Secondary School Update (1/2018-2019)

School Update

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

Secondary School Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely, Bill Berry Secondary School Vice Principal

School Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Athletics News

Coach Aun Represents Thailand at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta

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

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

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

K. Aun Swimming Coach

Boys Varsity Volleyball

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

Thank you to the many spectators.

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

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Athletics News

Concordian vs

Ekamai Showdown K

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lady Dragons Full Speed Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

A Proud Concordian Parent

own player, Harmonie.

Coach Ashley

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Go Dragons!

G7-U basketball girls

Athletics News

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

- Coach Tatiana

Track and Field News T

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

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

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

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Athletics News

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

Varsity Girls Football Dragons style

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coach Neil

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

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

Events and Activities

Concordian’s Graduating Class of 2018 C

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

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

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

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Events and Activities

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Events and Activities

Grade 8-9-10

Bonding Trip H

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

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

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

Mr. Jaren MYP Counseller

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Showcase

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Showcase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Events and Activities

Cherish all your Happy Moments

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

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

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

Tan, Grade 12

Making and Listening to Memories

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

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

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

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

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

Bam, Grade 11

Events and Activities

Lessons Learned at Baanlamun

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

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

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

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

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

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

IB Retreat Reflection

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

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Events and Activities

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

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

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

Millie, Grade 12

Experiences

in Shanghai Lotus Internship B

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

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

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

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

Elim, Grade 11

Events and Activities

T

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

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

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

Almond, Grade 12

T

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

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

This program widened my view on the business industry.

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

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

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

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

Santa, Grade 12

49 CONCORDIAN

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