor

Please contact K. Prinz at 091-889-8616 prinz@concordian.ac.th

If you want to conquer the world, you best have dragons.

-- GEORGE R. MARTIN, A Dance With Dragons

4

Megan Ames, Editor Wanlapha (Prinz) Sa-ardwong, Graphic Designer

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Message from Administrators

Khun Varnnee Chearavanont Ross Dear Concordians,

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elcome back to Concordian. Let us welcome apologize and learn from them. When they fall, the many new members of our Concordian they have learned to get up and walk on to a family. greater path, and give a helping hand to those who need it along the journey.

Each academic year goes by so quickly. The Class of 2018 is already off attending many Be there for each other. This is the key to wonderful universities around the world, building success that comes with happiness, which their dreams. I am very proud of all of them! may come at different times for each of them.

I have said to parents, “Flowers bloom and Thank you so much for being a part of my life, gift fruit at different times." When people my dream, and my hope for a better world. Again tell me that Concordian is very successful, and again parents of students of all ages ask me, I reply, "Not yet. I am waiting to see. Concordian’s “How can my children decide what they want to sucess will be realized when I see my students be?” It is becoming harder and harder to answer successfully carry out our Mission in their lives." this question because things are changing so Class of 2018, I will miss you so much. rapidly nowadays. Many things that they want to be may not exist in the future. Moreover, many future Thank you parents for all your support. Please careers may not even exist yet. However, I am not keep in mind our mission and continue to be so worried for our Concordian graduates because the greatest coaches and supporters of your I know that they are equipped with skills to be children. Thank you for letting Concordian be a lifelong learners. If they attended Concordian part of your family. for PYP alone, they completed a minimum of 60 research projects. If they only attended for MYP, Let us start our Academic Year 2018-2019 they must have completed at least 50 or more. with love and compassion, with integrity and Even if we count only the last 2 years in DP or responsibility, which will lead all of us to build regular classes, they would have completed 20 the vision and perform the actions needed for projects. a more peaceful world, which is much needed.

Thank you all for the trust and care you have for our Concordian community.

Sincerely, Varnnee Founding Director

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I strongly believe that whatever my students want to achieve in their future, they will be able to find a way to achieve it. This is because they always remember to keep tenacity and responsibility close to their hearts along with Concordian’s Mission: to lead and live life with dignity, integrity, and most importantly of all, compassion.They know to forgive others, and themselves. They know that when they make mistakes, they can reflect,

Message from Administrators

Aj. Vichitvong Chanarat สารจากครูใหญ่

เปิดเทอมปีการศึกษาใหม่ นักเรียนได้เรียนในชั้นสูงขึ้น ได้ เรียนวิชาที่มีเนื้อหาใหม่ พบกับครูใหม่ เปลี่ยนห้องเรียนใหม่ แต่ทั้งหมดนี้ คือการเริ่มเรียนรู้สิ่งใหม่ๆไปตลอดชีวิต ชีวิตมี แต่เดินไปข้างหน้า ด้วยเหตุที่ว่า “ศักยภาพของมนุษย์พัฒนา ได้ไม่มีที่สิ้นสุด” หวังว่านักเรียนจะได้มีเป้าหมายในการเรียนรู้ ทุกสรรพสิ่ง เพื่อพัฒนาศักยภาพของตนเอง ขอให้นักเรียน มีชีวิตที่สดใส และมีความสุขกับปีการศึกษาใหม่นี้

(อ.วิจิตรวงศ์ ชนะรัตน์) ผู้อำ�นวยการโรงเรียนนานาชาติคอนคอร์เดียน

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Message from Administrators

Mr. Laurent Goetschmann Dear Concordian Community,

I

would like to welcome you all back to the 2018-2019 Academic School Year! It is always such a great pleasure to see our students coming back to school with high expectations of what the new year will bring them and how they can contribute to making it another outstanding year!

Being a leader in the 21st century means leading by example. It is seeing opportunities in everything you do, sharing successes (and failures) with your team, and making people want to work with you, not because they have to, but because they feel inspired to. Being a leader is being caring at times, but also being firm and fair when needed.

With 930 students and 315 staff members we are not a small community anymore, but what sets Concordian apart is that our school still feels like a family. It is a safe place to learn, to succeed, and at times to fail. Most importantly, at Concordian it is safe to strive and reach your goals. With a growing community, we need to keep our strong values and our mission statement as our guiding forces, and should not sway from the vision the school was built upon.

As a Concordian student, you will lead and help shape a world that values hard work, trying your best, learning from mistakes, but also kindness, friendship, fair play, honesty, integrity, and most importantly, respect. This is your mission. This is our mission!

I am so blessed to be part of a school that will help make this world a better place, and I trust that all of us together can make this dream come true!

The school was built upon the idea that children Sincerely, should be raised with strong international and Laurent Goetschmann human values that will help them make a Head of School difference in the world, thanks not only to a good education, but to the behaviors that we promote.

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Message from Administrators

Dr. James Leung Dear Concordian Community,

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elcome to the Academic Year 2018-19. We began the year with a focus on addressing ‘bullying’ with a school-wide initiative involving the Concordian community; students, teachers, administration and parents. Needless to say, we all have to become involved and commit to making our campus a safe learning environment.

I believe that everyone on campus must be treated equally, with respect and dignity, regardless of their socio-economic status, in order to feel secure and accepted. With this in place students will be able to thrive, take advantage of developing their intellectual prowess, and become creators of their own growth and learning with positive self-esteem and confidence.

Many great things are happening and we will make every effort to increase communication between the school and the parent community by means of two way dialogue.

Thank you parents for the trust and support you show by allowing your children to be a part of the Concordian community. We will continue to provide the best quality education through the IB continuum, with top notch teaching staff developing the whole child, intellectually and emotionally, to become future world changers.

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Dr. James Leung Director of Academics and Secondary School Principal

Couseling Corner

Dr. Tresa Virankabutra

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he students were running around in their caps and gowns and every time we would get them lined up one would break free. Then back to square one we would go! It was just the beginning of their senior year but we needed to take senior graduation pictures for the yearbook. I kept smiling, watching them as they snapped pictures of each other, made funny faces, laughed, and joked. It was a first real indicator to them, wearing those gowns, that they were seniors, and in a few short months it would be over. Many had spent more than 14 years at Concordian, counting nursery.

I had to ask, “How does it feel in those gowns?”

The answers back were mixed. Some worried if they would really graduate, others, in their confidence, said it felt good, while others just looked at me and smiled. What did that smile mean? I think it meant they were unsure.

I would compare the feeling to holding a precious diamond in your hand, afraid to accept that it is yours, but feeling excited at the same time.

graduated and most are now off to college or are getting ready to go. Concordian’s ninth graduated class is now officially Alumni! And so we turn the page to the new class and a new school year and an exciting road ahead.

Let me end by extending a warm welcome to our new College Counselor, Saul (Leo) Linares and our new Middle School Counselor, Jaren Folden. We are happy you are a part of our counseling team! I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all new students who joined our school this year! I wish you success in our school and look forward to the time when you will also wear the cap and gown of Concordian.

Have a great year!

Dr. Tresa Career and College Counseling Director

Did they make it? Of course! Every one of them

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Concordian is grateful to all universities for kindly accepting our graduates and giving them these opportunities.

Concordian Scholarship is now open for Grade 9-11

Ireland

United States of America

Italy

Malaysia Australia The World’s

Acceptance to

Universities

Les Roches International School of Hotel Management (2) New York University Shanghai (2)

Ateneo de Manila University

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Chulalongkorn University (3) Mahidol University International College (3) Thammasat University

* Top 100 in the world

Scholarships oered from 10 universities

As of June 2018

Combined reference by:

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Counseling Corner

Couseling Corner

--- PYP --Dear Parents and Students, elcome back everyone! We hope you had a fun and relaxing summer break.

