Impact vol.2

by Concordian International School

10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

April 2011 volume 1: issue 2

ADVERTISE WITH IMPACT Our school magazine is published four times a year, at the end of each school quarter.

The objective of the publication is to communicate happenings at Concordian International School. At least 1,000 copies are printed per issue and are sent directly to all students and their families (over 300 business owners and top executives) . The Magazine is distributed to the school’s faculty and staff numbering more than 100, and is also distributed to potential Concordian parents.

วัตถุประสงค์ของโรงเรียนนานาชาติคอนคอร์เดียนที่ได้จัดทำนิตยสารIMPACTขึ้นมาก็ เพื่อให้ผู้ปกครอง ครู และนักเรียน ได้รับรู้ข่าวสาร และความเคลื่อนไหวภายในโรงเรียน ซึ่งภายในเล่มจะรวบรวมกิจกรรม และรูปภาพ ที่สำคัญต่างๆ ที่เกิดขึ้นในแต่ละไตรมาส โดย นิตยสารชุดนี้จะจัดพิมพ์เป็นจำนวน 1,000 เล่มในแต่ละไตรมาส และจัดส่งไปยังผู้ปกครอง นักเรียน ครูชาวไทยและครูต่างชาติทุกคน หากท่านใดต้องการสนับสนุนการพิมพ์นิตยาสาร ดังกล่าวด้วยการลงโฆษณา กรุณาติดต่อมาตามเบอร์ติดต่อด้านล่างคะ IMPACT by Concordian Magazine Profile Size: 19cm (width) x 26cm (height) Paper: 100 g. glossy paper Number of Pages: 40 – 60 pages, depending on content (Full Color every page) Number of Prints: 1,000 copies • • • •

1st Quarter: July – August – September (published in October) 2nd Quarter: October – November – December (Special Christmas issue published in December) 3rd Quarter: January – February – March (published in April) 4th Quarter: April – May – June (Yearbook published in June)

For more information, please call Ms. Siriporn Yookhong (View) Tel: 02 706-9000 ext.515 CONCORDIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

918 Moo 8, Tambon Bangkaew, Amphur Bangplee, Samutprakarn, 10540 Thailand Tel: (66 2) 706-9000 www.concordian.ac.th

Cover photo: These 32 students are the Concordian Founding Students. They have been here since the school’s first year, the 2001 - 2002 school year.

In this issue....

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NOTES FROM DIRECTOR & PRINCIPALS 10TH ANNIVERSARY EYP PYP CONCORDIAN FOUNDING STUDENTS MYP DP CIS SHOWCASE IMPACT THE WORLD IMPACT THE NATION IMPACT THE COMMUNITY KNOW MORE ABOUT FACES IN THE CROWD

4-7 8-16 18-20 21-23 24-25 26-28 29-32 33-37 38 39 40-42 43 44-45

41 8 Dear all readers of Impact, Making of this special 10th Anniversary Edition has been a very exciting and fun experience due to all the wonderful events happening for the past few months. All your smiles, laughters, sweats, and love have made this school a great place to be in. This magazine can only put in so much of those memories and the Impact crews have tried our best to put these memories into pages. So, here, I hope you enjoy the smiles and colours of Concordian and continue to love and support us just as you have been.

10th Anniversary Dinner 10th Anniversary Concert

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P.S. Thank you Shelley for making this a really wonderful experience for me and thanks all teachers and staffs for being so cooperative.

Sarunya Aroonsirichoke (Bell) Layout Editor

IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

อาจารย์วิจิตรวงศ์ ชนะรัตน์

อาจารย์ใหญ่

เมื่อ 10 ปีที่แล้ว ยังจำได้ว่ารู้สึกโล่งใจมาก เมื่อถึงวัน ที่ได้ไปรอรับใบอนุญาตจัดตั้งโรงเรียน เพราะใช้เวลา ขออนุญาตสั้นมากในการดำเนินการ แล้วโรงเรียน ได้จัดตั้งขึ้นมาอย่างเป็นทางการ เด็กๆน่ารักทุกคน เราสัมภาษณ์เพื่อคัดเลือกแล้วจึงรับนักเรียนเข้าเรียน หลังจากสัมภาษณ์เพื่อรับนักเรียนเข้าเรียนในปีแรก มีปฏิเสธไปบ้าง 2 – 3 ราย ด้วย ท่านประธานธนินท์ เจียรวนนท์ มีนโยบายว่า Out put จะดีต้อง In put ดี ฉะนั้น ในวันแรกเรามีนักเรียน 32 คน จากวันนั้นถึง วันนี้โรงเรียนนานาชาติ Concordian มีนักเรียน 500 กว่าคนและโรงเรียนได้เร่งรัดพัฒนามากขึ้นใน ทุกๆด้านด้วยพลังที่ต้องการขับเคลื่อนไปข้างหน้า อย่ า งไม่ ห ยุ ด ยั้ ง และเพื่ อ ให้ เ กิ ด ประสิ ท ธิ ภ าพตาม วัตถุประสงค์ของคุณวรรณี รอสส์ นักเรียนที่จบจาก โรงเรียนแห่งนี้ทุกคนจะต้องเข้าใจอย่างลึกซึ้ง เรื่อง คุณธรรม จริยธรรม และจะต้องได้รับการฝึกฝน ลักษณะของการเป็นผู้นำ นอกเหนือจากความเป็น ผู้ที่มีความรู้อย่างดีทางด้านวิชาการ ดังนั้นเวลาที่ รออยู่ข้างหน้าของโรงเรียน Concordian แห่งนี้ คือ เวลา ที่โรงเรียนของเราจะเติบโตขึ้นอย่างมีคุณภาพ

IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

Dr. James Leung

Laurent Goetschmann

Elementary & Middle School Principal

A warm welcome to our second edition of our Impact Magazine! It has been another amazing year at Concordian and we are proudly celebrating our 10th anniversary with lots of exciting news to share! With a new record number of students and fantastic university acceptances, we have been delighted to unveil our next project which will help Concordian reinforce its role as one of the leading International Schools in Thailand. Our new building project will allow our school to grow steadily and to remain a school that truly cares for each and every one of our students.

Yes, we are proud of our achievements, of our teachers, students and community! In the next 10 years we will continue to work hard to promote our Mission, to show the world that we, at Concordian, can help model a new generation of leaders, leaders that keep compassion and integrity at the heart of all the decisions they make.

A big thank you to all of you who participated, helped and gave your time to create this magazine. It is truly a testimony of what our school is about – that only with hard work and passion come opportunities and successes.

Thank you for your continued support and for trusting the school with your child.

High School Principal and Academic Dean

Welcome to the second edition of Concordian’s Impact Magazine. This edition is dedicated to our 10th Anniversary celebration. In retrospect and where we are 10 years later, Concordian has grown to become a well established IB World School, only one of four in Thailand offering all three programs; Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP) and the Diploma Program (DP). As we look to the future, Concordian will continue to strive and develop a top balanced academic program that is consistent with our Mission Statement.

NOTES FROM DIRECTOR & PRINCIPALS

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PAST & FUTURE OF CONCORDIAN Speech by Varnnee Ross at the 10 th Anniversary Dinner Party Dear Honorable Guests, Board of Trustees, Concordian Community, Khun Dhanin and Khunying Tawee Chearavanond,

good values in the children – through the teaching of values and commitment to serve the less fortunate in our community – our students will be It is my honor and privilege to have you all pres- ethical and will possess the required ent at our 10th Anniversary Celebration today. qualities to maintain their integrity. I believe this will build the The idea of founding Concordian started in 1999, foundation for them to thrive which was during the period when Thailand and in the fast-paced changing the rest of Asia were facing a severe economic world. crisis. I had come to realize that having a good education but failing to exercise it in the right On our first day there were way could cause suffering for many people. As 32 students. Today, Concordwe can see, most economic crises in the past and ian has 540 students. Of the present were not caused by less educated the 32 that have been with people, but were triggered by the well educated us for the past 10 years, 13 and those people who had power in their hands. of them were with us from This made me realize that having a good educa- the very first day. One of tion alone without conscience and values could them is my son. bring much harm to the world.

I would like to express I established Concordian International School in my sincere gratitude to 2001 with a very clear goal and the belief that the parents of these 32 we can exercise our mission statement. I would students and salute those try my very best to give Concordian students not 13 students for your only the best education, but more importantly, bravery and for being teach them to be able to exercise their knowl- risk-takers, just like our edge with conscience, kindness, morality, and IB students. Concordian dignity. Concordian students will be able to take would not have come part in changing this world positively. this far without parents who have given us these Sadly, but truly,10 years have passed and we opportunities and who have witnessed more wars, global economic gi- have trusted in me and ants collapsing, and social problems mushrooming in the school’s adminisin our societies. Despite this, Concordian still holds trators throughout these firm to the belief that by giving the best educa- past ten years. tion – with our strong IB program – and instilling

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NOTES FROM DIRECTOR & PRINCIPALS Now, may I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my parents Khun Dhanin and Khunying Tawee Chearavanont.

They have been the true financial supporters and mentors for the past 10 years. Please give them a big hand…. They gave their full support to me from the very beginning so I have been able to build this school according to my goals.

