IMPACT 39 by Concordian International School

INTERNATIONAL

Year of the Dragon

Editor's Note

Dear Impact Readers,

We are delighted to present the latest issue of Impact, celebrating the colorful school life and achievements of our students and community members, as we strive to bring our mission and vision to life.

Having recently welcomed the Chinese Year of the Dragon, we sincerely hope that it will bring prosperity and peace to our community and worldwide. We kindly invite you to flip through our pages and immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of the New Year throughout the school, including the Chinese Temple Fair, the Voice of Concordian Season 8 as well as Loy Krathong, the Festival of Love, Centerstage, Freaky Fun Festival, Holiday Spirit Week and many more!

In our School Update section, we have the chance to find out of a wonderful new opportunity for Grade 9 students to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture through a new exchange partnership with Keystone Academy Beijing. We also find out more about the Chinese Speech Contest and English Public Speaking Competition, and take a glimpse at the DP Fair and university visits on our campus.

Dessy Delevaux, Editor

Rekha Gowrishankar, Editorial Assistant

Wanlapha (Prinz) Sa-ardwong, Graphic Designer

We celebrate our students’ creativity and expression through the performing arts as we showcase highlights of the musical production Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! and the Winter Choir and Instrumental concerts which once again brought a holiday vibe and spread cheer throughout the school. Skip ahead a bit to the Student Life section and continue to be amazed by the dazzling array of talent on display during the Winter Wonderland Talent show organized by the HSSG.

As always, we celebrate the Athletic achievements of our Concordian Dragons, live vicariously through the intrepid adventures of our Concordians during their Week Without Walls trips and find out more about the wonderful service projects implemented by our students with much care and compassion.

Our special thanks go out once again to the lovely families who have chosen to share why they have chosen Concordian as their school community.

Please enjoy this issue of our magazine!

Dessy Delevaux

Loy Krathong Festival 2023

Concordian’s Loy Krathong celebration was held on Monday, November 27th, starting in the morning with a welcome performance by our Thai instruments student band and the Thai dance group at the school lobby area. Concordian community members came to school with beautiful Thai traditional costumes to promote Thai culture and celebrate the Loy Krathong Festival together.

Our EY students decorated their Krathongs in the classroom with their parents while our PY students decorated their own Krathongs during Thai classes. They all enjoyed decorating then floating their Krathongs at the swimming pool with their friends, parents, teachers and administrators. This act symbolizes paying respect and asking forgiveness from the river goddess.

Happy Loy Krathong

Kru Dear Thai Events Leader

การรณรงค์รักษาแหล่งนำา เพื่อสืบสานประเพณีลอยกระทง

ลอยกระทงเป็นประเพณีของชาวไทยที่จัดขึ้นทุกปีในวันขึ้น ๑๕ คำา เดือน ๑๒ ตั้งแต่สมัยสุโขทัย ในอดีตการลอยกระทงไม่ได้ทำาลายหรือทำาให้แหล่งนำาสกปรกซึ่งต่างจากปัจจุบันมาก ดังนั้นการรักษา แหล่งนำาจึงมีความสำาคัญ

ประเพณีลอยกระทงเป็นประเพณีที่งดงามและสนุกสนาน โดยมี การประดิษฐ์กระทงด้วยวัสดุต่างๆ ซึ่งในอดีตใช้วัสดุที่ย่อยสลาย ในนำาไม่ได้รวมถึงวัสดุที่ย่อยสลายได้ยาก เช่น โฟม กระดาษ เป็นต้น ซึ่งสิ่งเหล่านี้ทำาลายแหล่งนำาทำาให้นำาเน่าเหม็น สกปรก และนอกจากนี้ยังทำาให้สัตว์ที่อาศัยอยู่ในนำาไม่ว่าจะเป็นปลา เต่า หรือสัตว์อื่น ๆ ตายไปด้วย

การร่วมกันรณรงค์รักษาแหล่งนำ า เป็นสิ่งที่สำ า คัญและจำ า เป็น อย่างยิ่ง ซึ่งการจัดกจกรรมรณรงค์ทำาได้ในหลายรูปแบบด้วยกัน ได้แก่ การจัดประกวดคำาขวัญ หรือการติดป้ายรณรงค์ในช่วงประเพณี ลอยกระทง เพื่อเป็นการสร้างจิตสำานึกและกระตุ้นให้ประชาชน เห็นความสำาคัญของการรักษาแหล่งนำา ในขณะเดียวกันทุกคน สามารถร่วมมือร่วมใจในการเลือกประดิษฐ์และเลือกใช้วัสดุอย่าง เหมาะสมในการสร้างกระทงที่ไม่ทำาลายแหล่งนำา

จากที่กล่าวมาข้างต้นทำาให้เห็นได้อย่างชัดเจนแล้วว่า การรณรงค์ รักษาแหล่งนำาเป็นสิ่งสำาคัญยิ่งที่คนไทยทุกคนควรจะปฏิบัติเพื่อ เป็นการสืบทอดและรักษาประเพณีลอยกระทงให้งดงามอย่าง ยั่งยืน

ธีภพ สัจจฐิติยานนท์ (ตรัย) G6I

Festival of Love

The Festival of Love, an annual event hosted by the Concordian PTA on December 8, 2023, represented all the characteristics that a Concordian should have. This event portrayed Concordian’s values of Loyalty, Open Mindedness, Values, and Empathy (LOVE).

This year, the Concordian soccer field was filled with a large variety of food stalls, game booths, performances, and a raffle draw under the theme: Candy Wonderland. The event was a great success with more than 1,000 participants.

The festival was fun, entertaining, and educational at the same time. Highlights of this event included diverse performances of different genres of music from students of different grade levels and the PTA band that entertained the crowd. It was a great opportunity for all the students, parents, teachers, and staff to strengthen their relationships and build a strong bond among the Concordian community.

Through charitable contributions, the Concordian Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has facilitated the procurement of medical equipment totaling 555,000 baht for a hospital. Specifically, our donation comprised 255,000 baht worth of medical equipment to the hospital, in addition to providing an ICU with ultrasound machine valued at 300,000 baht.

We hope our contribution will improve the welfare of the people in the neighboring districts within the northern province of Thailand. #concordianpta #FOL2023

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon

At Concordian, we celebrate a diversity of cultures and Chinese New Year is one of the greatest highlights of the year.

2024 is the year of the Dragon. The Chinese Dragon, 龙lóng, symbolizes strength, power, good fortune, intelligence, and positivity. Long is believed to possess the ability to bring prosperity and ward off evil spirits; historically, it was also associated with the Emperor or a high ruling position.

Another interesting aspect of Long in Chinese mythology is that they could control the weather and seasons, change the rain patterns, help farming, and often aided humans when natural disasters struck. It symbolizes “compassion” in the relationship with humans. In the year of the Dragon, let us all be the true Concordian dragons, be strong, fearless, and compassionate.

Our campus was decorated with festive vibes for the New year: lanterns, plum blossoms, red couplets, dragon figures, Concordian dragons in Chinese outfits. Students, parents, and teachers enjoyed

seeing the decorations and took many beautiful photos.

At the main lobby and the Early Years entrance, as students entered the school, they greeted the school administrators with blessing words in Chinese. In return, they were given a red envelope HONG BAO with golden chocolate coins, a great way to start a day of celebration.

This year once again, we invited Professor and Calligrapher Jia Qing 賈慶 from Ramkhamhaeng University to write blessing words and spring couplets on red paper for all Concordian members. Watching Professor Jia gracefully transform a wish into a piece of art on red paper was a true pleasure.

A successful year of the Dragon could not start without lion and dragon dances. The 12-meter-long golden dragon and four colorful lions danced enthusiastically for an auspicious year ahead at Concordian! The joyous sound of drums and gongs attracted many parents and students as the dragon and lions performed at the lobby and marched to the Grand Theater.

In the Early Years, students enthusiastically participated in station activities led by classroom teachers. Pre-K and K1 had four rotation activities while K2 and K3 had eight stations! Not only were there some traditional games such as Dragon Ball 龙抢龙珠 and Arrow in the Pot 龙年投壶 but we had also adapted activities for the Dragon year such as Dragon Head to Tail 龙头龙尾, Fishing Dragon 龙王吃小鱼, Chinese Zodiac Spin 十二生肖大转盘. Students and teachers had a great time playing games and celebrating the cultural event. It was delightful to see students learning the Chinese language and learning about the culture as well. We wish all Concordian members a happy and auspicious Chinese New Year!

祝大家龙年大吉，福顺安康， 龙行万里！

Ariel Yu Wang Elementary Principal

Concordian Secondary School

The 8th Chinese Temple Fair 2024

This year, the Year of the Dragon, brought us a special celebration. We enjoyed not just the traditional lion dance but also the thrilling dragon dance and sword dance, as well as the skillful singers singing Chinese festive songs.

The Fun Fair was a hit too, with games, art crafts, and the comeback of sharing delicious food. Both MYP and DP students joined in, creating a happy time for everyone.

We hope this Dragon Year brings success and prosperity to all. Special thanks are extended to all Concordians, especially to the dedicated performers, teachers, Design department, IT department, maintenance team, and office support team.

We wish everyone in the new year to “Rise Like a Dragon, Shine Like a Star.” 龙翔万里，盛世平安；旭龙乘 风，不负韶华。

MYP-DP Chinese Department

Students’ reflection

I had a very good time with my band rehearsing and performing for this year’s Sing! event. It was a very eye-opening experience to perform a Chinese song, expressing our identity as a multicultural community. The band also really enjoyed the performance because it was a display of our Chinese skills.

G10 Pai

我很高兴在中国春节活动中担任主持人，同时 我感到荣幸能够成为这个重要节日庆典的一部 分，与观众分享喜庆和欢乐。这是我第一次在 异国他乡隆重地庆祝春节，我也深刻体会到了 中国文化的独特魅力，人们对传统的珍视和传 承以及泰国人对中国文化的喜爱。

Being a part of the Lion Dance Team was an incredible experience and I learned lots of new things about Chinese culture. I hope in the future many new students will be able to participate in this activity and enjoy it just as much as I did.

G9 AI

G10 Jean

This year I had the opportunity to join the Chinese sword dance activity. Initially, I was both excited and nervous about handling a Wushu sword, as I did not have prior experience with this. I would like to express my gratitude to both participants and the teachers that guided the way.

G10 Cathy

有机会在Sing！和我的朋友 Kaem 表演二重唱是一次难忘的经历， 这对学生来说是一个提高唱歌水 平和中文技能的好机会，因为我 们必须充分理解歌词背后的含 义，才能有效地表达情感。 我 很开心我们能够通过这些类型的 活动了解多种文化。

G10 Pear

The Chinese 2024 SING! was the first show I hosted as an MC and I genuinely think that it was a good experience for me. My speech delivery as a MC would not be possible without the help of two Chinese teachers. 谢谢您 Ms. Jing 和 Ms. Lina!

G10 Mei

参加这次活动让我深刻体会到 团队合作的力量和乐趣，也让 我认识到自己的潜力。通过这 次活动，我更加明白了沟通和 协作的重要性。这不仅是展示 自己的机会，也是一个学习和 成长的过程。我感到非常幸 运，也期待未来有更多这样的 机会。

G10 Yong

This year’s dragon dance was a spectacular experience for all of us. We filled the grand theater with the Chinese new year spirit, bringing joy to everybody. This unforgettable performance brought us joy, as well as our collaboration together as a team with the teachers.

G11 Haady

今年是我第二次参加 SING! 的表 演，作为一名击剑运动员，剑 舞将击剑和舞蹈合二为一，创 造出了前所未见的表演效果。 在排练的过程中，我们深入地 领略了中国古代文化和历史的 内涵。当表演结束后，我听到 老师和朋友们对我们精彩舞姿 的赞赏，心中充满了喜悦。

G9 Choné

Dragon dance was an excellent opportunity for us to improve our teamwork, collaboration, and communication abilities. This is a memory that we will cherish and be remembered as one of our final performances with our friends.