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It is our great pleasure to work with your wonderful children.

As school counselors, we are committed to guiding the students throughout their education in areas of academic achievement; personal, emotional and social development; and career choices.

Lessons in Primary Years focus on life skills, self-protection skills (as part of the Health and Wellbeing program), emotional quotient (EQ), mindfulness, and social skills, especially to help students identify and cope with friendship problems, building positive self-esteem and learning appropriate ways to deal with bullying. The values integrated include appreciation, kindness, respecting differences, integrity, compassion and growth mindset to everyone in the community.

We look forward to working with you.

Please contact Ms. Luck for students from Nursery to Grade 3. (Office is next to new EY ICT room, phone number 02-7069000 Ext. 227 luck@concordian.ac.th)

Please contact Ms. Yatima for students from Grade 4 to Grade 5. (Office is on the second floor next to PYP ICT room, phone number 02-7069000 Ext. 143 yatima@ concordian.ac.th)

EY/PY Counselors Ms. Luck : Head of PYP Counseling Department, Nursery to Grade 3 Counselor Ms. Lilly : Nursery to K3 Counselor Ms. Yatima : Grade 4 and 5 Counselor

We cooperate closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to You are always welcome to meet support the students’ learning with us to discuss how to best and overall development. support your child.

We teach Guidance and Counseling / Values lessons throughout the year. Lessons in Early Years focus on building positive self-perception, friendship skills, emotional quotient (EQ), problem-solving skills, and self-protection skills as part of the Health and wellbeing program.

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Greeting Students and Parents, It is a pleasure to be back working with the MYP department again. This school year I am very pleased to work closely with Ms. Marisa and Mr. Jaren with students in grades 6 to 10. Ms. Marisa is happy to be back for a third year in her new office located across from the middle school science labs. We also would like to welcome Mr. Jaren, our new middle school counselor, who has many years of counseling experience.

--- MYP ---

Counseling Corner

Counseling Corner

In Concordian, the school counselors provide many services to students including individual and small group counseling, classroom guidance, prevention education, and student-center intervention that enhances student achievement and well-being. In collaboration with the teaching department we are offering a mindfulness classroom experience for grades 7 & 8 and additional careers guidance lessons for grades 9 & 10. We welcome and encourage communication with all student and parents and looking forward to another great year here at Concordian.

Ms. Yatima MYP Counselling Head of Department Please feel free to contact us: jaren@concordian.ac.th Ext. 805 marisac@concordian.ac.th Ext. 229 yatima@concordian.ac.th Ext. 143

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Greetings Concordians!

I’m Mr. Jaren, the new MYP counsellor. Although born and raised in Canada, I am coming here after having spent the past 5 years in Taiwan. While there, I was working as a College, Social, and Emotional Counsellor as well as teaching Grades 9 and 10 English and a Public Speaking elective course.

Growing up in a small rural village in Saskatchewan, I spent most of my time playing ice hockey and snowmobiling in the winter, and down at the lake in the summer.

After high school I studied Journalism at university before moving to Malawi, Africa, to coordinate a non-profit NGO, teaching HIV/Aids prevention and education in primary communities. Eventually I returned back to university, earning a second bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. I am currently completing my Masters of International Counselling.

It is an honour to be joining the Concordian Family. I could not be more excited to be a Dragon, and I look forward to the year ahead and to meeting you all soon!

Mr. Jaren MYP Counsellor

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School Update

New Leadership Positions at Concordian

Please join us in congratulating these deserving individuals who have been appointed to the new leadership positions this year!

Ms. Sally Wen

IB Continuum Coordinator MYP Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching MYP Coordinator Ms. Sally Wen has been appointed as IB Continuum Coordinator, MYP Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching MYP Coordinator. Ms. Sally is one of our most senior educators going into her sixteenth year at Concordian! She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language and a Bachelor of Arts from National Taiwan Normal University. Ms. Sally is also very involved in the IB Community and is an IB workshop leader. Sally has experience teaching PYP, MYP and DP.

----------------------------------------------------Mr. Bill Berry

Secondary School Vice Principal Mr. Bill Berry has been appointed as Secondary School Vice Principal. He will be entering his eighth year at Concordian. Mr. Bill holds a Master of Education in Education Technology from Boise State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from National University and an Associate Degree in Computer and Electronics Technology from the City of Colleges Chicago, USA.

----------------------------------------------------Ms. Min Li

MYP Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching MYP Coordinator Ms. Min Li has been appointed MYP Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching MYP Coordinator. She will be entering her eleventh year at Concordian. Ms. Min has a Master of Educational Leadership and Curriculum from Columbia University, USA and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Fudan University, China. Ms. Min is also an IB workshop leader and school visit member.

----------------------------------------------------Ms. Ariel Wang

PYP Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching in charge of Chinese Language ​Ms. Ariel Wang has been appointed as PYP Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching in charge of Chinese language. She will be entering in her fourteenth year with Concordian next year. Ms. Ariel holds a Master of Education in International Education from Framingham State University, USA and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Shanghai International Studies University, China. She also has a license in Journalism from Fudan University, China.

----------------------------------------------------Mr. Eulalio Arcia

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Secondary School Student Life Coordinator ​Mr. Eulalio Arcia has been appointed to Secondary School Student Life Coordinator. Mr. Eulalio will be entering his third year at Concordian.

Mr. Eulalio holds a Master of Arts and a Post Graduate Degree in Teaching English as Second Language from the University Latina de Panama and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Humanities from The University of Panama.

School Update

Welcome New Faculty!

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his year we are please to welcome over 40 new faculty members coming from 15 different countries! In order to keep a low student to faculty ratio, when our student population grows so too does the number of faculty members. These educators bring with them experience and expertise from all around the world.

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New Facilities in 2018 • Courtyard garden • • Track for Track and Field • Design technology workshop • 3 Libraries • 4 squash courts • Child-Safe Playground • 25 and 50 meter Olympic sized swimming pools • Brand new high school gymnasium (a total of 3 large gymnasiums) • • Table tennis tournament area • Dance studios and yoga room • Thai and International music room • 2 New tennis courts • Attractive student lounge for recreation and relaxation • Home away from home Residency Boarding Program • 2 Cafeterias 16 CONCORDIAN

For a School Tour please call 02-706 9000 ext. 211-212

School Update

What is Happening in the Early Years By: Mr. Tim To all of the Families, Parents and Friends:

Welcome Back, we missed you!!

O

n behalf of our entire Early Years staff, we would like to welcome our new nursery students, our returning K1, K2 and K3 students and the new students who have just joined any one of our K1-K3 classes!

Much planning, construction and hard work has gone into preparing for a successful school year.

Let me begin by introducing myself! My name is Mr. Tim Byrum and I am the Vice Principal of Student and Faculty affairs in the Early Years section. I am beginning my 17th year here at the school, during which much of the time I have been teaching in the Early Years section. I am delighted to be a part of the growth of Concordian.

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2018-2019 school year and am looking forward to meeting new faces, revisiting with familiar ones, as well as hearing all about your summer adventures. I am very excited to work together to make this a fabulous school year!

Sincerely, Tim Byrum Early Years Vice Principal of Student and Faculty Affairs What a great first day of school we had!

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School Update

Dear PY Community,

T

he Primary Years (PY) has had an amazing start to our 2018-2019 school year! Already, many incredible events have taken place and we are looking forward to embarking on yet another adventure with all students, teachers, parents and staff!

From building more school spirit in our school and eradicating bullying, to the most recent suspenseful Student Council Elections, the primary years have rolled up their sleeves early this year in order to make a real difference in our school as well as our world. Here are just a few updates that have transpired over the past few weeks.

