Issue 40 – June 2024

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IMPACT Magazine — Issue 40 (June 2024)

Publication: IMPACT Magazine, Concordian International School, Bangkok

Issue: 40 — June 2024, Summer Issue

Motto: Integrity · Vision · Intellect · Compassion

Editorial team: Dessy Delevaux (Editor), Rekha Gowrishankar (Editorial Assistant), Wanlapha "Prinz" Sa-ardwong (Graphic Designer)

Summary

Issue 40 is Concordian International School's Summer Issue closing the 2023–2024 academic year. It opens with the school's celebration of Her Majesty Queen Suthida's birthday and an Editor's Note bidding farewell to the Class of 2024, then moves through special events including Future Talks: The Next Internet & Creator Economy, the Trophy of Honor for Promoting Reading awarded to Founding Director Khun Varnnee Chearavanont Ross, and the 2024 University Acceptance List. The issue celebrates the year's signature festivities — the student-run Zanook Festival and school-wide Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations across the EY, PY and Secondary divisions — alongside the K2 Walkathon, which raised 566,160 Thai Baht for two hospitals, and Earth Day. Academic showcases dominate the School Updates: the 10th PY Chinese Writing Contest, the first PY English Writing Contest, the PYP Exhibition 2024, Book Week, Career Day, the MYP Student-led Conferences and Learning & Teaching Exhibition, the Shu Dao Cup calligraphy and Wen Xin Cup writing contests, the Grade 10 Personal Project, and the IB and Grade 12 Visual Arts Exhibitions. The issue rounds out with Dragons athletics results, Grade 10 trips, middle and high school service, and a Special Feature with two Concordian family interviews and Prom Night "Strangers in the Night".

By the numbers: 80-page Summer Issue; Class of 2024 university results — 81% of overseas applicants accepted to a world Top 100 university, 74% to a Top 50, and 96% of Thailand applications accepted, plus offers from Cornell, Oxford, Tsinghua, McGill and dozens more; K2 Walkathon raised 566,160 Thai Baht for King Mongkut Memorial Hospital and Bangchak Hospital; 47 Grade 10 Personal Projects; 14 Extraordinary and 23 Excellent Awards at the 10th Wen Xin Cup; 16 Excellent Calligrapher Awards at the 1st Shu Dao Cup; G5U Badminton team won four gold medals.

Table of Contents

  • 3 — Editor's Note

Special Event

  • Her Majesty Queen Suthida's Birthday Celebration
  • 4 — Future Talk

Showcase

  • 5 — University Acceptance List 2024
  • 6 — Trophy of Honor for Promoting Reading
  • 6 — Impact International Music Contest

Activities and Events

  • 8 — Songkran Zanook Festival
  • 14 — Happy Songkran Day 2024
  • 20 — K2 Walkathon
  • 21 — Earth Day at Concordian

School Updates

  • 44 — Middle School Career Day
  • 45 — 1st Shu Dao Cup Chinese Calligraphy Contest
  • 46 — 10th Wen Xin Cup Chinese Writing Contest
  • 48 — G10 Personal Project
  • 54 — IB Art Exhibition
  • 58 — Spring Celebration of Song

Athletics News

  • 60 — G3U Girls Football Team
  • 61 — G5U Girls Football Tournament Champions
  • 62 — Concordian Dragons G5U Badminton Team
  • 63 — Concordian Dragons G5U Table Tennis Team

Trips

  • 64 — G10 Factory Trip

Student Life and Service

  • 22 — PY Chinese Writing Contest
  • 27 — PYP Exhibition 2024
  • 33 — PY English Writing Contest
  • 36 — Concordian Celebrates Book Week
  • 38 — Career Day
  • 40 — MYP Students-Led Conferences
  • 42 — MYP Learning and Teaching Exhibition
  • 66 — Middle School Service
  • 69 — High School Service Clubs
  • 71 — High School Clubs

Special Feature

  • 72 — Interview with Concordian Families
  • 74 — Prom Night "Strangers in the Night"

Special Events

Her Majesty Queen Suthida's Birthday Celebration

Long Live Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana

Concordian International School celebrated the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana's Birthday on May 31st, 2024. Administrators, students, and parent representatives paid respect and wished well to Her Majesty in a traditional ceremony.

สามมิ ถุนายน ดลดิถี

แซ่ซ้อง สดุดี ศรีสมัย

พระองค์คือ ปิ่นปัก แห่งหลักชัย

ผองชาวไทย ล้วนรัก และศรัทธา

พระอาจหาญ ยรรยง วิริยะกล้า

เคียงผ่านฟ้า ทศมินทร์ ปิ่นนาถา

ขอสายนำ้ ถวายชื่น รื่นอุรา

ทวยเทพพา สรรเสริญ เจริญไมตรี

ขอถวาย ดอกไม้กลิ่น ระรินรำ่

เป็นที่คำ้ จุนขององค์ พระทรงศรี

เหล่าปวงราษฎร์ ถวายพร ด้วยดวงฤดี

สมเด็จพระ ราชินี ทรงพระเจริญ

ด้วยเกล้าด้วยกระหม่อม

ข้าพระพุทธเจ้าตัวแทนโรงเรียนนานาชาติคอนคอร์เดียน

ประพันธ์โดยเด็กหญิงจิตติมาภรณ์ พูนสุขวัฒนา

และเด็กหญิงมัญชุนันท์ เศรษฐวงศ์

เฉลิมพระชนม์ พรรษา ราชินี

พระเกียรติยศ บารมี นารีสยาม

ประชาชน แซ่ซ้อง ก้องพระนาม

ทั่วเขตคาม สรรเสริญ เจริญชัย

ขอพระองค์ ทรงพระ เกษมสุข

นิราศทุกข์ โรคภัย มลายหาย

จตุรพิธ พรดล มงคลชัย

ทรงเป็น มิ่งขวัญไทย ชั่วนิรันดร์

ด้วยเกล้าด้วยกระหม่อม

ข้าพระพุทธเจ้าตัวแทนโรงเรียนนานาชาติคอนคอร์เดียน

ประพันธ์โดยนางสาววีรณัฏฐ์ชา โรจนอำไพ

Editor's Note

Dear Impact Readers,

Once more, we find ourselves at the end of another academic year. Looking back on 2023-2024, it has been a thrilling ride of learning adventures and enriching experiences for our students and all members of our community. And, as we prepare to say farewell to the Class of 2024 and send them off on their new trajectories to all corners of the globe, let us look back at what Concordians have been up to over the past few months.

To start, we highlight some special events that took place in the greater community recently, most notably Future Talks, the Nanmee Book Award and the recent ceremony held at Concordian in honor of Her Majesty Queen Suthida's birthday anniversary. Next, we shift our focus to the wonderful celebrations that always mark this time of the year, especially Songkran. Please read all about how the Thai New Year was welcomed throughout all different parts of the school.

Let's not forget about Zanook, the annual student-led festival that has become a staple at Concordian, allowing our secondary students to raise funds for charitable causes. Our youngest students, too, have learned that they can make a difference in the world and contribute in their own way, regardless of their age! Please read on to find out more about the successful K2 Walkathon, also an annual tradition at our school which raises funds for hospital equipment.

Concordian's trilingual IB curriculum fosters academic excellence and expands our students' horizons - this is very apparent while we proudly showcase the achievements of our Primary Years Programme students in various aspects. Please learn more about the results of the PYP Chinese and English Writing contests, and the PYP Exhibition in Grade 5.

Semester 2 in Secondary was very busy, with a tremendous number of events and activities taking place - find out more about the MYP Teaching and Learning Exhibition, G10 Personal Project, Wen Xin Cup, the Art Exhibition and the Spring Celebration of Song just to name a few. The Concordian Dragons sports teams are going strong as usual and achieving notable successes in multiple disciplines - go Dragons!

We finally take a peek at the service learning happenings of the past few months, hear from two of our Concordian families and join in the fun of Prom Night 2024 with the glamorous theme "Strangers in the Night".

Please enjoy this issue of our magazine and have a wonderful summer holiday!

Dessy Delevaux, Editor

Find us on Facebook or Instagram.

— Dessy Delevaux, Editor

— Rekha Gowrishankar, Editorial Assistant

— Wanlapha (Prinz) Sa-ardwong, Graphic Designer

Future Talks: The Next Internet & Creator Economy

It's not every year that Concordian hosts an exclusive event that brings together alumni since 2010, current students all the way from Grade 9 to Grade 12, and parents together. However on March 10th, 2024, Future Talks: The Next Internet & Creator Economy was the first ever special event focused on the impact of the latest real estate trends and the emerging world of the Metaverse on future career and business opportunities. Many informative topics were covered throughout the event such as:

  • Metaverse as the Next Internet
  • How Extended Reality, AI, and Blockchain transform your career
  • Case study of Translucia and MQDC Idyllias
  • Bangkok as the international hub for "Entertainment-Tech"
  • Case study of Cloud 11

Led by industry experts, Khun Onza Janyaprasert, the Director of the Cloud 11 Project and Khun Parut Penpayap, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MQDC Idyllias, the first talk focused mainly on the trends of Metaverse that could be used to combine innovation and various advanced technologies with imagination and creativity. Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC) aims to bring Translucia to recreate significant changes in the living experience. The Metaverse real estate project's art environment beyond imagination would serve customers and service users who can own a house or condominium in both the real world and the virtual world.

Besides the new mega trend of Metaverse, the event also provided valuable insights and Q&A discussion on how digital technology is shaping the future of mixed-use real estate. The Cloud 11 project has the intention of compiling essential functions such as entertainment, technology, retail, commercial, residential, and hospitality projects together as a hub for all levels of content creators and the new generation in the area of South Sukhumvit.