G11 Jerry

参加今年的舞狮表演是一个难 忘的经历。我们的排练既有趣 又令人兴奋。我对这一特殊的 传统有了更深入的了解。此 外，舞狮还教会了我团队合作 和努力工作的重要性。和其他 表演者一起协调动作，创造出 引人入胜的表演是非常特别 的。

G10

Funfair, Behind the Scenes:

Centerstage@13

October 20, 2023

Thirteen Years! Yes, Centerstage has been running for 13 years straight, not only showcasing a wide range of acts and drawing an increasing number of participants each year who put on amazing, sophisticated, impressive, and elevated performances but also fostering unity and togetherness!

Centerstage@13 received 66 entries for auditions; out of which 25 finalists were selected, and concluded with 19 Supernova Award recipients, the highest number of Supernova ever awarded, to date! Thanks to our judges, Ms. Min, Mr. Clynt, Mr. Mark, Ms. Tashia, Khun Aom and Kru Aim, who came from the different sections of our community! A crystal plaque was also awarded to Times G5D, in appreciation of his achievement of having received the Supernova Award in the same category for three consecutive years! A special congratulations to you Times!

There’s more! One of the highlights of the Centerstage@13 Finale was a surprise TikTok dance number by the PY Parents, later on joined by all the PY students, teachers, TAs, staff, administrators and guests, resulting in the first ever Concordian PY Community TikTok Dance! This attests not only to our being a community of fast learners but also to our being a community of talented team players!

Our utmost and sincerest gratitude to each and every one who took part in this event! Once again, you have all brought Centerstage to life, the 13th time around!

Mabuhay!

Mrs. Maricor and Mr. Sebert

Supernova Award Recipients

(listed randomly and in no particular order):

• Guitar & Drums - Alin 5I and Lilo 5S, “Canon Rock”

• Vocal Solo - Kiki 2C, “Let Me Be Your Star”

• Piano - Plawarn 3D, “Sonatina in C”

• Vocal Solo - Charlotte 3D, “Rise Like a Phoenix”

• Dance Group - Ava 1I, Proud 1I, Claire 1D, Rita 1D, Lamoon 1I, Stella 1D, “Doraemon”

• Singing with Piano - Pam 5I, “When She Loved Me”

• KFC Band - Finn, Kean, Klint, Sisi 4S, “Don’t Stop Me Now”

• Vocal Solo - Nita 3I, “Reflection”

• Dance Solo - Proud 5D, “Peacock Dance”

• Musical - Venice 3D, “The Sound of Music Medley”

• Piano - Mangkorn 5S, “Sparkle”

• Thai Dance Solo - Petchja 4I, “The Candle Dance”

• The Rubik’s Band - A-chi 5I, Devin 5I, Grande 5D, Kayton 5S, Porsche 5D, Toto 5C, Tuntun 5S, “Bones”

• Vocal Solo - Proud 4S, “Traitor”

• Piano - Lada 4C, “Liszt’s Waldesrauschen”

• Dance & Singing - Terter 5D, “Baby”

• Guitar Solo - Times 5D, “Phoenix Rising”

• Vocal Solo - Nita 5D, “Part of Your World”

• Dance Group - Mona 5D & Neala 5S, “Last Dance”

Freaky Fun Festival 2023

On November 3rd, 2023, Concordian celebrated it’s always exciting annual “Freaky Fun Festival.” Students dressed up, went trick-or-treating and engaged in a wide range of fun and freaky activities.

Students wore their most fun and freakiest costumes to school. Students marched through the school in their costumes and collected treats from different locations around the school.

The PYP class parents of Concordian spared no effort in setting up an array of activities, ensuring that all students had a memorable experience. From the PY gym to the EY gym, there was something for everyone. Students from the MY and DP programs even took charge of a delightfully messy slime activity, much to the delight of the younger PY students.

Once again, the “Freaky Fun Festival” at Concordian brought our community together. Students, parents, and teachers worked at and enjoyed the festival. Prizes were in abundance and students all walked away with yummy treats and fun and freaky prizes.

Every year the “Freaky Fun Festival” brings the Concordian community together. This year was one of the most fun and successful celebrations we’ve ever had.

Thank you class parents and student volunteers. Let’s see if we can make it even better next year.

Joe Savage

The Share Bears K2 & K3 Music Concert

“What goes around comes around, when we give, we receive….”

Following weeks of practice and rehearsals, our K2 and K3 students eagerly took the stage for a lovely and enjoyable performance of Teresa Jennings’ musical play, The Share Bears, on December 14th, at the school Amphitheater!

It was incredible seeing the enthusiasm of the students while performing in front of a big crowd, especially their parents! The smile on their faces as they acted, sang and danced excitedly was something truly remarkable! The show featured the songs, “Merrily Bearily Bears” (K3C & K3D), “Bailey and the Bees” (K2D & K2S), “Honey, Honey” (K2C and K2I), and “Everybody Needs Some Help Sometimes’’ (K3I and K3S). The show wrapped up with such a heartwarming song “When We Give, We Receive” that was performed by all the K2 & K3 students!

We are grateful to each and every member of the Concordian community for the generous and invaluable support and time you have given to the success of the K2 & K3 Music Concert!

Beyond grateful,

Mrs. Maricor, Ms. Norylove and Ms. Shella

From December 11th to the 15th, Concordian International School was brimming with holiday cheer as we came together to celebrate our STUCO-organized Spirit Week. Each day brought its own theme and we ended the year on a fun and festive note.

Kicking off the week on December 11th was Twin Day, where students paired up with their perfect match and dressed alike. The halls were filled with laughter as friends twinned their outfits and posed for photos.

On Tuesday, December 12th, students adorned themselves in festive attire, dressing up as sparkling ornaments. Dressed in their ornament costumes they brought their handmade Christmas ornaments to their grade level tree and hung them up for the community to see.

Wednesday, December 13th, we celebrated Snow Day at Concordian. Students were treated to a surprise visit from the extremely beautiful and glamorous Snow Fairy, who sprinkled the school grounds with snow for sculpting and snowy fun. When the snow got too cold, there was hot cocoa for all.

Holiday Spirit Week 2023

Thursday, December 14th, was a day of coziness and relaxation as students donned their coziest pajamas for Pajama Day. Snuggled up in their favorite sleepwear, students enjoyed reading bedtime stories with their classmates. Dressed in their pajamas, the students of Concordian had their own private petting zoo filled with different furry and scaly creatures.

As the week drew to a close on Friday, December 15th, the school year ended on a high note with a festive finale. The Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind led the school community in heartwarming Christmas carols in the lobby and Amphitheater, spreading joy and goodwill to all. To top it off, students were treated to visits from different Santas, adding a touch of holiday magic to the day.

The students left the school with handmade crafts from the Redemptorist School for the Blind as well as some delicious and sweet Concordian dragon cookies to decorate at home and hopefully share with their families.

The STUCO holiday spirit week was a fun and festive week for the Concordian PYP school community to enjoy the last week of the calendar year spreading and sharing cheer with their teachers and friends.

Joe Savage

PY the Voice of Concordian Chinese Singing Contest Season 8

The Voice of Concordian Chinese Singing Contest Season 8 was successfully held in celebration of the Chinese New Year 2024.

The theme of the Voice Season 8 this year was “春节到 龙吟唱 Spring arrives, Dragon Sings”. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese Dragon, Long, symbolizes strength, power, good fortune, intelligence, and positivity.

After auditions, sixteen talented groups were selected to compete in the Voice Finale on the 8th of February, 2024. Their performances were stunning, showcasing beautiful vocal strength and voices. They delivered amazing interpretations of the songs in their styles, deeply touching the hearts of both the audience and judges. A tremendous amount of hard work and practice went into the production of these exceptional performances.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all of our judges, from the auditions to the finale: Mr. Mark, Mr. Roxy, Khun Aom, Ms. Jing, Ms. Jeniffer, Ms. Ting, Ms. Norylove, Ms. Sally, Mr. Laurent, student judge Pud from Grade 11, and last but not least, our guest judge Ms. Zhao Yiping. Ms. Zhao is a professional singer and vocal teacher. She has been actively involved in many cultural exchange events between China and Thailand. Having been a guest judge in Voice Season 4, she returned to the Voice stage joyfully.

Congratulations to the following students who won the Best Voice Awards: Kiki G2C, Tyra G2S, Janine G2D, Nita G3I, Venice G3D, Samuel G4C, Prim G4I, Finn G4S and Tun Tun G5S.

Congratulations to the following students who won the Good Voice Awards: Ava G1I, Eri G1S, Morris G2D, Kade G2D, JJ G3C, Chada G3S, Charlotte G3D, Jaida G4S, Terter G5D.

Congratulations to Venice G3D and Finn G4S who won the Golden Voice Plaque Awards. They have won the Best Voice awards consecutively for three years in a row.

We also thank the following 8 talented G2 MCs: Yammy, Chompu, Atam, Deenah, Primm, Mook, Qing Qing and Anya. They were truly trilingual communicators, confidently using three languages to facilitate the show.

In addition, we are grateful for the service of our G4 Miss Etiquette Students: Koch, Proud, Petchja, Khongkwan, Ellefie and Miki. Their beautiful smiles and elegant presence welcomed us to the event and provided us with a joyful experience.

A great show can only be done with a professional team - our outstanding PY Chinese department: all the Chinese teachers, teaching assistants, and support teachers spent long days over many weeks to ensure the success of the event. We thank Khun Pavida who created all the graphic designs and coordinated the event alongside me. We also thank Khun June for coordinating the facility and stage set, Khun Game on behalf of the IT team, Khun Hong on behalf of the custodians and support staff, and Khun Santi on behalf of the maintenance team. We look forward to the Voice of Concordian Chinese Singing Contest Season 9 next year.

Ms. Ariel Wang Elementary Principal

DP Fair

Parents and Grade 10 students recently dived into the details of our Diploma Programme at Concordian’s first-ever DP fair, which took place on October 18, 2023. The event started with a presentation in the Amphitheater explaining the general structure of the DP. Subject booths, where subject teachers and student ambassadors shared insights, gave everyone a closer look at the available courses. Here the Grade 10 students and parents had the opportunity to ask questions from both the subject teachers and our current DP students.

During the fair, participants also had the chance to chat with our two experienced college counselors, Dr. Tresa and Mr. Tony who were available to discuss academic decisions and to offer guidance on different course combinations.

As we look forward to the next step in the academic journey of our Grade 10 students, a big thank you to everyone who took part in making the DP Fair a success.

Mr. Markus Mattila

University Visits

As we embark on a new semester, the University Counseling Office is excited to bring you an update on the events and achievements that marked the first half of the academic year. Semester 1 was a whirlwind of activity, with students immersed in the intricacies of college applications and interviews.

We are thrilled that the hard work has started to pay dividends, with Concordian students receiving acceptances from some of the most competitive universities globally. Among the list of esteemed institutions are Cornell, Brown, Oxford, UCL, UBC, Toronto, Chulalongkorn, Tsinghua, HKU, and many more.

While the prestige of these universities is something we are all very proud of, it is important to emphasize that rankings are not the sole determinant for choosing a university. It is crucial for students to find a university that “best fits” with their personal and academic interests, to feel at home in a community where they will thrive and realize their potential.

In many ways, the University Counseling Office helps a student give a “final polish” to everything they have achieved at Concordian.

Reviewing university applications highlights how much our students do and also the importance of preparing their applications well in advance. We have recently met individually with all Grade 11 and Grade 10 students and we can’t stress enough the importance of planning in the application process. The summer before Grade 12, in particular, is a critical period where effective planning and organization can ensure students are not only successful in their college applications but also continue to excel in their IB Diploma studies.