Flag Raising: The location of our PY Flag Raising assemblies the start of a Monday Flag Raising. We love to has been changed to the PYP Gym. This new share all of our students’ achievements and enjoy area has provided our students, teachers and hearing from the community! parents with lots of benefits, including shade from the sun, airconditioning to keep everyone cool, seating space for all, as well as technology in order to display and showcase all the amazing news that happen from week to week.

Students can now enjoy listening to the most recent updates in complete comfort and are encouraged to speak to their teachers if they too would like to add anything to our flag raising announcements.

Parent are also more than welcome to share their information by emailing, for example their child’s accomplishments, by sending an email to flagraising@concordian.ac.th two days before

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No Bullying at Concordian!

On Friday, September 14th, 2018, the PY Parent community was invited to attend a special information session on “Bullying” in the amphitheater. The session was led by Mr. Yuri with the help of our counselors and other members of our pedagogical leadership team as part of our Child Protection policy. We had over 100 PY parents show up, who learned more about the school’s definition of bullying, how bullying cases are handled at Concordian and some of the policies in place. Parents were also provided with resources and had an opportunity to ask questions related to the topic. If you did not get a chance to take part in this session, please feel free to contact Mr. Yuri (yuri@concordian.ac.th), who will provide you with further information covered on the day. Everyone at Concordian is dedicated to eradicating bullying and to ensuring that our students know exactly what to do in order to learn and play in a safe and happy environment.

Student Council (a.k.a. STUCO) Election: On Friday, September 14th, 2018, our PY students participated in this year Student Council Elections.

The energy on this event could be felt from the moment one walked into the Grand Theater, and it was immediately evident that this was the best student council election Concordian International School has ever witnessed!

Weeks prior to this main event, G1-G5 students worked hard on their speeches, rehearsed in front of their classmates, and were chosen by their peers as possible candidates. Posters were made and hung in the hallways, speeches finalized and Matmook (G4), Pim (G5), Cheeno (G4), Mind (G5), Pete (G4), Katie (G5), Pao Pao (G4), Mark (G4), Miki (G5) and Burger (G5), were ready to give it their all on the big stage of the Grand Theater.

School Update

Their speeches, filled with incredible ideas and persuasive reasons for why they should be chosen, shocked and amazed us all! At the end however, there could only be five winners.

Introducing Pim (G5) as this year’s secretary, Katie (G5) as our Media Officer, Mind (G5) as our Treasurer, Pao Pao (G4) as our Vice President, and last but not least, Burger (G5) as our 2018-2019 Student Council President! We are all very proud of each and every candidate for being a risk taker and want to wish them all lots of success in the future. We know you will accomplishment great things this year! For those candidates that did not win, remember that you are AMAZING and deserve a big round of applause. We all encourage you to continue to try again in the future and never give up!

Now that the elections are over, the real work begins. We are looking forward to all the amazing action that will come from our PY Student Council. We know they will continue to come up with great ideas on how to improve our school, as well as how to promote our school’s mission statement with dignity, integrity and compassion in order to make a real difference in the world.

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Mr. Yuri Primary Years Vice Principal of Student & Faculty Affairs

School Update

Even with all the new changes, our students and teachers have already settled in and are working together to make this a memorable year in the Secondary School. Grades 8, 9, and 10 have already gone on bonding trips to help them strengthen old relationships and build new ones. Grades 11 and 12 have gone on an IB retreat to assist them to be successful in the DP. The WWWs trips for MYP and the School Build for Grade 11 are all in the final planning stages. All the subject teachers are well into their curriculum with the first quarter progress reports just around the corner.

Secondary School Update

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20

elcome back to what I hope will be an exciting and successful year. There have been a few changes over the summer break that we hope will help us better serve both our students and school community. Unfortunately, one of the changes is that we had some exceptional teachers move on to other career opportunities but fortunately, we’ve gotten new highly qualified and enthusiastic teachers to replace them. All of our new teachers are introduced in this issue of Impact Magazine. If you see them around the school please welcome them to our school community.

The Secondary School’s administrative structure also underwent some changes. Dr. James remains as the Principal of the Secondary School and the DP Coordinator but we added two Vice Principals of Teaching and Learning for the MYP: Ms. Sally and Ms. Min. They will also serve as MYP Coordinators to ensure that we continue to deliver a world class curriculum. My role as the Vice Principal of the Middle School has been expanded to include the High School as well. So, if you have any questions about what’s happening in the Secondary School, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Another important change is the switch from a 12 block to a 14 block schedule. This new schedule has several advantages which I believe will help our students be even more successful. One is that it allows us to double the contact hours for almost all of our Math classes in MYP to ensure they have the foundation and skills needed to be successful in DP and college. MYP Science classes now have more contact hours as well so we can offer all the Chemistry, Biology, and Physics classes needed to be accepted and excel in either engineering or medical schools. It also allows us to offer Health and Wellbeing, Mindfulness, and Service classes that help our students control their emotions and stress levels, as well as become more productive and caring members of our community.

And it’s not just academics that are well underway.

Mr. Clynt has already started rehearsals for school production of Mama Mia. Basketball, volleyball, and football games have already begun. ASAs are going strong, and students are enjoying using all the new facilities in our new Sport Complex. Our new Student Life Coordinator, Mr. Eulalio, has both the Middle School Student Council and the High School Student Government up and running. Together they will run events like Spirit Week, Sports Days, and the Talent Show, to help keep student morale high. They will be the voice to the school’s Management Team on student concerns and issues. Mr. Eulalio will also coordinate all the service activities and trips for MYP, as well as ensure the smooth operation of all the Secondary School’s after school clubs.

Once again, I’d like to welcome all of you back to Concordian. I look forward to working with the entire Concordian community to make this a successful and interesting school year for our students. If you have any questions or concerns about anything going on with the Secondary School, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, Bill Berry Secondary School Vice Principal

School Update

Welcome Notes from the Student Council “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and to change the world.” - Harriet Tubman With such delightful students and wondrous faculty members, both old and new, I consider it a great privilege to be Concordian’s High School Student Government Secretary. My focus involves supporting the school in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Student Government Committee. With the passing of the summer break, I would like to welcome all students back to what promises to be an engaging and thrilling school year.

Lastly, as I have always wanted to say this, ‘and so the adventure begins.’

High School Student Government Secretary Ken, Grade 11 It is again the beginning of a new school year and the Student Government has enthusiastically started working collaboratively in the High School. First, I want to thank all of the STUGO officers who have put in their effort since last year to be the voice of their classmates and organise an array of activities to make our students’ lives more balanced at Concordian. They all deserve an standing ovation for their commitment and dedication. Second, I want to welcome the new class reps who were elected. I can tell they are more than eager to work and begin the adventure. This school year seems to be promising and there is no doubt that STUGO will do their best to keep students happy and engaged in the school activities.

Mr. Eulalio High School Student Government Advisor First Day of School Testimonials Ling - G6 ”My first reaction about MYP is being so excited, nervous, and actually kind of shocked. There are many changes between MYP and PYP. In PYP, we do not need to rush around. We just need to stand in lines to enter our classes.

But, even though many things have changed, I feel like I have more free time.”

Anna - G8: I felt pretty scared because I didn’t know anyone and I was a new student.

I couldn’t find where any of my classes were and it was really confusing.

Mon - G7S “I feel like this school year is fascinating, because of the new table tennis area. So, students can use the new facilities to exercise and not to go play video games.”

Natalie- G8: I felt that I was really scared for the things that are coming, for example the community project. I was also excited to meet new people because I heard that new students were coming.