— DP Counseling Department

Showcase

University Acceptance List 2024

CONGRATULATIONS — Concordian Class of 2024

Concordian is grateful to all of these universities for kindly accepting our graduates and for giving them these opportunities.

Headline results for the Class of 2024 (as printed on the cover graphic):

  • Students applying overseas accepted to the world's Top 100 universities: 81%
  • Students applying overseas accepted to the Top 50: 74%
  • Thailand applications accepted to Thailand's universities: 96%

Legend used on the list: Top 50 in the world; Top 100 in the world; Scholarship offered; Full Scholarship offered; Thailand Top 10 University; Top Arts and Music Schools. Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of offers from that institution. Updated June 13, 2024. Rankings referenced: Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, EduRank Rankings.

United Kingdom

Architectural Association School of Architecture; Arts University Bournemouth (2); City, University of London (2); Durham University (4); Falmouth University; Goldsmiths, University of London (2); Imperial College London; King's College London (10); Kingston University; Loughborough University; Newcastle University; Norwich University of the Arts; Regent's University London; Royal Holloway, University of London; The University of Edinburgh (7); The University of Manchester (7); The University of Newcastle; The University of Sheffield (2); University College London (3); University for the Creative Arts; University of Bath (4); University of Brighton; University of Bristol; University of Dundee; University of Exeter (2); University of Glasgow; University of Leeds (4); University of Liverpool (2); University of Nottingham (2); University of Reading; University of the Arts London (2); University of Warwick (5); University of Westminster, London; University of York

United States

ArtCenter College of Design; Bentley University; Berklee College of Music; Brown University (2); Colgate University; Cornell University; Fashion Institute of Technology; Georgia Tech; High Point University; Hult International Business School (2); Indiana University Bloomington; Lewis University; Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Miami University; Michigan State University; Midwestern University; Our Lady of the Lake University; Parsons School of Design; Pratt Institute; Purdue University; Rochester Institute of Technology; Seattle University; Suffolk University (2); Syracuse University; The Ohio State University; University of California, Irvine (2); University of California, San Diego (3); University of Minnesota; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of San Francisco; University of Southern California; Vassar College; Virginia Tech; Wentworth Institute of Technology; West Texas A&M University

Australia

Charles Sturt University (2); Curtin University (2); Flinders University; Macquarie University; Monash University; RMIT University (2); The University of Melbourne (4); The University of Newcastle; The University of Queensland (3); The University of Sydney (6); Trinity College, The University of Melbourne; University of Canberra (2); University of South Australia; University of the Sunshine Coast; University of Tasmania; UNSW Sydney (6)

Canada

McGill University (2); Simon Fraser University; The University of British Columbia (7); University of Toronto (8); University of Victoria (2)

Europe

Aalto University, Finland; Nuova Accademia delle Belle Arti, Italy; University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan

City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2); National Taiwan University; New York University Shanghai; Peking University (2); Shanghai Jiao Tong University; The Chinese University of Hong Kong (7); The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (2); The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (3); The University of Hong Kong (8); The University of Hong Kong - SciencesPo; Tsinghua University (2); University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (2); Urbana-Champaign Institute; Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University (2); Zhejiang University (2); Zhejiang University - University of Illinois

Japan

International Christian University; Keio University; Kyoto University of Advanced Science; Temple University

Thailand

Chulalongkorn University (9); King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (2); Thammasat University (3)

Medical & Dentistry Programmes

Chiang Mai University, TH; Chulalongkorn University, TH (2); Lancaster University, UK; Mahidol International Dental School, TH; Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine Chulabhorn Royal Academy, TH; Thammasat University, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, TH (3); Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Ireland

Note: The acceptance list also features other institutions named on the cover graphic, including Oxford, Georgia Tech, HKUST, the University of Queensland (3) and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.

Trophy of Honor for Promoting Reading

Our Founding Director, Khun Varnnee Chearavanont Ross, was recently recognized for her dedication to promoting reading among students. On April 1st, 2024, she received a trophy of honor at the "Nanmee Books Reading Education Conference" held at Nanmee Books House Building, Sukhumvit 31. This award was presented by Privy Councilor Professor Doctor Kasem Wattanachai in recognition of her outstanding contributions as a school administrator, particularly her efforts and dedication to promoting reading among students. Her work has made reading a central part of the student experience, broadening their educational horizons through literacy.

The conference itself brought together esteemed educators and advocates for reading from across 54 schools nationwide. All were there to celebrate those who inspire a love of reading in future generations. Khun Varnnee's recognition serves not only as a personal achievement but also as an inspiration for educational leaders, encouraging them to foster a love of reading and lifelong learning within their communities.

Impact International Music Contest

Congratulations to Don (G6) and Dol (G6) who participated in Muzikoznaika Russia International Traditional Music Competition 2024 and Thailand Young Musicians Award 2024 and achieved amazing awards from both programs.

They also won at the Tunes of Hometown International Music Competition: Dol (Gold Prize Percussion) and Don (Silver Prize Percussion) on February 21st, 2024.

In addition, they both achieved The Platinum Trophy Awards from Thailand Young Musicians Award and they also were the best 25 musicians, from all over the country, who had a chance to perform at Aksra Theatre, King Power on March 3rd, 2024 as well.

Here is what Don and Dol would like to share:

What inspired you to start playing the Ranad?

Dol: I became interested in playing the Ranad after seeing others play the instrument in an afterschool program at school.

Don: The school places a strong emphasis on Thai instruments, and I believe that they are an integral part of Thai culture.

What do you enjoy most about playing the Ranad?

Don: I find the unique sound of the Ranad and other Thai instruments to be captivating, and playing them is truly enjoyable.

Dol: I appreciate the distinct sound that the Ranad produces compared to other instruments.

What challenges do you face while playing the Ranad, especially when playing with others?

Dol: Playing individually is less demanding as you only need to focus on yourself. However, playing with others requires good coordination and the ability to support your fellow musicians.

Don: Another challenge we face when playing the Ranad together is synchronizing our movements and maintaining coordination.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to excel in playing musical instruments?

Dol: Consistent practice is essential for mastering any instrument. Without regular practice, it is difficult to improve your skills.

Don: To achieve success and reach your goals in music, it is crucial to practice diligently and remain focused during practice sessions.

How do you feel today?

Don: I am grateful for the opportunity to perform today, as it will not only enhance my musical abilities but also contribute to my overall education and perspective on instruments.

Dol: I am proud of my achievements thus far and would like to express my gratitude to my parents and teachers for their support in helping me reach this point.

Thank you, Don and Dol, for sharing your experience. Concordians are so proud of you. Go Dragons!

— Kru A

Activities & Events

Songkran Zanook Festival

Zanook, the annual student-run event, was very successful this year. This event is held with the intention of enabling clubs to raise money for their relevant causes. Students and teachers all the way from the EYP to the DP had a wonderful time with their friends and family. This year's festival consisted of a wide variety of booths from High School Clubs and the MSSG selling different types of delicious food and snacks. The event also saw outstanding stage performances, with students ranging from Grade 6 to 12, as well as teachers showing their exceptional talents to the school. There were diverse types of quality performances, ranging from full band dances, to duet singing.

What led to a successful event were the people who worked behind the scenes. Everyone who contributed to the Zanook team showed initiative and dedication to help out in this student-led event. The teams were split into four: stage, booths, finance, and media. The media team showed their creativity skills by making the posters unique and displaying the characteristics of Zanook. The booths team also showed their outstanding organization and management skills by gathering clubs to come to fund fundraising booths, contacting the clubs and setting up the layout booth. Unfortunately, due to a sudden heat wave the school experienced during the days leading up to the festival, to ensure everyone's safety, we had to move the festival from the school's blue court to P501. Even with this unplanned obstacle, the booths team was able to redesign the layout at the last minute, which demonstrated their adaptability. The finance team showed their communication and analytical skills by communicating with the sellers and by managing and distributing the earned revenue. And, the stage team, whose job was managing all the performances, including quality controls, scheduling the soundcheck for bands and the actual performance time slots. All teams displayed a great use of time management and organization skills. Overall every team showed great cooperation with one another which ultimately created a lot of wonderful memories for our community for many years to come.

— Swot (G11), Jasmine (G11), Pai (G10), Zanook Student Organizing Committee

Pages 10–13: photographs from the Songkran Zanook Festival.

Happy Songkran 2024

Sawas Dee Pee Mai Thai — Concordian International School wishes you a Happy Thai New Year!

Songkran festival is celebrated every year, taking place from the 13th to the 15 of April. The Songkran festival (Thai New Year) is considered the most important festival with the significance of showing appreciation and gratitude to parents, elders, and ancestors. Concordian International School invited everyone to bathe the Buddha statue as part of the Songkran tradition from April 8 to 11, 2024 in the main lobby area.

On Thursday, April 11th 2024, Concordian's Songkran started in the morning with a welcoming beautiful performance by our Thai instrument student band and the Thai dance group in the main lobby area.

— Kru Dear

EY songkran… By Kru Aim

PY songkran… By Kru Nit

MY/DP songkran …By Kru Lek

EY Songkran Festival

This year in the EY, we have got a variety of Thai Activities for the students to celebrate as Songkran is a Big Part for Thai New Year. We've started off with the Thai Dessert Tasting on Tuesday, April 9th. All the EY students (Pre-K to K3) have tasted a few Thai desserts. This is a good opportunity for the students to know Thai dessert names, and the most popular one they liked the most is "Kao-Nieaw-MaMuang!" (sweet sticky rice with mango).

Next day "Kite Flying", they have fun running with their own kite which they have painted by themselves the week before. Last day before we headed to Songkran Break, they attended the Songkran Ceremony at the Amphitheater with a colorful, cheerful and respectful atmosphere. Lastly… the students enjoyed "Fun Water Activities" at Mini Soccer Field with their friends.

