Impact11 by Concordian International School

ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER 2014

BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE

MG Project Concordian PYP Students Taking Action

Welcome New Concordian Faculty!

Alumni Reunion Lotus Shanghai Internship 2014

Editor’s Note

Message from K.Varnnee Message from Aj.Vichitvong Message from Dr.James Message from Mr.Laurent Message from Dr.Lavina

Counseling Corner Greetings from Dr.Tresa University Acceptances

Alumni

Alumni Reunion Graduating Class 2014

Library Corner

Introducing our new MYP/DP Librarian

Concordian Showcase Math Challenge Dublin Essay by Oum

Flashback

Lotus Shanghai Internship 2014 TISAC Orchestra

3 Extra Curricular 6 Activities 8 9 10 11

Parents and Students Flock to ASA Open House Concordians JUMP! Summer Camp Outdoor Adventure Summer Sports Camp at Concordian

12 13

Special Feature

14 15

Building on Concordian’s Values Program The First Day for Students Welcome New Concordian Faculty! Concordian Begins Self-Study for Joint Accreditation 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself

32 33 34 35

36 39 40 42 44

17 19

20 22

The SAIC Internship Experience (MG Project) Retreat! Retreat! by Grade 11 Seniors Present Breakthrough Research by Grade 12

MYP

MYP At Concordian

PYP

Concordian PYP Students Taking Action

Impact the Community, the Nation and the World Concordians Donate to Banbatong School Concordian Brings a Day of Fun to a Duangjai Nursing Home Resident

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30 31

Kaew

(Orange Jasmine) is a small to medium sized plant. It has white sweet-smelling flowers. Traditionally, Thai people believe that if you plant this kind of tree, the people in your house will be good people, worthy of respect, because Kaeo means “highly valuable things worthy of respect”. ดอกแก้ว เป็นพรรณไม้ยืนต้นขนาดเล็กถึงขนาดกลาง ดอกสีขาวกลิ่นหอม คนไทยโบราณเชื่อว่า บ้านใดปลูกต้นแก้วไว้ประจำ�บ้านจะทำ�ให้คนในบ้านมี ความดี มีคุณค่าสูง เพราะคำ�ว่า แก้ว นั้นหมายถึง สิ่งที่ดีมีค่าสูงเป็นที่นับถือ บูชาของบุคคลทั่วไป

Dear Impact Readers,

’d like to welcome you to the new school year at Concordian, and to another new issue of Impact magazine. We hope this issue gives you lots of information and lots of things to talk about. We’ve tried to give you an update on some activities and events that happened at the end of last school year or over the summer. Many students were involved in our Summer School program – including our new and very popular summer sports camp program – or were participating in summer internships. The learning and fun continues even after the regular school year ends! We’ve also got news and updates from our Counseling Department, our Library, and our Community Service programs. And once again we proudly highlight the achievements of our students in mathematics, language arts, and of course, the university acceptances of the Class of 2014. This issue also has an overview of the 18 monthlong self-study for the re-accreditation of our school by all of the organizations – within Thailand and internationally – that accredit or authorize our programs. All members of the Concordian community will have involvement in this important project, and you’ll be hearing much more about this over the coming months. And finally, in our Welcome New Faculty section, please take a look at the new teachers and teaching assistants that will be teaching and looking after your children this school year. We are delighted to have them here. Please give them all a big Concordian welcome.

Ice at 083-049-1919, ice@concordian.ac.th

I wish you all a happy and successful 2014-2015 school year. Shelley Harris Impact Editor

Wanlapha (Prinz) Sa-ardwong Thanachaporn (Ice) Chayasatit

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ice@concordian.ac.th

School Shop rms for o if n u l o o h c s w Ne -12 G9-10 and G11

For G11-12

For G9-10

The School Shop would like to promote A Smart Purse Card! (For G9-12 students, parents and staff only)

What is a Smart Purse Card

A method of depositing money as eletronic cash to pay for the product via machine at the School Shop, My Cup and Your Cup!!! The value of the card will be reduced as purchases are made and money can be added to it with cash at a service station at the School Shop or 7-eleven.

School Shop

My Cup

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Your Cup

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 7.00 - 10.00 a.m. & 2.00 - 6.00 p.m.

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Message from K.Varnnee

K.Varnnee Chearavanont Ross

Director / Founder

Dear Concordians, Welcome & Welcome Back to our school. Since we always start our school year in August which is the month when Thailand celebrates our love and appreciation of our own mothers and the Mother of our Nation, HM. Queen Sirikij, I would like to share a sentimental story that I had the chance to read and to share with my brothers and sister the summer just before Concordian opened in 2001. I hope all of you enjoy this and feel the love and appreciation (ความกตัญญูกตเวที) that my family felt and continues to value every day of our lives. Have a wonderful and successful 2014-2015 school year.

ขอให้ผลบุญแห่งความกตัญญูกตเวที นำ�มาซึ่งความรักที่มั่นคงและความสุขความเจริญที่ยิ่งยืนนาน LOVE YOU FOREVER Written by Robert Munsch Illustrated by Sheila McGraw A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang: I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be. The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother’s watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, “This kid is driving me CRAZY !”

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But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang: I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.

Message from K.Varnnee The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words. Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo! But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang: I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be. The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo! But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang: I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be. That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town.

But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town.

If all the light in her son’s house were out, she opened his bedroon window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang : I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be. Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, “You’re better come see me because I’m very old and sick.” So her son come to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song. She sang : I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always... But she couldn’t finish because she was too old and sick. The son went to his mother. He picked her up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And he sang this song : I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my Mommy you’ll be.

When the son came home that night, he stood for long time at the top of the stairs.

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Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang : I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.