Beam - G8 “In this opening school year, I feel like I am still in my summer mode. The homework policy was a lot better, because I think I have a suitable amount of homework for each day. I really enjoy using the whole new facilities in the sport building. I think the school should reconsider the new mobile phone policy. ”

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Kanoon - G7C “I think this opening school year is pretty good. The homework policy have improved, we had less homework than last year. I really enjoy all the new facilities, especially the huge table tennis area with around 10 table tennis tables. I think the school can improve by having a better time table. I want the school to start a little late, so students will not be rushed to their classes.”

Temmy - G8: I was nervous because it’s a new class and I haven’t seen my friends for a long time. Also because I haven’t been to school for 2 month already.

Angie - G7C “In this new school year, I was really surprised to see all the new changes and it made me feel really excited and anxious all at the same time, because we really do not know what our future holds for us. All the assignments and tests throughout the school year is making me scared and also exciting in a way. I really want the school to change the 5 minute transition by adding another minute, because students are really stressed about getting to classrooms late. Especially, when most of the classes are in the MYP hallway and rotunda which makes it so far to walk.”

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t is a fact that an individual’s ability to thrive in their education is influenced by their society and environment. Concordian is one type of society. But at Harvard, it was as if I took a step into another world.

It was not just Harvard’s society itself that allowed me to develop myself as a person, but it was how I thrived in that society. Being here in Thailand, it is the consistency and how acquainted I am with society that has shaped me into a student with student-like skills.

But when I stepped out of this comfort zone, I met the brightest students coming from many states and many countries. It was not only student skills (e.g. critical thinking, communication skills) that I developed, but I developed my skill as an individual who knows how to fit into real world society.

At the moment I stepped out of the taxi onto the Harvard grass, it was not just excitement that embraced me, but also fear. As it was my first time going to a country thousands of miles away from home alone. It was terrifying. I walked down towards registration section with hopes of seeing other Asian students. However, I walked around the front area of the campus and saw American students, and students from Africa, but none from Asia. Here is where I learned my first lesson: I must learn to thrive in a society with people with I am not familiar with because in the future, this is what it will look like.

During my seven day period at the campus, I learned how important the IB ATL skill set is. I applied my communications skills during group projects and many more activities.

Another situation that fascinated me was what the students were like. At this Leadership Program at Harvard all 80 students were nominated by their school. In every lecture class, there were no students sitting quietly playing on their phones. The environment was full of students who were risk-takers, students who not only wanted to challenge themselves, but to challenge the professors in a good way. In these surroundings, I was able to reach my full learning potential. With my peers raising their hands asking questions and debating with the teacher, I felt the urge to do the same.

This is where I learned my second lesson: thriving in one’s education is not solely based on the educational system alone, but also the students and peers one is surrounded by. Without challenging yourself and others it is impossible to reach the height of your potential.

allowed us to ask them questions about Ivy League education, more specifically, how to get into Harvard.

I was sitting in the middle row, and as I heard the questions and sensed the ambitions from other students, I learned my next lesson: don’t compare your education to only the students in your school, but compare it to students worldwide. You will understand that students who apply to these top universities are all top students. Once you compare yourself on the real life scale you will understand how important hard work and ambition is. Because, in the end, even if you are the top of your class, there will be people who have the same dreams as you and those who might actually work harder than you. It made me see the actual competition of the real world life in regards to education.

One main activity that the Harvard Leadership Program focused on was the community project.

When they started explaining the topic of this project, I suddenly felt a whoosh of relief! This was because Concordian has already allowed students to fully experience the rocky journey of completing a community project. However, the catch is: at Harvard, we had to complete a community project with seven members in seven days. More fear started to emerge. I didn’t fear for myself about whether or not I could complete the project on time, but for the whole group. But, the outcome/result indeed contradicted and proved my prediction wrong.

In the first ten minutes after the group was picked, every member had shared and chosen an idea to work on. Furthermore, delegations of jobs was also completed. Throughout the seven days, we worked and worked on this project until the last day of presentation. With this project, I achieved and learned my next skill set: how critical it is to apply IB in real life.

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Lastly, on the side that is not the education part of Harvard, I experienced the most unique situations.

During lunch and snack time students would sit together and not only eat, but also discuss real world issues (for example the issue of Israel and Palestine).

It was not required by the professor and not part of the curriculum, but I was certainly fascinated by the hunger for knowledge every student there had.

I thought that I would be bored by these conversations, but in contrast, I was engaged in the discussion. This experience indeed proved that a good education system is not enough to create good students. Rather, it is the students themselves and their peers who are in front of the steering wheel. It During these class discussions, one teacher said is the students and their peers that determine where to a seminar of 80 students, “If you think you are they want their education to take them. unique enough, stand up”. Of course, I had chosen to stood up with ten other students from different To conclude, I would like to thank Dr. Tresa for nations. After listening to the justifications these nominating me for this wonderful leadership program. students gave, it made me realize one key factor I came to understand the importance of the skills of being a student: I had thought that I was a brave that Concordian has taught me to develop. It was an speaker, but once I met these 79 other students, experience that has inspired me to forever nurture I found that in comparison, I was the average of the myself and to become a better and a more intellectual majority. Another activity that confirmed my thoughts individual in society. was on the night where 5 Harvard students came and

Showcase

Electric Light Needle Odonata Anisoptera, Commonly known as the dragonfly Multiple eyes, powerful name- Dragon Fluttering round in the endless expanse of the sky Graceful, swift, elegant Iridescent dancers of the clouds Swift racers of the skies The elegant gymnasts of the air Hover...then dart!

We witness them at their peak performance, But have you seen them as larvae?

Drifting in the torrents of the lake Struggling to feed, being swept along rock bottom?

Their genius is small, tiny eggs Stuck to reeds and lotus of the pond Packed together- hundreds and thousands of little souls, Waiting for the warmth of spring to blossom them from their little homes

Laurent G.

Voices Magazine W

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Finally, they leave their tiny egg sacks Instinctively following their friends Diving into the deep unknown waters Free to explore, free to swim, ready for adventure In the swirling luminescent circles of water The catfish teaches them about life and philosophy Tadpoles mill about, talking and dancing The otter instructs them how to build a home

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hat is art? Art is the expression and application of human creative skill and imagination -whether it be written or visual. The true purpose of art is to be shared, to present When the time is right, they emerge from their shells Crawling up the stem of the water flowers messages in visualized composition and to They break free from the armor of their former selves express one's self through imagination. This Just in time.. to see the lotus bloom. is the purpose of our magazin, Voices. Our These clacking gossamer needlesmagazine seeks to display the artistic talents of the Concordian community. MYP or DP Delicate as the tip of a lotus petal students are welcome to submit any of your grounded with rich nutrients of our planet. work to be printed in the CIS Voices magazine.

Whether it is a poem, short story, painting or Patcharaporn (Ploy) Panyawanich drawing- any form of art has a welcomed place Grade 12 in our magazine. This is your chance to be published!

Voices Editorial Board

Showcase

Dragonfly - Nymph

Sybert De Los Santos

English Language & Literature 9

“Small one, one can not ask another to lead in the absence of leaders. I am a dragon, ergo, I must lead dragons. Would it not make much sense for a dragon to lead dragonflies? Think, it would make sense for you to lead, for you are among kin, and have been chosen”

The dragonfly-nymph nodded in agreement, but was still afraid of what was to come. How would pon a rock upon a pond, lay resting a scaled it lead when they’ve never done it before? The beast. Its callous eyelids swooped low, and dragonfly-nymph asked, and again the dragon below the pond reflected half-opened eyes, eyes responded: filled with multitudes of knowledge on hold to be gifted, given, taught. Its claws had been well worn, “Dragonfly-nymph, if you have never led before, not from war, but from peace and the flipping of and if only one who has led before can lead, then pages. Its scales, lapis blue, could have been when will you ever lead? You must lead with your mistaken as a large deposit of stone. heart and brain, as all leaders must, of course.”