They all have had such a Wonderful Songkran Celebration!!!

— Kru Aim, EY Thai Team Leader

PY Songkran Celebration

Every year students wait for the most fun-filled festival, Songkran, which is a great time for everyone to enjoy the water pouring and experience the authentic Thai atmosphere. We started the Songkran ceremony with the wonderful Thai instrument band and the beautiful dance group greeting parents and students at the lobby in the morning.

For the highlight of the PY performance in Grand Theater, this year G4 students delivered a fantastic performance that showcased various Thai folk games that were designed to foster good relationships between adults and young people, as well as to provide entertainment, relaxation, and exercise such as Catching the last one in the line (รีรีข้าวสาร), Snatching a baby from the mother snake (งูกินหาง), Hiding a cloth behind one's back (มอญซ่อนผ้า), and Banana rib hobbyhorse riding (ขี่ม้าก้านกล้วย).

Traditionally, all students had a chance to have the Rod Nam Dam Hua ritual, to pay their respect and convey their best wishes to their teachers by pouring fragrant water on their palms and asking for their blessing. Last but not least, after the distinctive cultural activity, everyone enjoyed fun water games prepared by Mr. Joe and the Songkran team! The spirit of Songkran merriment was joyfully shared among all teachers and students.

— Kru Nid, PY Thai team leader

Secondary Songkran Festival

The Songkran Festival in the year 2024 was a special occasion at the Secondary school. The event was named "กลิ่นอายวัฒนธรรมไทย สะพรั่งบานทั่วไทย วันสงกรานต์" or "The Blooming Thai Culture," and it featured elaborate stage decorations that were truly impressive. The stage was adorned with various flowers, and most importantly, the flower tree as a centerpiece, symbolizing the rich culture derived from local traditions. Additionally, there were customs where students paid respect and showed gratitude to their teachers by parading with water-filled bowls, just like in previous years. However, this year, there was an added exchange performance by our exchange students from Shanghai, which further enriched the event. Their performance was heartwarming, showcasing their abilities and efforts, and it also highlighted the good relationship between Thailand and China. As we had the honor of hosting this year's Songkran Festival, we felt immensely privileged. It was our first time being the hosts for this event, and we would like to express our gratitude to all the teachers who supported us, ensuring that the Songkran Festival proceeded smoothly.

— Angie & Janie, Grade 9

Pages 14–19: photographs from the Songkran celebrations across the EY, PY and Secondary divisions.

K2 Walkathon

On Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, we hosted our annual K2 Walkathon. The K2 students walked circles around the PYP gymnasium to raise funds for two local hospitals: the King Mongkut Memorial Hospital and the Bangchak Hospital.

The purpose of the walkathon was to raise money to purchase equipment for treating underprivileged children. The K2 students walked laps around the gym, cheered on or accompanied by their parents. By the end of the event, they had raised an impressive 566,160 Thai Baht.

This event was not just about raising funds; it was also a learning experience for the students. It was conducted in connection with the UOI "Connecting to Characters." Students made a connection to the story "I Walk With Vanessa," a tale that teaches children about the impact of small acts of kindness. The students learned that their efforts, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the lives of others.

The walkathon was a testament to the spirit of community service that Concordian International School instills in its students. The K2 students walked with purpose, understanding that their steps were helping children in need. Their efforts serve as a reminder that when we work together, even our youngest students can make a real impact.

The K2 walkathon was a very successful fundraising effort. Thank you sincerely for the amazing parental support and the organizational efforts of our amazing K2 class parents. Working together, once again we achieved something great.

— Mr. Joe Savage

Earth Day at Concordian

This year's Earth Day was marked by a series of activities focused on creativity and sustainability. Pre-K to Grade 5 students dressed in earth-toned colors to celebrate the natural colors of the earth.

Students in Grades 1 through 5 participated in a recycled material art competition. Students presented projects made from repurposed materials, emphasizing the importance of recycling. The Purple Penguins won the competition with 13 entries, earning 1300 house points. Their contributions ranged from bottle cap structures to cardboard sculptures, reflecting a strong commitment to the theme.

The Green Gators and Orange Owls tied for second place, each submitting 11 entries and earning 1100 house points. Their artworks included recycled paper collages and plastic bottle installations, showcasing their creativity and resourcefulness.

The Brown Bearcats came in third with 7 entries, earning 700 points. Despite having fewer entries, their projects highlighted their dedication and effort in promoting environmental awareness.

The Earth Day celebrations at Concordian International School provided an opportunity for students to engage with sustainability concepts and foster a sense of community through friendly competition. Earth day at Concordian was a fun day for Concordian students to engage in environmentally conscious creativity.

— Mr. Joe Savage

School Updates

PY Chinese Writing Contest

"当笔下肆意挥洒的心情化为文字，我将用它记录永生。"

"When the freely flowing emotions under the pen turn into words, I will use them to record eternity."

  • 莫言 Mo Yan, Chinese novelist, short story writer, Nobel Prize winner

Concordian International School successfully hosted its 10th annual PY Chinese Writing Competition in March 2024. The competition aimed to inspire a love for writing and foster student creativity. We take great pride in the outstanding writing skills demonstrated by all participating students from Grades 1 to 5.

On Friday, May 3rd, 2024, four different awards were announced in each class and grade level.

  • The Class Excellent Writer Award (1st place of the class)
  • The Class Great Writer Award (2nd place of the class)
  • The Grade Level Excellent Writer Award (1st place of the grade level)
  • The Grade Level Great Writer Award (2nd place of the grade level)

Congratulations to all the amazing young writers. Let's hear what they want to share with the school community regarding writing, winning, and learning Chinese at Concordian!

— Ms. Ariel Wang, Elementary Principal

Grade 1

G1C Sanya: 我感到非常非常快乐！我要感谢爸爸和中文老师教我中文，可是我觉得大家都很棒。I am so happy. I thank my dad and my Chinese teachers for teaching me Chinese. All my classmates did a good job too.

G1C Pam: 我很开心，因为我没有得过奖杯。这是我第一次得到奖杯。I am thrilled as this is the first time I won a trophy.

G1S Vela: 我很开心可以得奖杯，以后我也要认真努力学习，像今天一样棒。I'm delighted to receive the trophy. I promise I will continue working hard to achieve accomplishments like today.

G1S Kayne: 今天我很开心可以得到奖杯，谢谢我的妈妈，谢谢我的哥哥。

G1D Ocean: 我很开心，回到家爸爸妈妈还会给我礼物，下一次我要努力得大奖杯。I'm happy and my parents will give me more presents. I will try my best to win grade level 1st place next time.

G1D Tan：今天我和爸爸妈妈都很开心，下一次我要更努力地得第一名。Today, my parents and I are so thrilled and I will work hard to win 1st place next time.

G1I Proud: 首先我很紧张，可是我也很开心。我要谢谢每个中文老师和Mr. Laurent 因为他们给我写作比赛的机会。I was nervous and then happy. I'm grateful to every Chinese teacher and Mr. Laurent for this opportunity.

G1I Cruise: 我又自豪又快乐，我要谢谢我的中文老师，因为她教我中文。如果她没有教我中文，我想我不可以得到这个奖杯。I am proud of myself. I also want to thank my Chinese teacher. I would not have won this trophy without her guidance.

Grade 2

G2C Kiki: 我很开心我可以拿第一名，我还要感谢中文老师教我们写作。I am happy I got 1st place. I thank my Chinese teachers for teaching me writing.

G2C Atam: 我太开心了，因为我在一年级也拿奖了，我希望明年还可以拿奖！我要谢谢我的妈妈，因为我的妈妈每天让我好好做功课、好好学习中文。I'm so happy that I won two years in a row! I hope I can win again next year. I'm grateful to my mom because she encourages me to work hard on Chinese daily.

G2I North: 我很惊喜我得了班级第一，年级第二名！希望明年我也可以得奖！It was a surprise to win class 1st place and grade level 2nd place! I hope I will win again next year.

G2I Pryn: 我真的没想到我可以拿奖，因为我在家都没有练习。希望明年明年我还可以得奖，明年我会好好练习。I didn't expect to win this time as I didn't practice much writing. Next time I will practice more and hope to win again.

G2S Tyra: 我感到很惊喜，因为我没想到自己会得奖，还是班级第一！我很开心，很兴奋啊！I didn't expect myself to win at all. I am so happy and excited that I got 1st place in the class!

G2S Kitty: 我知道我得奖了我超级开心！我的妈妈要送我一个电话手表给我做礼物！It is delightful to receive this award and my mom will give me an additional reward - a smartwatch!

G2D Morris: 我觉得自己会得班级第一，但没想到也得了年级第一！我超级无敌兴奋啊！I knew I might be the class 1st place but didn't expect to win the grade level 1st place! I'm over the moon now!

G2D Chompu: 我非常开心啊！我觉得我自己会得奖，因为比赛的时候我很努力，我写好的词语和好的句子，我也认真检查我的作文。I'm happy but not surprised that I won because I did my best to use good words and sentences, and carefully checked my writing.

G2D Tanya: 在作文比赛的时候我努力做到了自己的最棒！我知道自己得奖了很高兴啊！但是我上去领奖杯的时候会有点紧张。I worked to the best of my ability in my writing. I was so happy to win the award and felt a little nervous when I went on the stage.

Grade 3

G3C Nana: 今年是我第一次得奖！我觉得自己很棒！虽然我练习的时候常常来不及写完，可是比赛的时候我告诉自己要更专心一点儿，我就真的写完了。我太开心了！This is my 1st time winning the writing contest. I'm so proud of myself. Unlike the practice time when I couldn't finish writing in class, this time I was very concentrated and completed the writing on time.