From my parents teaching since childhood, we have learned that to do any business, it must benefit the people and the community. Thus, I think that founding a good school should help the society to a certain extent and that I am able to manage it. Thank you to my husband, Michael Ross, for being supportive for the past 10 years in many different ways and allowing me to stay in Thailand while you are working hard in China.

Now I would like to thank Dr. Michael Maybury, then Executive Director of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) who helped us found this school. Thank you Mr. Alex Horseley, former Director of the Chinese International School in Hong Kong (CIS) who encouraged me to go forward with the project. He told me that it took only 3 mothers who shared the same values as us to start the Chinese International School. And today it has become one of the top schools in Asia. Thank you Mrs. Margaret Murray who was assigned by the European Council of International Schools to set up Concordian 6 months prior to Ms. Nadine Tyro who was our founding director. Thank you Ajarn Vichitvong, our current Thai Principal for helping me tremendously in setting up and bringing this school forward. Without these three ladies, Concordian would not have opened in August 2001.

Thank you Dr. Sarasin Veerapol for always helping and supporting our school.

And thank you Dr. David Cheng former vice president of the Education School at the University of Pennsylvania for always supporting Concordian and sending us Dr. Edward Coyle as an interim director.

Thank you Dr. Edward Coyle for coming to help with Cocordian’s transition, its first accreditation, and helping us enter into the 2nd phase of Concordian’s High School. Dr. Coyle stayed with us for one transitional year and brought in Dr. Tarek Razik as the next director. Through this transition period, Concordian was able to attract many more highly qualified teachers into the high school.

Thank you to the Board of Trustees for standing by, and supporting the changes, in both the good and the hard times that I have gone through. I am deeply grateful to all my founding Board members. Without your commitment and emotional support Concordian would not have been this strong.

Another major event that transformed CIS was when Dr. James Leung decided to join our tiny school as IB Coordinator, and today has become our High School Principal and Academic Dean. Together with Ms Tresa Virankabutra the high school counselor, we have proved to educational communities around the world that Concordian is as good and competitive as other top schools worldwide, and that our students can get into the top 5-50 universities around the world.

Thanks to both of you.

Thank you Dr. Ian Russell for your hard work and for always being supportive and caring. We know that you always put children’s interest as the first priority. Thank you Dr. Bill Parker for helping us organize our 2nd accreditation and guiding us to completing our policy. I would also want to thank Mr. Laurent Goetschmann for serving Concordian for over 6 years, for trusting and committing to serve only for the best interest of students throughout the school.

Thank you to all the management team in the past and present for your commitment to the well-being of the students.

Last but not least, thank you so much to the PTA for the carnival this year, and thanks to class mums and dads for helping the school to communicate more smoothly with parents.

PHOTOS FROM 10th ANNIVERSARY DINNER PARTY

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NOTES FROM DIRECTOR & PRINCIPALS Thank you to all the caring teachers who support and believe in our mission statement and are committed to our students, especially to those of you who have been with us and committed yourselves to Concordian for many years. Special thanks to the Thai teachers. Though you teach merely 10% of the curriculum, you have made CIS very proud. Six years ago I was challenged by a Ph.D. linguist who said that students cannot read Thai newspapers when they reach the 5th grade. Through your hard work we have proved that he was wrong!

Thanks to Ms. Milichu and Mr. Raymond for setting up the CAS program. And thank you to all the coordinators and team leaders for your leadership in our academic programs. My special gratitude goes to all those Concordian teachers who extend your kindness by teaching the students the knowledge of life and values beyond the classroom, and instilling them with the values of our mission. Stand proud! You are making a difference in the world everyday through your teaching.

You as parents and I as an administrator should recognize the commitment of the teacher assistants (TAs). Many of them have been with us for so many years – feeding your children in nursery and K1, picking them up when they fall down, and making sure they are as safe as if they were at home. Thank you so much for being with us for such a long time and the great care you give the children.

I would also like to thank the non-academic staff – Finance, HR, operations, marketing, and maintenance. Your small teams serve over 400 families and 200 staff with your hard work and commitment. This enables CIS to run smoothly, safely, beautifully, and cleanly even until this day. And we have our security guards and maids who know everyone of the children and everything about the school.

If I have left anyone else out, please know that I am truly grateful to all of you.

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In the next 10 years, I look forward to working closely with my management team, my teachers, all staff, parents and students to make Concordian one of the top schools in Asia. And we will never sway from our commitment to our mission statement. We want to see our students achieve their very best.

We also promise to provide them with the very best in all aspects, be it the education systems, teachers, or the environment.

The expansion of our campus is not only a physical expansion, but it is a reflection of our commitment for years to come. The EYP and PYP Learning Center provides your children a safe and positive environment, and also controls the social environment of these pre-teenage students. Parts of these buildings will serve our community socially and commit to be a center of character building.

As for the Science, Art and Technology building, the name itself already tells you its purposes. Our management team, as well as the IB programs, strongly believe that Mathematics, Science & Technology are crucial factors which give children basic and logical skills that they can use throughout their lives even though they may not end up being a scientist. The ability to analyze facts, find evidence systematically, reason in science and math classes will help them to see the world and cope with the problems in the most reasonable and logical way in everyday life.

Yet, we also find the ability to enjoy arts in many forms that will stimulate their creativity, imagination, and the flexibility and gentleness to express their compassion. We strongly believe that putting the sciences, arts, and technology together for our students will make them most competitive in this changing world.

Now this is the time you have been waiting for. More details on the architectural sides will be shown at the back of the function room, and also be presented again at the school before the end of the year.

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10TH ANNIVERSARY

Reflections on a Memorable Day

By Mr. David Pritt

The 10th Year Anniversary Celebration Concert at Concordian International School truly was a representation of what CIS believes is important.

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The students showed great creativity and imagination in organizing and presenting their performances.

There was incredible variety at the final show including songs in 3 languages, short plays in 3 three languages, cultural traditions and celebrations represented and explained, drama, traditional and contemporary music, and performances connecting the celebration to the day-to-day learning of the students. The result – an exciting performance for the concert-goers.

Every student who performed on the stage or helped behind the scenes to ensure the show ran smoothly had the opportunity to develop and share their imagination, creativity, passion and enthusiasm. For many it was an opportunity to display their knowledge and learning in a different way. Such a special show depends, of course, on the support of the whole school community.

A big thank you to all students, parents, class parent representatives, teachers, administration, support teachers, teacher assistants, sound and lighting technicians, photographers, decorators, maids, gardeners and everyone else without whose support and help the show would not have been nearly as successful as it was.

This 10th Year Anniversary Celebration concert was a representation of what we have achieved so far, but also a wonderful starting point to build on for the next 10 years!

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10TH ANNIVERSARY

In Their Own Words Fun happened in the 10th Anniversary Concert. We really enjoyed watching the other people’s performances. They all did really well too. ‘Leaders’ was our topic and dressing up as leaders was fun. 4A were leaders of the future and 4B were leaders of the past. We had much fun dressing up as leaders in the future. We got to express who we really are! We really liked it! The telephone box was really interesting to us too! We were all risk takers during the concert. It was a really special day! We loved this day!

- the Grade 4A Girls

“Challenging but rewarding!”

- Ms. Maile (Grade 2 Teacher)

“Innovative, memorable, equality, learner profiles, enjoyable” - Ms. Inese (PYP Coordinator)

“Achievement all along the way” - Mr. Tae (Marketing)

“Great fun for all!”

- Mom of Justin G11 and Andra G2

“Exciting, anticipation, satisfying” - Mom of Gunn G3 and Gammie NA

“Fun but it was hard to remember everything” - Zander (Grade 1)

“Dazzling and full of fantasy” - Mild (Grade 6)

“Meaningful, unforgettable, grand” - Dear (Grade 8)

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10TH ANNIVERSARY

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Music Wows Concert Guests

By Mr. George Konopik

Parents, friends, guests, and even the visiting accreditation team were wowed by musical performances at Concordian’s 10th Anniversary Concert on January 28th. This was the first musical performance for the new Concordian instrumental program. The top 25 instrumental music students from grades 6-10 performed the King’s Anthem to open the ceremony. I was very proud of those exceptional students who were able to accomplish this feat in 6 short weeks. More than half of the students who performed had never played a band instrument prior to this year. The new instrumental music program is a welcome addition to CIS’s MYP Arts curriculum.

The Grade 9 students also contributed their musical talents in the form of a Baroque recorder ensemble. This required a great deal of individual musicianship to blend 4 recorder voices and 8 players into a seamless group performance. This music required many advanced skills from each student in order to give an authentic performance of such an ancient European art form. Once again, the grade 9s showed their musical maturity and gave a stellar group performance. They truly raised the bar for all future musicians at CIS! Grade 7 performed its own percussion composition. All students contributed to the final product that was performed. Each student composed 4 motives that were combined, modified, and synthesized into one grand composition which incorporated the best efforts of the entire class. Un-pitched percussion instruments of 4 different types were chosen and unified to provide a unique large group sound. All students learned the necessary rhythmic counting skills and group performance skills needed for a successful public performance.