Recently, we had the privilege of attending a talk by Professor Shanton Chang from the University of Melbourne, who shared valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the workplace. He highlighted the most in-demand skills and shed light on the rapidly ever-changing job market. It was heartening to hear that the skills acquired through the IB Diploma Programme ensures our students are well-equipped to seize opportunities, overcome challenges and adapt to the rapidly changing times.

University Counseling Department

Exciting News: High School Exchange Program with Keystone Academy Beijing!

Concordian International School is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Keystone Academy Beijing for an additional Grade 9 exchange program, set to commence in the upcoming academic year 2024-2025.

Our commitment to fostering cross-cultural experiences and academic exchange has taken a solid leap forward with the introduction of this immersive exchange program. Each year, Grade 9 students from Concordian International School will have the opportunity to participate in a two-week exchange program at Keystone Academy Beijing, and vice versa.

Keystone Academy Beijing, a leading English-Chinese bilingual school, shares our commitment to academic excellence.

Concordian International School hosted the Head of School, Dr. Emily McCarren, and the Head of Middle School, Mr. Houming Jiang, on January 15th, 2024. The visit culminated in meetings with Concordian’s senior leadership team, solidifying the agreement for this exciting exchange program.

While our existing Grade 9 exchange program in Shanghai requires students to achieve a minimum proficiency level of CLA phase 5, the Beijing exchange program welcomes students of all Chinese language proficiencies. Both exchange programs are strategically scheduled one week before the October break and during the week of the October break annually.

During their visit, Dr. McCarren and Mr. Jiang were impressed by the outstanding quality of education at Concordian, including our mission, teaching and learning, school facilities, and student accomplishments. Their positive feedback reinforces our dedication to providing the best possible education to our students.

Concordian International School is enthusiastic about the prospect of these two exchange programs in China, as they can greatly enrich our students’ immersive learning experiences in Chinese language and culture. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this transformative educational journey!

Ms. Min Li Secondary Principal

The Literary Writing Association and the Thai Alumni Association of China’ s Universities

留中总会文艺写作学会 征稿活动

MYP/DP students had a wonderful opportunity to showcase their literary talents through the writing submission event organized by The Literary Writing Association and the Thai Alumni Association of China’s Universities. Their ability to share love, friendship, unforgettable personal experiences, and heartwarming stories through their writing not only highlights their creative skills but also their capacity to connect with others through storytelling. Being selected for inclusion in the 21st literary anthology is a significant achievement and a testament to their talent and dedication.

We encourage more students to participate in the future and could further enrich this literary community and provide valuable experiences for aspiring writers.

得知我的文章被选中时，我感到非常荣幸。感谢 每一个支持我、陪伴我成长的人，他们的存在使 我的文字更具力量。这个奖项激励我继续坚持写 作，将情感和思考传递给更多人。这是见证我与 他们友情的共同荣誉。 G9 Joanne 叶伽安

当听说我写的作文被选中出版的时候，我兴奋极 了。非常感谢 Concordian 能给我们提供这么多的资 源和机会，也非常感谢中文老师们对我们的鼓 励、支持和帮助，没有你们就没有我们的今天。

G9 Pim陈婉妮

时光飞逝岁月如梭，一年又过去了。这是我第三 年参加留中总会文艺写作比赛。说真心话，每年 都让我学到很多新的知识，从不同的写作手法， 到文章格式，这些技巧都能提高自己写作能力。

感谢学校和中文老师们给我这个机会来培养和增 强我的中文水平。 G11 Doudou吴宇涵

我很高兴我的作品能够出版。 这篇文章在我心中 占有非常特殊的地位，因为它是关于我的家庭以 及我们如何成长的。 当我的祖父母读到我的故事 时，他们脸上的表情非常惊讶，因为他们从未想 过他们的故事会被出版成书，尤其是用他们的母 语出版。非常感谢所有帮助我出版这本书的人， 并通过与他人分享我们的生活故事让我的祖先感 到自豪。

G7 Ivy 陈丽婷

首先，感谢这次作文比赛给我提供了机会，就是 能够用中文来分享和表达我和家人一起旅行的 美好经历。其次，我要感谢 Lina 老师和 Fang 老师， 指导和鼓励我勇敢的去参与比赛，并帮我修改作 文。今后，我会继续认真学习，提升我的中文写 作水平。 G7 Term 马荣鑫 我收到书后，我感到很开心，也为自己骄傲，因 为我的努力得到了回报。我还有一位很好老师总 是告诉我怎么提高写作水平。 G7 Torfun 胡亮靓

今年我得到这个写作奖励的时候，我真的是太兴 奋了。我没有想到自己可以写得这么好。今年我 学会了用了成语、语言描写、动作描写等等。我 今后要读更多的中文书，这样我就可以更好地把 学到的知识运用到我的作文中。 G7 Tatar 施宇虹

From Concordian to Shanghai: The 4th G9 Chinese Exchange Program

We successfully organized the 4th Chinese exchange program with the No. 2 High School of East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, China, from October 15 to 28, 2023. The No. 2 High School is one of the most prestigious top-tier secondary schools in China, renowned for its science program, excellent facilities, and high-achieving students selected nationwide. Ten selected Grade 9 Concordian students studied alongside Chinese students in subject classes taught in Chinese, participated in a daily Chinese cultural course, and explored Shanghai and its surrounding areas on weekends. Two teacher chaperones, Ms. Fang and Kru May, accompanied our students on the trip.

这是我第一次离开父母那么长 时间，虽然这是一个很大的挑 战，但是我觉得这是一个很好 的经历。去上海交流的两个星 期里，我们除了和中国的学生 一起上课以外，还上了文化体 验课。我最喜欢的是茶道。看 着老师优雅的动作，品尝着清 香的绿茶，不禁让我爱上了中 国的茶文化。 Pim

I think that what I got the most was the new friendships that I made and the knowledge of Chinese culture. Some of the cultural features were how they eat, respecting teachers and adults, and many more cultural differences between China and Thailand.

Janie

在这次的上海游学让我发现中 国的学习环境和泰国的学习气 氛是不一样的。虽然只在中国 住了两个星期，但我能快速融 入到新的环境、交到新朋友。 尽管这是我第一次来上海， 但让我觉得这次的记忆特别难 忘。我非常感谢华东师范大学 给我们的机会，还有两位的老 师Ms. Fang, Kru.May 带我们去。谢 谢老师们！

This program was an experience that will never be forgotten, it taught me great responsibility following with cooperation with peers and classmates, giving me this opportunity to open up to something new with different cultures as my country made it more unique than others. Puri

Tubtim

这次上海之行可谓是我十四年 来经历的最精彩的两周。我最 大的收获来自知识、文化和朋 友。首先，我在上海结识了许 多朋友，认识到了各种各样的 人，突破了自己的舒适圈，我 也深入体验了书法、茶道和中 医等博大精深的领域。这次上 海交换项目丰富了我的生活， 从一开始的不适应到离开时的 依依不舍。这无疑是我宝贵的 财富，将伴随我一生，最宝贵 的莫过于我在那里交到的朋 友。我真的非常期待他们四月 回访的时候！ Joanne

This exchange program is the most unique experience I’ve ever had. I enjoyed everything we had done for the 2 weeks. No.2 High School of East China Normal University has transferred me plenty of new knowledge and allowed me to immerse myself in Chinese culture. The small trip during the weekend was fun and interesting. I got to learn more about Chinese history and culture, and also explore the heart of Shanghai. I’m extremely looking forward to the Chinese students coming to our school next year.

Choné

I thoroughly enjoyed getting up close and personal with Chinese culture. Whether it was through architecture, interactions with people, or experiencing the thrilling circus performances that set your heart racing, or even discovering surprising talents in classmates who may appear quiet but can perform kung fu flips on stage. Each encounter was a unique and memorable experience.

Maggie

I wouldn’t have imagined that my temporary life as a student in China would have allowed me to gain such insight, not only into their education system but also into the future of living as a somewhat independent student abroad. It has allowed me to learn how to adapt to a different environment: from walking to school, carrying heavy clothes to wash, making new friends and, quite literally, adapting to the cold weather. If I had another chance to experience this again, I would jump at it in a heartbeat.

交流、创新、发展 Create a World without Barriers

On November 23, 2023, the Chinese Department successfully held a Chinese Speech Contest. A total of 36 students registered for the competition, and after the audition, 16 contestants stood on the stage for the final competition. This year, the theme of the speech contest was “Communication, Innovation, Development” (交流、创新、发展). Through their impressive speeches, the students demonstrated their Chinese language skills and also expressed their understanding and appreciation of culture, which further highlighted their confidence. We look forward to having more students take the stage and join the speech contest next year!

以前，我总是认为我中文的语言 能力不太好，但现在我很感激自 己敢于挑战这次的中文演讲比 赛。这次参赛经历极大地提高了 我的中文学习兴趣。通过训练， 我不仅提高了口语技巧，还拥有 更多在教室以外的地方练习中文 的机会，更有助于锻炼我的表达 能力。如果下次我可以尝试改进 的话，我肯定会使用更丰富的词 汇和更复杂的句型，来展示更自 信的自己。

G9-Peach

我认为参加演讲这次比赛是一次 很好的体验，能够让自己学会写 演讲稿，也能提高自己的表达能 力。我觉得如果我下一次再演讲 的时候不要太紧张。我应该更勇 敢，让受众能感受到我自信的声 音和神态。我觉得下次我会做得 更好！

G6-PimPim

I had an incredibly enjoyable time participating in the Chinese speech contest and am immensely proud to emerge as the winner. Winning was unexpected, but it proved that hard work truly pays off. I dedicated myself to practicing the script, rehearsing it at least five times a day at home. Heartfelt thanks to the attentive audience for listening to my speech. Lastly, I want to urge everyone: never give up easily. 加油! Keep going!

G7-Pluem

这次是我第一次报名做主持人， 在海选的时候虽然紧张却努力准 备。当我成功成为演讲比赛主持 人后，真的是喜出望外。在老师 的带领下我每天刻苦练习。通过 这次活动让我明白了无论是什么 事情，只要努力练习，事情就不 再难。

G6-Grace S

这是我小学毕业后首次担任主持人， 可谓是跳出了我的舒适区。虽然我只 是主持人，但看着那些在台下不断练 习的演讲者，让我不禁感叹“台上十 分钟，台下十年功”。他们的努力使 本届演讲比赛激动人心，参赛者的精 彩表现令人印象深刻。感谢每位选手 的热情参与，你们展示的才华和表现 力让人叹为观止。这次经历不仅锻炼 了我们的能力，也为我们提供了宝贵 的学习机会。期待未来以参赛者身份 再次登上那个舞台，变得更勇敢，台 风更上一层楼。

G9- Joanne

Secondary School Chinese Department

This was my second time participating in the Chinese Speech Competition and I was able to come away with the “Winner Award”. I would like to thank Ms. Fang for helping with my pronunciation and script revision, as well as Mr. Jun for improving my manner and stage presence. I look forward to seeing what the speech competition will look like next year!

G10-Burger

This is my third and last year participating in the final of the Chinese Speech Contest before heading into DP! Always a fun and exciting opportunity for me to showcase what I have learned, through all the school work and extracurricular activities my time management skills were put to the test. I feel extremely grateful for the experience and cherish this with all my friends and family. A huge thank you to the Chinese Department for hosting great events like these to allow students to showcase their abilities!

G10-PeiPei

一件事情的成功不是一个人单枪匹马的努力就可以 完成的，所以我想感谢在演讲比赛过程中帮助过我 的 Lina 老师，我的爸爸、我的妈妈虽然成功，但我 不能太骄傲，因为，我还不会停住脚步，还会努力 尝试一些新的比赛和挑战，不断的突破自己，完善 自己！

G7-Term

One’s success can never be achieved from an individual’s effort, which is why I would like to, from the bottom of my heart, thank Ms Lina and my parents for helping me throughout the process of this speech contest.