G3C Stephanie: 我感到很幸福！因为我有很好的老师帮我练习；因为我有很好的妈妈鼓励我；因为我也是很喜欢学习和很独立的学生。I feel joyful because I have a great teacher training me and a wonderful mother encouraging me. I am very independent and enjoy studying.

G3C Sandee: 今年是我第一次得奖！我很开心！我想感谢妈妈的鼓励，也感谢努力的自己，因为我在家练习很多次，而且每次都计时练习写作，所以在写作比赛的时候我写得不紧张，很开心。I'm so happy to win the writing contest for the very 1st time. I'm grateful to my mom who encourages me and thank myself for the effort. I timed myself during home practice before the contest, therefore I was not nervous during the contest and felt it was pleasant.

G3I Nita: 我很为自己感到自豪！因为我觉得自己写得很好！我对自己很有信心，我觉得自己一定会赢，我就真赢了。I'm proud of myself as I consider myself a good writer. I was confident that I would win and I did!

G3I Mahya: 这是我第一次得到班级第一和年级第一！我超级无敌开心！在写每一段之前，我都会先想老师教的结构和超级词语，然后我就告诉自己要写很快！I am beyond happy to win 1st place in the class and 1st place in the grade level! Before writing every paragraph, I thought about the structure and the juicy words. I also tried to write it efficiently.

G3S Belle: 我很开心我得了第一名，因为去年我只得了第二名。今年我学习更加努力了，所以我觉得只要努力就可以进步的！Last year I got 2nd place but this year I got the 1st! This proves hard work leads to progression and I did work very hard this year.

G3S Anya: 我太开心了！我想谢谢我的爸爸妈妈，让我有机会在曼谷英汉国际学校学习，我也想谢谢老师们，让我学到了很多的知识。I am so happy and I thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to study at Concordian, also I thank my teachers for teaching me a lot of knowledge.

G3S Baipor: 这是我第一次在作文比赛得奖！我非常兴奋。我要谢谢爸爸妈妈让我在这个学校学习。我觉得这一次比赛我认真复习汉字了，也用了很多超级词语。谢谢老师！I am very excited to win the writing contest for the 1st time. I thank my parents for letting me study at Concordian. I worked hard on reviewing the Chinese characters before the contest and used many juicy words. Also, I want to thank my teachers.

G3D Malyn: 我有一点开心，因为我得奖了；我也有一点伤心，因为我的朋友没有得奖。下次我们要一起更加努力地练习，希望可以一起得奖！I'm happy I won the writing contest but also sad for my friends who didn't win. We will work harder and hopefully, we can all win.

G3D Nana: 当我知道我得奖的时候，我又开心又紧张。开心的是我得奖了，紧张的是我朋友会不会得奖。我想谢谢我的妈妈、姐姐和老师们教我中文，我以后也会继续努力的。When I won the award being announced, I was happy for myself but also nervous for my friends. I thank my mom, sister, and teachers who taught me Chinese and I will keep up the good work.

Grade 4

G4C Koch: 我得到第一名，我又惊讶又开心，因为我没想到我会得第一。我想要感谢我的中文老师和爸爸妈妈的教导和鼓励。明年我要继续努力！I did not expect to get 1st place in class. I'm so happy and thankful for the guidance and encouragement from my Chinese teachers and my parents. I will continue the hard work next year.

G4C Songyun: 我听到自己得第一名时，我非常开心和激动。我要感谢我的妈妈，因为她帮我复习了很多写作技巧。我也想感谢我的中文老师的教导。我希望明年继续努力，一样争取拿到第一！I was thrilled to learn I got the class 1st place. I am thankful to my mom who taught me writing techniques and my Chinese teacher for her guidance. I will keep up the hard work and try to win again next year.

G4C Tinn: 我听到我得到第二名的时候，我觉得非常兴奋，因为这是我第二次得奖。我想要感谢我的中文老师，因为她们教了我怎么写感叹词、关联词、超级词语、感情词等等。我希望五年级的时候可以得到第一名。It was so exciting to learn I won the 2nd place. This is the second time I won. I want to thank my Chinese teachers for teaching me the good writing techniques. I hope I can win 1st place next year.

G4I Poon: 我为这次的写作比赛练习了很多，所以能在写作比赛得第二名，我非常开心。我想对所有教过我的中文老师们说谢谢，也想要感谢爸爸妈妈在我身边不断地鼓励我。明年我要更加努力，希望我能得第一。I worked hard for this writing contest and I'm happy to get the 2nd place. I'm grateful for all my Chinese teachers and my parents' encouragement. I will keep up the good work.

G4I Bhume: 我知道我拿到G4I第一名时，我很激动。但是听到我是全年级第二的时候，我很惊讶！我想要感谢老师、爸爸妈妈和朋友们，因为是他们鼓励我，让我努力学习能有今天的成果。虽然这次得奖，但是我还要继续努力，让自己更进步，希望明年也能得奖！Winning 1st place in the class was an excitement. Winning the 2nd in the grade level was a surprise. Thanks to my parents, teachers, and friends' encouragement that supported me. I will continue working hard.

G4S Rin: 我很开心得了第一名，但是我感觉还不是最好的，我希望明年我能超越今年的自己。I'm so happy I won 1st place in the grade level. I still have areas to work on and hope to write even better next year.

G4S Son Son: 得了奖我很开心，我要感谢我的中文老师和我的爸爸妈妈。这次作文比赛我有一点小粗心，写错了一些字，也没来得及认真检查，明年我一定要更加认真。I'm happy with the award and I'd like to thank my Chinese teacher and my parents for their guidance. I still made a few careless mistakes, but I will check my writing more carefully next time.

G4D Yuri：没有得年级第一名，我有点失望，但是我明年一定会努力加油的。I was disappointed I did not get 1st place in the grade level. Next year I will try even harder.

G4D Aya：我真的太开心得奖了，以前虽然学习过一点点汉语，但是来到这个学校以后，才让我对中文了解更多，更喜欢上中文。我希望明年继续努力，还能得奖。It is such a joy to win the award. Although I did learn some Chinese before, it was only when I joined Concordian that I felt a passion for studying Chinese. I hope I can keep up the good work and win again next year.

Grade 5

G5C Yang Yang: 我觉得非常开心因为今天我得到年级第二名。我下一次要更努力像我以前得到两次第一名一样。I'm still happy that I won 2nd place in the grade level but I will work harder so that I can win the grade level 1st place just like I did in the past two years.

G5C Anna: 我拿到奖状以后很惊讶，我没有想到我会拿到第一名。我也很开心，因为六年级我就可以被分到水平更高的班。Winning 1st place in the grade level was a complete surprise for me. I'm happy with the result which allows me to join a higher-level Chinese class in Grade 6.

G5C Peang-Or: 我很惊喜，我没有想到我会得奖，还是第一名。我想感谢我的爸爸和妈妈的鼓励我也感谢我的中文老师和我的朋友，因为她们一直支持我。接下来，我会继续努力学习。I didn't expect to win at all! I'm grateful to my parents, teachers, and friends for their encouragement and support. I will continue to study hard.

G5C Alice: 这是我第二次拿到中文写作比赛的奖，我超级自豪！我希望我的爸爸和妈妈也为我感到自豪！I'm so proud to win class 2nd place and so do my parents!

G5I Rynie: 我非常惊喜，我以为我不会得奖。我真的很开心，感觉像是一场梦。明年我会继续努力，希望可以像今年一样得到第一名。It is a complete surprise and a dream come true for me. I will keep up with the good work next year and try to win again.

G5I Pam: 知道我是班级第一名的时候，我觉得很开心和兴奋。我想要感谢我的老师和我的妈妈。感谢她们帮我练习，并给我很好的建议。我会继续努力学习，希望明年还可以获得冠军。It was an exciting and joyful moment. I'm grateful to my teachers and mother who guided me. I will continue working hard to win again next year.

G5I Yada: 我得奖的时候，我感到非常开心，我也觉得很自豪，因为这是我第一次获得中文写作比赛的奖。I am thrilled and proud to win the writing contest for the first time.

G5S Alicia: 我觉得非常开心，因为我很努力地练习。我希望我可以写得更好！我也会努力地学习中文！I'm glad to win as I worked hard. I will keep up the good work and write even better!

G5S Kitty: 我觉得很开心，因为我没有想到我会赢。我也为自己感到自豪，明年我会更加努力! I didn't expect to win and feel so proud of myself. I will keep up the good work.

G5D Times: 从小学一年级开始到五年级，我从来没有赢过任何的写作比赛，但是在小学的最后一次写作比赛，我获奖了！我真的没有想到我会获奖。我太开心了！去到中学以后，我会继续努力。It means a lot to me as I finally won the writing contest in my final year of the PYP. I'm so happy and proud. I will continue working hard in MYP.

G5D Porsche: 这是我第一次获得写作比赛的冠军。我开心极了！这种感觉和其他的感觉不一样。我会继续努力，希望可以获得明年的写作比赛的冠军。The joy of winning the writing contest for the very first time was beyond words. I will keep up the good work and try to win again next year.

PYP Exhibition 2024

In a spectacular showcase of talent and hard work, the 2024 PYP Exhibition at Concordian was nothing short of a triumph! As an integral component of the PYP, the Exhibition is the grand finale of the programme. At Concordian this is a culminating year-long unit that concludes in May. This final unit is dedicated to students using and showing all that they have learned through the PYP, then crafting riveting TED Talk-style presentations, process booths displaying their learning journeys and a captivating self-portrait art exhibit all themed around "How We Express Ourselves."