Three alto Saxophones Mic, Byte, and Kim playing the King’s Anthem for the 10th Anniversary Concert

Grade 10 playing the King’s Anthem for the PYP opener

Grade 7A Rhythmic composition

Our musicians have done so well, but we’re just getting started. Please encourage your children to practice at home or with their friends as often as possible. You will both be rewarded with many enjoyable experiences that will be lasting memories of their days at CIS.

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10TH ANNIVERSARY

Let’s hear what our

10-YEAR EMPLOYEES have to say...

Kru Noy PYP PE Teacher

Kru Dokmai PYP Thai Teacher

Kru Aim EYP Thai Teacher

When he first started at Concordian he couldn’t have imagined he would be here for 10 years, but once he became part of the school community he wanted to stay here as long as he could. During his 10 years here, Kru Noy has taught PE for 9 years and Thai class for 1 year.

When Kru Dokmai joined Concordian 10 years ago, she never really thought about how long she’d be working here, but she has enjoyed it and the 10 years have passed quickly. For the first few years, Kru Dokmai taught the early years classes and then moved on to teaching grades 1-5. She likens the early years at Concordian – when the school had few students and teachers – to a family atmosphere where everyone looked after each other.

When Kru Aim started at Concordian 10 years ago, she was interested in how the school and her students would grow.

She has had a variety of different assignments during her time here – she has been a member of the office staff as registrar, a teaching assistant in Nursery and K1, and for the last 6 years she has been a Thai teacher for Nursery to K3.

Over the years, the biggest changes he has seen is in the students. He remembers when some of the parents were still expecting their babies – and these “babies” are now Concordian students who are speaking, English, Chinese, and getting involved in sports and activities. He has enjoyed watching students grow and progress.

Sometimes students who found the school difficult at first have grown and adjusted so well that now they have so much fun that sometimes they don’t want to go home!

She has watched the school grow quickly over the years, and has seen many changes, especially the curriculum development and so many new professional teachers.

Another change she fondly noted is that some students she taught since Nursery and now in MYP. But among so many changes Kru Dokmai says that something that has not changed is the school’s Krun Noy says one thing that has strong mission and philosophy and not changed is that the school still the emphasis on students becomdoes its best to support the stu- ing good global citizens. dents through excellent facilities, curriculum, teachers and staff. His Her favorite thing about working favorite things about working here here has been the work itself, and are being able to play sports with helping to teach students to be the students when he has extra good people. She is happy to see time available. He says “As a PE them growing up. She predicts teacher I always ask my students that the school will be a leader to challenge me. If anybody in the in educating students to be moral class can beat me in any sport or and intellectual leaders. Her wish game I will treat everybody to for Concordian is that it continutes pizza, and I owe grades 4 and 5 to grow and remains strong in its this year a really big pizza!!!.” mission to make a difference in the world.

As for Concordian’s future, Kru Noy predicts that we will see even more unity, school pride and a stronger commitment from the whole community. CIS continues to do great things because it is a school that teachers, staff, parents and students can be a part of.

And finally, he would like to say “thank you” to Ajarn Vichitvong and Khun Varnnee who gave him the chance to work at CIS. He has learned so many things from friends, staff, parents and students. His wish is for all students to enjoy learning. Kru Noy says “You don’t need to be the best at everything but you need to try your best; you are the future of this world, and you can make a difference.”

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She remembers that when the school started it was, of course, much smaller with not nearly so many students or staff. It had only Nursery through Grade 1 classes, and the IB curriculum was just getting started.

Just like a family grows and changes, she has watched the school –both the students and the curriculum – grow and change and get stronger. But she says that one thing that has not changed over the years is the love and caring among the CIS community.

Kru Aim has two favorite things about working at Concordian.

First, she really believes in the school’s mission statement and is glad it gives her the opportunity to teach the students more about morals and Thai culture than might be possible at another international school. Secondly, she really likes the school environment – the friendship between teachers, parents, colleagues, and the office staff – and the fact that Thai and foreign teachers work so well together.

She predicts that over the next few years, Concordian will get much bigger as the school becomes even more well-known.

Her wish for students is that they graduate from Concordian with the qualities that reflect our school philosophy.

พี่รุ่ง ร.ป.ภ.

1. นับจากวันแรกที่พี่ได้เข้ามาทำงานที่คอนคอร์เดียน พี่เคยคิดมั้ยคะว่าหลังจากผ่านไป แล้ว10ปี พี่จะยังคงทำงานอยู่ที่นี่

คิดเสมอค่ะ ถ้าพี่รุ่งยังมีแรงกาย แรงใจ คงต้องทำไปเรื่อยๆค่ะ เพราะโรงเรียนให้ โอกาสกับคนที่ตั้งใจทำงานเสมอค่ะ 2. พี่ทำที่คอนคอร์เดียนตำแหน่งอะไรคะ

ตำแหน่งร.ป.ภ.ค่ะ 3. เมื่อ 10 ปีที่แล้ว โรงเรียนนี้เป็นยังไงคะ

โรงเรียนมีขนาดเล็ก จำนวนเด็กก็มีน้อย ง่ายแก่การดูแลค่ะ ณ ปัจจุบันมีนักเรียนเพิ่มขึ้นเยอะ มาก พี่รุ่งต้องใช้ความจำมากขึ้น ในการจำชื่อของผู้ปกครอง พี่เลี้ยง คนขับรถ และ เด็กๆทุกคน ค่ะ 4. มีอะไรมั้ยคะที่ไม่เคยเปลี่ยนเลย

ที่ไม่เคยเปลี่ยนแปลงคือความ เป็นกันเองของผู้ปกครองค่ะ แต่ก่อน เคยให้ความเอ็นดูกับพี่รุ่ง ยังไง ทุกวันนี้ก็ยังเป็นอยู่ รู้สึกดีใจ และภูมิใจมากค่ะ 5. ชอบอะไรที่สุดในการทำงานที่นี่คะ

ชอบที่จะทำงานกับเด็กนักเรียน ได้ คลุกคลีกับเด็กๆแล้วมีความสุขค่ะ นักเรียนที่นี่นิสัยดี ยกมือไหว้ตลอด เราก็รู้สึกภูมิใจว่าถึงเด็กๆจะเรียนโรง เรียนนานาชาติ แต่กิริยามารยาทของ เรายังเป็นไทยอยู่ น่ายกย่องครูไทยทุก ท่านที่ฝึกสอนเด็กๆได้เป็นอย่างดีค่ะ 6. พี่มีความคิดเห็นหรือมีอะไรอยากจะพูด เกี่ยวกับโรงเรียนนี้บ้างมั้ยคะ

รู้สึกภูมิใจที่ได้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของโรง เรียนตั้งแต่ก่อตั้งมาจนถึงปัจจุบันนี้ ต้องขอขอบพระคุณคุณวรรณี ที่ให้ โอกาสพี่รุ่งได้ทำงานที่นี่มีเงินส่งเสียลูก ได้เรียนหนังสือทั้ง 2 คน พี่รุ่งก็อยากจะ ขอให้โรงเรียนเจริญก้าวหน้าต่อไป เทียบเท่ากับโรงเรียนนานาชาติ ที่มีชื่อ เสียงทั่วประเทศและขอให้พนักงานทุก คน ทำงานอย่างมีความสุขตั้งใจ ทำงาน เพื่อว่าหน่วยงานของเราจะได้ เจริญ ก้าวหน้านะจ๊ะ

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IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

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EYP

Little People Taking BIG Steps

By Ms. Dana Johnson and Ms. Limin Zhang

Nursery students have been growing exponentially this year! They have adjusted to life at Concordian, made new friends, studied in three languages, performed in front of an audience, and they are exploring the big world we live in! We have been discussing what kinds of animals are good for pets, what beasts live in the jungle, and the mysterious creatures of the sea.

Nursery has also been learning that polluting these habitats is unhealthy and that we need to help clean them up. Our littlest students love to look at books and have been weekly stars at the library, checking out books and listening to wonderful tales.

Life is not always so serious down in the land of toddlers. We also make sure that we splash around in the water, build fantastic Lego houses, cook yummy creations, color beautiful pictures, and of course run and play! Nursery is a big, grand place to be for our littlest Concordian students!

ALL ABOUT ME IN K1!

By Ms. Emily Elahi, Ms. Jessica Carriker, Ms. Juan Du, Ms. Ingrid Kuo

At the time of Concordian’s 10th Anniversary Concert the K1 classes had been learning “All About Me” in their UOI. We learned what makes us different from our friends and that each of us is special. We also learned about our families, friends, likes and dislikes and, of course, our bodies. As we were learning the naming words for body parts in three languages, we decided to use this for the 10th Anniversary Concert, and we sang songs in Thai, English and Chinese about our bodies. The English song was “My Body Makes Music” and the Chinese song was “My Baby Doll”. In the Thai song we learned left and right. We had fun singing and learning about our bodies together! We hope you enjoyed the show!

IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

K3B Celebrations UOI

By Ms. Mandy Chiou,

How fitting that the K3 students were learning about Celebrations in their UOI at the same time as Concordian’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert.