English Public Speaking Competition

Dear Concordians,

This year, on February 1st 2024, the English department had the honor and pleasure of running the third edition of the Speak! Public Speaking Competition. It is an event which aims at showcasing our students’ oratory skills.

All the participants selected one of two categories (formal and informal), then wrote their own speeches on a topic of their choice. This year, as there were many student sign-ups, we went through not one but two auditions to determine the best public speakers.

Once the finalists emerged, they spent almost 4 weeks editing, refining, honing, practicing, polishing, and finally perfecting their speeches.

Those that sought additional support could even participate in Mr. Jun’s public speaking CMA, where he showed them how to use their body language effectively. I am particularly proud of this year’s speeches and performances. They were of the highest quality we have yet seen, and the topics they covered were varied and amazingly thought-provoking.

Speakers, your diction and enunciation skills have vastly improved as well: it was an absolute pleasure listening to your performances. Your emotions really shone through, and your messages reached many members of the audience -- so much so that we’ve been asked for copies of your speeches, which is unprecedented!

On behalf of the English department, I would like to thank every student who signed up for the event. Even if you did not make it to the final performance, I strongly encourage each and every one of you to try again next year. I would also like to specifically mention and thank the Speak! team without whom this event would not have taken place: Ms. Viorica, Ms. Ederelene, Mr. Jun, and Mr. Maurice.

Lastly, I want to recognise that while we teachers may put in all the work in the world to support you students, ultimately the success of an event like this rests on your shoulders, and you were phenomenal. Thank you again, and here’s to an even more successful 4th edition next year!

Admiringly, Mr. Alessio

Mamma Mia!

Here We Go Again

It was a privilege to work alongside such a talented ensemble of musicians, crew, & cast – also to work with my colleagues; Ms. Hyesun Chung and Mr. Mark Palombo; special kudos also to Ms. Charne, Ms. Veronica, Mr. Jonathan and the design team and students, the tech crew and maintenance team - a true collaborative effort. I have asked some of the cast to share their thoughts:

When I think of “Mamma Mia” I think of happy memories of when I watched the movie for the first time, the themes of love, family, and friendship and the astonishing soundtrack made me fall in love with the play. When I auditioned for

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again I really enjoyed how we were able to be creative and create scenes for the play in our own groups. Even though, we had to stay late after school for rehearsals, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life because I learned acting skills that I would not have even thought about in drama class, along with other techniques that helped me improve my singing. Lastly, I was actually very nervous to perform at first but all of the seniors were super supportive and I really felt like the cast and crew have become one big family.

Napeach Akekapobyotin (Peach), Role: Worker

This is my take: “As a lifelong ABBA fan, first hearing about the arts department’s plan for a Mamma Mia sequel production was a pleasant surprise to say the least.

So, when I was asked by our dearest director, Mr. Clynt, to audition, I couldn’t turn down the opening. Despite my audition consisting of many singing mishaps (although mishaps would be an understatement), I secured the role of Rosie, Sophie Sheridan’s best friend, in the musical. During this month-long journey, the cast bonded through the task of putting on a successful performance within 4 weeks’ time–a challenge we spent countless long afternoons, evenings, and weekends overcoming. Fully developing the show in just a month was no easy feat; but with the cast’s determination and dedication, we managed to pull it off–blood, sweat, tears and all. Overall, being a part of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again was an incredibly stressful, yet gratifying experience that I would not have missed out on for anything.”

Preeyapat Lohstapornpipit (Sophia)

Role: Rosie

Being a part of ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ was one of the most memorable experiences for me as a student actor. Exploring the themes and emotions of love and family made me realize how important they are in real life as well. We faced numerous challenges, such as absences, disagreements, exhaustion, etc. Regardless, with team dedication and commitment, the show turned out to be a great success.

Kaem Watchararakkawong, Role: Sophie

This was my last year as the choreographer for the school musical. Choreographing for Mamma Mia gave me one of the most valuable experiences for me to grow as both a dancer and choreographer. I was very fortunate to have a passionate cast to work with, making my last school musical even more memorable. Even though we all had some ups and downs during rehearsals, our dedication, hard work and commitment to the play made this school play a success. My favorite moment from this experience is the day of the performance. As part of the backstage crew, I was tasked with helping the cast members get prepared to go on stage. The most challenging part of being backstage was managing the small details of the play, particularly helping the cast with their costumes. At our first dress rehearsal, I was rushed to the point that I didn’t manage to finish the costume change on time. But as I became more familiar with the costume, it took me a lot less time, as such our rehearsal became much more polished. All in all, it was definitely the right decision to join Mamma Mia. I could never ask for a better team.

Supisara Thaleongchok (Neen), Role: Choreographer

Te Arohanui, Be of Big Heart, Mr. Clynt Walker Whitaker Director – Mamma Mia Here We Go Again

Scan here to see the full show

Concordian Winter Choir Concert

The winter choir concert at Concordian was an event filled with musical excellence, joy, and the spirit of the holiday season. The choir program, now in its second year, showcased the musical growth of the vocal students and the overall growth of the choir program. We are very proud of the students’ hard work!

For this concert the students were challenged to take on more difficult music, solo opportunities (both vocal and instrumental), logistical responsibilities, and even choreography! The students met these challenges with passion, and took risks to achieve higher levels of musicianship. The resulting performance served as a fantastic testament to their passion for music, singing, and excellence.

Highlights from the show included: a special opening performance of “White Winter Hymnal” by Con Brio, a duet performance by the DP Music students, various solo performances, invited student accompanists, and an exciting closing performance of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”.

We are excited at the growth, passion and ability of all of the vocal students. Their winter performance was inspiring and filled the audience with the spirit of the holidays. The students are already at work on a new set of repertoire for the spring concert: it is going to be wonderful!

We hope to see you there, and thank you for your support of the choir program at Concordian.

Mr. Mark, MYP Vocal Music / DP Music

Christmas Big Sing Concert at Aksra Theater

The CMA Con Brio choir members were invited to sing as part of the Christmas Big Sing Concert with Bangkok Music Society and Immanuel Orchestra on December 7, 2023 at the Aksra Theater. This was an incredible opportunity for our choir members to gain choral experience and sing alongside professional choir singers. During the concert, the students also met choir members from schools around Bangkok who share the same passion for music.

It was such a great joy to display the students’ singing and excellence and experience a coming together of different communities who have the same love for music. Parents and friends came to support the Con Brio members and enjoy the show. As the concert ended, everyone left with smiles on their faces and beautiful memories to cherish forever.

Library News

Library’s Wellness & Yoga Zone: Before the October break, our library transformed into a sanctuary. The rustic Chinese coffee table, the cushioned corners, wellness books, and yoga mats (Thank you PE Department!) welcomed the tired visitors with multiple assessments. Students found serenity, stretching and reading amidst the end-of-term hustle.

International Peace Day Corner: On September 21st, 2023, students visited our cozy area under the library staircase. They read books about peace, admired wonderful student artworks, written heartfelt peace wishes, and snapped memorable photos.

Grade 6 Reading Activity - Legend of the Readers

Students have to read as many books as they can in order to defeat the monster in the fantasy world of planet Concord. The Slime is here challenging you to read!

Celebrating Dragons

Our own Concordian Dragons’ achievements outside of school are numerous and impressive! They span sports, music, dance and art - it would take us many, many pages to include them all! That is why our Elementary School Flag Raising events and Secondary School Assemblies provide a wonderful opportunity for these achievements to be celebrated at school, surrounded by supportive and proud peers and teachers. Here, we feature just a taste of what some of our students have achieved recently in the fields of sport and the performing arts.

Classical Ballet Piano Competition

Cathy received 1st place Duo classical ballet in the ATOD international Dance Competition Thailand 2023, and on January 19th 2024 she received her award at the ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Thailand.

Tate G2C and Ty G2I participated in 2 piano competitions and received the following awards:

1. International Music Competition Bonn “ Grand Prize Virtuoso” (December 2023). Tate and Ty both received First Prize awards in the young musician category and were invited to play piano at Beethoven house in Germany in last December, but were not able to attend.

2. HKYPA (Hong Kong International Performance Arts Festival and Music Competition) on February 24, 2024. Tate and Ty both won Gold Prize in the preliminary round and participated in the International Final round in Hong Kong and both received distinction awards for Piano Age group 9 years and under.

Thailand National Youth Team 2023

Phaak, Grade 7, was selected to be a Thailand National Youth Team swimmer and represented Thailand in the 45th SEA Age Group Competition, the biggest swimming event in Southeast Asia which was held in Indonesia in August 2023.

All the Southeast Asia swimmers were looking forward to this competition and finally Phaak secured the BRONZE MEDAL with a time of 32.84 seconds on the 50m Breaststroke becoming

the TOP-ranked swimmer in Thailand in his age group and the school’s first swimming medal in an international competition.

We extend our gratitude for the unwavering support from the school in all aspects, including teachers, coaches, management, and the entire Concordian community. We hope that Phaak’s accomplishment on the international stage will strengthen our Concordian Sports Community and cultivate an environment of excellence within our school.

Pre K and K1

The energy of the EY Sports Day was apparent as Pre K and K1 students showcased their cooperation, physical prowess, and unwavering perseverance. This event unfolded with a delightful display of enthusiasm, making it an event to remember for all involved.

Students eagerly rotated through the eight engaging stations alongside their classmates. Stations fostered a diverse range of skills. From the pedaling on tricycles to the movements of the parachute, the students embraced the activities with infectious enthusiasm. Running, football, ball throw and a classic egg and spoon activity encouraged the development of physical abilities, while the water and photo station added lovely smiles from all. The obstacle course and running emerged as the undeniable favourites!

The vibrant atmosphere resonated with support, creating a sense of school community that made the EY Sports Day even more special. The students displayed the values of teamwork, resilience, and the joy of learning. It was a morning where laughterand accomplishment intertwined leaving a lasting imprint on both the participants and the cheering audience!

Congratulations Pre K and K1 students on a successful event!

Ms. Mari

The air was filled with excitement as the Early Years students got ready for our much awaited annual EY Sports Day which was sure to be a day full of fun, friendship, and boundless energy! This event, which took place in the sunny grounds of our school, united families, teachers, and students in a joyful celebration of community spirit and athletic prowess.

It was clear as soon as the events began that this year’s Sports Day would be memorable. Our young athletes, wearing colorful caps, displayed their skills in a range of team-building exercises and games that improved their physical fitness.

The thrilling relay races, in which students demonstrated their quickness and coordination and enthusiastically supported one another, were among the highlights of the day. The obstacle course put their dexterity and problem-solving skills to the test, and they participated in competitive tug-of-war matches with classmates and even challenged their parents to see who could pull off the strongest. A popular favorite, “Chopsticks and Meatballs,” demonstrated their excellent communication and hand-eye coordination.

Students left the field grinning broadly, happy to have had the opportunity to take part in such an amazing experience. They also carried with them treasured memories and a sense of pride in their achievements.

Cheers to another incredible EY Sports Day filled with friendship, laughter, and the pure joy of exercise. May we keep running, jumping, and reaching for the stars together until next year!

Mr. Raymond

Sports Day

It’s wonderful to hear that students had a fantastic time participating in a variety of activities and performing their sports skills. The inclusion of both challenging and enjoyable stations for different grade levels encouraged students to engage in activities that suit their abilities and interests.

The involvement of parents in some stations and the Grand finale have added a special element to the day, creating a sense of community and shared joy. A big thank you to parents, admin team, PE team, teachers, and all staff for their support and collaborative effort that made this event successful.

This event not only contributed to the physical well-being of students but also fostered a sense of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit. It’s fantastic that everyone was already looking forward to the next PY Sports day, anticipating more enjoyment and fun with parents. Congratulations to the entire school community on a successful sports day!