The dragonfly-nymph, still unsure asked again, Its wings, large and heavy, swished this way and what the statement meant. that on the surface of the water, ripples traveling across, waves following a long forgotten tempo.

“Dragonfly-nymph, you must have heart for Under the sun of the clear skies, the travelling your comrades. If one scrapes their knee, do pond-water shimmered like crystal, light reflected not march on, help and recover. You must unto the leaves of nearby trees. A dragonfly nymph, have brains for your comrades. Weigh who will resting upon a blade of grass at the pondside, benefit and who will not, and compromise. Care caught a two shimmers of reflected sun, one of and think, dragonfly-nymph.” water and one of scale.

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The dragonfly-nymph, inquiring, approached the dragon with dry brown skin, long lumps on its back. As the insect scuttled below the water, the dragon heard and recognized steps light yet heavy, and paid attention. The dragonfly-nymph told the dragon of its story. Its mother along with others of its tribe had laid eggs, but before seeing its offspring mature, a rivaling insect tribe wiped out the dragonflies, but paid no attention to the hatchlingnymphs. The visiting nymph, among the eldest of the batch, had been chosen to lead the pack.

Nervous, it fled, scared of the responsibility.

The dragonfly-nymph, feeling more at ease with its unwilling designated leadership, thought of one more question to ask, and asked, if the dragon has ever led before.

“My dear dragonfly-nymph, I have led many before, and I assure you, leadership comes with responsibility, and although not always choosing correctly, changes the person within.”

The dragonfly-nymph, processing what it had learned, thanked the dragon, and on a small plant near the rock the dragonfly-nymph shed its drying skin as it emerged, the former dragonfly-nymph now a green dragonfly. Its glass wings, once encased in brown lumps, revealed themselves. The dragonfly flew back home, eager apply newly found knowledge. The fellow winged smiled.

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The dragonfly-nymph breaking from fleeing, saw the dragon fly nearby, initially curious. The insect pleaded the scaled beast for the dragon’s leadership, for the nymph did not know how to lead.

The dragon bellowed with laughter, understanding the situation fully, and praised the nymph for not being intimidated to satiate its troubles. The scaled The dragon, watching the insect flutter, not beast declined direct intervention, and answered: scutter, back at such speeds, wished it well, and started to once again rest. As its eyes drooped again slowly, another insect below the shimmering water gained interest in the beast, and scuttled onto its horn, curious.

Athletics News

Coach Aun Represents Thailand at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta

"

This was my first time at the Asian Games. It was an international competition for athletes from all of Asia. I am really proud that I had the opportunity to represent Thailand again at the Asian Games after having done it twice in the past at the Southeast Asia Games, once in Singapore and once in Malaysia.

Although I did not win any medals at the Asian Games it was a great experience and I learned things that I should adapt and utilize to improve our team.

I would like to thank the Concordian administrators, faculty and staff, coaches, parents and swim team for supporting me and cheering me on during these games."

K. Aun Swimming Coach

Boys Varsity Volleyball

Special mention goes to Name who kept his head throughout and hit some dynamic shots and Tee for Grit, Determination, and Teamwork some awesome angle hits! eptember 13th an amazing display of grit, The second game also determination and teamwork resulted in victory resulted in victory in straight against Berkeley in straight sets. After a very short sets! break the boys had to jump straight back on court against Mahidol.

Thank you to the many spectators.

Phenomenal play, with spikes hitting the attack School spirit is growing! line, defense was tight and best of all players used their heads to choose the appropriate play. Hard to choose ‘Man of the Match’, but hats off to Boomer Coach Vici making the awesome spikes possible.

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Athletics News

Concordian vs

Ekamai Showdown K

hun Varnnee, in her wisdom, has met with each student and parent of Concordian. Students make up a class. A couple classes become a grade level. The personality of each "batch" differs and there have been a couple of very special classes that teachers who have a bit of longevity still talk about. This year, the G12s are one of those classes that have an unbreakable bond and will indeed go on to make a difference on this planet.

On September 6th, 2018 in our brand new SC Gym, there was a boys volleyball game that has been in the making for over a year, a showdown if you would.

Concordian vs Ekamai. Almost the entire team are the G12 boys who have done everything together for a decade or more.

The action began and each school won a 25 point set.

It came down to a tie-breaker third set to 15 points.

Ekamai came out on fire and went up 9-2. Coach Vici called a time out and in that huddle, calmly asked the boys to look each other in the eye, think about all that they have been through in the years at Concordian and this is their last league game against this particular team that had become our rival. She concluded that it was “up to you and how you want to feel when this game is over today�.

Lady Dragons Full Speed Ahead

Oh my, the boys hit the floor like Rambo x 6 !!

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he G5U Lady Dragons basketball team is off to a strong start this season. These young women won their first game against Berkeley and showed amazing teamwork! They were always looking for an open player and making great passes. The girls are working hard on conditioning to keep up during the game. We will continue to build fundamental basketball Khun Varnnee chose them 14 and 15 years ago. skills throughout the season while having fun Teachers and teacher assistants guided and taught them at the same time. We are looking forward to a well. Caring Coaches developed their skills and instilled wonderful season ahead.

Shine served a bunch in a row. Name and Tee blocked and hit target areas. Peak and Leng were everywhere, helping left, running right, exhausted but never stopping.

The Dragons came back to tie it up and with momentum took it to 15. It was super. Everyone, including the two other schools who had finished earlier, could sense the unity, the togetherness, the something "special" that was shared between this group of G12 boys.

the love of sport in each student athlete. There were some mighty thankful boys in that gym who will have Here are a few action shots of our lady dragons today's victory in the tip of their minds for years and years hustling down the court and ready to catch a to come. rebound. These photos are courtesy of our very

A Proud Concordian Parent

own player, Harmonie.

Coach Ashley

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Go Dragons!

G7-U basketball girls

Athletics News

Hustle and heart set us apart. It's the Grade 7-U Girls basketball team’s greatest strength and what drives every practice and every game. Go Dragons!

- Coach Tatiana

Track and Field News T

he Grade 5 & under, as well as the Grade 3 & under Track and Field teams are underway. Coach Mari and Coach Jared had over thirty students participate in the first practice! The students had a lot of fun as they warmed up, stretched with partners, ran relays and then the finale was racing the 100 metres against their age group. WE LOVE THE NEW TRACK!!!

The team practices every Wednesday and Friday after school and we meet outside the PY gym.

The final meet will take place in early December so we look forward to further running, jumping and throwing development over the next few months!

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Athletics News

ASB were the favorites, having beaten TCIS 7-0 the week before (Con only tied that same TCIS team 1-1) and being unbeaten in BISAC. They were a collection of grade 11s and 12s...mostly larger American girls: tall and athletic...as if distant relations of Paul Bunyan or...Brigitte Nielsen.

Varsity Girls Football Dragons style

Concordian was a mixture of Grade 9s and 10s and were like little children standing next to the ASB giants. However, the conditions were largely in Concordian's favor. It became a game of puddle kick. Concordian 'parked the bus' putting off wave after wave of ASB attacks and the half ended 0-0 to everyone's surprise (especially Noah...and in fact, even some of the animals like the dodo birds and unicorns, got off the ark to watch and cheer...which, in hindsight, turned out to be an egregious error).

Concordian unexpectedly dominated for about five minutes in the second half and kept the ball around the ASB goal with Jaifah almost scored twice, missing once by inches. This... perhaps... coincided with the star American ASB player taking a break on the bench. In a panic, the ASB coach threw the American back on and she took the game on by herself again. Only amazing shot blocking, last second tackles, great t was a torrential downpour, a perfect storm' in fact, the saves by Bei Bei and of course...the puddles, lakes, snakes and bogs stopped ASB from scoring. only thing missing was Mark Wahlberg in a fishing boat.