The class chose a performance related to this UOI, the central theme of which was “There are many similarities in the ways in which people celebrate around the world”.

People often use singing and dancing to celebrate special events and the K3 students did just that! The first performance was a song about how Chinese people prepare for their upcoming Chinese New Year. The second was a song about the types of food that are eaten during the Chinese New Year celebration and the different types of activities that the Chinese people participate in during their New Year celebration. The third performance was a Chinese lantern dance. The students worked hard in preparing for their performance and looked wonderful in their Chinese costumes!

EYP

K2’s Transportation Experience

By Mr. Joe Savage, Ms. I-Ying Lee, Ms. Ingrid Kuo, Ms. Jessica Carriker

19

Ten more years!

By Ms. Tara Savage Nenie will learn to swim.

Avina will learn to help children.

Nut will learn to cook.

Beam wants to speak more English.

For K2’s concert performance, we decided that we really needed something that would bring the whole grade together. We wanted Thai, Chinese and English all mixed together. We wanted to get all of the different departments involved. We wanted the children to experience transportation in as many different forms as we could. To achieve all of these goals we worked very hard.

The students from K2 A, B, and C were divided into three mixed groups, named “the Mr. Savage group,” “the Ms. Kelly group” and the “Ms. Ingrid/Ms. Jessica group.” Each group was an even mix of students from the three K2 classes.

Each group had a job that reflected the language of the teacher or teachers that were involved. The “Ms. Kelly group” delivered a Chinese introduction of our basic theme. The “Ms. Jessica/Ms. Ingrid group” had the challenging task of coordinating a bilingual conversation about different forms of transportation and where those different types of transportation would go. Then we had our bus builders teach the audience how to build a bus in English. And we finished with our tri-lingual wheels on the bus song and a fun dance to Go Fish’s “Wheels on the Bus.” The K2 teachers were extremely impressed with the solid effort and the results of our students. The task at hand was extremely challenging for four- and five-year olds. To deliver a 30 minute act conducted in three different languages about different types of transportation, and their use and construction required a great deal of patience, self control and determination. They rose to the challenge, and it gave each of them a chance to shine in their own way; and it gave our school community a chance to see that our tri-lingual, singing, creating and dancing K2 students are capable of quite a lot!

We hope that all of you enjoyed our performance. We had a good time putting it together, and we will never ever forget how to sing “The Wheels on the Bus.”

Mimi wants to learn to swim.

Gumpan wants to “do computers”.

The children in the K3C class are new to Concordian. During the past seven months, the students have happily faced many challenges and learned the special way of life at CIS. Each of the K3C students has progressed in many aspects and adjusted to our school.

In honor of the Concordian’s 10th Anniversary, I asked the students what they wanted to learn at school within the next ten years – in time for the 20th anniversary! The students gave many answers, both academic and about recreational activities. Some vibrantly exclaimed that they wanted to learn how to use computers by themselves. Others said they wanted to learn to swim. Several children articulated their love of ASA (after-school activities) by talking about golf or Kung Fu. And yet, other students said they hoped to learn to read “big books” and write more independently. Everyone agreed that their language skills in both Chinese and English would be excellent after ten years at CIS and I must admit, I agree with them!

The children were asked to write and draw about their expectations. It’s very difficult to imagine yourself and your accomplishments ten years from now, but these bright young minds leapt to the challenge and they thought idealistically about the amazing topics and skills they will learn about during their years at CIS. Many of the children changed their minds as they began recording their expectations. Perhaps that is one of the fun parts of being young. The world is “an open book,” says the age-old proverb. For the K3C children, exploring and learning for ten more years at CIS will indeed open many doors (and books too!).

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EYP

K3’s Scientists, Artists, and Rainbow Rockers

By Mr. Tim Byrum In celebration of Concordian’s 10th Anniversary the K3A class decided to do a reflection on their “Color & Light” Unit of Inquiry.

The Central idea for this unit was “Color and Light affect how we see and feel about the world around us”. For the K3A class performance, the students were able to demonstrate their knowledge about color and light and were able to tell how certain colors make them feel. The students were divided up into three groups. The first group was the Scientists who showed curiosity and wanted to experiment with primary colors by mixing them together to see if they could create new colors. They were able to create some fascinating colors up on stage.

The second group was the Artists who were knowledgeable and creative too and knew what to do with the colors the scientist had created.

The third group was the Rainbow Rockers who were true risk-takers and were the final performers. They were dressed in colorful costumes and sang a song about the colors of the spectrum. The students worked very hard and loved sharing their knowledge about colors and light with the audience.

PYP Student Council

By Ms. Inese Zvirgzdins

“The Primary Years Student Council is a small group of children whose aim is to help other students.” This is how student council members defined the group. Their aim is to support students at CIS, as well as local children who are not as well-off as CIS students.

The Primary Years Student Council meets once a week and discusses and plans ways to help to support one of the established school charities. They are busy organizing a ‘Spirit Week’ for PYP students and discussing ways to support the people of Japan after the recent earthquake/tsunami disaster. The students are doing a great job in learning to communicate their thoughts and share ideas with their classmates and their fellow council members.

The council consists of: President - Amanda (G5) Vice-President – Bank (G5) Treasurer - Pien Pien (G5) Secretary - Boomer (G4) Media - Al (G4) IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

G1 Class Representatives - Nick, Paan, Poony, Ang Ang G2 Class Representatives - Bei Bei, Andra G3 Class Representatives -Mammoth, Aoey G4 Class Representative – Bow G5 Class Representative - Nat

PYP

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Grade 3 Reflections on Our Plays

By Ms. Mary Sparks for Grade 3

Learner Profiles and Attitudes

Our class cooperated to create a play to communicate with the audience.

We showed our knowledge and commitment to the audience. – Mammoth My friends were open-minded, thinkers, risk takers, and reflective and that is all good! - TangTang

WE DEMONSTRATED:

WE WERE:

Cooperation When we had a problem, we solved it. - Lily D We needed to do teamwork so we could do it.Phob

Opened minded We had lots of ideas. - Zeev We shared ideas with our friends.- MingMing We let somebody else say their ideas too. - Kin We worked together in a group. - Puthip We shared our ideas. - Lily We used 3A and 3B writing. - Eik

Enthusiasm We were very excited. - TaTa We had enthusiasm and fun. - Kris Creativity We showed our movement on the stage. - Peepo We created our plays. - Mun Mun We thought of good actions. - Chan Commitment We didn’t give up when we were shy. - Tatsu If we did something wrong, we did it again. - Tee Tee We worked hard. – Nan We kept acting in the whole play. - Nippon We kept trying to do it when we were practicing.

– Fern

Hi, my name is Pound, G4A. In the future, I want to be an architect. I am creative. I like to design houses. I am a thinker. I always think of a great design for a house. In the future, I will build houses for poor people to live in.

I will build outstanding houses for them.

Communicators We talked together about how to make our concert better. - Shin We had to listen to what each person said. - Kara We were not shy.- Paul When you perform you need to communicate with the audience. - Gunn Knowledgeable We know how to make our voice loud in the show.

- Bam We used the facts to make a play relating to it. – Aoey We put what we know on paper.- Taro

Risk-takers We were not shy in the show. - Ken We did it by ourselves. - Vivi We were narrators for the first time. - Anson We tried to make the play as good as possible. KaiLin We were brave to say the words in the play. – Mild We got up there and tried our best. –Taky A lot of people probably got stage fright, but they went on and did a good job.- Matthew Thinkers We wrote a play. - Jenny We thought of where we were going to stand and how to act. - Ryu We thought of actions for the play. - Mint We thought what we wanted the story to be. - Son We thought what to write in a play.- June We had to think about what to tell everyone in the show. – Chalie We had to think what we would write about. - Elim

Where We Are In Time and Place

By Mr. Cameron Frew for Grade 4

At Concordian’s 10th Anniversary Concert Grade 4 students had the pleasure of contributing to that celebration with a focus on WHERE WE ARE IN TIME AND PLACE, in relation to “Leaders” and how they possess different personal qualities and influence society. The Grade 4 presentation looked retrospectively at “Leaders in the Past” and then looked forward to the impact of “Leaders in the Future”. A time machine was a special effect used to dramatize transition and to transport the children backward and forward in time.

I would like to be Anne Frank because she wrote lots of things in her diary. She wrote things in her diary for other people to read about her life.

Anne Frank was an extraordinarily brave girl. I want to live a purposeful life, filled with love, hope and happiness like her. - Pang G4B

When I grow up I would like to be like Michael Jackson, because he was a thinker. He thought lots about his dancing and singing. He also wrote lots of songs. I want to be a singer and dancer too.

In the future you can see me as singer like Michael Jackson.- Peem G4B

Hello everybody, my name is KK G4A. In the future, I want to be a professional soccer player like Torres. I am a caring person; I will inspire everybody in Thailand in how to play soccer. I will change football in Thailand forever by scoring against Brazil 1-0.

IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

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PYP Lion Dance Scene in G1A’s short play

Lights, Camera, Action

G1B short play “It was a peaceful year after all”

By Ms. Ariel Wang

Students creating costumes

G1A short play “The Runaway Rice Cake”

The “Lights, Camera, Action” Unit of Inquiry (UOI) offers an opportunity for every student to be a risk-taker and shine on the drama stage. It opens their eyes to the fact that there are many different genres of drama all round the world: puppet shows, mime, operas, skits, and short and long plays. Students also have a chance to explore various feelings and ideas that people express. They love the daily exercise where they discover the fun of acting. Both Grade 1 classes performed two amazing short plays for the whole PYP audience.

Let’s Get Healthy!

By Ms. Maile Wikum, Ms. Candy Tang Our G2A & 2B classes have been learning about keeping our bodies healthy and wellbalanced. We realize that in order to keep strong and healthy we need to have a good balance between nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. In class, we have demonstrated how to make healthy foods such as smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and vegetable or fruit salads. We wanted to celebrate with our community during this 10th Anniversary year by inviting our families to come and watch our presentations. We had a blast in class learning how to become healthy.

We also invited one of our librarians, Ms. Neng, to demonstrate a healthy way to relax and exercise with yoga. She taught us some new moves to try at home. I think our students taught her a few yoga moves to try at home too! Ms. Suzie, our counselor, also visited us in class to teach us other ways we can relax. We are extremely happy that this year everyone is helping to make our Grade 2 students become very well-balanced.

ay

’ s short pl

ens” in G1B

tle “chick The cute lit

PYP

23

Grade 1 Learns About the 3 Rs

By Ms. Colleen Ackford

The first graders took a keen interest in the environment all around them during their UOI: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. At first, they were a bit suspicious about the idea of learning all about garbage and the 3 Rs, but then they came to realize that recycling is just like magic … something old becomes something new! They began to inquire about all of the different ways they can help reduce the amount of garbage they use each and every day.

Together, they began collecting recyclable materials from home and brought them in to add to our classroom recycling center. They counted and sorted the recycling materials in order to plan for the creation of a recycle toy they would make themselves.

The new toys they created out of old materials were creative, colorful and good for the environment!

Grade 5’s Time Capsule

By Mr. Ken Trottier for Grade 5

In honor of the 10th Year Anniversary at Concordian International School, it seems appropriate that the Grade 5 classes are preparing a time capsule to be sealed and only opened 7 years from now – when they graduate from Grade 12 at Concordian.

A great deal of discussion went into determining the contents of this capsule. We were concerned that in the future there may not be any DVD players to show the interviews we are preparing on the new mobile TV studio. So we will also copy the video onto a flash drive and include that in our time capsule.

Each student will bring in a personal memento to add to the collection. Since space in the capsule is limited, each contribution is restricted to a small object or photo. And in heeding Grade 1’s request that we recycle, our container is a recycled cookie tin left over from Christmas.

IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

COLUMN

All of our 10 year students were given an opportunity to tell us th

It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me to attend CIS and to be one of the 32 students who has been with CIS since the school began. CIS has indeed nurtured me to become a moral and intellectual leader. I am proud to be one of the CIS students. – Kim, Grade 10.

I enjoyed studying here for the past 10 years.

New teachers, new students, and new adventures teach me a lot of things. Thank you for helping me to reach this point. – Pui, Grade 6.

For 10 years that I’ve been in Concordian International School, I’ve seen many changes occurring. I’m so proud to be a Concordian student and I wish to see Concordian become one of the most successful schools some day. – Warit, Grade 10.

School is fun for me because I get to learn something new. I found a very good friend here, and enjoy learning and playing sports. I will follow the school’s mission statement. – Kram, Grade 6

I remembered my first friend when I gave her my drawing. She is still sitting here in class with me until now, smiling, signals that she will always be there for me. – Mild, Grade 6.

Staying in this school for ten years has made me feel so proud of myself for being able to speak three different languages, and very thankful that the school has made me into such a good and responsive person. – Fasai, Grade 7.

Being in this school makes me happy. I am so proud to be in this school. I can speak 3 languages!! – Tee Tong, Grade 7.

I enjoy being in this school because I make a lot of nice freinds here.

- Pol, G8

It is a privilege for me to see this school grow from a school of 50 to a school of 500 students. – Fuji, Grade 8.

How can I put this all into words. Ten years, WOW! CIS – what a wonderful world!! – Cream, Grade 9.

CONCORDIAN FOUNDING STUDENTS

us their thoughts. Here’s what those who responded had to say...

Photo by Aloha Lavina When I first got into Concordian International School, I loved this place – it was like a dream world. As you grow up, the school changes, friends change, and also teachers change. I feel a little sad about it because these people were a part of my life .This place has a lot of memories in it, and I LOVE CONCORDIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL! – Aun, Grade 9.

Ten years is more than half of my life. CIS is my second home. – Aei, Grade 9.

Since the first day that I came here, I have gained 22 more brothers and sisters. Concordian has slowly changed from a school to a home. Teachers care and take care of us very well. I always feel calm and happy and joyful when I come to school. I hope Concordian will continue for the next generation. – Praew, Grade 9.

I have seen friends come and go at this school ever since this school started. This school has taught me a lot and I have had good experiences and memories here. – Calvin, Grade 7.

Since the day I came to Concordian, Concordian has changed/ improved me a lot! The teachers have taught me so many things in my life, turned me into a better IB student and let me have faith and confidence in myself.

I CONCORDIAN. – Gam, Grade 8.

After being in Concordian International School for 10 years, I have been taught by many teachers and I have had many friends. Many of them are still here and many have gone. Yet, all are a part of my memory in this school. For this 10th Anniversary, I am very proud of my mom for having built such a great school that has sent many students to many leading universities around the world. I hope that more students would come to our school and to see Concordian become more and more successful. – Daven, Grade 8.

Kram G

6B not

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MYP

Free Dress Day Benefits Chaipattana Foundation MYP Student Council raised 54,732 baht from organizing Free Dress Day and donated it to the Chaipattana Foundation The middle school Student Council sponsored a Free Dress Day event on December 1st to show our school spirit and to raise funds for the Chaipattana Foundation ( มูลนิธิชัยพัฒนา ), which was initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibhol of Thailand to carry out projects leading to quality of life improvement and self-reliance among the Thai people. The foundation’s activities include polluted water treatment, water retention projects to solve flooding problems in Bangkok, and environmental study and development, among others.

The Grade 6-12 students who participated in this event donated a minimum of 20 baht, with all proceeds being donated to the foundation.

In the spirit of friendly competition for a very worthy cause, the Grade 6-12 homeroom raising the most money was promised a free pizza party to honor their achievement. Grade

6A slightly edged out 6B, but in the end, all of Grade 6 was treated to a pizza party.

But far more importantly, all the participants raised 27,366 baht for the Chaipattana Foundation, an amazing amount for a one-day event!! In recognition of their achievement, the school kindly matched the students’ fundraising with another 27,366 baht, making the total contribution 54,732 baht. Concordian student representatives went to the Chaipattana foundation on December 7th to make the donation in person.

This is an example of students living the Concordian Mission statement – acting with compassion to make a difference in the world. Well done. Special thanks to the school, students, parents, teachers, and Student Council for supporting this great event.

By Ms. Yatima Teppoonpol

MYP

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Kade’s Candyland By Kade

“I wanted to organize a prom or dance as my Personal Project,” she says. “Dances are a new thing for Concordian. There was only one dance last year, and people enjoyed it. I wanted to put on another dance that people would enjoy.”

Kade’s personal project took her eight months to complete. With her mentor, Dr. Ellen, she developed a proposal, conducted research, prepared, and did a lot of writing to get the project off the ground. “There was also a lot of personal time for the prom,” Kade says. “I made a lot of props. The theme was Candyland, so I made props of candy canes and giant lollipops.” Where did she get the idea? “From a music video by California Gurlz; the idea was to be in a giant Candyland.”

The prom was held in the Amphitheatre for grades 9-12, and was a big success. The small entrance fee included finger foods – including candy, of course – soft drinks, games, and a full-time DJ in the form of student Jean Luc. Everyone loved the games, which used balloons as props. One of the games was for a boy and girl team, with a balloon tied to the girl’s ankle, to pop other people’s balloons until only one team had their balloon un-popped. The students had a fun time with the balloon game and asked to play it again later in the evening. “I wanted us to have games during the dance, to make it lively,” explains Kade.

The teachers who were at Kade’s prom were amazed at the students’ participation. “It’s one of the first proms I’ve seen where the students encouraged each other to dance, to play in the games, and were generally very nice to each other,” says one teacher. Another teacher says, “I was impressed with the success of the prom. Kade had a great idea, and she executed it well.”

Grade 10 Personal Projects, including Kade’s, were showcased in the Personal Project Exhibition on March 25th in the Concordian Lobby.

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DP

Leadership for the Arts Festival Students Leading Students to Showcase MYP Talent

By Cara and Jess

Grade 9 and 10 Concordian students had a great time learning at the Leadership for the Arts Festival (LAF), held at New International School of Thailand (NIST) on February 5th to 7th. Students from international schools in Thailand participated in the student-led event, which held workshops on arts as varied as rapping, hip-hop dancing, graffiti painting, photography, drama, and interpretive dance. The workshops were led by students who were mostly seniors. “Our workshop leader was great,” Jessica, Grade 10, says, “because she was enthusiastic about photography and she seemed to really enjoy it. Sometimes a peer is the best teacher.”