Kru Tiew

Secondary Sports day

Dear High School Community,

Another year has already gone by in the blink of an eye, and now we find ourselves swiftly at the halfway mark of another academic year. The HSSG would like to, firstly, congratulate us all on being able to navigate the challenges and successes that have defined the last few months. We know that this school year has been tough for us all, presenting a unique set of obstacles. Yet, amid these challenges, the HSSG have never been prouder to facilitate school spirit. Especially through Sports Day, we have witnessed incredible strength and unity in our community.

The vibrant Sports Day before the winter break was a testament to the sense of community fostered by the HSSG. It was a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and spirited competition, where students came together not only to showcase their progress in sports like football and badminton, but also to forge lasting memories of unity and collaboration.

However, the star of our show was volleyball, a highlight for many in the SC gym. People loved the intense games that really showcased the volleyball skills of Concordian students. Amidst the cheers and the friendly banter, what stood out was the sense of community fostered by the HSSG. The event transcended mere athletic competition; it became a platform for students to learn valuable life lessons—teamwork, resilience, and the joy of healthy competition. In essence, this day was not just about sports; but it was more about coming together and celebrating.

As the day unfolded, students all enjoyed this fun day of showcasing all the sports skills we learned in PE class throughout the years. It was definitely interesting how we were able to support our house teams and work together with people who we may not have the opportunity to see everyday. Overall, this event most definitely helped bond all the students and the teachers and prepare us for a fun and happy winter break!

We hope you all enjoyed the Sports Day, and be sure that there will be more to come in these few upcoming months.

Sincerely,

Peach, Media Officer Otto, Media Officer

As the middle school president, I am delighted to report on the resounding success of our Sports Day event in December. The participants were divided into four distinct houses, distinguished by the colors green, red, blue, and yellow. The spirited atmosphere of the day was characterized by enthusiastic engagement and sportsmanship from everyone attending. The collaborative efforts of each house demonstrated remarkable teamwork and dedication to the values of fair play.

Congratulations to the victorious teams representing the green, red, blue, and yellow houses and especially green which did especially well. Your great performances led to the success of the event. We give our gratitude to all participants for making this Sports Day a memorable and enjoyable occasion.

Kenta G8C

Dragons Chess Tournament

Hello Chess Champions!

With the increasing popularity of chess, our Concordian Dragons Chess Club seeks to invite people from all ranges to come, learn, and have fun during our weekly meetings. Over the past year, we have worked to help people from our high school acclimatize to the various openings, mid-games, and endgames. Whether club members are playing a 1 versus 10 simuls game against Ninja, learning the basics through our tutoring, or simply playing in our round-robin tournaments, we all have fun whilst simultaneously improving at chess. Our Dragons Chess team is on a roll.

I think it is time we reclaimed chess as a game for older children, most younger children will, to be honest, gain more benefit from playing simpler games. And, with an enormous amount of instructional material available online, much of it free, along with websites where you can play chess whenever you want and technology which will analyze your game and help you improve, it has never been easier for secondary schools to promote chess excellence.

We hosted the Concordian Intramural Chess Tournament on Jan 13th 2024 for categories from Grade 1 to Grade 12. All students played serious chess and are eagerly looking forward to upcoming tournaments. More students are joining the chess club every year. This continuous increase in chess participants is encouraging, so we purchased 60 more international chess sets and 60 more digital chess clocks for all of our chess club members to get tournament style practice.

We are really looking forward to our annual Dragons Invitational in May.

Dragons Chess Team

Grade 3U

Track and Field

What an exciting competition we witnessed as the Concordian Dragons roared onto the tracks of the AISAA Track and Field Meet on Thursday January 7, hosted by the Thai Chinese International School.

Our Grade 3 U Team, comprised of 15 enthusiastic students, showcased their talents and determination in a variety of events. From sprinting distances of 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m, to enduring challenges like the 600 m race and various field events including standing long jump, ball throw and push ball throw - our Dragons left no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

Throughout the event, our Concordian students exemplified remarkable sportsmanship, integrity and perseverance, pushing themselves to their limits in every event.

The results speak volumes of their dedication and skill - our proud Dragons returned with an incredible 25 medals!

A huge round of applause to all the students who dedicated themselves to rigorous practice sessions since the beginning of the year, not only the students that participated in the AISAA meet, both those who worked so hard, but did not qualify for the meet. Your determination and hard work during all of our sessions, helped push the students that participated in the meet and won medals. We are so very proud of all of you!

To every student on the Track and Field team, your commitment, spirit, and determination are commendable!

Congratulations to all students!

Ms. Mari, Mr. Jared, Ms. Ailene, Ms. Irish, Ms. Marily and Ms. Rona

Winners Varsity Boys Tournament

Our Varsity Boys Tournament 2024 on the 10th of March was a blast of a tournament! Finally beating our long rivals Wells in the semi-finals and being the underdogs to beat ASB GV who have been unbeatable all tournament. The atmosphere in the finals was absolutely rocking, and the game came right down to the wire! Let’s congratulate our Dragons team and especially our amazing seniors, as it is our last tournament with them!

Concordian Dragons Girls Varsity Football - Double Champions!

The Girls Varsity Football team came to play this year. They not only won the AISAA League in convincing fashion, but they also won the AISAA Tournament. They played six games and won them all, only allowing one goal against them all year while scoring twelve. It was a truly dominating performance against other strong schools. The most amazing thing about this group was that the team was composed mostly of Grade 8’s and 9’s. So this was a very young team competing against very tough, older teams. They did it with not only speed and skill, but also with aggression, spirit, perseverance and teamwork.

The girls won the league by beating Berkeley 2-0 on goals by Bam Bam and Harmonie. They followed that up with a 1-0 win over Wells, in which Ploy scored and Rita saved a penalty late in the game. Finally, to wrap up first place, they defeated MUIDS 4-0 with two goals from Ploy and one each from Harmonie and Tonkhing.

Then, on Sunday, January 21, the girls took to the field on a scorching hot morning to face the same teams in intense

tournament fashion. The Grade 11s were unavailable, so we put out a youthful line-up. In the first game, Tonkhing scored twice and Ploy once as the girls saw off Berkeley 3-0. The second match vs MUIDS came right down to the wire, when Ploy fed Harmonie with a long pass in the dying seconds and she outraced two defenders to slot home the winner at the final whistle. The result: 1-0 Concordian. Each player in midfield and defense helped each other constantly against the skillful dribbling opponents to totally shut them down.

The last game vs Wells also came down to the wire and, once again, it was Harmonie who scored in the last two minutes and, once more, Concordion won a nail-biter 1-0. They say that defense wins championships and it was proven here on this day with three clean sheets. Nampetch, Homdaeng, and Grace rocked the back line so that Rita only had two decent shots at her the whole tournament.

Thus the girls scooped up two trophies (AISAA League and AISAA Tournament) and a big haul of medals. They should

be congratulated for their hard work and their commitment. It will be the last time that Grade 12 Grace will grace our field. She was a key part of the team and a warrior all year and has been a terrific student athlete in so many sports for this school since PYP.

Congratulations should go to all the girls though: Our superb goalkeeper: Rita (G8), our amazing defenders: Nampetch (G10), Grace (G12), Homdaeng (G10), Ploy (G7), Harmonie (G9), Fern (G11) and Gia (G8). Our midfielders: Imboon (G9), Proud (G8), Pim (G8), Alyssa (G11), Bam Bam (G11) and our strikers: Airi (G8), Tonkhing (G9) and Emily (G12).

Dragons Varsity Table Tennis Team

CHAMPIONS in the AISAA Tournament! Congratulations to the varsity table tennis team! Achieving such success reflects the hard work, dedication, and skill of the players, as well as the efforts of the coaching staff and everyone involved with the team. Winning a championship is a remarkable accomplishment and evidence of the team’s talent and commitment. I’m sure the entire school community is proud of this great achievement.

Varsity boys & girls individual medals

Grace - 1st place

Tubtim - 2nd place

Mon - 2nd place

Man - 3rd place

Kru Tiew & Kru A

Dragons Varsity Badminton Team

Congratulations to the varsity badminton team. Their achievement of earning second place in the AISAA badminton tournament is truly commendable, especially given the intense competition with 10 schools participating and high level players.

The varsity team’s hard work, dedication to practice, and commitment to sportsmanship have undoubtedly played a significant role in this success. Excelling both on and off the court is a testament to our team’s character and dedication to the sport. Team sportsmanship reflects positively on our school and sets a great example for the tournament. Friendships were forged during the 8-hour tournament.

Continue to build on this success, keep up the hard work, and may the team success inspire continued dedication and enthusiasm for badminton within the varsity team and the entire school community. Well done!

The results for varsity boys & girls individual medals: Grace & Tubtim CHAMPIONS (Girls Doubles)

Austin & Melody earned 2nd place (Mixed Doubles)

And in a very challenging group, Jiho & Thun finished in 3rd place (Boys Doubles)

Your proud Concordian Dragons Badminton Coaches, Kru Tiew & Ms. Yatima

Grade 5 Week Without Walls Adventures in Hua Hin

In a splendid display of camaraderie and adventure, the Grade 5s embarked on a memorable Week Without Walls escapade, enriching them as both responsible thinkers and caring risk-takers with a kaleidoscope of experiences. From the exhilarating thrills of frolicking in Vana Nava Water Park to the serene contemplation amidst The Gallery Hua Hin, their journey was an odyssey of inquiry and appreciation. Engaged in the fine art of expression, these budding artists indulged their creative muses, daubing canvases with strokes of imagination and ingenuity.

Yet, beyond the vivid painting and the cascading waters, this experience served as an opportunity for the forging of friendships, the cultivation of the Learner Profile, and the development of the Approaches To Learning. As they partook in the spirited “Grade 5 Olympics’’ and communed with nature in the cradle of a mangrove forest at Pranburi Forest Park, these intrepid voyagers blossomed with attributes emblematic of Concordian’s Mission and Vision. From the inquiring minds delving into the secrets of the natural world to the principled release of

crabs into their native habitat, from the balanced harmony of team play to the reflective introspection kindled by the tranquil shores of the beachside barbecue at Avani Hua Hin Resort, each moment resonated with the ethos of becoming moral and responsible leaders who want to make a positive difference in this world. As a result of this amazing experience, they carry with them not merely memories, but the indelible imprints of growth and friendship that will enrich their academic and personal journeys through life.

Mr. Craig Martin

Grade 6 Week Without Walls

Exploring Khao Yai

Let’s journey back to the G6 WWWs, on November 14th-17th, 2023, where our school traded the city buzz of Bangkok for the serene landscapes of Khao Yai.

Throughout this week, G6 students Hannah, Kin, and Namo will be our guides, sharing their highlights. Day 1 at Uncle Chris Farm brought a mix of excitement and nerves, especially during a memorable hike. Day 2 immersed us in the captivating Life Art Exhibition at Burg Barn Buri, showcasing nature-inspired art and fun activities.

The last days at Green Me Farm and the EGAT Learning Center taught us about sustainability. Join us as we

hear from Hannah, Kin, and Namo about the laughter, learning, and friendships that made this G6 WWW week truly unforgettable.

Day 1: Uncle Chris Farm:

We were all excited because this day we left Bangkok to go to Khao Yai for G6 WWW! I’m sure most of us were nervous too, and so was I. Once we arrived at Uncle Chris Farm, we all felt kind of tortured. We went hiking up a hill, and it was really scary because the path was narrow and steep. However, the bugs and heat tested our strength, turning the experience into a valuable lesson about realizing what we are capable of doing

and being in the middle of real nature. When we finally made it out of the hike, we were all exhausted! We also made water filters and experimented with rocks, sand, and cotton to filter water, learning that anyone can do it with natural materials. Afterwards, we got into the bus and drove to the Vivace Resort. That night, we had dinner and then played some board games, and we got to practice our performances for the upcoming performance night. Before we went to our rooms, we got some announcements from Ms. Tashia about the activities for the next day. I had fun with my roommates; we played some games that night. We were very excited for the next day.