Throughout the year, students embarked on an academic adventure by selecting topics linked to a UN Sustainable Development Goal that piqued their interest. Their research journey was tailored to their passions, and they collaborated with like-minded peers to consolidate their learning and take impactful actions towards global betterment. Although the students led their own learning endeavors, they were supported by a robust network of adults within the school community, including teachers, parents, mentors, and guest speakers.

The Exhibition was an all-encompassing experience, integrating every aspect of the PYP curriculum. Students proudly displayed their trilingual prowess and showcased their skills in all areas including single subjects such as Physical Education, Art, Music, and ICT. Highlights included the creation of class songs connected to their topics, an intriguing trailer for their presentations, and an energetic PE-based pep cheer. The final presentations were dynamic and engaging, offering a vivid demonstration of the students' accomplishments and leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

The 2024 PYP Exhibition groups included: 5 Star Marine, Animal Advocates, Four Little Animal Lovers, GamerZ, Glows of Culture, Green Justice, Healthy Garden, Jack Sports, No PVT, Ocean Justice, Ocean Saverz, Peace in Animals, Poaching Protest, Production Masters, Republic of Gaming, The Evergreens, The Travel Talks, and The Natural Disaster.

— Mr. Craig Martin

PYPX Art Exhibition

The PYP Art Exhibition showcased portraits, the culmination of artistic growth and aesthetic education among Grade 5 students within the PYP. Art serves as a means for broadening our understanding of the world, fostering diverse perspectives, and inspiring action for positive change. It provides a platform for self-expression and appreciation for beauty while nurturing critical thinking abilities.

The Grade 5 class excelled in the creation of their paintings. Their self-portraits and Artist Statements represented each student's beliefs in relation to the Exhibition topics they explored. All the artwork was linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, symbolizing a journey of enlightenment and optimism that represents this generation's commitment to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

— Teacher: Ms. Lisa Saldana

— Teacher Assistant: Ms. Marily Garcia

Pages 31–32: photographs from the PYP Exhibition and PYPX Art Exhibition.

PY English Writing Contest

On Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, the PY English Department proudly hosted Concordian's very first PY English Writing Contest. The contest aimed to encourage students to take pride in their English writing skills, showcase their abilities, and inspire others through their passion for learning English.

The theme, 'Festival of Stories', invited Grade 1 to Grade 5 students to immerse themselves in a world of imagination as they wrote a narrative story based on a picture prompt. Students had one hour to plan, write and edit their story.

Following the contest, our English homeroom teachers and ELS teachers diligently assessed each story based on specific grade-level rubrics, evaluating story structure, story development, and use of appropriate language conventions.

Winners were announced on Friday, March 15th, at the PY Flag Raising Ceremony, allowing students to celebrate their achievement with their teachers, peers, and parents in the following categories:

  • The Class Excellent Writer Award - 1st place in the class
  • The Class Great Writer Award - 2nd place in the class
  • The Grade Level Excellent Writer Award - 1st place in the grade level
  • The Grade Level Great Writer Award - 2nd place in the grade level

"If there's a book that you want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

  • Toni Morrison

We are incredibly proud of each student who participated in the writing contest. We hope to continue inspiring our students to develop their English writing skills and sharing their creativity with others.

Concordian Celebrates Book Week

From May 13 to 17, 2024, the Concordian community transformed into a haven for magic and wonder as we celebrated PYP Book Week under the enchanting theme "Reading is Magic." It was a week that brimmed with excitement, sparked imaginations and ignited a passion for storytelling and writing.

The festivities kicked off with Pajama Day. The classrooms buzzed with laughter as students and teachers from Pre-K through Grade 5 enjoyed reading and sharing wonderful stories.

A special visit from children's book author Nawal Kalra, who uses rhymes and animal characters in her stories, captivated students with her engaging storytelling presentation and shared the inspiration behind her popular picture books --The Very Grumpy Sloth, Not the Only Bear, The Dragon Went Hmmmmmmmm, and the newly released, Ruckus at the Zoo. The students were enthralled by her anecdotes about the writing process and had the opportunity to ask questions during a lively Q&A session.

The excitement continued throughout the week with a fantastic Book Fair. The school lobby became portals to boundless adventures as book vendors displayed spellbinding tales, whimsical picture books, and captivating classics. Students, teachers, and parents embarked on quests through every book's display, searching for the perfect story to unlock.

But wait, there's more! On the last day, we had a dress-up extravaganza. Students and teachers came to school dressed as their favorite characters from books. It was like stepping right into our favorite stories and the day brought the magic of literature to life.

Overall, the PYP Book Week was an enriching experience that celebrated the power of books and the magic of fostering a love for reading. So, grab a book, dive into a captivating story, and let your imagination soar!

— Ms. Mharvie

Career Day

The annual Career Day at Concordian International School was a resounding success, offering students a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of career options around the theme of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the future job market. Career Day provided students with an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the professional world. Held on May 1, 2024, the event was divided into two parts: the first part was a panel discussion for parents with a question-and-answer session. The second part was for the students.

Diverse Speakers Share Real-World Experiences

The first part of the event kicked off with an invitation to each speaker to introduce themselves. The five speakers represented different sectors of the job market.

  • Khun Parut Penpayap, Chief Executive Officer, MQDC Idyllias
  • Khun Maytinee Kuevibulvanich, Executive Director, LGT Securities
  • Khun Surasak Wanichwatphibun, Chief Technology Officer, Huawei Cloud Thailand
  • Khun Pongsak Lertrudeewattanavong, Vice President, MG Sales Thailand
  • Khun Thannaphat Kasemwattanasuk, Director of International Startup Academy, Panyapiwat Institute of Management

The Moderator delved deeper into the Guest Speakers' backgrounds with a list of questions that eventually led to their present jobs and their insights into the foreseeable future of artificial intelligence. This made for some interesting discussions as they volleyed back and forth with different perspectives.

The second part of the Career Day event, again started off in the Grand Theater for students. Here the Guest Speakers shared their aspirations of what they wanted to become when they were growing up and where they eventually went to university and the main focus of their studies. It was with much interest that most of them studied in fields different from the ones they now worked in. Later we divided the students into five different classrooms for more in-depth sessions with the different Guest Speakers. Students were able to rotate to 3 different rooms thereby hearing three different Guest Speakers talk.

Positive Feedback and Future Aspirations

Feedback from students and those who were moderating the sessions in the different rooms, was overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed how they found the presenters very knowledgeable, insightful and some even entertaining! They were able to gain a new perspective on how the world is being shaped by technology. Jobs that students had never heard of, were being brought to their attention. It definitely left them with questions that they would later need to look into more.

Looking Ahead

As Concordian International School looks to the future, plans are already underway to invite an even more diverse body of professionals so as to provide an even broader perspective on Career opportunities.

Concordian's annual Career Day not only equips students with the knowledge of endless possibilities but it also empowers them to make informed decisions about their future. By connecting education to real world experience, the event continues to be an invaluable resource for students navigating their career paths. With the right guidance and opportunities, the future is indeed bright for the next generation of professionals.

— The DP Counseling Department

MYP Student-led Conferences 2024

On April 5th, 2024, MYP students welcomed their parents to our annual Student-led Conferences, where they shared the new learning accomplishments they've achieved this year. This special day provides an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and accountability.

IB Learner Profile Attribute — Reflective: "We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development."

Throughout the year, we continue to build a culture of introspection and self-evaluation, by having students select work from their academic and non-academic endeavours to build a digital portfolio known as their "Learning Diary". We encourage students to select learning engagements that are enjoyable, and to recognize their areas of strengths while also identifying areas where they may need additional support. By actively engaging in these reflective practices, students not only enhance their academic performance but also cultivate essential life skills such as critical thinking, self-awareness, and goal-setting, which are fundamental for their long-term personal and academic development.

In the MYP, we envision reflection to be a lifelong endeavour and involve the whole Concordian Community as we all "Learn and Grow Together 共同学习成长 เรียนรู้และเติบโตไปด้วยกัน" Thus, our 3 big questions - to help us look back on the year and to set new goals - are aligned with our school's mission statement. We ask students to consider their authentic learning (academic excellence), service experiences (integrity and compassion), and their journey to become more global citizens (principled and responsible).

Our thanks to all those who participated in this memorable event to celebrate student learning and student agency this year, we look forward to the student sharing again next year!

MYP Learning and Teaching Exhibition 2024

Theme of 2024: Interdisciplinary Learning & Teaching

Sub-categories: IBMYP Global Contexts, UN SDG Goals, and IB ATL Skill

As students transition from PYP to MYP, the structure of their learning shifts from a transdisciplinary approach, where all subjects are integrated to follow a single unit of inquiry, to a disciplinary-focused approach. This allows students to gain more in-depth content knowledge and application of skills in the 8 subject groups. And yet, our lives and the real-world issues we face are not based on any single subject, so how do we guide students to connect their learning across their various classes?

In the MYP programme, all students complete one formal Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) and engage in varied interdisciplinary (ID) integrations per grade level. By integrating multiple disciplines, our students are better equipped to tackle multifaceted problems and explore diverse perspectives, to help prepare them for the complexities of our ever-changing world. During the MYP Learning and Teaching Exhibition on May 2nd, we were able to share the IDU units with the Concordian Community.

  • Grade 6 investigated how to keep track of and analyze fitness data to set new fitness goals (PHE and Math).
  • Grade 7 added complexity to their fitness journey by considering the impact of exercise on their body systems (PHE and Science).
  • Grade 8 analyzed a variety of texts and envisioned their own set designs, which were then brought to life in the design lab (English and Design).
  • Grade 9 probed into the similarities and differences between two cultures with a focus on how our identities impact our decision-making in our personal lives and on a global scale (Thai and Chinese).
  • Grade 10 further explored the impact of global events on artistic expression and culture through the centuries or vice versa (Arts and I&S).