Message from Aj.Vichitvong

Aj.Vichitvong Chanarat

Thai Principal

เริ่มต้นปีการศึกษาใหม่นี้ อยากเห็นนักเรียนทุกคนให้ความร่วมมือกับทางโรงเรียนในบางประการ เช่น มาโรงเรียนให้ ทันเวลาเรียน แต่งกายให้ถูกระเบียบ มีกริยา มารยาทเรียบร้อย เพื่อให้เป็นมาตรฐานของโรงเรียนดีมีคุณภาพ นักเรียนเป็น บุคคลสำ�คัญ และมีส่วนเป็นอย่างมากที่จะเป็นตัวแทนของโรงเรียนในทุกๆโอกาสที่ได้พบปะผู้อื่น และแสดงตนว่าเป็นนักเรียน โรงเรียนนานาชาติคอนคอร์เดียนที่เน้นเรื่องคุณธรรม จริยธรรม วัฒนธรรมแบบไทยๆ และประพฤติปฏิบัติอย่างคนไทย ซึ่งมี ขนบธรรมเนียมประเพณี อันเป็นเอกลักษณ์ของชาติ

( นางวิจิตรวงศ์ ชนะรัตน์) ผู้อำ�นวยการ โรงเรียนนานาชาติคอนคอร์เดียน

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Message from Dr.James

Dr. James Leung

Director of Academics and DP Principal / IB Diploma Coordinator

Dear Concordian Community, The start of the school year comes with mixed emotions; anticipation, excitement over being reunited with friends, trepidation about new challenges such as a new grade level, homework and a challenging curriculum. These are all natural emotions and as the days and weeks go by, they will gradually subside. The mission statement of Concordian and its focus on values are pivotal for the student in helping them to reach their highest potential. However, school life is dependent on both student and teacher expectations; you do what is expected of you and the teachers do what is expected of them, leading to a harmonious relationship that fosters teaching and learning. I hope that you will seize every opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether in academics, friendships, sports or extracurricular activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to give your very best. Welcome back to the 2014-15 academic year and a special welcome to new students, teachers and support staff! Sincerely, Dr. James Leung Director of Academics and Diploma Program Principal

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Message from Mr.Laurent

Mr.Laurent Goetschmann

School CEO / PYP Principal

Dear Concordian Community, A warm welcome to all of you for this new academic school year! We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure that all our students can achieve their highest potential. We recognize that in order to be successful in school, students not only need support at school but at home as well. As partners, we share the responsibility for our studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success and believe that we should always put our students first in all decisions we make, whether it is as a school or as parents. You chose Concordian because you looked for an outstanding school, a high level of academics, an amazing immersion program in three languages, and a cutting-edge curriculum following an enquiry approach with the IB program. With these in mind, we know that you trust the school to take great care of your children, to give them a well-rounded education and to help them achieve their best potential. We take your trust very seriously and will work our hardest to make sure we achieve these goals, in great partnership with you. We look forward to a great school year ahead! Sincerely, Laurent

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Message from Dr.Lavina

Dr. Aloha Lavina

MYP Principal / Director of Curriculum and Instruction A word that shows up very frequently in our presentations, documents and communication at Concordian is “learning.” Learning is the focus of a lot of Concordian activity. Each assembly, each show, each exhibition and assignment contains in it a process and a result of learning. When we celebrate the learning results through the many wonderful assemblies, shows, exhibitions and products of students, we celebrate a lot of other things that go into the process of learning for every student at our school. These elements of learning include students’ curiosity and motivation. As students inquire, they use curiosity and motivation to discover new concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes. Learning also includes a process of perseverance. Students have to practice what they learn, so they can arrive at mastery at crucial points in their school career. Students can use homework, assignments, tasks, and projects as opportunities toward mastery of concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes. When students don’t give up, they learn to persevere in the face of difficulty. The process of learning is a deliberate process at Concordian. Teachers plan experiences through the assignments and tasks. Processes such as research, experiments, performance skills in Design, Arts, Physical and Health Education, Mathematics, Sciences, Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, and Individuals and Societies all have an important place in these disciplines. When students use the process of learning, they are thinking and achieving results as designers, artists, athletes, mathematicians, natural scientists, communicators, and social scientists. The opportunities for learning at our school are wide-ranging and exciting, every day. Students not only learn in the subject classrooms, but Concordian also provides learning for the whole person. Service learning, the Personal Projects, leadership and collaboration, and working with the Librarian and the Counselors—the list goes on, of the learning opportunities provided in a student’s life at our school. All these opportunities available to learn will benefit the students in many enduring ways. But there is one thing that will make the difference. One thing that makes the difference to a student’s learning is the deliberate choice of being responsible. A sense of responsibility allows learning to begin, and to continue without interruption. If a student is always forgetting materials, forgetting homework, forgetting what to do and when to do it, or missing a class or a school day, the learning process hits a wall. Over time, these seemingly small events will add up to a lot of missed learning. A sense of responsibility can create a lifetime habit of success for each student. As we begin the school year, I look forward to all the opportunities for our students be responsible and to learn. Each day at Concordian this year presents a bright opportunity to be curious, to be motivated, to be deliberately responsible, and to learn. May the new school year be full of opportunities to make a difference for every student!

Dr. Aloha Lavina MYP Principal

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Sincerely,

Counseling Corner

s we have started off another exciting year with increased numbers of students, it has led to adjustments in the Counseling Department and the moving around of offices. Adding an additional counselor and two new l earning support teachers brings our total number to five counselors and three learning support teachers. Please see the Counseling and Learning Support board in the main lobby to find out more information. As Concordian International School increases in size we must also ‘grow’ with the school to ensure that all of our students have the right support in place to enhance their social, emotional and academic well-being. This year the Values curriculum will continue within our school as our newest counselor, Ms. Yvette, assumes this responsibility. Sending our 5th graduating class off to college has been another exciting period for us. The fact that many were l ong- term students of Concordian made it even harder to watch them go. Yet what makes us so proud is when they find their way back to our school as alumni, sharing their experiences with our current students, and talking to them about how to prepare for college and how to be successful in their studies. Who better to encourage and inspire our students than their former elder ‘brother and sisters’! As Concordian International School grows it is obvious that increased numbers still do not prohibit a sense of community and family spirit in our school. I think this is what makes Concordian so special. The success and happiness of each student in our school requires the joint efforts of all of us. As the school year begins, let’s join hands to promote a year of positive outcomes and successes. 12 CONCORDIAN

Tresa C. Virankabutra, Ph.D. Head of Counseling and University Counselor

Learning

Support/

CONCORDIAN

Alumni

ALUMNI 16/08/14 REUNION

@ Harrods Tea Room, Siam Paragon

No pain, No gain LOL

Warm family

Be sure you work really hard, Trust me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth it

Fighting Concordian kids

Good Luck Dragons!