Hannah

Day 2: Life Art Exhibition at Burg Barn Buri:

The Life Art exhibition at Burg Barn Buri was a day filled with activities and lessons about the types of art. The nature-inspired art pieces were stunning and gave a special point of view on the beauty of nature. The activities were a great way to learn and make different brand products in a fun and interactive way. The food was delicious, as well as the refreshments, and the dishwashing gave us a little activity to do for our group so the place could be kept clean and tidy. The live music was the cherry on top; it provided joy and created a relaxing atmosphere. Some students also volunteered to play the instruments. Looking back on the week, it’s certain that the Life Art Exhibition was a highlight, and it’s an event that I’ll remember for a long time to come.

Kin

Day 3 & 4: Green Me Farm, EGAT Learning Center, and Last Day:

Green Me showed us how to tie-dye and showcased their fruits and vegetables. Their compost was made out of organic materials that do no harm to the earth, and that made me see the magic of nature and how every vegetable that we eat comes from the hard work of many people. We then went to EGAT to learn about sustainable sources of power and how it helps the planet. We also learned about what sources countries in ASEAN used. On our last day, there was football, swimming, and board games. Football was the best part, led by Coach Nui. After all the fun at the resort, we checked out of the hotel and headed for Midwinter. While on the bus, we sang and played games. The food at Midwinter was really nice, and we all had a great time. On the way back to school, we watched Howl’s Moving Castle and sang a few more songs.

Namo

learned many things. New experiences like hiking, washing dishes, learning about energy at the EGAT center, and doing tie-dye at Green Me Farm added to the adventure. The best part was the performance! We laughed at each other’s funny skits, and we had so much fun. Overall, that was DEFINITELY one of the best weeks of the school year because we all got to bond with each other and with nature.

Ms. Tashia

Grade 7 Week Without Walls Sukhothai Discoveries

The G7 WWW trip to Sukhothai on November 14th-17th, 2023, was absolutely amazing.

With wild and fun activities ranging from discovering dinosaur fossils to riceplanting, it is almost impossible not to enjoy the warm and sunny week with the company of friends.

During the first few days, everything was normal and well, particularly relationships, which had seemed to already blossom during the long bus rides. The weather was really comfortable, and the

skies were clear and clouds were plenty and covered the blazing sun.

One of the most notable and fun events during the trip was the pool where the watery funscape continued for three days, which left the air hanging with joy and showcased the G7’s diverse swimming and teamwork skills.

Another one of the notable and fun events that had occurred during the trip was the rice-paddy planting. It was really enjoyable regardless of the heat and the humid draft, though most of us got dirty

and really sweaty, all of us cherished the chance to help our community, sowing the fields that supplied our daily meals.

Visiting the museums, some people really took an interest in the fascinating discoveries unrooted in Sukhothai, and the private dinosaur museum that the grade was able to witness was over-the-top!!! There were also many informative tours that allowed us to discover the secrets of the old temples and pyramids in the ancient capital! Overall, the trip was just fabulous!

Leo G7I

Grade 8 Week Without Walls Unforgettable trip in Sukhothai

This year Grade 8 WWW took place from November 13-17, 2023 - students spent 5 days in Sukhothai and made many wonderful memories there.

During WWW, G8 students had lots of opportunities to explore local culture, historical art and architecture, and their values in the Thai society such as visiting Sukhothai Historical Park and Ramkhamhaeng National Museum in Sukhothai, which enabled them to acquire knowledge about temples and understand the cultural heritage of Thailand throughout history.

Students also experienced traditional Khantoke Style Dinner - while tasting authentic Thai dishes, they also enjoyed Thai dance performances.

In addition to the opportunity to discover the charm of Thai culture, students enhanced their teamwork skills through numerous hands-on activities - they participated in Thai handicraft to make weaving fish and Tan Ta Wan flowers, and had a farm tour and planted seedlings in the rice fields. On the last day of WWW, students had the privilege of visiting a private dinosaur museum to learn from the experts and make a fossil replica. This was indeed a truly magical experience.

G8 students thoroughly enjoyed this trip. On the one hand, they did gain a wealth of knowledge, while on the other hand, they also got to spend quality time with their friends too. It was a truly wonderful journey.

Ms. Rong G8 Team Leader

Grade 9 Week Without Walls Siem Reap and Beyond

A particularly memorable part of the trip was a cooking class where students prepared a three-course Cambodian meal. Guided by local chefs, they learned about traditional dishes, ingredients and cooking methods, working together to create delicious dishes. This activity was not only educational but also a fun and interactive way to experience the local cuisine. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to visit a local school, where they interacted with Cambodian students. This exchange was eye-opening and we all left with a desire to help those less fortunate and to appreciate what we have.

In the early hours of the morning, Concordian’s Grade 9 students gathered, filled with anticipation for their trip to the historic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.This journey, part of our ‘Week Without Walls’ program, promised a diverse mix of cultural experiences, historical insights, and practical learning opportunities.

The trip’s itinerary was rich and varied. A visit to the iconic Angkor Wat Temple Complex provided a vivid history lesson, where ancient Hindu and Buddhist influences were evident in the stunning architecture and sculptures. Another afternoon was spent exploring the local lake and floating villages, offering the students a unique perspective on the resilience and adaptability of these water-based communities. The students also engaged in traditional Cambodian arts through hands-on workshops in leatherworking and pottery, creating pieces in the Angkor style, which allowed them to connect with the local culture in a tangible way.

Throughout the trip, the students demonstrated great adaptability and teamwork. They showed respect to their guides and each other, embodying the values we strive to instill at Concordian. Evenings were filled with enjoyable activities like student performances and movie nights, which helped to strengthen the bonds among the students. The trip’s success was thanks to the hard work of our travel partners & local guides, the tireless positivity of the chaperones, Mr. Bill’s coordination, and the meticulous planning by Khun Fah and Khun Kay, supported by the school administration and parents.

Returning from Cambodia, the students brought back not only souvenirs and photos but also valuable life lessons, new skills, and stronger friendships. This ‘Week Without Walls’ was a testament to the power of experiential learning, showing how hands-on, real-world experiences can enrich traditional education in meaningful and lasting ways. We look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape our students’ perspectives and future learning.

Mr. Brian

Grade 10 Week Without Wall to Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou

上有天堂，下有苏杭

In a series of adventures and cultural immersion, G10 students embarked on a remarkable journey during the G10 Week Without Walls (WWW) trip to China, held from November 12-17, 2023. As an essential component of the school curriculum, this six-day, five-night excursion offered an unparalleled opportunity for students to delve into the vibrant experience of Chinese history, culture, and innovation.

Led by a dedicated team, the trip’s meticulously crafted itinerary ensured that every moment was packed with enriching experiences, tailored to the unique interests and needs of the students. From exploring the metropolis of Shanghai, with its iconic landmarks such as the Bund and Disneyland, to soaking in the picturesque beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake and Suzhou’s private gardens, the journey was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Students also had the privilege of engaging with esteemed educational institutions including Fudan University and NYU Shanghai, fostering academic exchange and cultural understanding.

G10 students returned home with hearts full of unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.

Ms. Min Li Secondary Principal

Grade 11 School Build

Concordian International School’s ‘School Build Project’ is an annual service trip that G11 students have undertaken for many years, but in November 2023, this year’s G11s finally completed School Build for the first time since 2019.

From November 27th until December 1st, this year’s G11 cohort traveled to Phitsanulok province in northern central Thailand to help construct a school building at an underprivileged school in the small town of Baan Rong Kla which is nestled in the mountains within Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. The following passages convey the daily experiences of some of the students throughout the week.

Mr. Ben Weil Service/CAS Coordinator

Day 1

On the 27th of November, we woke up in the early morning and assembled at the school’s lobby for our long journey to Phu Hin Rong Kla, Phitsanulok - our destination for the Grade 11 School Build trip. The ride started at 6:00 am as our buses began the 5-hour road trip to the town of Phitsanulok.

Once we arrived, we went to the local village located in the middle of a rice field to learn about the local culture. We got to dye our scarf using the traditional tie-dye technique and make the local dessert which is made from sugar and starch powder, pressed inside a flowery mold, while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Luckily, that night fell on a November full moon, which happened to be Loy Krathong day in Thailand. We had the chance to walk around the Muang Phitsanulok Loy Krathong festival alongside the Nan River. The fair was packed with people from around the province, various food stalls, games, and street performers, decorated with fairy lights and many balloons. On the riverbank, we prayed and released our krathongs into the river, wishing for a good year. Then, we returned to the hotel to rest before our journey up to the Phu Hin Rong Kla in the morning.

Opal

Day 2

On November 28th, for the second day in a row, we had another early wake-up call. After having breakfast in the dining hall, we were divided into small groups of 5-6 for our journey up the mountains, where we would be staying for the next three nights.

Upon arrival at the campsite, we all hurriedly chose beds and began unpacking. Before we knew it, we were called back to our vans to visit the school that we were building and to have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Upon arrival at the school, we were introduced to the kids, teachers, and school organizers who spoke about the importance of the school-building project. Initially, we were divided into three different groups: construction, painting, and murals. The construction team worked on placing planks on the walls, the painting team painted the walls with a light blue color, and the murals team began designing various murals. After a few hours of work, we headed back to the campsite and stopped by the restaurant for dinner.

At the campsite, a campfire awaited us. The entire grade gathered around the bright red fire, made s’mores, and took numerous pictures together. It was an amazing bonding moment overall. As the day finally came to an end, one by one, we decided to take a shower in the bathroom behind the cabin. The bathroom itself was an entire “experience.” The shock of ice-cold water, and spiders the size of our palms… made everyone realize how fortunate we were and how much we took for granted the small things, like a seemingly simple hot shower.

Doudou

Day 3

On the third day, we continued to work on our school build. Some of us worked on construction: placing planks and installing the windows and doors. Some others worked on repairing and repainting the chairs and tables. The others worked on painting the murals and we divided ourselves into two teams to paint in two different classrooms. One team painted the ocean with sea creatures and alphabet bubbles in the first classroom, while the other painted the world map with different continents and different species of animals living in that region in the second classroom.

Before we headed off to our campsite, the school and village arranged a village tour and house visits. In smaller groups, each of us visited the Bann Huay Nam Sai students’ families and houses. We interviewed them to learn about the unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of the tribe. For the first time, we got to interact with the villagers and received their warm welcome.

Once again we returned to our campsite to take a shower in the icy-cold water. Then, we met with the villagers again and they provided us with a special performance of their traditional dancing. In return, we performed two songs for the villagers.

Day 4

On the fourth day, we finally finished our school build. We finished the construction and held a small handover ceremony which ended with taking a large group photo. The teachers and students of Baan Huay Nam Sai finally got to see their new classrooms.

The students were excited and happy to see the murals that we painted, and their brand-new walls, chairs, and desks. Just seeing them smile and happy with our work washed away the exhaustion from all the things we had done until now, and made us feel that our efforts did make a change, not the least by bringing smiles to those children.

After parting with the students, teachers and staff of the school, we headed to the nature trail of the national park where we got to trek to high cliffs, windy mountains, and lush forests with all kinds of fascinating insects and creatures to observe. We enjoyed the trekking and had fun taking pictures.

At night, we did a reflection on the school build experience with Khun Varnee, each of us sharing our thoughts and the takeaways from the trip before heading to bed and ready to return home.

Im

Day 5

December 1st was the last day of the trip. At 6:00 am we all headed off to grab breakfast at the bottom of the mountain. The majority of the day was the 6-hour bus ride back to Bangkok which we spent by looking back at the different pictures and reminiscing about the moments when we played with the little kids at the village.

“Education is the best gift you can give to someone.” This line is forever engraved in our minds, a lesson taught by Concordian ever since we were in nursery. This experience - from planning and fundraising to going to Phitsanulok to build the school - apart from genuinely eyeopening, was also extremely memorable.