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The ASB Athletic Director was just about to cancel the game when a brave bunch of blue shirted girls with perfectly coiffed hairstyles and polished fingernails ran over and said (to everyone's shock and amazement) that they wanted to go into the mud, the puddles, and the driving rain, and play.

Sure enough, the ASB girls also said that they wanted to get out and play and so the ref said..: 'what they hey, it's som tum night at home, let's do this'; and he trudged out into the swamp (former field) just as a crocodile emerged from the depths and took down a stray gazelle.

With three minutes to go it was 0-0 and a miracle draw was in the works. But fate intervened. A slip in a puddle and a fallen defender gave the American star a free shot and she blasted it top corner for a 1-0 lead.

The game began in almost comical fashion as girls were falling, sliding, wiping out and getting drenched. It became apparent that these were real athletes. Noah went by with his ark and gave a silent nod of approval. The goalies were playing in small lakes and were mud from head to toe.

I am super proud of all of these girls and the grit and determination they showed playing outside in the rain, mud and bogs (unlike volleyball) against a big, talented and tough team.

Concordian threw everyone up except two defenders in the dying seconds and won a corner. They got a shot and a save and a rebound and a mad scramble in the box ensued and both Momae and Wandy had shots blocked by defenders. A tie was within their grasp but was sadly ripped away.

Coach Neil

Southeast Asia Ice Hockey Youth Cup from 3-7 Sep 2018 29 CONCORDIAN

B

en was a contributing member to the Thai Junior Ice Hockey National Team that just won the gold at the SEAsia Youth Cup. The Concordian family is very proud of his accomplishments!

Events and Activities

Meet, Eat, and Connect Saturday August 4th, 2018 at Audrey Restaurant

Concordian Alumni gathered to rekindle friendships and rehash memories of high school DP days.

Stories of recent adventures, new places visited, and career opportunities were shared at a lovely restaurant with scrumptious food. IMPACT challenges you to identify which class these familiar faces were from.

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Events and Activities

Concordian administration and Khun Varnnee and DP teachers gathered to catch teachers had a few stories of their own to up with their former students. share about the good times.

Meet Eat and Connect was all about enjoying the moment!

But, there was a whole lot of nostalgia.

Meet, Eat, and Connect was all about sharing fond memories of the good times together. Fong shares a heartfelt memory.

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Events and Activities

Concordian’s Graduating Class of 2018 C

oncordian’s Graduating Class of 2018 held their Farewell Celebration on May 25th in the Grand Theater. It was a day of smiles, thank yous, hugs, cheers, tears, anticipation, and joy for the 36 young men and women who reached this momentous occasion in their lives. We miss them all but know they will make Concordian proud as they move on to even greater achievements and experiences.

Following this event, on May 27th, was the official Valedictory Ceremony where our graduates received their Concordian diplomas, and of course, tossed their graduation caps!

We are eager to see and follow the Concordian Alumni in the years to come and applaud their future achievements and endeavors Congratulations Dragons!

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Events and Activities

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Events and Activities

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e were so happy to share in the excitement of your graduation day and we are so proud of all of you! It was a remarkable journey watching the fifth graders grow and become more independent and confident.

MYP is very lucky to have a group of such compassionate and courageous students who will continue to contribute by making a positive impact at Concordian.

All the best in MYP! Sincerely, Your 5th Grade Homeroom Teachers

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Events and Activities

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Events and Activities

W

ednesday, June 6th was a very special day for our K3 students: K3 Graduation! The students were excited (and a little bit nervous) to celebrate the completion of Early Years. They were proud to demonstrate that they were independent learners, as well as responsible and compassionate members of the school community and were ready to enter into Grade 1.

The K3 students put on a grand show for their parents, teachers and our whole community in celebration of graduating. The students joined together to sing the “Concordian Song” and “Friends, My Friends” before being awarded with their graduation certificate. The students gave it their best and the graduation ceremony was wonderful.

Congratulations K3 - you all have a bright future ahead of you!

Love, K3 Teachers

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Events and Activities

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Events and Activities

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s Birthday O

n the Auspicious occasion of The 86th Birthday Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen SiriKit on 12 August, Thailand celebrated Mother’s Day and Her Majesty Queen Srikit of the ninth reign.

Concordian International School held the Queen’s Birthday Ceremony on August 10, 2018. This event was to show respect forand celebrate the Queen SiriKit’s Birthday together in our school, We wish Her Majesty Good Health, Happiness and Longevity.

Long Live Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

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Events and Activities

Harmonie Grade 4 Richy Grade 5

Lotta Grade 1

Sureen Grade 2

Namo Grade 1

Alicia K3

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J.K. K3

Events and Activities

Cherish all your Happy Moments

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t was not only a weekend of college counseling but also a time for us, both seniors and juniors, to bond and learn more about each other. To me, this experience was precious as we were able to complete most of our college applications and personal statements.

More importantly, this was potentially our last class trip together, and therefore I felt that we must cherish every moment, the moments of joy, the moments of happiness, and the moments of pain that were shared between us. One of the most memorable events of the trip was the Theatre Sports competition. All the teams put on entertainment that brought smiles to our faces. Each team had to come up with an act that involved a death scene within a minute.

This activity challenged the teams’ creative thinking skills along with the dramatic skills of each actor. All in all, all the actors put on an unforgettable performance, inciting joy in the audience. To end with, I would like to leave a short quote: “Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old ages.� - Booth Tarkington.

Tan, Grade 12

Making and Listening to Memories

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rom August 24th to the 26th we visited Pattaya for the IB Retreat trip. This was a marvelous experience.

First, we visited a nursing home and interacted with many elderly people who wore kind smiles on their faces in spite of some of their depressing life experiences. We lend our ears and hearts, listening to their life stories. We danced, sang, donated food, and tried, to our best efforts, to cheer the elders up. These hours were very touching.

Other than that, the IB Retreat experience included talks about the DP program which includes CAS, EE, and TOK. It was extremely important to us, the 11th graders, to get to hear all about these as our DP lives were just beginning, and surely, we need guidance. And this trip gave us just that. Moreover, we also received tips on how to survive the school year, e.g. with the educational apps, having a clear goal, etc.

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Learning was not the only memorable point about this trip. Long walks on the beach, playing in the sand, or just feeling the breeze were all very rewarding as well.

This trip was like a short vacation which was good for de-stressing. A great way to start the school year - highly motivating. Overall, the IB Retreat was a memorable trip!

Bam, Grade 11

Events and Activities

Lessons Learned at Baanlamun

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After I finished talking with Khun Porn, I got to talk with another man around 83 years old. His name is Khun Ootai. He came to live here due to the fact that his family did not look after him. He told me that he felt that he was a burden to his family, an old man who could not work or help out. His family did not object to his decision to living in this nursing home, rather, his family seemed to support him.

Khun Oo-tai said that it was heartbreaking at the first to leave the house that he bought, and his family and grandchildren. He apparently lived here for 10 years.