SAY SOMETHING

about Concordian & Concordian kids

Creating Leaders

Miss all of the teachers

I miss the food! Miss you Sodexo

I MISS KHUN VARNNEE

I miss Mr.Harvey

Good Luck, Do your best and make us proud

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Alumni

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2014

oncordian’s fifth graduating class held their FarewellCelebration on May 28th in the Amphitheater, attended by students, friends and families. Faces filled with joy were in abundance that day. We miss them all, and are very proud of them as they take this next big step in life. They have done not just a good job, but a great one! This event was followed by the official Valedictory Ceremony, on May 31st, where our graduates received their Concordian diplomas (and of course, tossed their graduation caps). High school is over dearConcordians; it’s time to meet head-on the next set of challenges that await you. Life’s journey never ends; keep on learning!

Congratulations Dragons!!

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Library Corner

by Ms. Kelsey Hedrick

his year, I have been fortunate enough to begin my work at Concordian in a brand new position: MYP/DPTeacher Librarian. I am thrilled to be supporting the MYP students with their inquiry research projects and personal projects as well as the DP students with their extended essays and exams. Please allow me to introduce myself. I’ve been a librarian for four years, working first in Cambodia and then in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA. I recently completed my Master’s degree in Library Science in the US, working throughout the process. I fell in love with the position when I realized how much variety every day would bring. Here at Concordian, I see the position as a fantastic opportunity to support the academic integrity and writing skills of the students. Every day, I will be going to different classrooms to present resources and citation guides, and working with teachers to add an additional perspective to every project. I’ll be supporting the research of every student in finding resources for them to use.

I’m very excited to be working with Concordian students this year, and I appreciate your support. I hope that we will be working closely together on helping the students practice academic honesty. I’ll be conducting workshops for students and teachers throughout the year. My aim is to increase the level of research taking place within the school as well as the confidence of students in that research. I hope that every class I conduct within the school will have a positive impact on the students as they prepare for university and the studies that will soon be taking place. Thank you for your support of the library! We will continue to search for ways to encourage reading and effective research throughout the school.

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Concordian Showcase

oward the end of last school year, Concordian Grade 6 and 7 students achieved wonderful results in the Junior Mathematics Challenge (JMC) organized by United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 Gold, 16 Silver and 15 Bronze certificates. Please join the Mathematics Department in congratulating these students on this excellent achievement.

2013-2014 GRADE 7 STUDENTS

Junior Mathematicians

Sarun Alandorn Putthipo Kittikul Pailin Nattanic Ravathin Samita Chonnika Nichatho Kantaya Pruek Chodchan Pasit Surathin Peesapat Seidtaja Boonyada Arada f Raviyqn Pasin Parachal Supitcha

NICK NAME CERTIFICATE

Lertsakulcharo Part GOLD Palanuwech Al GOLD Visaruthamrong Pop GOLD Triyanond Tan SILVER Techawatanasuk Li SILVER Phongsanguanth Almond SILVER Techakraisri Jasmine SILVER Asadathorn Kwan SILVER Jaijaroensakun Bow SILVER Sirinan Miw SILVER Ruayjirawat Tara SILVER Suwanpraipatan Keng SILVER Jirapavasuti Shine SILVER Laqsethakul Bacon SILVER Wannawatanapon Eiffel SILVER Chareukprasopc Jay BRONZE Srisanguansaku Name BRONZE Trangadisaikul Yuyu BRONZE Vanapruk Pound BRONZE Chaweekaewdee Mac BRONZE Tangsirik solw Mickey BRONZE Puttakotirat Pheammy BRONZE Thanomsakkul Kitty BRONZE

2013-2014 GRADE 6 STUDENTS FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

NICK NAME CERTIFICATE

Boonyapo Tawin Neri Phudhana Varin Chayanuc Lily Switt Tawit Puthip Jiraporn Panichan Alyssa Jiracha

Dolritacha Choksitthikasa Rattanachatta Sarochananchin Adhiphandhuamp Duangkosol Lalida Wattanale hawo Choksitthikasa Puvacha qen Jiramongkhonsu Piyabenjarad Natipadab Lohasiriwat

Lily D. Pol Ming Ming Tee Tee Mammoth Tang Tang Lily N. Magga Poom Pu June Bam Alyssa Min

GOLD GOLD GOLD SILVER SILVER SILVER SILVER BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE

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Shine Gold, Silver, and Bronze

FIRST NAME LAST NAME

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Concordian Showcase

Some thoughts from the writer … simply shrugged it off as another one of those writing competitions made to encourage teenagers to read and write a bit more than they already do. And two, I joined the competition out of curiosity and not out of any desire or hope to win. I’d only wanted to know how well I would do against other people in Thailand. The winning, well, you could say it was only a pleasant surprise for me. You could also say I’m taking it for granted now. Personally I think so too.

here’s a lot one can feel after winning such a prestigious award: surprise, joy, triumph, pride, all those feelings come naturally. But the feelings after that? I suppose it varies from person to person – maybe if it were you, you’d drift on cloud nine, drink in the aftereffects of that exhilaration. But I just felt a bit numb, unsure of how else to react. You could say I was in a state of nonplus, and that is probably true to a certain extent, if I weren’t spending so much time trying to figure out how I actually managed to win the award. Honestly, though: how did I manage to win it?