And a final message for the younger grades: Good luck guys, it’s fun, it’s memorable, and it’s an experience you won’t forget! Doudou

Middle School Service

Grade 6 Service

Hello, we are the G6 service team called Soi Dog Humans. We are focusing on the SDG “Life on Land.” We visited a Soi dog shelter and witnessed dogs disabled from traffic accidents, unable to walk. This prompted us to take action. We aimed to construct wheelchairs to enable these dogs to lead normal lives, understanding that animals can suffer just as much as people. It would have been wrong to witness their suffering and do nothing. Thus, for our direct service project, we committed to helping stray dogs by building wheelchairs for them. With adult supervision and necessary materials, we got to work and successfully created wheelchairs.

During our project, a humorous incident occurred. A cat on a catwalk unexpectedly soiled some of us, leading to a quick change of shirts. While amusing, it added a unique aspect to our experience. An ATL skill that emerged was collaboration, essential in building the wheelchairs. This collaboration could prove beneficial in the future, especially in the design process, as we gained proficiency in using power tools. Overall, we were pleased with the project’s outcome, knowing that our efforts would bring comfort to the crippled dogs we encountered at the shelter.

Grade 7 Service

We are En-Laye, Skye, Peyton, Thunwa, Term, and Keit, and we are a G7 service team. Our project focused on the Life Below Water SDG goal, and for it we went to the Koh Sichang Crab Foundation in Chonburi province to release crabs back into the ocean and to also plant coral.

In addition to our direct service component of our service project, we also made an advocacy poster about the importance of crabs which we had put in the morning announcements to help spread our message. That said, we felt very proud that we were able to help impact the ocean ecosystem and this experience helped us understand a lot more of the importance of ocean ecosystems.

Grade 8 Service

We are the Grade 8 service group composed of IngIng, Becky, and Ploen. Our service project focuses on SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 2: No Hunger. For our service project, we decided to collaborate with another group to make educational activities for orphans at an orphanage in Bang Saan. We went to IngIng’s house to bake and decorate cupcakes, then took the ingredients and taught the orphans how to bake cupcakes. We also had the orphans decorate the cupcakes that we made in IngIng’s house.

The team we collaborated with taught the children how to make origami animals and did a sketchbook decorating activity. This activity made us feel very grateful for the things that we have in life because we saw that other people our age do not have the same privileges.

Service Clubs

Food For All

In December, Food for All service club visited มูลนิธิเด็กอ่อนในสลัม - a daycare and preschool supporting children with absent parents. During our visit, we whipped up DIY Christmas cookies, sparking joy and motor skill development. Additionally, we donated fresh meat and fruits to the daycare so that the children can have nutritious meals. We greatly enjoyed the trip and would like to thank the daycare for giving us a chance to be there.

For now, Food for All continues its mission of raising funds for food and care packages to aid Thai communities. Next semester, expect even more direct community engagement with our next planned trip coming soon. Stay tuned for the latest on our journey to make a positive impact!

Tunes of Trust

On Monday, the 15th and Wednesday, the 17th of January, Concordian’s Tunes of Trust service club hosted their first amateur showcase at the lobby. With over 20 individual and group performances, over 20,000 baht was raised in cash for the มูลนิธิวัยวัฒนานิวาส สถานสงเคราะห์คนชรา, a retirement home in Thailand.

Completing the lineup of street-style performances, we had students from Grades 9 and 10 showcase their vocal skills and commitment to raising funds for service through the enthusiasm they demonstrated on stage; including various piano and acoustic solos from Khao Mai (G10) and Pai (G10), karaoke compilations from multiple Grade 9 duos, group performances from Grade 10, and even a special feature from Ms. Marijoy in a joint cover of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You”.

“I feel extremely grateful to have received so much support from the school, teachers, parents, and all the students alike who donated to our cause. We could not have accomplished this without the IT department, Mr. Ben, and Khun Aoh’s help, so I would like to extend a massive thank you in appreciation of their assistance as well. Tunes of Trust was intended to be a force of good for the community, so seeing the effects of that come into fruition brings me great joy,” said Pear (G10), the club president.

Tunes of Trust wishes to continue supporting the operation of retirement homes in Thailand through financial assistance, supporting senior citizens’ day-to-day utility costs and covering underprivileged children’s medical expenses. We invite the Concordian community to participate in our future events either by donating, signing up to perform, or even being in the audience to show support for our singers.

Seed of Hope

Seed of Hope is a service club that aims to foster environmental sustainability and restoration in Thailand. Our mission is to raise awareness about sustainable practices (indirect service) and to actively engage in environmental rejuvenation through planting trips (direct service).

In the past semester, Seed of Hope held a planting trip to Bang Krachao, also known as the Green Lung of Bangkok. Our mission in this trip was not only to learn about how the community preserves the mangrove but also to actively contribute to preserving the mangrove ourselves. On this trip, we planted roughly around 100 or so plants called Pilangkasa. Pilangkasa is one of the traditional herbs in Thailand, the plants can be used for treatment by utilizing different parts of the plants such as the fruits, leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, and stems. It offers significant benefits in blood nourishment and treating elemental imbalances (fruit), addressing respiratory issues like coughs and lung disorders (leaves), and aiding in digestive health (leaves and fruit). Additionally, its roots are effective in treating venereal diseases and as a poultice for wounds, while its flowers and stems serve as anthelmintic and antibacterial agents, respectively, with specific uses in skin health and treating parasitic infections.

Participating in planting trips like those organized by the “Seed of Hope” club in Bangkrachao offers a rich learning experience, exploring environmental knowledge and sustainability practices. These activities foster essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and cultural awareness through hands-on engagement with nature and local communities. Additionally, they provide physical exercise and opportunities for personal growth and environmental conservation.

Light of Future

On October 15th, 2023, members of the “Light of Future” club dedicated their efforts to a service activity with the purpose of delivering essential medical resources to underprivileged Thai children residing in rural areas. All club members were able to apply individual creativity and develop an original drawing as a pattern for a recycled cloth bag where medicine contents were placed. The contents inside included bandages, wound medicine, alcohol spray, masks, and essential needs that help fulfill the hygienic needs of young children.

Our creative endeavor not only added a personal touch to the practical aspect of providing medical supplies but similarly serves as a source of inspiration and motivation to overcome difficulties for underprivileged children living in rural areas with limited access to proper healthcare and education. Overall, the project encourages the understanding that acts of compassion can extend beyond simply transactional donations. By incorporating club members in the creative process, they develop a stronger connection to the cause and a sense of shared responsibility as we are all part of one community.

Currently, Light of Future members are undertaking the initiation of a long-term project aimed to provide small, recycled-plush dolls for young children residing in hospitals, or rural areas, who may lack sufficient support from their families and the surrounding community. This project aligns with the overarching goals of the club, which extend beyond immediate aid to fostering lasting positive impacts in the lives of those who may lack resources and support.

Habitat for Humanity (H4H)

Ensuring that everyone has a safe shelter is what the Habitat for Humanity strives for, not only does it improve the quality of a person’s lifestyle, but it also allows them to better integrate into today’s growing community. The club is an extension from nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity Thailand. Likewise, the Habitat for Humanity club at Concordian International School aspires as such, wherein we fundraise and contribute in the provision of these shelters to our community members.

In this academic year, we have raised 40,000฿ through fundraising activities such as booths in the Festival of Love, hosting drink stalls during football tournaments, and selling club merchandise. Recently, we organized a site build at Ban Eur Ar Torn Lad Lum Kaeo 2, where we installed bathroom grab bars for 17 apartments to better accommodate the elderly living there. Not only were we able to provide them with physical support, but we also interacted with them and exchanged meaningful stories.

Crisis Relief Fund

Crisis Relief Fund is a student-initiated non-profit organization with the intent of helping victims of natural disasters. The primary objective of the Crisis Relief Fund is to act as a trust fund wherein we raise funds in anticipation of the natural disasters and contribute a curated relief kit to the embassy or consulate of the country we are attempting to aid. The relief kit is a relief package that we have curated and created through research (of what is most often needed by victims: such as blankets, socks, etc). While we have only been operating for around a year, we have already raised over 200,000 Thai Baht through the generosity of our Concordian community. More recently, we have raised funds for the Japanese Noto peninsula earthquake and are currently in contact with the Japanese embassy working out the logistics. We thank you all so much and hope you will continue to support our attempts at improving the lives of those that are affected by natural disasters!

GAT Zoology Club

On January 27th, GAT Zoology Club went to a Wildlife Quarantine Center in Nakhon Nayok which rescues and rehabilitates animals that are confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, poaching, or other illegal situations. The center provides veterinary care, support, and a chance for animals to recover from any illnesses or trauma they have suffered. Within the quarantine center, there is a wide range of animals from tigers or bears to otters and parrots. Not only do they help save these animals and take care of them, but they also educate and raise awareness on the importance of conservation and the illegal wildlife trade. The GAT club has raised money to buy food for these animals, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, and visited the location to clean the animals’ cages and feed them. Overall, it was a great experience for students to learn and support this helpful organization.

High School Clubs

Chess Club

With the increasing popularity of chess, our Concordian Chess Club seeks to invite all to come, learn, and have fun during our weekly meetings! Over the past year, we have worked to help people from our high school acclimatize to the various openings, midgames, and endgames. Whether club members are playing a 1 versus 10 simuls game against Ninja, learning the basics through our tutoring, or simply playing in our round-robin tournaments, we all have fun whilst simultaneously improving at chess, and thus hope more people come and join us soon!

Operation Smile Smiles Across Province Borders

From Sunday, February 18th until Wednesday, February 20th, Concordian’s Operation Smile club was fortunate enough to attend a medical mission in Mae Hong Son province, northern Thailand. It was a rewarding experience for the six club members who were able to attend, and we wanted to share this experience with everyone.

Day 1

On the first day, we boarded a 3-hour flight to Mae Hong Son and went to eat dinner with all Operation Smile volunteers and associates and were introduced to Dean, the Operation Smile supervisor.

Day 2

On the second day, we visited the wards at Srisangwan Hospital, wherein, we were able to distribute toys to the children in the pediatric ward. We were also introduced to the “No No Arm Band,” which helps keep surgical incisions clean. All of us utilized our sewing skills and helped sew about 10 armbands for the hospital.

Day 3

On the third day, Tuesday, February 20th, we revisited the Srisangwan Hospital in the morning session, specifically the female ward, where we briefly interacted with the patients, visited the OR, and saw surgeries on cleft lips. In the afternoon, we continued to sew more armbands and delivered them to the children’s ward. We then saw how the armbands were used on the children to prevent children from scratching their IVs.

Day 4

On Wednesday morning, we went to the Pang Oung reservoir where we were met with a beautiful view of the tranquil lake surrounded by the lush forest. Next, we went to Baan Rak Thai, a Yunnanese village to eat breakfast. Lastly, we went to Thum Pla where we fed fish food to the fish in the cave and finally went to the airport to board the flight back to Bangkok.

The Operation Smile trips are crucial for us as students because they give us opportunities for hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Our participation in viewing the operations, sewing armbands for surgery patients, delivering gifts, and fundraising money for this cause provides us with important insights into healthcare procedures and also provides us with acknowledgements of the community’s well-being. This trip can raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals in our community who are in need, offering us a tangible opportunity to witness the direct impact of the funds we raise. Through these experiences we can gain a deeper understanding of healthcare in Thailand.

Mindy, Prin, Proud, Prom, Wei-En, Zen G11 Operation Smile members

¡Vamos a celebrar! Let’

s Celebrate!

Birthday parties are often shaped by our culture, families, traditions or beliefs. But how do we celebrate festivals and celebrations in Hispanic countries? Which are the famous dishes that represent this region?