Jess reflects on her experience as a student of another student, “Sometimes there is a sort of gap between an adult teacher and a student because of the age difference. In the student led classes, I found myself becoming more of a risk-taker.”

Cara, also Grade 10, who attended another LAF workshop says, “It was great because students created content that was original. Our group was drama, and we had to stage a play on the third day, in front of an audience of hundreds.” She adds, “It was easily the biggest audience I have ever performed in front of.”

Our Grade 9 and 10 students had a blast, and learned a lot, too. “It was really good for my confidence to attend LAF,” explains Cara. “Acting in public made me more confident and broadened my views. I saw another side of myself. It challenged me, because the audience did not know me, so I had to really work hard to get my best across.” Cara learned a lot about production — the behind the scenes work which makes a show run smoothly; curtain calls, props, lighting, and sound. “The whole production was student-led; the brochures were made by students, run by students, and it was a great showcase of what an MYP student can do.”

Photos taken by students

IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

DP

The Lost Art of Peace

29

DP POETS

By Ong The world is round, the world is wide.

But what about the little ones inside?

There is peace in places, but not in all.

And that’s too bad for our big blue ball.

People of all colors we can find.

To live in peace we must be kind.

Living together without any cracks, Love and forgiveness is what we lack.

Peace for all is what we seek.

For humanity, we hope to keep.

g WayitKieln l B

teacher r, a brand new ea y 6 e d ra G Early ture s a deadly crea a w e sh , ow n k Little did I ed face wrinkle infest d n a ir a h d re Fire rek e name Ms. Sm th by , y d la d rts Paunchy ol fear in all hea ck ru st d n a s ll e ha wrath She marched th tremble at her ld ou w s ie ll bu The worst of web me a fly in a ca be I , 7 e d ra G ass cated me in cl u ed ow n k re Ms. Sm ke s poised to stri a w e sh e k li d iste Her features tw stone to turn you to e ic ff su ld ou One glare w the day it, waiting for a w I , y tl en il S escape have my great ld u co I t h g ou Grade 8, I th e in class , to torment m ed in a m re e sh But urt my bones” h n ca es on st cks and e”?

She told us “sti n never hurt m ca s d or “w id but whoever sa er glass failingly shatt n u ld ou w s ek Her own shri come ay has finally d e th , 8 e d ra Late G ed to abdicate Ms. Devil decid faces all the victims’ on t ou e ok br A smile ut to pay aiting was abo w of rs ea y e re Th good luck we wished her l, oo h sc of y a y The last d appiness and jo h of te a g e th Ran through to bear ens no longer rd bu e th of g …

Thinkin longer be there… o n ld ou w o, to I Not knowing

Wild-Banana Picking

By Jeannie A trip to green sky-scrapers, far away An eerie world where majestic giants sway, Hovering between the hill tops, all alone The intrusive rumble of dad’s car, creaks and moans Disturbing tranquility and the exact perfection Of Mother Nature’s mesmerizing confection.

Like colorful bullets, flashes of blue-green, Winged messengers of the wild burst into the scene Hoots and howls and screeches, bombarding my mind Yet owners of those voices I have yet to find.

The seat tips at an angle, we now ascend Into the wilderness, we try in vain to blend…

For we do not belong in this layered sea That harbors endless secrets in serene harmony, Mysteries yet to be found before being solved, Blessed are we when given the chance to be involved.

Now as we climb into the unknown, I wait But still we continue at a clumsy gait Until a splash of yellow captures my eye A tantalizing topaz we’ve just passed by, We come to a halt, a screech, to inspect What unknown treasure there is to collect.

Alas the gold is just another arm’s length – Away, to achieve it requires another’s strength.

Aye, but how? Crude sticks would only bruise, The tender flesh, and to dull brown gold would lose…

Far more ingenious to mimic the Great Creator – Nature – and form a chain between me and my brother.

Our arms linked and intertwined, I lean forward and finally find That swinging wildly from my brother’s arm, I’ve plucked the crescent wild-banana unharmed.

Yet, dismayed, I find instead, That the wild-banana has the shade of mottled bread Nay, what we have found was not meant to be consumed, Nor cultivated, as I imprudently assumed A cache of life-bearing seeds is what we’ve found tonight, Black packed back and nestled into white; A hoard of pellets meant only to perpetuate, This womb of life never meant to satiate.

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DP

Just What Is A CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE??

By Ms. Tresa Virankabutra

This year, as last year, we’ve had several students receive conditional acceptances to UK universities. What does this mean? Are they accepted to the university?

Well, it means that they are accepted, and have a place at the university, so long as they meet the conditions specified. Students should already have a clear idea of what those conditions are before they apply. Entry profiles are available on the universities’ websites, the UCAS website, in college handbooks, and when they visit college fairs and meet with university representatives.

Conditional acceptances are related to the final exams, and tend to be based on future examination results. For example, a conditional acceptance to “University C” may depend on a student receiving at least 34 total IB points and a 5 or higher in a certain subject area (s), depending on the program of study.

These conditions must be met by the deadline in August of the year the student applies.

You’re probably wondering how the university can make a conditional offer in the first place without the student’s final exam results. For IB students, this is based on predicted grades – what student is expected to receive in total points. In school, each teacher will predict a senior year grade for the student, on a scale of 1-7. These predicted grades are sent to the universities where students apply. A conditional acceptance may be made based on these predicted grades, as well as the rest of the application such as personal statements, summer jobs, and extracurricular activities. If the student’s actual IB results (received in July) meet or exceed the conditions required, then they will be given a firm offer to study at the university. If they do not meet the conditions, then the conditional acceptance can be withdrawn by the university. This is why it is so important that students’ predicted grades are not “over predicted”, but are an accurate assessment of their ability. Your son or daughter needs to have a clear line of communication with his or her teacher to ensure that this happens. Having said this, a teacher’s predicted grade is just that - only a prediction.

Once a CONCORDIAN, Always a CONCORDIAN

Laughter and smiles filled the atmosphere at Bacco Pizza Bar & Restaurant on January 5th as Concordian’s class of 2010 graduates, Khun Varnnee, and the school’s IB teachers got together for a joyful dinner reunion.

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2011 University Acceptances as of 28 March 2011

United States of America The College of William & Mary St. John University Walsh University Westminster University Utah Westminster University Missouri Illinois Wesleyan University United Kingdom (Conditional Offers) London School of Economics University College London Imperial College London King’s College University of Edinburgh University of St. Andrews University of Warwick University of Lancaster University of Southampton Canada Quest University University of British Columbia Hong Kong Savannah College of Art and Design Switzerland Les Roches Hospitality Management School Swiss School of Hotel and Tourism Management Singapore S P Jain Center of Management Thailand Chulalongkorn University

Thammasart University

Double program: International honors, Economics (An exchange program with University of St.Andrews) Economics with scholarship US$11,000 Bachelor of Arts & Science with scholarship US$14,000 International Business with scholarship US$14,000/year International Business with scholarship US$11,000/year International Business with scholarship US$11,000/year Philosophy with International Student Alumni scholarship US$18,000/year Economics Biochemistry Biochemistry Biochemistry Double Majors: Economics and Politics Law Double program: International honors, Economics (An exchange program with the College of William & Mary) Law Double Majors: Economics and Politics Law Bachelor of Art and Science School of Kinetics with scholarship C$8,500 Biochemistry

Global Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Art: Language and Culture Bachelor of Art: Communication Arts Joint International Psychology Program Bachelor and Master Degrees in International Relations

MORE TO COME...

IONS CONGRATULAT IB students IMPACT volume 1 : issue 2

32 DP Diploma Visual Art Program The 10th Anniversary of Concordian International School coincides with first year of the school’s offering Visual Art in the Diploma Program. We have five Year 1 students enrolled and one Year 2 student taking the course for her certificate. These student pioneers are literally carving a pathway for others to follow as they test out and explore the criteria for DP Art, creating a body of evidence that will be useful to others who follow. In some respects, these students are the architects and guides for next year’s group. Their Investigative Workbooks (IWB) provide invaluable examples for how to set up and use an IWB. Their creative pursuits in thematic approaches to making art have moved from baby steps to informed expressions, as they experiment with the language of materials and communicating visually. The inspiration that these artworks offer is a defining resource for years to come.

Although students will not be exhibiting their artwork until the end of Year 2, Impact readers are getting a sneak preview of the emerging creativity in DP Art. We hope you enjoy reading first-hand reports from a few of our students.

Third G11

By Ms. Deborah Coffey

“IB Art helps me to develop in creativity and technical skills. I enjoy this class.” – Cherry G11

“In IB Art, we are discovering new and hidden talents.

We bring imagination, usually reserved and hidden in a dream, to the best of our continually developing IMPACT volume : issue 2 abilities1 and creativity.”