That being said, this is a message to those who enjoying swimming in words and aren’t afraid to drown in them (i.e. people who like to read and write): keep on writing. What you’re doing isn’t insignificant, though it may feel like that at times, but just keep writing. Your feelings and opinions may account for so much more than you think. Don’t be afraid to use all 19 those words you have in your head. Share them, if you like. Who knows, you might even win an award for it! ;)

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The core of my scepticism, I think, lays somewhere in between my diffidence and my floccinaucinihilipilification(ha rd to believe this is actually a word, but it is: “the act or habit of describing or regarding something as unimportant, of having no value or being worthless”). Two facts must be established before I continue. One, I’d never realised nor found out how eminent this award is;

Back to the question : How did I win? I’m still unsure whether I won because of my school’s reputation or because of how “good”(believe me, I find it extremely weird and narcissistic to say this, or even hear someone else say it) my essay was. But I suppose it doesn’t matter so much now. The award may still haunt me, but it’s also changed my life and made me a bit more certain about what I want to do in life. I want to write. I want to wield this honesty I have like a weapon and, I don’t know, change the world, maybe. Though what I want still scares me, this award’s given me a bit of an ego boost, and made me feel like I could probably battle through my fears and that I should experiment some more with putting my writing (which I find to be rather private) in a public place.

Flashback

Lotus Shanghai Internship BY PAKKARD G10

Our summer was spent in Shanghai, China from June 31 – July 25, 2014 at Lotus,

training in the “mini boss” program. There were 8 of us in total on this trip – Kong G11, Oum G11, Fasai G11, Jar G10, Inc G10, Pakkard G10, Cherry who graduated from Concordian, and P Cindy, our chaperone for this trip. At first, we were pretty scared and excited about what we were going to have to face during the month there. But it turned out super well; we all enjoyed it so much that time passed too quickly. While there, we had to do all sorts of things, such as store visits, customer service, cashiering, stock checking, promoting durians and mangosteens, visiting distribution centers, and packing vegetables. We were given the Lotus uniforms that we had to wear when working. Before we were allowed to work at any of these positions, we were given a half day of training on the work. For example, before working as a cashier, we had to learn how to check for counterfeit money and also to learn about the different cards people use to pay. We all enjoyed working as a cashier because it’s challenging, and we had to deal with all kinds of Chinese customers. After each day, we each had to do our individual report about what we learned from others, our group, and ourselves.

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“This trip allowed me to gain experiences that are hard to gain here in Thailand” – Jar G10

Flashback

Aside from working, we also had some free time. Some days we came straight back to our Haifu apartment and cooked ourselves something to eat. Other days we took the MRT and went to Super Brand Mall and IFC to hang out and eat there. We also had the chance to visit Hang Zhou, about a 3 hour journey; it was a pretty wet day. In the end, we all worked hard and presented our final reports as it was time to say bye-bye to Shanghai. We all agreed that it was a very memorable trip, and the fact that it was a pretty small group made us become even closer to each other. We have inside jokes that we continue to play even at school. We thank P Cindy and Annie for taking care of us, Zhang Shi Fu who drove us everywhere, and also all the Lotus staff who took care of us during the month.

“I’m coming again next year” – Kong G11

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“This was a wonderful trip that allowed me to understand the world in a better way” – Inc G10

Flashback

TISA

Held at

Orchestra Festival

oncordian

By Mr. George

ear the end of last semester, on March 27th, the Premiere performance of the “TISAC Orchestra Festival” was held at Concordian International School. Two 80 piece orchestras were formed with the student musicians, specialists, and music directors of Regents’, St. Andrew’s 71, St. Andrew’s 107, St. Stephen’s, Charter, and Concordian. These six TISAC school music programs were provided the performance pieces in the prior December. Each participating student rehearsed within their own school’s music program. On the day of the performance, the schools rehearsed together from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At 2:15 p.m. they performed in the Grand Theater for our MYP students and guests of the performing musicians. String and full orchestral selections from the great masters, which spanned over 350 years, were performed. The overall opinion of those involved seemed to be “Let’s do it again!” Perhaps we have been witness to the start of a new tradition in TISAC.

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The

SAIC

Internship Experience (MG Project)

t was 2 weeks of blood, sweat, and tears; well maybe it is only true about the sweat part. Nevertheless, today is the day when the story will be told. It was a Sunday, 29th June, the day I met up with 3 other fellow soldiers to brave the land of Shanghai, China. As we met, we knew it was going to be a fantastic adventure. Daven Ross (Class of 2015), Ju Seong Yang (Class of 2015), Natchapol Suebsubanant (Byte) (Class of 2014), and I (Class of 2015) arrived in Shanghai early to get set up, but there was one more dark knight that was late to the party. Vichayud Piamkulwanich (James) arrived at 5 a.m. and woke everyone up in the middle of their rest, making the rest of the group fatigued on the first day of work. On the first day of orientation, we’re hit in the face with what we expected, a final project in the form of a presentation. The presentation we’re expected to do is related to what we learn, and we know exactly why SAIC Motors wants us to do it. The reason behind it is actually the gift we can give back to them – information. And that is also what we plan to give back to them for letting us have such an amazing opportunity to see how conglomerates (CP and SAIC) function in the automotive business. It has been a pleasure to go and visit more than 7 different factories that produce different parts of a vehicle, and also visiting other cities and provinces in China to do so. We’ve learned

By Nopdanai Sriratanarungrueng (Danny) many new tricks in management and new innovative technologies for the products used to assemble a vehicle. Visiting the assembly centers are my favorite experience as it is where everything comes together – the final product. There are 3 more days left until the final presentation, but we almost have to scrap our presentation and original ideas to fit the audience coming to listen to our presentation. But without further complications, we work together, practice our own parts and complete the new and final presentation. There are 5 of us and 5 of them, and the meeting room feels so small. Sitting on one side of the table is the guide/teacher and our team. On the other side, Uncle Michael (Daven’s father), a CP representative from Thailand, an MG representative from Thailand, the HR department head of SAIC motors, and his assistant. Then we start the presentation, and we give back what they shared with us, new ideas for a more efficient/ advanced technology, ways to improve the morale of the personal, and most importantly, our honest opinion of the current state of MG facilities and the company. What we’ve gotten out of this internship is real life lessons and experience, and the most memorable lesson is that a long period of work may not lead to anything significant, but that does not mean we should not pursue our goals with hard work.

