When people tell me that Concordian is very successful, I reply, "Not yet. I am waiting to see. Concordian’s success will be realized when I see our students successfully carry on our Mission in their lives.
Khun Varnnee Chearavanont Ross
Dear Concordians,
Welcome back to a new academic year and let’s welcome the many new members of our Concordian family!
Our Class of 2024 is already attending many wonderful universities around the world, building their dreams. I am very proud of all of them!
Thank you so much for being a part of my life, my dream, and my hope for a better world. Again and again, parents of students of all ages ask me, “How can my children decide what they want to be?” It is becoming harder and harder to answer this question because things are changing so rapidly nowadays; many things that they want to be may not exist in the future.
Moreover, many future careers may not even exist yet. However, I am not so worried for our Concordian graduates because I know that they are equipped with the skills to be lifelong learners. If they attended Concordian for PYP alone,
they have completed a minimum of 45 research projects. If they only attended for MYP, they must have completed at least 50 or more. Even if we count only the last 2 years in DP or regular classes, they would have completed 20 projects.
I strongly believe that whatever our students want to achieve in their future, they will be able to find a way to achieve it. This is because they always remember to keep tenacity and responsibility close to their hearts, along with Concordian’s Mission: to lead and live life with Dignity, Integrity, and most importantly of all, Compassion. They know to forgive others, and themselves. They know that when they make mistakes, they can reflect, apologize and learn from them. When they fall, they have learned to get up and walk on to a greater path, and give a helping hand to those who need it along the journey.
Be there for each other. This is the key to success that comes with happiness, which may come at different times for each person. I have said to our parents,
“Flowers bloom and give fruit at different times." When people tell me that Concordian is very successful, I reply, "Not yet. I am waiting to see. Concordian’s success will be realized when I see our students successfully carry on our Mission in their lives." Class of 2024, I wish all of you only the best in life.
Thank you, parents, for all your support. Please keep in mind our Mission and continue to be the greatest coaches and supporters of your children. Thank you for letting Concordian be a part of your family.
Thank you to all the rest of the Concordian team. Whatever your title or your job, you are all very important in each of your own positions and responsibilities. Without your commitment and hard work to implement Concordian’s Mission, we wouldn’t have the wonderful students and alumni that we have today. Please accept my sincerest gratitude.
Sincerely,
Varnnee Chearavanont Ross Founding Director
Message from the Head of School
The world around us is constantly changing, and while it can feel quite scary at times, it is our responsibility to work together, side by side with parents, to prepare this new generation for what seems like an entirely different future, in a world where artificial intelligence plays a significant role in many aspects of life.
Mr. Laurent Goetschmann
Dear Concordian Community,
Welcome to the new academic year! It is truly wonderful to see all our students back on campus, enjoying their learning experiences and having fun!
We can be proud of having built such a close-knit community over the past 24 years and I am so grateful for the strong bonds we share. Our common goal remains the same: to make sure our students receive the best possible education while staying true to themselves, their values, and being prepared to take on any challenges that come their way.
The world around us is constantly changing, and while it can feel quite scary at times, it is our responsibility to work together, side by side with parents, to prepare this new generation for what seems like an entirely different future, in a world where artificial intelligence plays a significant role in many aspects of life. Yet, even as we
integrate AI into our lives, we must use it with care, without losing sight of what makes us uniquely human.
At Concordian, we are proud to be at the forefront of AI innovation. However, with these advancements come challenges we must be aware of together. AI offers numerous advantages but it also raises concerns about data privacy, ethical considerations and the risk of relying too much on technology. It is essential that we approach these issues thoughtfully and understand their potential impact on our lives.
We are committed to ensuring that our students not only learn how to use AI technology effectively but also understand its implications. By emphasizing critical thinking and open discussions, we believe we can help students become responsible individuals who can navigate the complexities of modern technology.
I encourage everyone — students, parents, and teachers alike — to participate in
conversations about AI. Let us work together to explore its benefits and risks thoughtfully, so we can make informed decisions about how to incorporate it into our lives. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we embark on this journey.
As we embrace these new technologies, let us also remember to hold onto the human connections and critical thinking skills that are essential. Qualities like empathy, creativity, and ethical judgment are uniquely human and cannot be replaced by machines.
Once again, welcome to the new year. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to everything we will accomplish together.
Board members have the unique opportunity to shape not only the future of Concordian but also the educational landscape for the leaders of tomorrow.
Mr. John Chu
The Heart of Concordian: The Role and Impact of the Board of Trustees
At Concordian International School, the Board of Trustees is a prestigious yet often unseen guiding force. This dedicated volunteer body is responsible for laying the backbone of the institution, setting a strategic direction aligned with Concordian’s mission to shape socially responsible global citizens. While the Board’s work may not always be visible, its influence is essential to the school’s continued success.
Importantly, the Board respects the autonomy of the school’s administration, teachers, and staff, refraining from interference in daily operations, individual student matters, or specific administrative actions. By focusing on governance rather than direct management, the Board ensures that Concordian remains a space where students and educators can flourish.
The Board of Trustees is always on the lookout for new members who bring valuable skills and perspectives that can help drive the school forward. As part of our commitment to ensuring that Concordian adapts to a rapidly changing world, we actively seek individuals who are not only passionate about education but also possess expertise in emerging fields. One area we are currently exploring is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of both our Board operations and the broader educational experience. Embracing AI can open new doors for innovation, supporting decision-making and enhancing the learning environment.
However, it’s important to note that while we see AI as a valuable tool, we are committed to using it thoughtfully. We aim to find a balanced approach, where AI serves as an aid and not as the ultimate decision-maker. In this way, we can harness the power of AI to support our vision and mission without compromising the human touch that defines education at Concordian.
Volunteering as a trustee is more than just a role—it is an honor. Board members have the unique opportunity to shape not only the future of Concordian but also the educational landscape for the leaders of tomorrow. By building a strong foundation and embracing innovation where it aligns with our values, the Board of Trustees ensures that Concordian remains on a path of growth and excellence. For those who are passionate about making a meaningful impact, we welcome you to consider joining us as we work to create a brighter future for our school and our society.