I felt bad for him. His story reflected a parent's perspective toward children. When they warn and teach us is because they care; hence, we should not annoy them. Parents are the ones who devote their lives to raise us. We should never forget and think that looking after them is a "burden" but appreciate them and that they are still with us.

oday, I went to Baanlamun (nursing home) in Pattaya, Thailand. I got a chance to meet with many elders who are the same age as my grandparents. Some of them came here because they were abandoned by their own families and some of them because they have no one to look after them. When it was activity time, my friends and I planned to introduce ourselves, approach them by talking with them and Furthermore, during this IB retreat, I got to bond more with classmates because we got to do some indoor and singing them a song. outdoor activities together. We learned to collaborate and While talking with elderly people, I had the opportunity to meet communicate with everyone. Additionally, I became more with Khun Porn. She was a 75 year old woman, living alone aware of the IB triangle, TOKs, EE and IA, and how it works since her husband had died in a car accident. She told me and relates to each specific field and subject. This lead that she used to own a restaurant and have enough money me towards planning ahead for managing my 2 years IB for shopping and buying delicious food to treat herself, how- effectively. ever, right now she can't even afford regular daily meals. Her life was a struggle for 15 years until she came to this nursing Min, Grade 11 home which provided her basic needs. Based on her story, I learned that life is uncertain. The things that used to be ours might not be ours in the future. Life is like a roller coaster.

There are ups and downs throughout life’s journey; thus, we should be aware and have a backup plan all the time.

After the visit to the Elderly home, we departed to Ravindra Hotel Resort and Spa where we began our lectures regarding the main courses of the IB program. Entering 11th grade, I had little to no knowledge about these courses (Extended Essay, CAS, Theory of Knowledge) though after being enlightened by the splendid lectures provided by our chaperones, well, let’s say that I now understand why many of the teachers labeled IB as ‘rigorous’.

IB Retreat Reflection

I commend you for reading this reflection thus far and if you are a student, especially if you are a student who has not n the outer area of the elderly home facility, a small black yet completed the work that will be due in the next few days, haired woman snuggled in her seat watching the sun rays I would highly advise for you start working on it. fall as a blanket of white upon the greenery. I approached her, and in the next few minutes, I had one of the most genuine My little humor aside, [small giggles], the trip ultimately guided me towards the new pathway of the IB life, and conversations I ever had with an elderly person. as rigorous as it may seem, I can now have faith in my Yes, during the IB Retreat (August 24th - 26th), I had the newly-obtained knowledge. Thank you. chance to visit an elderly home. This aged care facility provides nursing services and care and is a long way from Ken, Grade 11 the basic nursing homes people talk about. The grade 11 students provided donations and snacks to the organization though what I consider to be the high-point of said visit, which is foreshadowed in the beginning of this writing: the conversation we had with the elderly. I could summarize this visit, as cliche as it may sound, as a motivating and inspirational experience.

I

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Events and Activities

Grade 8-9-10

Bonding Trip H

ere at Concordian International School, education goes beyond the classroom, and lessons focus on more than academics. We go further, striving to nurture “young people to become moral and intellectual leaders, people of dignity, integrity and compassion, who want to make a difference in the world.” It is something we take very seriously, and that from the beginning of In the evenings, different team building, the school year, has been a priority. reflection and sharing activities provided a chance for students to get to know and understand one Starting back in August, the entire grade 8, another on a deeper, more personal level.

9, and 10 classes each went on a weekend “I got to fix a lot of broken relationships with other bonding trip, allowing us the opportunity to people,” a student shared, while another connect as a group away from the rigorous course mentioned, “It helped me bond with a lot of schedule that is the IB academic curriculum. people I usually never talk to. It was interesting to Taking a break from studying and assessments, get to know everyone better after being together for students instead participated in experiences such more than 10 years.” Students were able to share as traditional Thai dessert making, completing their thoughts, beliefs, and feelings openly, while obstacle courses, learning to write braille surrounded by the support of their peers. “The at a school for the blind, and experiencing most meaningful activity was the ‘writing about firsthand what a day in the life of a blind person is your classmates’ activity because it helped us really like. “The Dialogue in the Dark activity and boost our confidence level by seeing so many discussion was the most meaningful because positive aspects of ourselves.”

I learned a lot about the blind community and While there will be many academic, athletic, I was able to relate to them in an empathetic way,” and extracurricular trips throughout the year, the explained one student. purpose of the bonding trips is a little different. It is an opportunity for students to share and open up and work together, and to make memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.“I think the bonding trip was the best trip of the whole school year, because unlike where we just stay with and bond with our close friends, the bonding trip allows us to actually come out of our comfort circle and get to know everyone.”

Mr. Jaren MYP Counseller

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Y

ou know what? The Superbrand mall internship program was excellent! The mall was so tremendous that you wouldn’t be able to see all of it in one day. This trip was an opportunity for students to apply what they learned in classes such as Business Management, English and Chinese in a real-life context. Most of the time, we listened to lectures from staff from the different departments of the mall operations. For instance, leasing, operations, property management, environmental management, customer service, security and so on. After the lectures from each department, the staff took us to experience their department activities in person. One of the activities, called “Superbike”, was when we separated into two groups, and competed by selling Thai fruit ice-creams. This is where the Chinese and English language could be used to interact with customers. “泰国冰淇淋， 榴莲口味买一送 一” is what we said during that time.

Apart from learning, it was also an excellent opportunity for students to practice managing themselves without parental support. By stepping out from our comfort zones, we were allowed to face real-life situations and figure out ways to handle it. This program was an preview of what university student life will be like: uou will learn how to manage your budget, do laundry, cook, and more. Very importantl: I learned how to withdraw money from the ATM. With a limited amount of money, I had to manage my wants and needs.

Moreover, the school also us to visit 4-5 top Universities in Shanghai. This visit gave us students an opportunity to get to know those universities. For those who love Disneyland, as I do, this trip will let you enjoy loads of fun with your peers for an enitire whole day. I do not regret being a part of this memorable trip!

Millie, Grade 12

Experiences

in Shanghai Lotus Internship B

eing curious about what I would like to do in the future, I thought of this internship as an opportunity for me to explore the business industry and learn how businesses work through different perspectives. During this internship, I was expected to meet and work with many new people. This frightened me because I become shy in front of people I am not close with. However, as time went by, I was able to bond with a few people.

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Some of the hands-on activities I had the most fun with were when we experimented on the security dog and when we sold products at the Superbike. I thought it was interesting to watch the security dog at work, searching for explosives hidden somewhere in the parking lot. Moreover, selling things at the Superbike was another special experience that I will never forget, especially when I got to use a device that is able to collect money from customers through their phones. Through this experience,

I was able to learn more about how Chinese people now use their phones to pay.

In the middle of all the lessons and work, we were still able to go out and have fun in places such as the aquarium, Shanghai Tower, and Disneyland. These activities showed me another side of Shanghai. Throughout the trip we were also blessed to be able to visit a few of the top universities in Shanghai. To sum up this internship, it created a lot of memories and gave me experiences that I will never forget.

Elim, Grade 11

Events and Activities

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his was my first time in Shanghai. It was quite an exciting experience, living in a hotel in a province of China with my friends, far far away from my parents. Coming to Shanghai allowed me to explore a lot of new areas I have never experienced before. I learned a lot of new skills like research, communication, thinking, self-management and social skills. I was able to use my research skills to research information to present to the board of directors of CP China. When presenting, I used my communication skills and thinking skills to express my ideas clearly in Chinese and think outside the box. I used self-management skills because I had to manage myself on how I spent the money my parents gave me. I had to keep track of my spending in each day and make sure that every activity that required money was recorded. We got a chance to sell ice cream in front of the super bike and from this experience, I developed my social skills, learning how to interact with people and welcome them to come and buy our product.

We spent our weekdays mostly in the Super Brand Mall. We met with senior directors of CP China and we had workshops with employees in different business segments. We listened to their role within the business, what they are responsible for and what they do each day. During each workshop, there was a session where we discussed and shared our ideas. We brought up all the aspects we think Thailand is doing well and we made suggestions on which elements they could adapt to the Super Brand Mall.