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Retreat!

By the 11th grade DP Language and Literature students

KHAO YAI

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The newly promoted grade 11 students, soon to face the emotional, physical and mental challenge of DP, retreated to Khao Yai for a much needed weekend of bonding, relaxation, and introduction to the years ahead. On Friday August 15th, after a long day of JUMP! activities, the grade 11 students departed for the Dasada Resort Khao Yai. Students were thrilled to be together enjoying an off-campus activity, even on the bus ride! By 7:00 p.m., when they finally reached Khao Yai, students were worn out and ready for dinner and sleep. Saturday morning began with an awesome breakfast, followed by a fast yoga session introduced by Literature and Theory of Knowledge teacher, Ms. Baertschy. Most of the day was comprised of informational sessions giving an overview of IB, the CAS activities and projects, as well as coverage of college counseling and what to expect in DP. Students were supported by their teachers: Dr. James, Ms. Baertschy, Ms. Vici, and Ms. Milichu as well as their counselor Dr. Tresa. The lunch was exceptionally well prepared, with a variety of foods ranging from pork to fish; and there was even a mini zoo with animals including various birds like chickens and peacocks. Swimming was one of the leisure activities after the lecture sessions, although some students preferred to stay indoors and chat with each other. Sunday came too soon but students left feeling a little closer to each together as well as more informed and encouraged about the DP experience.

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By the Grade 12 DP Language and Literature Class KHAOYAI

– On August 29th to 31st, sagacious and scholastic Class of F15H seniors went on a retreat to Dasada Resort, Khao Yai , to share their sensational research on the extended essay. The goal of this 2 day-2 night IB retreat for the seniors was to showcase their extended essay progress to the class and a few teachers. Topics ranged from Artificial Neural Networks to Taxi Economics, Feminist Literature to Instagram Politics. The Extended Essay is one of the many important projects seniors need in order to receive the IB Diploma. The grade 12 class of 2015 each presented for about 10 to 15 minutes, followed by questions and comments from students and teachers. In addition to the academic purposes, the students also enjoyed their stay at Dasada Hotel and Resort. They were able to be immersed in the Khao Yai environment, which included a zoo, flora, and a saltwater swimming pool. On the last day, Mr Clynt, an actual IB examiner, gave advice and tips on how to make a good, great, even perfect, Extended Essay.

Even though the presentations were academically intriguing, we also enjoyed other parts of the trip. In their free time, some of the EEE (extended-essay-exhausted) students borrowed 4 bikes from the hotel and journeyed through the hill-surrounded roads to the zoo within the resort area. Deer, peacocks, goats, and birds rested beside the roads. Swimming in the natural salt water pool, playing Frisbee, and volleyball were very entertaining. At night, the seniors rewarded themselves with a touch of DOTA2 ( it’s a game -- Ms. Brook wanted clarification). Chelsea beating Everton 6-3 was the main disappointment of the trip.

We ended this IB retreat with Mr. Clynt’s lighthearted activity of 7 levels of tension. Not only was this retreat a pleasant experience, but we also hope that the insightful and useful tips we gained during this retreat will also be an asset to our extended essays. A G12 student described the experience as “memorable and pleasant,” The highlight was definitely the whole day we spent whereas another student remarked, “although it’s listening to other people’s EEEE (excitingly-entertaining our last trip together as a class, I’m sure that our extended essays). friendship will last forever.” Finally, another commented, “I finally learned Just kidding. how to cycle!” Nevertheless, this trip was spectacular. Too many Es in a weekend though.

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MYP

elcome to an exciting year in the Middle Years Program at Concordian! There are many wonderful learning experiences and activities planned for this year. My name is Mr. Gabe and I am the new MYP Coordinator for this year. I will be working to bring the MYP to life in Grades 6 through 10 by building an invigorating and engaging learning community.

The Next Chapter ...... Is Here ! The MYP has entered the Next Chapter of development and I would like to use this opportunity to introduce some changing aspects of the program that will support student learning.

I would like to especially welcome all our new students, parents and teachers from around the world! Our new MYP teaching staff members include: Ms. Phoebe and Ms. Pam (Design) Ms. Kelsey ( Library) Ms. Jennifer ( EAL, English) Ms. Yvette ( Counselor / Values) Mr. Leonard and Ms. Marijoy (Math) Ms. Nicola and Ms. Mariann (Individuals and Society, English) Ms. Faye (P.E.) We also have some returning MYP teaching staff members including: Ms. Sapai (Learning Support) Ms. Min and Ms. Laura (Chinese)

All units of learning in the MYP are organized around: Conceptual Understanding

• Key concepts – powerful organizing understandings that help to integrate learning across subject areas • Related concepts- deep ideas with relevance within and across subject areas

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MYP

Service and Action in the MYP includes: • Using subject learning to participate in Service as Action • A service-focused Week Without Walls for G6 - 8 • G8 Community Project - A student-initiated service-focused group project

• G9 and 10 Community Service Programs at many local institutions • G10 Personal Project - A sustained individual MYP Final Project

In addition, this year during the MYP schedule students will be given additional time to focus on: - Values with the Counseling Department - Research Skills with the Library - Student Life with Student Government and Town Hall meetings - Service Activities - Approaches to learning Activities Students will participate in - Special Activities in each subject - provide perspectives for powerful learning in an interconnected Service and Action in each year of the MYP program. Action is simply and rapidly changing world • Why are we engaged in this inquiry? learning by doing. Students are guided to learn how to initiate • Why are these concepts important? • Why is it important for me to underPrincipled Action which is makstand? ing responsible choices and taking • Why do people care about this topic? positive or thoughtful action. Action becomes Service when it addresses a community need and builds connections between what they learn in the classroom and what they encounter in the community.