The Spanish ab Initio students and Maestra Lou reenacted a Hispanic birthday party!!

As part of Unit 2 - Experiences, prior to Christmas we invited the Spanish ab Initio “estudiantes”, as well as other guests to participate in this exciting event.

The table tennis room located in the Sports complex was the perfect venue to throw a birthday party with piñata, birthday cake (pastel de cumpleaños) and some “canastitas” (little baskets as little presents for the guests). Finally, we all sang Feliz Cumpleaños and enjoyed a piece of chocolate cake and ice cream. A big thank you (Muchas gracias) to Ms. Mattila and Ms. Prinz for capturing beautiful memories of this exercise. It was a fantastic way to learn more about Hispanic culture and one of the most spoken languages around the world: Español.

A new word was learned: Cake : pastel, torta (in Mexico), dulce, tarta!

How do you celebrate a birthday party in your country?

A Week of Festivities Embracing the Christmas Cheer

As the Christmas spirit settled in, our school decided to light up the December atmosphere with a Spirit Week, full of festive activities that brought joy to both students and staff.

The week kicked off with laughter and holiday cheer as students embraced the charm of ugly Christmas sweaters. On Monday, we had Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, where students came to school dressed in weird designs and interesting color schemes. The school hallways transformed into a festive parade of knitted creativity.

On Tuesday, we had Santa’s Helper Day. Elves, reindeer, and snowmen took over the school as students transformed into Santa’s little helpers. The classrooms echoed with giggles and chuckles, as the school became a Winter Wonderland filled with holiday magic.

Midweek, students took the opportunity to showcase their creativity by dressing up in matching outfits with friends for Family Photo Day. The hallways were alive with the spirit of togetherness, creating memories that will undoubtedly be remembered.

The Christmas spirit was the highest it’s ever been on Thursday, with students expressing their creativity through Santa hats, ugly sweaters, and festive costumes for Christmas Outfit Day. The event turned our school into a wave of red, green, and glitter.

The grand finale of the Christmas Spirit Week was marked by an exciting in-school house competition on Friday. The entire school came together to participate in a series of athletic and academic challenges, practicing teamwork and friendly rivalry.

In conclusion, the Christmas Spirit Week not only brought a burst of holiday cheer to our school but also strengthened the bonds among students. It was a week filled with joy, laughter, and fun - the memories created will definitely stay in our hearts!

Sureen MSSG Vice-President

Talent Show: Winter Wonderland

This year’s talent show, held on January 12th, 2024, in our Grand Theater proved to be a spectacular showcase of our middle and high school’s talent. Our talented performers entered the spotlight and captivated the audience with exceptional skills. From our wonderful bands to our vocalists to solo instruments to our first-ever aerial silk act, and to our dancers, each has enthralled and mesmerized us uniquely.

One of the most remarkable aspects of our talent show was the passion our fellow performers displayed for the secondary section to see. Our very own TOFU, in their farewell performance, took us on a nostalgicjourney, evoking memories of their debut of “Sweet Child O’Mine” in G7 and a heartful cover of “Need You Now For Us.” Their performance was a poignant reminder of the journey we’ve

shared and the memories we’ve created together. Nita (G7) showed us a new type of act, aerial silk! Her aerial silk routine was nothing short of breathtaking and a display of her strength which left the audience in awe of her extraordinary talent. SYNK wowed the audience with a dynamic performance that blended dancing and music effortlessly. This showcase featured a variety of dance moves accompanied by talented band members, grooving “Last Christmas’’ and “Good 4 U”. Ninja (G12) got creative with a rearrangement of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D. This incredible guitar performance showed a rock version of a classic song.

ROOT36, the dynamic band known for their electrifying performance, delivered an amazing rendition of “We Are Young” and “ฤดูร้อน”, captivating the audience

with their infectious energy. Jasmine from G7 delivered a sensational performance with her lively and fresh dance of “ParadoXXX Invasion”. Her energy lit up the stage, it was like ENHYPEN was there with us on the stage. Ken G7’s performance of “Broken Vow” was just simply mesmerizing. His soulful voice and heartfelt delivery were a true testament to his talent and left a lasting impression. Don and Dol from G6 showcased their proficiency in traditional Thai instruments and the LED lights were definitely a modern touch to this amazing performance. Pei Pei G10’s cover of “Always Remember Us This Way” is an incredible addition to her repertoire of performances this year! Her soulful interpretation captivated the audience which solidified her place as a standout performer. Kaem G10’s breathtaking cover of “All I Ask” showed her

heartfelt emotions and impeccable vocal control! She delivered a performance that moved the audience to their core. Lastly, Neen showed us a dance routine using “Sugarcoat” and “Click Like” to show off her precise and powerful dance moves which left a lasting impression as this is also her last performance for high school.

Of course, we can’t forget the teachers’ amazing surprise performances which included them singing “All I Want For Christmas” by Mariah Carey. As students, we were able to feel the notes and tones that the teachers wanted to deliver to us! The TikTok compilation by Concordian’s Dance Club and teachers proved that teachers are also trendy and can make very captivating clips! We extend our thanks to our teacher judges for overseeing the talent show voting and auditions. Heartfelt gratitude also goes to the IT, Maintenance, and Maids for their invaluable assistance behind the scenes.

Looking forward to next year already!

Sincerely,

The High School Student Government

Interview with Mona & Venice Netrabukkana's Family

T

he reason we chose Concordian for Mona and Venice is because our family focuses on trilingua proficiency (EnglishChinese -Thai). Those languages are very important for the future. We have recently been on a family trip to China and this has given us confidence in the decision we made. The ability to communicate fluently in Chinese is the value added for our kids in the future.

Apart from the rigorous education at Concordian, our kids enjoy the various activities in the school. They have the opportunity to perform, find their ability in music, sports, arts and academics so that they will know clearly what they want to do or be in the future. This helps build their confidence and self-esteem.

We love the community here, it is made up of parents with similar attitudes and ways of raising their children. We are happy that Mona and Venice have great childhood friends and are surrounded by supportive families who can grow together.

After 9 years at Concordian, the kids still enjoy going to school everyday. There is something new for them to learn and explore every day. They come back and talk about friends, teachers and all the stories. Concordian has been developing every year. Thank you to all admin , teachers and staff who support and always continue to make Ccncordian as a second home where the students can grow in quality and happiness.

เหตุผลที่เลือกโรงเรียนนี้สำ า หรับโมนาและ เวนิส เพราะคุณแม่ให้ความสำาคัญในเรื่องของ ภาษา อังกฤษและจีน ที่มีความสำาคัญมากใน อนาคต และเมื่อ 2 เดือนที่ผ่านมาได้มีโอกาส ได้พาเด็กๆ ไปเมืองจีน ซึ่งทำาให้ยิ่งมั่นใจว่า การตัดสินใจเลือกภาษาจีนเป็นภาษาที่สอง เป็นการเพิ่มทางเลือกที่ดีสำ า หรับเด็กๆ ใน อนาคตได้อย่างถูกต้องจริง ๆ

นอกจากเรื่องการเรียนที่โรงเรียนได้ให้ความ สำาคัญเป็นอย่างดีแล้ว ที่นี่เด็กๆ ยังสนุกกับ

กจกรรมของโรงเรียนที่หลากหลาย เด็กๆ ได้มี โอกาส เรียนรู้ แสดงออก ค้นหาตัวเอง

ไม่ว่าทางใดทางหนึ่ง ก จกรรมที่หลากหลาย นี้เป็นส่วนช่วยสร้างพื้นฐานเล็กๆ สร้างความ เชื่อมั่นและภาคภูมิใจในตัวเองของเด็กๆ สังคมพ่อแม่ที่นี่ก็น่ารัก เป็นที่รวมคนที่มี แนวคิด ทัศนคติ ในการเลี้ยงลูกคล้ายๆ กันมา อยู่ด้วยกัน ช่วยเหลือ แนะนำากัน ดีใจที่โมนา และเวนิสได้มีเพื่อนวัยเด็กที่น่ารักจากสังคมที่ อบอุ่นแห่งนี้เติบโตไปด้วยกัน

ไม่ว่าเวลาจะผ่านไปกี่ปี โรงเรียนยังคงสามารถ เป็นสถานที่ที่สนุกและมีความสุขสำาหรับเด็กๆ ไม่มีวันไหนเลยที่เด็กๆ ไม่อยากไปโรงเรียน เด็กๆ ก็ยังคงมีสิ่งใหม่ๆ ที่อยากเรียนรู้ มี เพื่อนๆ คุณครู และกจกรรมต่างๆ ความสนุก รอให้ค้นหาอยู่ทุกวัน จากที่อยู่ที่นี่เข้าปีที่ 9 โรงเรียน มีการปรับและพัฒนาขึ้นในทุกๆ ปี ต้องขอขอบคุณทีมคุณครูบุคลากรของโรงเรียน ทุกท่านที่คอยช่วยกันสร้างบ้านหลังที่ 2 แห่ง นี้ให้อบอุ่นและน่าอยู่ สร้างเด็กๆ ให้เติบโตขึ้น อย่างมีคุณภาพและความสุขตลอดไป

Interview with Mila & Markus and Mari Sirijaroonchai's Family

We are often asked why we choose to send our children to Concordian International School, located far from our home, when several options are right at our doorstep. We boil it down to the 3 C’s: curriculum, community, and core values.

Curriculum

“There are two gifts we should give our children. One is roots and the other is wings.” The early years is the time when parents have a tremendous opportunity to make an impactful influence on their children’s character. We believe it is our duty to equip our three children with the appropriate skills and values, as the roots we lay for them are what they will come back to time and again. For us, building this quality foundation starts with the home (family) and school (education). This is why we chose Concordian as we trust its IB curriculum will help us prepare them for challenges that lie ahead.

In the Early Years, we have seen the program nurture independence, confidence, and resilience in a compassionate way. Attending school for the first time is a big adjustment for both children and parents alike. The EY teaching team supports the transition in a caring and gentle way, understanding that every child is different. Parents like us quickly discover how our children thrive when placed in a supportive, safe, and encouraging environment.

Furthermore, as a trilingual school with an immersive English and Chinese program, we see how since Pre-Kindergarten the children are enjoying learning Chinese, a language not spoken in our home. They speak and sing in Chinese as comfortably as they do with English and Thai. In this present era, we feel that mastering these key languages will prove to be an advantageous skill set to own. We trust that starting off with this kind of solid foundation will help give our children the courage, confidence, and ability to fly.

Community

We were introduced to Concordian by a friend who praised the school for its kind, caring, and respectful community. New families that join also exemplify these highly cherished qualities. Knowing this made us hope we would get chosen to be a part of this upstanding group. Our meeting with Khun Varnnee, the school’s Founding Director who meets with every parent prior to enrollment, only confirmed our belief that Concordian has the type of positive community and accepting environment fit for our family. Now that we have been a part of the Concordian family for a few years, we can say wholeheartedly the community here does not disappoint. From fellow parents to staff to educators to students, our family has since gained invaluable friendships and impactful experiences. The community here radiates warmth and kindness. Most importantly, our children go to school feeling welcomed, supported, and happy.

Core values

Our first experience at Concordian left a profound and lasting impression. As we walked the hallways on our school tour, students greeted Khun Aom with smiles and a wai, the respectful Thai gesture of greeting. Unprompted, student after student would also wai to us, complete strangers to them. Every day we see this important Thai value of showing respect modeled throughout the school. It is something we truly admire, as it demonstrates that being an international school or a foreigner does not make one exempt from showing this gesture of respect. As our children embark into the world as global citizens, we never want them to forget that they are first and foremost Thai and represent Thailand. The wai helps keep them humble, gracious, and accountable for their own behavior. In our current supercharged world where people are quicker to judge, patience is low, and compassion is waning, we feel thankful to have found a school whose core values align with our own. We are grateful that our children are in a school helping us to raise respectful, open-minded, honest, and responsible humans.