The directors were really engaged in our ideas. We shared our cultures and values and I think we as students learned a lot from the adults we met, and they learned a lot from us teenagers as well. If I would describe this trip in one sentence, I would say that this was a very great experience that really opened up my view of China and I really gained a lot of morals and interesting ideas from meeting with the Super Brand Mall employees; it was really a once in a lifetime experience!

Almond, Grade 12

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his internship was a great opportunity for me to explore and witness the real-life work experience in the business field, though it involved more observing than doing.

It is understandable that the program did not provide a full work experience because one, we’re underage and it will be illegal to use our labor force, two, the time we spent there was short and it would have been very hard for the employees to train us on the jobs in the time period that we were there. As a result, observing was more effective.

This program widened my view on the business industry.

I received the chance to explore different branches of business such as finance, marketing, merchandising, operating and more. It provided me an overview of jobs and insight into which areas I would like to study further.

One really helpful thing about this program was that I can apply the knowledge I gained and experience I had to current learning. Another thing I like about the trip is that I got a chance to know people better, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, test my work ethic and test my ability to work with different people.

One of the challenges I faced was that I wasn’t the only one attending the program and there were many people watching me, so I had to be aware of my actions.

Basically, this means that I was a bit concerned about how people would judge me and I didn’t want to make a bad impression. This program not only taught me about the business field, it also taught me how to take care of myself. For example, I had to wash my own clothes, wake my sleepschedule and manage my own time. I had to take care of myself and manage my own things, most importantly, my own budget.

Santa, Grade 12

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The activities were fun and informative. I got to witness different cultures, different people and different ways to serve different customers. I was able to become more mature from the responsibilities I had when I was there. This would be a memory that I won’t forget.

Events and Activities

PY End-of-Year Concert

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT MUSIC May 24, 2018

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hat an absolute thrill to watch and hear such endearing and incredibly talented PY students perform! The varied and unique mixtures of musical selections and styles; the students’ high spiritedness, energy, and creativity; the dazzling costumes; and the dynamic participation of the crowd - a splendid early summer treat to us all!

Thank you Mr. Sebert, Mrs. Maricor, Ms. Beverly, Ms. Jed, Ms. Candy, Ms. Marily, Mr. Jared, all our technical and sound staff, and all our homeroom teachers and teaching assistants for helping make this event a really enriching music learning celebration.

Bravo!!!

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Special Feature

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Photo Source: http://www.edgalaxy.com/journal/2014/2/27/teach-your-students-about-the-four-different-types-of-bullying

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Community Service

2017-2018 MYP Community Project: Soldiers: the Fence of our Nation

By Freya and Nicky

The experience of completing the community service was definitely challenging, from coordinating with different people, to taking action, to managing time.

Collaboration and communication was one of the most significant challenges. Another challenge faced was managing time, such as trying to complete all of our actions before a set date due to unforeseen circumstances. However, Ms. Tatiana and the community project advisors were very flexible with deadlines and helped organize the tasks that must completed and made the timing work.

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s part of the IB curriculum, students in MYP year three are encouraged to partake in the community project. This project encourages students to experience completing a significant piece of work over a long period of time.

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The project “Soldiers, the Fence of our Nation” was initiated and developed by Freya and Nicky, current G9 students. It aims to raise awareness and advocate for the insurgency and needs of the Royal Thai Armed Forces in the three southern provinces of Thailand --Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat. The project involved raising awareness of the insurgency and its harm towards the community. Raising awareness of this issue simultaneously promoted advocacy for the Royal Thai Armed Forces in the southern three provinces of Thailand community by opening a bank account number for accepting donations. Over 230,000 Baht collected from the fundraiser was used to purchase pharmaceuticals from a list of needed medicine that was obtained and endorsed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces Coordinating Center Number 5 (ศูนย์ประสานการปฏิบัติที่ 5). After the partly purchased and partly donated pharmaceuticals were acquired, we then donated them to the coordinating center where it was transported to government hospitals throughout the southern region of Thailand.

This community project also assisted us in developing our ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills. Our communication skills were developed because talking to people in a way where everyone can understand the same concept is challenging. Our social skills developed, and we learned that social skills are not just helpful for communicating: they can make or break a team. Another skill we wanted to mentions is self-management. Self-Management skills were utilized because we organized our own tasks, meetings, and plans. By managing ourselves were were more reflective on the potential impacts and final outcome of our project. In our case, thinking skills made us realize the importance of being able to apply our skills and knowledge in unfamiliar situations, and adapt to change and still be able to contribute. This made us wiser and enabled us see the world from a different perspective.

Overall, we believe that this project was ideal not only due to the outcome of raising awareness, advocating and making a lasting difference in the Royal Thai Armed Forces. It was also a largely beneficial learning experience for both of us, one that we will never forget.

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MQDC Launches ‘THE FORESTIAS’, a World-First Integration of Nature and Community, under an ‘Imagine Happiness’ Concept with a Project Value of over THB90bn (USD2.8bn)

For more information, please visit our website: www.mqdc.com |

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MQDC.For.All.Well.Being | IG: mqdc.official CONCORDIAN

58Media Contact: Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) Voradanu Nimmit (Timmie) T: 081-309-7799 E: voradanu_ni@dtgsiam.com Pantamas Krikul (Tookta) T: 062-895-3636 E: pantamas_kr@dtgsiam.com Verve Public Relations Consultancy Porntip Wiriyakitpattana (Bee) T: 086-813-1981 Prasit Kritsadaariyachon (Bob) T: 081-586-2813

E: porntip.wiriyakitpattana@vervethailand.com E: prasit.kritsadaariyachon@vervethailand.com

Bangkok, 7 December 2017 – Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) unveils its latest business development plan, transforming a piece of land in Bangna into a real estate phenomenon under its Magnolias, the Aspen Tree, and Whizdom brands with collaborations from global partners.

THE FORESTIAS, with a project value of over THB90 billion (USD2.8bn), is the world’s first property development to introduce a living environment integrated into a natural ecosystem to provide sustainable happiness under the concept ‘Imagine Happiness’.

The mixed-use multi-generational lifestyle project spans 300 rai (119 acres), including residential housing and low- and high-rise buildings, retail buildings, office buildings, a health center, an innovation center, a forest pavilion, community space, a learning center, and Asia’s largest-ever forest ecosystem in a mixed-use lifestyle project.

The project is designed for all multi-generational lifestyles and all families.

Construction begins in 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2022.

• THE FORESTIAS encapsulates MQDC’s DNA – ‘for all well-being’ – enabling sustainable happiness through a world-first fusion of four core elements: Nature, Multi-generations, Community, and Sustainnovation • Conceived under the concept ‘Imagine Happiness’, the project covers 300 rai (119 acres) at Bangna-Trad Road km 7, with a project value of over THB90 billion (USD2.8bn) • THE FORESTIAS is the world’s first mixed-use multi-generational lifestyle project to establish and incorporate a large forest ecosystem • Creating an ideal living environment integrated with a balanced ecosystem, MQDC joined forces with global partners such as Foster + Partners which provided consultancy on the architectural master plan, EEC Engineering Network, which helped research and develop systems in the buildings based on MQDC’s concept of Sustainnovation, Atelier Ten for sustainability systems, ITEC Entertainment for experience and entertainment, Six Senses for hospitality and residential management, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for healthy living and well-being • The mixed-use multi-generational lifestyle project encompasses residential housing, retail buildings, office buildings, a health center, an innovation center, a forest pavilion, community space, a learning center, and an extensive natural ecosystem • Set to officially open in 2022

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“THE FORESTIAS was born from the question “What is true happiness in life?” This is not easy to answer because everyone has a different definition of happiness. But59 one thing is certain: happiness affects our body and mind, the people around us, and the environment. This is the foundation of ‘sustainable happiness’.”