Global Contexts

Service and Action

Approaches to Learning Skills

- the “tools for learning”

Students develop ATL skills through inquiry and focus on the process of learning. ATL skill groups include:

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Communication, Social, Research, Thinking, Self-management

PYP

e are proud to share with you how the students in last year’s G2N class initiated action and were recognized by Judith Fabian, the IBO’s chief Academic Officer at the IB Global Center in the Hague, Netherlands. One G2N student, Matmee, had a question: Why doesn’t the Learner Profile have the word ‘compassionate’ in it? How can we change this?

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PYP

Her question impacted the other students and by the end of that day a group had gathered, asking their teacher Ms. Nathalie if they could maybe write a letter to the ‘boss’ of the IB. The grade 2N students decided to each write letters. As a result, the IBO’s Chief Academic Officer responded to our students’ letters, and wrote back to them. Please see Ms. Fabian’s letter to our students. There is a powerful message here: When students truly understand and believe in something then they will respond to that new level of understanding and taking ACTION. PYP teachers have a responsibility to provide these kinds of opportunities for them to take action.

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We are very excited and happy to witness this kind of action happening at Concordian. We would like to express our sincere congratulations to both G2N and Ms Nathalie. Well done!

Thank you

to all the parents, teachers, administration, students and all the school staff.

Thank you for your kind support and donations of more than 80 books and 5,000 THB to Banbatong School, Amphur Ruesor, Narathiwas province during the period 31st March - 25th April 2014. The students at Banbatong School would like to send their appreciation for the wonderful books and school items that they have received. These items provided the students, teachers and the community better comfort and convenience in their education, and made their library a better place. Items such as school uniforms, shoes and school bags for the students who live at the orphanage at the school were able to be purchased. Your kindness has been very helpful in helping to provide a brighter future for the Banbatong students.

Concordians Donate

Community Service

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Im Asavabhokhin Grade12

Community Service

Concordian Brings a Day of Fun to a

Duangjai Nursing Home Resident

By Ms. Milichu

ast April on Saturday the 26th, we had a wonderful outing with our dearest friend, 86-year old Khun Saitong Numeung. For the past 3 years, Khun Saitong has been a resident at the Duangjai Nursing Home. Concordian has been working with this institution for more than 4 years, with teachers and students going on Saturday mornings to visit with the residents. We take part in their morning exercises, we sing, we dance, we talk. It is so rewarding to see the happiness on their faces when they see us. Even those with Alzheimers sometimes have a glimpse of nostalgia when we return after having been away, usually due to holidays.

home, no one else was fit enough to be able to go out. Only then did she accept the invitation. We let her choose where to go, and the chose the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. So that is where we went. Afterwards, we took her out to lunch at the Restaurant Krua Apsorn. We then continued our visit at the museum and finished the day with a soft drink at a restaurant by the river.

The day was memorable for many reasons. We were able to give love, respect, and affection to a wonderful friend. Juniors Lee and Naam and seniors Fong and Ken represented Concordian on this day. What a great lesson in humility, to recognize Duangjai Nursing Home was that life is finite, and to pay tribute to established with a dual purpose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it with Khun Saitong. a school to train young nurses and an institution to care for elderly people. There are different levels of awareness among the residents. Khun Saitong is a blessing! She is fully aware of what is happening, and she can even walk for short distances. Nevertheless, on the Saturday we took her out, we made sure to have a wheelchair with us, which proved to be very useful at times.

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When we first proposed to her the idea of taking her out with us, Khun Saitong was happy, but â&#x20AC;Ś what will the others not going out think about it, she asked? So considerate! We explained to her that within the

Extra Curricular Activities

Parents and Students Flock to

ASA Open House

By Mr. Robert

hy were there several hundred people in the PYP Gym one afternoon just after school started? It was After School Activities Open House. There were teachers, instructors and specialists showing what they do to contribute to our outstanding ASA program.

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32 Did you know that now Concordian International School offers more than 80 activities? The Little Blue Dragon does back flips just thinking about all of that fun learning in the afternoons!

Thank you parents and students for attending the ASA Open House this year, and for your enthusiasm for the many great programs offered this year.

Extra Curricular Activities

UMP Foundation offers a set of activities to done last year, was “the mountain peaks”. In this one

develop friendship, confidence, teamwork, risk taking and communication skills by playing group games where everyone must participate in order to do the activities. You can enjoy playing games and being with your friends while learning and developing your social skills at the same time. JUMP Foundation has facilitators who will demonstrate the activity to you so it’s easy and not confusing. At Concordian’s event, a big group of Concordian students were chosen to be junior facilitators and these students were chosen because they have the ability to lead other people.

we learn about each other’s zone of confidence and fears through questions asked by the facilitators.

The third activity is a group activity with three parts. First is a memory testing game where we have to pick a number and see if it’s correct. Everyone can only pick one number and all of us have to remember the 10 numbers picked. Second, the Untying Knot game, is a communication and team work game where we have to untie the knot while everyone is holding the rope, and we can get extra points by tying the knot again. The third one is like a relay game except that we In many activities we learned skills, such as commu- don’t have to run fast and we just have to write down nication skills. JUMP creates games to help develop whatever we think about the JUMP activities. students’ skills. Two games that we played in the communication section were People Movers and Black JUMP Foundation helps students to develop skills Jack. People Movers needs people to work as a team by participating in activities. Sung Ju, G9, said and communicate to each other. Communication is JUMP helps him to develop lots of skills, such as a big part of leading a team to success. The goal of leadership and teamwork skills. Kram, G10, thinks People Movers is to make people from each side go that these activities made him become more confident to the opposite side. There are 5 people on each side about talking to someone that he’s not close to. He also standing in a straight line facing each other; there is said that he enjoyed playing games with everyone in one free space in the middle separating them. However his group because they were all really nice to him. you can’t look back or move back. In another game we played, called Black Jack, each person receives a card which they are not allowed to look at, and they have to form a group so that the card numbers add up to 19, 20 or 21. You can’t talk to anyone else so you have to find your own ways to communicate with others. The second activity is to develop the friendship in the school community, to get know each other better, and to get to know people that we don’t know much about. This activity is called “the circle” and its purpose is to get to know each other by walking around and asking each other questions. Another that we’d also