At Concordian we foster Interdisciplinary Learning beyond just the IDUs, the Exhibition also allowed us to share ID examples of where students could make connections across their learning by using the Global Contexts, Approaches to Learning Skills (ATLs) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These approaches to learning and teaching align strongly with the values of an IB education: learning based on inquiry, learning focused on conceptual understanding developed in local and global contexts, and learning focused on effective teamwork and collaboration.

Through Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching we cultivate curiosity, creativity and innovation to address real world problems.

— Ms. Min Li

Middle School Career Day

On May 28, 2024, the MYP and DP Counseling Department organized the Middle School Career Day. The event was a panel discussion with 2-panel speakers, Khun Nithi from MyCloud and Khun Mollika from Kloset.

The students listened intently as the speakers spoke about their career journey and how they came to be who they are today. Khun Nithi said that "pressure" gave him the drive to pursue multiple business ideas, leading up to his current startup business. His three words of advice were "Ask Stupid Questions." Khun Mollika, on the other hand, attributed "passion" to being the inspiration behind her fashion brand. Her advice for students was to "Find Yourself."

At the end, students across grades 6-8 participated in a Q&A activity, with the moderator asking the questions and the students coming up to provide the answers. We had students who wanted to be a psychologist, a flower farmer, a dropshipper, a fashion designer and a football player.

We hope the students were truly inspired!

— MYP and DP Counseling Department

1st Shu Dao Cup Chinese Calligraphy Contest

On Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, the 1st "Shu Dao" Cup Chinese Calligraphy Contest for Secondary school students was held. This event is named with profound meaning: "Shu" (书) signifies calligraphy, an esteemed traditional art form in China, while "Dao" (道) represents the pursuit of the highest standards in art and the process of mastering calligraphy.

By combining "Shu" and "Dao" (书道), this contest is more than just a calligraphy competition. It represents a deep pursuit and a spiritual journey in the art of calligraphy. Our secondary school students showcase their skills and understanding of calligraphy, reflecting their artistic talent and dedication to excellence in this timeless art form.

Notably, 16 secondary school students received the Excellent Calligrapher Award (杰出书法家奖) for their outstanding performances.

Rene 黄玟雅 G9

This year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Chinese Calligraphy Competition. I would like to extend my appreciation to my Chinese teacher, Ms. Wor, for teaching me how to write neatly. Through this process, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the art of Chinese calligraphy. Each character is a blend of history, culture, and personal expression. This experience has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of attention to detail.

Aya 张宏龙 G6

I'm really thankful for receiving this award. While I was writing, my friends thought it was too hard and gave up, but I kept going. Winning the award totally caught me off guard. When I got home, my family cheered me on, making me feel both grateful and proud. It's a great feeling to win, knowing I put in the effort.

10th Wen Xin Cup Chinese Writing Contest

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the 10th Wen Xin Cup Chinese Writing Contest was held. The contest's name has profound meaning: "Wen" (文) means essay or literary work, and "Xin" (心) means heart or core. "Wen Xin" is also derived from the famous Chinese literary critique "Wen Xin Diao Long" (文心雕龙), which emphasizes the importance of both content and format in writing.

This contest celebrates the talents and creativity of our secondary school students in the field of writing. It encourages them to explore their literary skills and express their thoughts and ideas with both heart and skill.

In this year's contest, 14 students received the Extraordinary Award (杰出奖) and 23 students received the Excellent Award (优秀奖) for their outstanding writing achievements.

Hakao 郑中川 G7

我很荣幸在这次写作比赛中获得奖项。这是我第一次获奖，尽管我已经参加了很多年的比赛。写完作品时，我并不确定自己能否获奖，但得知获奖的那一刻，我感到非常骄傲。

Deen 平迪恩 G9

通过这次比赛，我深刻认识到了自己的优点和不足。我的文章整体的结构、内容与语言得到了认可，但在创新上还有很大的提升空间。在未来的写作中，我会继续努力，不断改进这些方面，力争写出更优质的文章。这次写作比赛不仅是一次挑战，更是一次宝贵的学习机会。通过反思，我对自己的写作有了更清晰的认识，也明确了今后的努力方向。我相信，只要不断总结经验、吸取教训，我的写作水平一定会逐步提高。

Don 洪永浩 G6

Being awarded The Extraordinary Award in this Chinese writing contest is a remarkable achievement that surpasses my expectations. This has made me feel both excited and joyful. The main reason I believe I was able to receive this award is due to my focus on vocabulary. Vocabulary is extremely important in writing an essay; words that connect your sentences properly and descriptive words can enhance the overall appeal of the writing. To all future competitors, good luck!

Sureen 王诗荺 G7

我想要感谢我的老师对我的指导，让我的写作不断进步。我也想要感谢我的妈妈，她鼓励我要认真学习中文，因为中文是一块美丽的瑰宝。我也要感谢 Pluk Chit 学校的孩子们，因为他们让我感动，给了我写作的灵感。我会继续努力的。

Putt 方云峰 G8

After winning the Chinese writing contest, I felt very happy, especially since the last time I won the contest was two years ago. I am very happy to have won this award, and it shows that you should always try your best and never give up when faced with a challenge.

G9-Pim 陈婉妮

很感谢Concordian的中文老师们给我们创造了这么多展示我们语言技能的机会！今年写作大赛的题目非常的开放，特别是《妈妈给我力量》这个题目，让我想到了我们在课堂上学到的"什么是幸福"，也让我想到了我的朋友、我的老师和我的家庭，最后我选择写我的妈妈，因为我想借这个机会表达我对妈妈的感谢之情。

Otto 翁福鸿 G10

Being honest, I did not expect to win any prizes, especially with how Chinese is one of the subjects I've been struggling with. However, participating in this writing contest felt extremely rewarding and encouraging. It has allowed me to express my creativity, but most importantly, boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep improving my language skills. Thank you for this opportunity, thank you to all the Chinese teachers!

PunPun 吴沛宁 G6

I am surprised and impressed that I won the Excellent Writer Award. I think the different articles that I learned throughout the year helped me improve my writing, vocabulary and sentence structure. When I couldn't understand a topic, my Chinese would clearly explain it and help me understand how to improve further.

Dew 徐钰雯 G8

今年我觉得很骄傲，因为写作大赛我获得优秀奖。这是我第一次在写作大赛中获奖。这一次我也非常认真地写作，确保我的故事包含真情实感和动人的细节。我明年会继续认真写作，争取更大的进步。

G10 Personal Project

This year's Personal Projects by the Class of 2026 at Concordian have been nothing short of remarkable, with 47 students showcasing their creativity and passions across a wide spectrum of disciplines.

At the Personal Project Exhibition on March 21st, 2024 students displayed their work which encompassed a 9-month-long learning journey, connecting the summation of their MYP learning. The Grade 10 students' projects ranged from robotics, coding and design to culinary science, pet care, fashion and filmmaking. There were even several live musical performances throughout the day!

This year, we had several stand out projects in terms of unique products and also in the way presenters were able to captivate visitors with their communication skills. According to the community's votes, here are the winners:

Winning The Thomas Edison's Legacy Prize for the most unique and outstanding product at the Exhibition was Ken. Ken created a sports recovery product to facilitate and enhance an athlete's ability to return from injury.

Winners of The Taylor Swift Mastermind Prize for the best presentation of their process and learning were Otto and Henry. Otto created a fusion soap that used biochemistry to extract the cleansing and anti-bacterial elements of fruits. Henry coded and created a language-based application to support the developmental needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

And lastly, winning The Frida Kahlo Design Prize for the best booth design at the Exhibition was Praew. Praew upcycled fabrics to create her own fashion line, inspired by various decades of styles and looks.

Although we still await the final marks from the IB, we are so proud of the progress that Grade 10 has made in their educational journey this year. Embarking on the year-long project was a distinct challenge and this cohort definitely stepped up to the plate.

As we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026, we are inspired by their ingenuity, creativity and commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them, true to the mission and vision of Concordian. Congratulations to these young innovators for their outstanding contributions to the Personal Project.

Sincerely,

— Ms. Min, Ms. Rachel, and Ms. Diane

Pages 50–53: photographs from the Grade 10 Personal Project Exhibition.

IB Art Exhibition

MYP Visual Arts: Grade 9 Exhibition

This year one of our projects included investigations into photography and printmaking. We learnt the approaches photographers must take to create effective compositions and then developed our own photographs into carved lino block printed outcomes.

MYP Visual Arts: Grade 10

One particularly rewarding project was our 'deep dive' into major 20th Century art movements and artists. Each student selected an artwork from a selected decade and followed a journey of research and analysis about that work and the context it was created in. We then created our own final artworks that explored a contemporary issue, its style and concept directly inspired by the researched artist.

IB Diploma Visual Arts Year 1

Our Visual Artists have spent the year engaging in their introduction to the IB Diploma Art course. We have explored numerous materials, techniques and processes, learning along the way how to professionally document this in portfolio format. While working on our Art Criticism based 'Comparative Studies', we have started to create resolved artworks that express our chosen individual themes and concepts.

Grade 12 Visual Arts Exhibition

Our Diploma and High School Visual Arts courses came to their conclusion with the staging of a major final exhibition of resolved artworks. The vast range of media explored and the complexity of concepts conveyed were a testament to the journey our students had embarked on throughout their final year.

Page 57: photographs from the IB Art Exhibition.

Spring Celebration of Song

The Spring Celebration of Song, put on by the Concordian Choirs, was a dynamic and exciting event filled with musical excellence and the joy of singing with others. The choir program showcased many dynamic performances that displayed the students' ever growing musicianship and vocal techniques. There were even some thrilling surprise performances for the audience to enjoy! We are very proud of the students' hard work.