– Pete G11

“Taking the IB Visual Art program is a challenge to me because it is an independent course where we not only create works of art for a grade, but we need to put our time into doing cultural research relevant to our work.” - Ako G12

IB Art creates students who have imagination and creativity in life, who have passion in art. - Matt G11

“IB Art creates IB students who have imaginary thoughts without boundaries of what is right or wrong.” – Third G11

Art is a way of presenting life and expressing yourself. IB Art has led me to the best way of expressing feelings and ideas.

- Kiki G11

CIS SHOWCASE

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SCHOOL PRIDE - Ten Years in the Making

By Mr. Bruce Weir

It has been a long road but school pride and anticipation are now a major part of life at CIS. Students at Concordian are now more excited and happier than ever to belong to an active and sporting culture.

In the early days, when CIS was still a small school it managed to put together soccer and swimming teams for limited competition against other schools. After school activities were done largely by outside sponsors with average attendance. This is not the case in 2011.

The Concordian Dragons – as we became known four years ago – now compete against other schools in basketball, softball, soccer, golf and badminton on a regular basis. And we have had some great successes in doing so. Our girl’s senior basketball team has just completed a four year run with an amazing record of 46 wins and 4 losses. It is an incredible record by a group of hard working ladies!

Our badminton teams have consistently brought home team or individual championships when competing in Thailand International School Activities Conference (TISAC). Big, a grade 6 student, won the flight “D” championship of a golf tournament involving all other International schools in Bangkok last year, and he finished 3rd in the more difficult “C” division this year.

Concordian can boast a 90 percent participation rate among students in After School Activities. To make this happen, we have as many as 20 teachers giving up their time to be sponsors for these activities. It is not uncommon to look out on our pool, tennis courts and fields and see activities happening in all three areas and more every afternoon. It is great to see so many students involved in so many activities after school.

It is an active and sporting culture that has been 10 years in the making!

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY! GO DRAGONS!

WHO IS THIS? ANSWERS & WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS!!!

1. Earn G6A 2. Betty G10A 3. Glai G6A for getting all 3 answers correct.

• • •

KATHLEEN BAERTSCHY JAMES LEUNG CLYNT WHITAKER

Please redeem your 500 BAHT ASIA BOOKS GIFT VOUCHER prize at K. Varnnee’s office.

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CIS SHOWCASE

! ! r i n Fa

u F ) ery

V ( A PT

On Friday, February 25th, Concordian students were treated to a very special day. The PTA worked tirelessly to organize a Fun Fair for students and their parents.

Everyone got into the spirit of fun – we even had some Concordian teachers who volunteered to be in the dunking booth! Students were dismissed from class early and enjoyed rides, games, clowns, lots of wonderful food and drinks, and even an AF concert.

We would like to thank the PTA for organizing this wonderful day for students, and for all that they do to support Concordian and its students.

Celebrate and Grow On Friday, December 17th, the last day before Concordian’s Holiday Break began, all divisions celebrated the past by planting for the future. As another way to both commemorate the school’s 10th Anniversary and help the environment, EYP, PYP, MYP, and DP students joined together to plant 150 trees around the perimeter of the football field. Just as our students grow and mature, so will the trees they’ve planted.

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CIS SHOWCASE

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Concordian Musicians Delight Their Audience

By Mr. George Konopik

By Mr. George Konopik

The grade 10 band will have had its 3rd off-campus performance by the time you read this article. The Premier Place International Summer Festival invited CIS to give an encore performance based on the students’ fine job last October -- their first ever musical presentation to the open public. The people attending stated that they hoped we would return to play for them again.

Grade 10 also attended the KPIS International Band Competition which featured 15 schools’ music students performing contemporary music. One of the directors remarked that it was so good to see band instruments being used by our students, as well as the typical electronics that were predominantly used. Next year we will tailor our songs to fit the judging format and give them a good run at taking a prize. This competition was well worth the experience of seeing how other international schools approached the competition and how the judges scored each presentation.

Back at Concordian, the MYP music students have been progressing rapidly on their new instruments. Grades 6B, 7B, and Grade 9 just completed their first in-class performance examinations on their chosen instruments. Grade 10 students are finishing their second composition assignment. Some of these compositions will be sent out for outside monitoring by an MYP committee. All in all it has been a very busy year.

I would like to personally thank all parents who have encouraged their children to practice their music. It is the extra work at home that will give your music student the edge in their personal achievements and confidence. We are in the process of arranging a date for the final CIS band program performance. This will be the first presentation of what we hope will be a much anticipated annual event. This is one that you will want to see.

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CIS SHOWCASE Concordian Students Celebrate

Chinese Lantern Festival

By Ms. Min Li, Ms. Ariel Wang and Ms. Mandy Chiou

The Chinese Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the New Year. On this day there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate and celebrate the full moon. People try to solve riddles on lanterns, they eat tangyuán, a glutinous rice ball, and they enjoy family reunions. This year at Concordian, we celebrated the Chinese Lantern Festival by making tãngyuán, reading stories about this festival, singing the traditional song “mài tang yuán”, and making paper-cuttings of Chinese lanterns. The students really enjoyed these hands-on activities, and they were a great opportunity for them to experience Chinese culture and deepen their understanding of this auspicious festival.

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SPECIAL THANKS Special thanks to the parents of Ping Ping G7 for printing the postcards designed by the MYP Student Council. The cards were used to send wishes of support to victims of the eathquake and tsunami in Japan.

Students paid 50 baht each for the postcards, and the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the disaster victims.

CONGRATULATIONS! The Little Trilingual Teachers Team from Grade 1 won the Honorable Mention Prize in the True VDO Contest in the Foreign Language Category for Primary Years (Grade 1 – Grade 3). The team will be awarded a 2,000 baht scholarship and certificates.

House Around the World (http://www.trueplookpanya.com/contest/knowledge_detail. php?mul_content_id=207&mul_source_id=000207)

Experts Team from Grade 4 won the Second Place Prize in the Foreign Language Category for Primary Years (Grade 4 – Grade 6). The team will be awarded a 10,000 Baht scholarship and certificates.

Body Systems (http://www.trueplookpanya.com/contest/knowledge_detail.php?mul_ content_id=206&mul_source_id=000206)

Boomer, Grade 4, was one of 30 representatives chosen from 1,000 applicants to be a young escort in Thailand-Singapore and Thailand-India football matches. For this event, Boomer escorted two Thai national football players onto the field and sang the Thai national anthem with them.

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IMPACT THE WORLD

Concordian Celebrates Youth Peace Ambassadors Concordian International School was delighted to host the UNESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Workshop – themed “I Dream of Peace” – which was held at the school on January 21st. Concordian students Sinthu, Tong, Aei, Cream, and Sawarin were participants at UNESCO’s Youth Peace Ambassadors Workshop in Hiroshima last fall. After their experiences there, they expressed their intention of bringing the workshop to Thailand, and Dr. Daryll Macer, Regional Advisor of UNESCO in the Asia-Pacific region, and Mr. Steve Leeper, Chairperson of the Hiroshima Peace Cultural Foundation, agreed to facilitate the workshop at Concordian International School.

Concordian invited 20 Thai and international schools around Bangkok and its suburban area to participate in the workshop and share their ideas about peace. Schools participating were Yothinburana school, Vajiravudh College, Rajavinit Bangkaew, the Regent’s School Bangkok, and the Regent’s School Pattaya among others. All participants expressed their thoughtful opinions and exchanged ideas with those from other schools.

Motivated by the workshop, several students from different grades also prepared and demonstrated their ideas via activities, poems, and presentations. Although the UNESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors Workshop was a one-day program, its impact will be felt by the participants far into the future. The priceless concept of peace is vital to the world community and future development. Concordian Grade 9 student, Cream, had this to say about her experience “This Concordian and UNESCO joint conference was a big success, seeing participants from different schools, different speakers, having different ideas. But somehow everyone is connected through this concept of peace. I feel overwhelmed after hearing all different ideas and point of views toward peace. Every year we should host a conference letting the new generation express and share their very own ideas of peace. I made new friends and had a lot of fun. I’m sure they had fun too.”

We proudly celebrate Concordian’s youth peace ambassadors - young people of dignity, integrity and compassion who want to make a difference in the world.

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IMPACT THE NATION

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CIS Students Continue Flood Relief Efforts

By Kru Kung

Concordian International School’s flood relief efforts began last November in response to the flooding which devastated many parts of Thailand. At that time, CIS donated food, clothing, medicine, survival packs and cash to the flood victims, valued at 114,424 baht.

As a continuation of its flood relief efforts, CIS organized a new way for parents, students, and staff to help. They sold 1000 bags of rice at 100 baht each. The proceeds from the rice sale were 74,230 baht which were contributed to the Rajaprachanukroh Foundation under H.M. The King’s Patronage. Through the foundation, this money will be distributed to victims of the November 2010 flooding.