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Extra Curricular Activities

Summer Camp Outdoor

outdoor club members

Adventure W

e were on a forest trail and had been hiking for about 30 minutes when someone in the group said, “Hey, that bird singing is the first sound I have heard in quite a while.” That’s when it struck me of how loud our life is in Bangkok. Traffic, shopping malls, construction noise, and sirens all the time. We had already noticed the night before during our orienteering lesson that we did not have to scream at each other to be heard. And, the air we breathed there in the mountains of Saraburi was so fresh and often smelled of flowers along our hike. We stopped for a fun swim in the stream next to a waterfall, with at least 100 butterflies of many sizes and colors all around us. Earlier, we saw a mongoose, two monkeys, a tree iguana, and a unique kind of mushroom that looks like a lady’s skirt. It was exhilarating to be in the forest, immersed in nature, with not another person in sight.

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Lady skirt mushroom

Thank you, Coach K, for arranging this trip for us and we will be ready for the next adventure.

Extra Curricular Activities

uring Concordian’s 2014 Summer School session, 31 students in Grades 5-8 and 15 students in Grades 9-11 participated in Concordian’s first-ever Summer Sports Camp. Since it was the first time Concordian had offered this program, we weren’t sure what the demand would be, but we were amazed at the popularity of this offering. This sports camp, led by Mr. Robert and Mr. Bill, involved students living in the Life Skills facility and participating in a variety of team sports, raquet sports, cross training, and group challenge activities. Favorites were basketball, badminton, futsal, and capture the flag. In addition to working on their skills and fitness, students bonded, and made new friendships during these 3 weeks of fun and activity. We hope to be able to offer a similar program next year so that even more Concordian students can benefit from this type of experience.

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Special Feature

t Concordian, our goal is not only to provide a solid academic foundation for our students, but to also impart to them fundamental values that they will carry with them throughout their lives. The Concordian counseling team with the support of our faculty and administration facilitates lessons on these Values. This year we are determined to build upon the Values Program to ensure that our community truly understands the principles of: Appreciation, Respect, Compassion/ Empathy, Responsibility, Friendship and Giving. Our values are guided by the Golden Rule – “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” This semester, we will focus on the following Values. Included are significant days in Thailand and around the world of that month that match the value and represent our international school community. August – Appreciation: Showing gratitude or feeling thankful for what others have done for you. Significant days: Mother’s Day (12-Aug, Thailand). September – Respect: Respect yourself, respect each other, and respect your school. Significant days: Moon Festival (6-8 Sept, China). October – Integrity: Being honest and doing the right thing. Signifcant days: Chulangkorn Day (23-Oct, Thailand), Thanksgiving (13-Oct, Canada), and Eid-Al Adha (3-4 Oct, worldwide). November – Giving: Giving to others without expecting anything back in return. Significant days: Thanksgiving (United States 27-Nov) and Loy Krathong (5-7 Nov, Thailand). December – Appreciation: Showing gratitude or feeling thankful for what others have done for you. Significant days: Father’s Day (5-Dec, Thailand), Hanukkah (16-24 Dec, worldwide), and Christmas (25-Dec, worldwide). As the year progresses our students will be involved in the flag ceremonies and creating posters to be put up around the school to showcase the Values they are learning. The faculty is working together closely to ensure the values are covered throughout all aspects of our curriculum. Moreover, we will be hosting Parent Coffees to discuss how you can support your children’s understanding of them at home. Lastly, our school mascot, the baby blue dragon, is in need of a name! As part of the Values Program in promoting school unity and pride, we will be hosting a school-wide contest in naming our baby blue dragon. Please keep an eye out for the announcement in school! Should you have any questions or comments about the Values Program, please do not hesitate to contact me through the School’s Main Office or via email at yvette@concordian.ac.th. I look forward to working with all of you.

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BABY DRAGON available at the school shop

100 Baht will be donated to the School Build Project with each purchase of a Baby Dragon.

Five colours available Green, Blue, Pink, Orange, & Purple 2,000 Baht/set (5 dragons) 450 Baht/dragon

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Special Feature

Welcome to come back to school DRAGONS !!

hope that everyone had a wonderful summer break and is ready for their journey into the new school year. The first morning of our new semester on August 13, 2014 started with the heartwarming sight of parents holding their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands as they entered the school lobby, many waving happily to or playing with our Concordian Dragon mascot. Children greeted their teachers with a wai and a Sawasdee Krub / Sawasdee Ka or a smile and a Good Morning. Most of our students were happy to be back and to be able to spend time with their friends and teachers. And there was the usual excitement over meeting new faces, both teachers and students.

May you all have another exciting and wonderful year!!

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Special Feature

Welcome

New Concordian W Faculty!

e are extremely pleased to welcome a new group of educators ready to bring their training, experience, knowledge, ideas, energy, and passion to Concordian. Although we had only a handful of teachers leave at the end of the school year, due to school expansion we welcome 28 new teachers and 7 new teaching assistants this year. Please give a big Concordian welcome to these newcomers when you see them around the school.