The spring choir concert challenged the students to convey the lessons that springtime brings by taking on more advanced repertoire, more mature emotional performances and additional logistical responsibilities. Highlights from the show include the school's first choral performance of the Thai Royal Anthem, various excellent performances by the Con Brio ensemble, passionate performances from the G7/8 and G9/10 choral ensembles, multiple Spotlight Performances, some special final performances from our G10 students, and a surprise Taylor Swift medley to end the concert on a high note!

We are excited to see the students continue to grow in skills, musicianship, responsibility and passion for making music. We are also honored by the passionate support from the community of Concordian. We wanted to bring more emotional connections this time to the students and community through song, and I feel the students really accomplished this goal.

We have more new and exciting things in the works for the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you as always for your kind words and support of the choir program at Concordian.

— Mr. Mark, MYP Vocal Music / DP Music

Page 59: photographs from the Spring Celebration of Song.

Athletics News

G3U Girls Football Team

The G3U Girls Football Team showcased incredible resilience and teamwork throughout the season, clinching the title of AISAA League Champions and securing 2nd place in the Tournament. Despite facing a challenging final, where they ultimately ended up losing in the finals by penalty kicks after staging an impressive comeback from a 0-2 deficit, they demonstrated unwavering determination and spirit. Their journey embodies the true essence of sportsmanship and serves as an inspiration to all.

Marked by resilience, characterized by countless hours of rigorous training and teamwork, each member of the G3U squad embodied the spirit of perseverance, facing every challenge head-on and emerging stronger with each passing game.

A heartfelt thank you to the coaches, Coach Kij, Coach Toni, and Coach Han, whose guidance, dedication, and support played an instrumental role in the team's success.

Congratulations to the G3U Girls Football Team (Stephanie, Nana, Charlotte, Meiling, Sirin, Vita, Pun Pun, Qing Qing, Kida, Eri, Olivia, Licia, Mayha, Meyar, Nicha) for their outstanding achievements! Well done, Champions!

— Coach Cez

G5U Girls Football Tournament Champions

The G5U girls football team had their league tournament on February 21st, 2024. They were excited and ready to show their teamwork and talent.

Their first match against Berkley set the tone for an exhilarating day of football. Aiya proved to be a leader, orchestrating defensive plays with her impeccable communication skills. Her guidance on the field ensured that her teammates worked together. Neala and Lilo had some shots on goal keeping the opposition on their toes. With Mira and Bambi's great positioning and determination, the defense thwarted Berkley's advances time and again. Minta guarded the goal with steely resolve and finished the game with 0:0.

The second game against KIS was very important to us. Neala wasted no time in scoring an early goal in the first half supported by the excellent pass from Kuan Kuan. Neala was on fire and later added another goal. As the team led by 2 goals, we made a strong defensive line. Minta used her header redirecting the ball away from danger and Aiya rose to the occasion with a spectacular save in goals, denying KIS and securing another shutout for her team.

What truly stood out in this match was the collective effort displayed by every member of the team. With everyone contributing their skills and determination, they exemplified the power of unity and solidarity on the field. As the final whistle blew, the Grade 5U girls football team emerged victorious, not just in terms of goals scored, but in the camaraderie and resilience they exhibited throughout the tournament. They proved that when girls come together, there's no limit to what they can achieve!

Concordian Dragons G5U Badminton Team

Congratulations on your outstanding performance at the G5U AISAA Badminton Tournament! Winning four gold medals in girls' singles, girls' doubles, boys' doubles, and mixed doubles is a remarkable achievement. Throughout the tournament, our athletes displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship, earning respect and admiration from all participants. Such accomplishments not only bring pride to our school but also inspire others to strive for excellence and uphold the values of fair play and perseverance. Well done to everyone involved.

G5U boys and girls individual medals:

  • Boys Singles: 2nd place (Bruce)
  • Girls Singles: 1st place (Mira)
  • Boys Doubles: 1st place (An & Yoshi)
  • Girls Doubles: 1st place (Alin & Aiya)
  • Mixed Doubles: 1st place (Lyn & June)

— Kru Tiew & Mr. Jared

Concordian Dragons G5U Table Tennis Team

Congratulations on the victory! Winning the G5U AISAA Table Tennis Tournament and bringing home the trophy is a fantastic achievement. It sounds like Concordian's table tennis team put in a tremendous effort and displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition. Winning the championship isn't just about skill, but also about teamwork, determination, and respect for the game and your opponents. Keep up the fantastic work and continue to strive for success in future competitions!

The results for G5U boys & girls individual medals:

  • An - CHAMPION (Boys Singles)
  • June - 2nd place (Boys Singles)
  • Jilla - 2nd place (Girls Singles)
  • Rynie - 3rd place (Girls Singles)

— Kru Tiew & Kru A

Trips

G10 Factory Trip

For our I&S trip, we went to different factories in Thailand, Khao Yai and Korat, and visited three factories in total. We had the opportunity to learn more about the production of the products we are familiar with such as 7-11 ready-to-eat meals, Meiji milks or CP sausages. It was really interesting to witness and understand the amount of different processes needed to produce simple products we see in our everyday lives.

On this trip, we spent our nights in two different hotels: U Khaoyai and Centara Korat; both had great facilities and accommodations. This trip not only allowed us to learn more about the management of factories, but we also had the opportunity to learn more about the rural cities we visited. For instance, we visited Phimai Historical Park and learn more about its historical background. Moreover, we also had the opportunity to explore this outer province's mall, comparing it with urban malls we visit everyday.

We then ended the trip with a visit to a fascinating dinosaur museum, all of which allowed us to become more aware of the existing sites in our country. Additionally, we enjoyed a delicious meal at MidWinter Khao Yai. Overall, this trip created many fun memories for us and our friends.

— Pei Pei (G10C) and Mei (G10S)

Student Life and Service

Middle School Service

Hello, we are Dol, Stanley, Tri, Grace, and Vinnie from G6I. During the second semester, our service project focused on Quality Education. Before our service action, we learned about the situation of deaf students in a school. We also found out that they had a really hard time doing normal things, like communicating. Moreover, we discovered that they didn't have many resources to improve the quality of their education, so we wanted to help them.

For our action, we decided to visit the school to see the students' situation firsthand and interview a teacher to learn more about life as a deaf student. We also bought resources like food and water for them. After this action, we reflected on what we did and what else regular people can do. We realized that we could give donations to the school to fund improvements. We could also support the school on social media platforms like Facebook.

Greetings! We are Kao, Jimmy, Icon, Putney, and Marwin from Grade 8, and during the second semester, our service project focused on 'Quality Education and Good health and Well Being'. Before our service action, we learnt that the community that we are designated to help needs the enjoyment of music, to help brighten the mood.

For our action we decided to go play music at a homeless children orphanage in Bangkok. We practiced a total of 3 songs to play for the children. Furthermore, we also allowed the childrens to come join us and sing along, plus handing out varieties of snacks to the childrens. After this action we have concluded that performing this act of service to the childrens at the orphanage had led us to a more positive mindset of being able to help the community.

Hello everyone, we are the Exercise Group from Grade 7: En-laye, Tee, Lens, Dean and Ryu. During the second semester, our service project focused on the SDG number 3 which is Good Health and Well-being. Before our action, we found a community that needed help with teaching special needs children.

For our action, we went to their community, and brought exercise equipment to teach them about sports and exercise, so that they could improve their health. After this, we felt that we have helped them learn a lot about being healthy, so we felt very good that we have helped them this time.

Good morning or good afternoon or good night, depending on where you are and the time. We are Leo, Mungbean, Hakao, Kan, Ren and Pipo from G7, and during the second semester, our service project focused on reduced inequalities and quality education. Before our service action, we learnt about our service target, which was a school teaching children with learning disabilities, and inquired upon their desires and where they were required. They asked for Braille coded books supporting their ability to read books by feeling the bumps upon the page and interpreting it in their own way. We sympathized with them deeply, knowing the limitations of sight upon one's educational journey. We also figured out if we were to create and illustrate Braille code it would benefit the visually impaired children a lot.

For our action we created and edited a middleschool textbook with information regarding the range of subjects that we learn in Concordian. After this action we learnt many subjects regarding how to create books and other media materials helpful to the education of impaired children and how to approach their learning. We would require a lot of patience and continuous effort to achieve their educational goals. But we found it fun and interesting at the same time, creating educational materials. We learned how boring it was to be a teacher preparing class materials.

Hello, we are IngIng, Sarah, Monnet, and Ping Ping from grade 8, and during the second semester, our service project focused on quality education. Before our service action, we learnt that many underprivileged children (orphans, children from poor families, etc) all around Thailand don't have access to educational tools to assist them with their education.

For our action, we first volunteered at a cafe to create multiplication table keychains to be sent to children in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai. Then, we created a prototype of a keychain at Mega. Then, by combining the knowledge learned from the cafe and our prototype, we went to มูลนิธิสร้างสรรค์เด็ก and taught the children there how to make the multiplication keychains for themselves. After this action, our perspectives on underprivileged children was expanded on specifically, their living and learning conditions, which allowed us to sympathize with their circumstances.

Hello everyone, we are Imm, Claire, Theo, Eiel, and Sunny from G6S. During the second semester, our service project focused on Climate Action. For our project, we researched Climate Action and its global impact, then decided to help by planting mangrove trees.

For our action, we went to Bang Pu Nature Education Center. We learned so much about mangrove trees and how Climate Action affects the world. We also picked up trash and then actually planted the mangrove trees! Doing this was very fun and educational. Afterward, we had a gallery walk at school to share everything we learned during our service learning project.