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IMPACT THE COMMUNITY

at e c i v r Se y t i n u m OOL H C Com S G N ABA R K D A L games such as Bingo KLONG For the past 3 years students from Concordian International School have been going to the Klong LadKrabang School to teach English to children from grades 3 to 6. The students currently going to the school are: Kie, Khaopunn, June, Ako and me. The aim of our program is to teach English in a fun and educational way. Each of us teaches using a range of different methods such as making 3D cards, singing songs, and playing

and Tag. Our students are now able to use more phrases and know more vocabulary to use in everyday situations. Teaching in the beginning was a little difficult because we had to plan lessons and make sure that they were interesting; since then, all of us progressed and have become better at it. This program has not only benefitted the students at the Thai school but even we have grown from our experiences. “Going to the Thai school introduced me to new responsibilities as an adult because students depended on me to teach them,” says

June. This program also gives all of us immense satisfaction. “I feel glad that I could make a difference in the children’s education and have a positive influence on them” say Khaopunn and Ako. This program has taught us to not just treat community and service as a requirement of the IB curriculum, but rather as something that is to be enjoyed. “Many times I feel as though I am having more fun teaching than when I am at home. Community service is an enjoyable way to spend free time,” concludes Kie.

By Ritika Tandon G12

Taking Responsibility, Making a Difference in the Community

NON-FORMAL LEARNING CENTRE

By Kell

The non-formal learning centre provides day care for impoverished children whose parents are working. The children learn basic English, Thai, and math. The centre is run by one female teacher – Khun Mui – and houses about 20 children. We as Concordian International School students visit these children every two weeks as part of our community service program. Sometimes we teach the children English or math, sometimes we read stories, and other times we play games as a group.

All of the students who visit the non-formal learning centre have had a chance to serve the local community and bond with children living in poverty. Here are some of our thoughts . . .

Pete: Even after the sweat from my work is gone, the smile lasts on my face.

Justin: The kids will always be a valuable part of my memory.

Joshua: This program? … I wouldn’t change the channel!

Matt: The program is a fun way to interact with children.

Third: I have learned to collaborate with others.

Ritika: I love dealing with challenging situations regarding kids.

Kiki: I take my job of playing with the kids very seriously.

Kell: Community service, baby sitting, crowd control … whatever you call it, I love it!

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CAS Students Find

Happiness @ the Camillian Home

By Fong

I never thought I could find happiness from people who know nothing about me.

On February 24th a group of us (CAS) we went to the Camillian Home to officially present the money we raised to support the home, and girls like Peeraya who live there. We took a tour of the home and at our first stop an autistic girl, perhaps a few years younger than me, came to us, and her smile shone brighter than the sun. It was amazing! Without hesitation she took my hand and kept on smiling. For the whole afternoon she did nothing but smiled and laughed. I still have not forgotten that most incredible smile. It is the power of her smile that makes up for her diabilities.

When we first went to visit Peeraya, she found it quite a challenge to sit up and balance herself, so I ended up turning myself into an armchair. At first I didn’t approach her because, to be honest, I was scared of her condition. But then I heard her cry from behind, and I asked a friend nearby why she was crying. She told me that the girl wanted to go to the beach.

At that, I gently let the baby boy I was playing with down and went to her.

No matter how much my friends and I tried to comfort her, her crying would not stop. So I started thinking about what always makes me feel better – music. I called Jeannie over and we started singing, and singing, and singing. After the first few songs, her tears had dried, and that smile was on her face for the rest of my time with her.

Thank you so much Ms. Milichu. We will keep trying our hardest to make you proud of us. You are truly inspirational person to so many of us.

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IMPACT THE COMMUNITY

Fridays

By Mr. Raymond Nall

In the morning a young child in the Bangna slum awakes with the same clothes he wore the day before and the day before that.

He picks himself up off of the bedding he’s made for himself on the ground next to his mother and grandmother and uses the dim light filtering through the cracks in the wall to find the table in the covered entrance of their one-room windowless house. Will there be breakfast? Probably not! It’s time to go to Concordia Welfare Institute. After helping her aging mother and dressing the baby, the frantic mother prepares the boy for the long walk to Concordia Welfare before walking another two kilometers to her job. The child is excited as they get close to Concordia…students from CIS are coming today!!!

That same morning, our CIS student wakes up in her hardwood canopy bed, in a large well-decorated room filled with personal teenage belongings. She gets dressed in her school uniform that she pulls from a packed closet, stuffed with clothes and belongings from years of accumulation. She packs her school bag, grabs her guitar, and heads downstairs to a prepared breakfast. The TV plays in the background while her mother frets over whether her brother finished yesterday’s homework. After a filling breakfast, she notifies the driver that she and her brother are ready for school. The Mercedes pulls up and they head off for the 20 minute drive to school. She is excited as they get closer to CIS…we’re going to Concordia Welfare today!!!

Every Friday our students share an hour and a half with children in unfathomably different socioeconomic conditions. So often, the articles we write about community service market how good and noble we are. The reality is that helping others is really a selfish act. A wonderfully selfish act! Every week during the drive back to school, I often hear comments on the van like: “How can that kid be so happy, he’s got nothing?” “I’m so lucky that I have so much.” “I don’t know why I have anything to complain about.” “How can I help them more?” “It’s not fair how they live.” In the end, helping others makes us appreciate what we have, makes us more introspective about what’s truly important, and it puts a spotlight on one of the main causes of injustice in the world—poverty.

Thank you Concordia Welfare Institute!!

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Know More About...

Mr. Bob Wenger Vice Principal

Our new Vice Principal is proud of his 44 years of teaching and administration in schools around the world. For most of this time he has been an elementary school principal in schools in America and overseas. He has spent 33 years in 8 different international school communities and says that living and working in Thailand is right at the top of the list of all of these communities.

Mr. Bob was born in Virginia, USA, and is married to Ms. Lisa Woo, our EYP PE teacher at CIS. Mr. Bob’s father was a school teacher as are 3 of his 4 siblings.

However, education is only part of the life experiences Mr. Bob has had. Among his many jobs he has been a carpenter, a model, a hospital attendant, a social worker, a public relations officer, and of course, a teacher and a counselor before he became an administrator in education.

He is a graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, and his first administrative job was in that city.

What have been “life passions” with Mr. Bob? He would list “sports” as the avenue through which he has spent most of his free time. Sports include softball, tennis, swimming, scuba diving, skiing and golf. Travel, classical guitar, and seeing a family that is rarely on fewer than 3 continents in years past has also been a passion for him.

Ms. Aeo

Head of Admissions / Registrar / Marketing

Ms. Nareenart Ekapichaibutr, or more commonly known as Ms. Aeo, has never regretted the dayshe made the decision to study aboard, and it was not just about the education she received, but also to see the cultural differences that made her realize how much she appreciated her home country, Thailand.

Ms. Aeo spent about 10 years in the US, first at the College of Notre Dame (CND) in Maryland, a 100 year-old liberal arts women’s college with about 800 students.

This was her first time ever as a board-

ing student, and she considered CND her second home because people there were so nice and friendly. After graduating from CND with a BA degree in BusinessMarketing, she went to graduate school at Towson State University, the second largest university in Maryland. She graduated with an MA degree in Human Resources Development. While studying in the US she worked part-time in different areas.

Ms. Aeo came back to Thailand during the inflation and business crisis time, and started her career in a language school, then a bilingual school, and then an international school. She joined Concordian in 2006 in the Admissions and Marketing Department. The IB curriculum was very new to her and in order to fully understand it, she participated in an IB workshop at Concordian. She also studied the differences between British, American, and IB curricula. Concordian has become her third home and the school’s mission statement has inspired her to love the school even more.

Ms. Alice

Finance and Accounting Manager

Ms. Mattana Loonpol, or more commonly known as Ms. Alice, is the Finance and Accounting Manager at Concordian. This is the second place where she has worked as a Finance and Accounting Manager.

She started her career in 1993 after graduating from Ramkhamhaeng University. She developed her expertise in the Finance and Accounting field by working as a treasurer, bookkeeper, systematic planner, consultant, and also as an auditor for many well known schools in Thailand.

Ms. Alice says that people often think that working in the Finance and Accounting area is quite boring, but she believes that it is an important role for every organization – especially predicting cash flow and measuring the capabilities of the business.

She believes that the most important thing for Finance and Accounting

people is being loyal to the organization they work with. Also important is not being afraid of change, because change is often for the better. Working systematically helps manage the changes and is also important for transparency.

Ms. Shelley

Human Resources and Communications Manager

Ms. Shelley Harris joined Concordian as the Human Resources and Communication Manager one year ago. She is responsible for all aspects of human resources for the teachers and teaching assistants, as well as the school’s English-language communications. Although she has lived here for 12 years, this is her first time working in Bangkok. She became interested in international school education first as a parent and later as a board member when her own children (now all grown up!) attended an international school in Bangkok.

Before she moved to Thailand she spent most of her career in management at a large telecommunications company in the US, working in the Accounting, Treasury, and Regulatory departments. Before starting work at Concordian, she did volunteer work with a variety of organizations in Bangkok, including the American Women’s Club of Thailand, the Bangkok Baseball and Softball Association, the National Museum Volunteers, and International School Bangkok.

Ms. Shelley loves her new job at Concordian. She says, “The best part of my job is the great people I work with every day.

We work hard, but we still have a lot of fun and get along really well together.

It’s a nice place to come to work every day.”

Faces in the Crowd

How many of these beautiful faces do you recognize?

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K