Leonard Chang MYP,DP Math

Min Li

MYP, DP Chinese

Grade 4 Chinese, CAL Support

MYP,DP Chinese

MYP Humanities, English

Nicola Bromley

Phoebe King

Yang Tian

Sapai Melamed

Kelsey Hedrick

MYP Design

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Yvette Cuenco MYP Counselor

Sisi Zhong

EYP CAL Support

Grade 3 Chinese

Learning Support

MYP,DP Teacher Librarian

Special Feature

Wanru Li

Jennifer Walther

En-Ci Huang

Library Support

Mariann Thorne

Rachael Pickering Learning Support

MYP PE, Support

Chunyan Liu

Zhe Peng

Suchittra Somprasong

Chanadda Kalayanamitr

EYP CAL Support

PYP CAL Support

Chunlian Yang PYP CAL Support

Meiqin Qin

PYP CAL Support

Anchisa Prasertsaengcharoen Design Support

Maria Sitchon

Analiza Semana

Nimnual Kotarak

Teacher Assistant

Faye Seeley

MYP EAL, English

MYP Huamnities, English

Teacher Assistant

PYP CAL Support

May Travero

PE Support

Ernie Lorca

Teacher Assistant

Chonticha Sriamporn

Abigaile Mallo Teacher Assistant

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Teacher Assistant

Special Feature

oncordian has recently begun a self-study, which is the first step in the process of preparing for a joint accreditation that will be conducted by CIS (Council of International Schools), NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) and ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment). In the past, these organizations have conducted separate accreditations or authorizations, except for CIS/NEASC which worked together. As a result, there was an almost continual cycle of accreditation/authorization happening at Concordian. For the next accreditation cycle, Concordian has requested – and been granted – a joint accreditation. That means that each of these organizations – including all three IB divisions (PYP, MYP, DP) – will conduct their school visits and investigation at the same time. This should allow for a more efficient process with less duplication of effort, enabling the school to better assess its own performance against the standards from the accrediting agencies. As always, the overall goal of the accreditation process is school improvement.

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The self-study is a process which will last for approximately 18 months. Dr. Lavina will lead the process, serving as the Steering Committee Chair. There will be three phases to the self-study process. Phase One is creating the school profile. The school profile is a resource to inform the work of the other committees, and will give an overview of the school

Special Feature

B) Curriculum (Teaching and Learning), chaired by Dr. Aloha Lavina, will have subcommittees for the different divisions (EYP, PYP, MYP, and DP). The experienced and knowledgeable teachers in leadership roles at Concordian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; language team leaders, subject team leaders, and others â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will lead the work of the subcommittees in studying teaching and learning. This committee is composed of subject team groups, so everyone who teaches in a subject area in will be a part of this committee. Each Program (PYP, MYP, DP) will have separate selfstudies for their IB Program, reporting on Standard C1, C2, C3, C4. Each Program subject group will add to the assessment of practices in Standard B of CIS/NEASC. C) Governance and Leadership, chaired by K. Varnnee Ross, will look at governance, leadership, management and finance. D) Faculty and Support Staff, Ms. Shelley Harris, will look at job expectations, contracts, terms of professionalism, collaboration, development, and appraisal

for the future Visiting Team. This is a compilation of factual information about the school. The school profile contains: A) general information; B) other school information such as history, growth, student profile, etc.; and C) school wide student achievement information School performance surveys are used to help develop the school profile. They are developed by and purchased from Endicott College. These surveys are sent to the stakeholder groups (parents, teachers, board members, etc), and then the survey results are analyzed and a summary is provided by Endicott. The school will then examine the survey results. The return of survey results begins Phase Two phase of the self-study in which the committees begin their work in earnest. Each committee has a committee chair and the committee chairs are part of the Steering Committee, which is chaired by Dr. Lavina. Each teacher will sign up to serve on a committee. The committees are:

E) Access to Teaching and Learning, chaired by Dr. Tresa Virankabutra, will examine school support programs, including looking at special services for language support, learning support, counseling, guidance, health services, admissions policy, inclusion policy, and procedures for all support systems. F) School Culture and Partnerships for Learning , chaired by Dr. James Leung, will look at school culture, supportive networks with the community, parent partnerships, communication systems and channels, extra-curricular activities, boarding programs, and international mindedness of students G) Operational Systems, chaired by Mr. Laurent Goetschmann, will be comprised of sub-committees which will look at financial management, physical plant, health and safety, and auxiliary services (subcontractors serving the school). H) Thai MoE ONESQA, chaired by Ajarn Vichitvong Chanarat, will be comprised of teachers who teach Thai language, literature and culture. And finally, Phase Three will be the action planning phase. Action plans will be developed for PYP, MYP, and DP by the Program Coordinators. These section 43 action plans will be incorporated into the whole-school action plan developed and submitted to the joint accreditation team. The Steering Committee will synthesize the findings of all of the committees and write the Self-Study Report.

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A) Guiding Statements and Philosophy, chaired by K. Varnnee Ross, will examine the survey results for the Vision, Mission, and Guiding Statements of the school, the international mindedness of the school, and the statements of life at Concordian. It will cite evidence for self-assessment of the above items. It will also look at Standard A in the IB Standards and Practices and gather evidence for each practice in that standard.

chaired by descriptions, employment, professional

Special Feature

30 Things

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Special Feature

This is such a wonderful list. If we take little steps every day and practice these things, we can make great improvements in our lives. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

Start spending time with the right people / friends . Start facing your problems head on. Start being honest with yourself about everything. Start making your own happiness a priority. Start being yourself, genuinely and proudly. Start noticing and living in the present. Start valuing the lessons your mistakes teach you. Start being more polite to yourself and others. Start enjoying the things you already have. Start creating your own happiness. Start giving your ideas and dreams a chance. Start believing that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for the next step. Start entering new relationships for the right reasons. Start giving new people you meet a chance. Start competing against an earlier version of yourself. Start cheering for other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victories. Start looking for the silver lining in tough situations. Start forgiving yourself and others. Start helping those around you. Start listening to your own inner voice, a positive one. Start being attentive to your stress level and take short breaks. Start noticing the beauty of small moments. Start accepting things when they are less than perfect. Start working toward your goals every single day. Start being more open about how you feel. Start taking full accountability for your own life. Start actively nurturing your most important relationships / family. Start concentrating on the things you can control. Start focusing on the possibility of positive outcomes. Start noticing how healthy you are right now.

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Credit: http://www.lifebuzz.com/start-doing/

Advertorial

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