High School Service Clubs

Food for All

Food for All is a club that aims to provide food for Thai communities in need. We do this by fundraising and then purchasing food, which we deliver to these communities. At the start of this semester, we went to the Mirror Foundation and donated canned goods. It was a simple but meaningful gesture to have the opportunity to give back to the community.

In the following month, we sold drinks and pancakes at the Zanook festival, despite encountering several issues. However, our members were able to solve problems and work well under pressure. For our last charity trip, we visited FCD and provided them with milk cartons. As the year comes to an end, we hope to lay a foundation for the next school year and make an even bigger impact on the community.

— L (G10) - Food for All Co-president

Seed of Hope

Seed of Hope is a service that allows club members to foster an environment-friendly mind in hopes of bringing a difference into the nature of Thailand. Seed of Hope's objective is to raise awareness about sustainability as well as do hands-on service by planting trees and greens.

In this semester, Seed of Hope held a planting trip to a mangrove in Bang Pakong. Bang Pakong used to be a famous attraction for foreigners as it used to have pods of dolphins. However, after some time, these dolphins no longer appear. Living species require food to survive, so these dolphins consume larger fishes to survive, these fishes eat smaller fishes that eat crabs that live in the mangrove. But the mangrove was dehydrated therefore there are no signs of living in that area. The villagers there then realized the issue and were able to revive the mangrove, ultimately attracting the return of the dolphins. Through the help of volunteers and SOH members, the mangrove is now a habitable ecosystem. We will be hosting another trip to the mangrove before the end of this year.

— Jasmine (G11) - Seed of Hope President

Art Club

Art Club offers an experience that allows members to immerse in activities beyond art by incorporating service activities for members to expand the scope of art application. This year was when Florence's Brush project was first implemented in the club. The Florence's Brush project aims to allow high school students to create a strong portfolio for various fields of interest, especially for art students. Members can also help manage the project's social media account and create a website (coming soon). This project will encourage members to use their art skills to create art-based learning materials and donate them to kids who need quality learning materials. Students can earn CAS credit by attending 3 hands-on service trips by interacting with the children. This project's objective is to be a long-term and ongoing project that students can contribute to give back to the community.

The Florence's Brush project was only implemented in the club this semester, therefore, members are only able to attend 1 trip. When we went to the orphanage to donate these books, the children and teachers were very happy to receive more learning materials as this opened an opportunity for the kids to learn English in a more entertaining way. Through this members can learn to utilize communication skills and social skills. Since these kids are very young, it is important that members have strong communication skills to accurately interact with kids. Social skills are also important because members have to adapt to the environment and know the appropriate way to interact with unfamiliar groups.

— Jasmine (G11) - Art Club President

High School Clubs

World Scholar's Cup

On the weekend of March 30th and 31st, 5 middle school teams and 1 high school team competed at the World Scholar's Cup at Denla British School in the Bangkok Regional Round where all teams qualified for the global round.

Students competed in the four main events, Writing, Debate, Bowl, and Quiz. In team writing, scholars have to choose a topic and write a piece. In debate, scholars work together as a team to try and beat the other teams in debate. Scholar's Quiz is a multiple choice test of the scholars' knowledge, while Bowl is a mass Kahoot similar to the Quiz where scholars on the same team can work together.

Here at Concordian, the WSC club tutors any who wish to join the World Scholar's Cup. We encourage everyone to join, as WSC is more than just an academic competition. Not only do you get to meet other scholars from around the world, but we are able to form life-long friendships.

We hope that in the future many more Concordian students will join WSC and if you would like to, please email either burgers_2026@concordian.org, or imboonc_2027@concordian.org.

A special thanks to our advisors, Ms Ederlene, Mr. Rafa, and Ms Lisa, and not to mention our tutors, Burger and Imboon.

— Kirin (G8), Member of the Concordian World Scholar's Cup Club

Psychology Club

The Concordian Psychology Club is excited to share a glimpse into our club's activities this year!

On May 10th, we hosted a guest speaker event featuring Dr. Udom Hongchatikul, a leading expert in self-compassion and wellbeing. The talk introduced the main aspects of wellbeing, and explored the "4 Pillars of Wellbeing". Dr. Udom's insights into the plausible educational scenarios for Thailand by 2050 were truly fascinating, and the interactive format sparked lively discussions. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about wellbeing and its impact on our lives, especially because of the rise of wellbeing awareness in teenagers.

Additionally, throughout the year, Psychology Club also hosted Member-led presentations where our members tackled a variety of psychological topics, from the science of the brain to the psychology of love, as well as hosting Kahoot! challenges where we put our knowledge to the test with fun and engaging quizzes on different psychological concepts.

We're always looking for new ways to delve deeper into psychology and next year, we're excited to explore collaborative initiatives, potentially partnering with other clubs to explore the intersection of psychology with different fields.

Stay tuned for more mind-bending adventures with the Psychology Club!

— Pim and Mindy (G11) - Psychology Club Co-presidents

Special Feature

Interview with Pud, Gimmy and Kenny Lertsakuncharoen's Family

ในสถานการณ์ที่โลกในยุคนี้ มีการเปลี่ยนแปลงอย่างรวดเร็ว ทั้งในด้านเทคโนโลยี สังคม เศรษฐกิจ สภาพแวดล้อม และการศึกษา ทำให้เราสองคนในฐานะพ่อแม่รู้ดีว่า การเลือกโรงเรียนที่ดีที่จะปลูกฝังให้ลูกๆ เติบโตเป็นคนดีของครอบครัวและสังคม ไปพร้อมๆ กับการพัฒนาความรู้ความสามารถของลูกๆ เพื่อให้มีศักยภาพเท่าทันกับสังคมในยุคนี้นั้น เป็นเรื่องที่สำคัญอย่างยิ่ง และเมื่อเราได้มารู้จักโรงเรียนคอนคอร์เดียนและเห็นแนวคิดของผู้บริหารโรงเรียน รวมถึงวิสัยทัศน์และแนวทางการสอนของโรงเรียนแล้ว ทำให้เรายิ่งมั่นใจที่จะเลือกโรงเรียนคอนคอร์เดียนสำหรับลูกๆ ของเรา

ปีนี้เป็นปีที่ 11 ที่ลูกๆ ทั้งสามคนได้อยู่โรงเรียนนี้ สิ่งที่รู้สึกได้ตลอดเวลาที่ผ่านมา คือ ความเอาใจใส่ ไม่ว่าจะเรื่องวิชาการ การศึกษา การกีฬา คุณภาพวัตถุดิบที่ใช้ปรุงอาหาร การไม่ให้มีน้ำอัดลมขายในโรงเรียน พร้อมๆ กับการปลูกฝังเรื่องคุณธรรมให้เกิดมีขึ้นในจิตใจเด็กๆ ซึ่งสิ่งนี้เป็นสิ่งที่ครอบครัวเราให้ความสำคัญเป็นอย่างยิ่งด้วยเช่นกัน การศึกษาของโรงเรียนในแนวทาง IB ทำให้เด็กๆ รู้จักคิด วิเคราะห์มากขึ้นนั้น ทำให้เวลาครอบครัวเราพูดคุยกัน ลูกๆ มักจะไม่เชื่ออะไรง่ายๆ และมักจะพยายามหาข้อมูลมาโต้แย้งแลกเปลี่ยนกันเสมอ และอีกสิ่งที่เราเล็งเห็นในเรื่องความเอาใจใส่ของโรงเรียนและชอบมากๆ คือ โรงเรียนเข้าใจความแตกต่างของเด็กแต่ละคน ไม่ได้มองว่าคนไหนดีหรือด้อยกว่าใคร แต่เห็นความศักยภาพและความงดงามในตัวเด็กๆ แต่ละคนที่แตกต่างกันไป และพยายามส่งเสริมเด็กๆ ในจุดนั้นๆ ให้เบ่งบานยิ่งขึ้น

ครอบครัวของเรารู้สึกผูกพัน และมีความรู้สึกขอบคุณ โรงเรียน คณะผู้บริหาร คณะครู พี่พยาบาล แม่บ้าน รปภ. และทีมงานโรงเรียนทุกคน ที่มีความรัก และความเอาใจใส่พยายามวางรากฐานที่เข้มแข็งให้เด็กๆ ทุกคนเติบโตอย่างมั่นคงพร้อมที่จะเผชิญออกไปสู่โลกกว้างในก้าวต่อไป

In this whirlwind world, there is tremendous change in technology, society, economics, environment and education. We, as parents, think that choosing the right school will embed the solid good roots for our children to become better people for the family and for the world. Also equipping them with rigorous education to be ready for the 21st century is very important. We love the vision, mission and curriculum of Concordian - this gives us confidence that Concordian is the right school for us. Our children have already been at Concordian for 11 years.

Interview with Kyla Jayapurna's Family

Our family is originally from Indonesia and we relocated from China to Thailand when our children were young, so we had to decide which school our kids should enter. We decided on Concordian, because when we first sent our children to school, the main point of interest was the school's trilingual program. Language is such a big part of how our children will function in the future, a skill that allows them to adapt and be able to communicate effectively with people as they become adults. From there, Kyla has grown well academically, and especially regarding her musical talent. Concordian has provided several avenues for Kyla to develop, including ensembles for music, several showcases like talent shows and festivals, and leadership opportunities like clubs and student government. Kyla has been inspired to take on several cooperative roles and be very active in a close-knit community, allowing her opportunities to reach out to all types of people and truly learn how to communicate. In addition to music and clubs, we appreciate that Kyla found welcoming communities to join team sports and varsity tournaments, discovering a love for volleyball on a truly motivated team.

Additionally, as Kyla grew to 7th grade, she formed a band with a group of old friends who also found joy in music, which enhanced and allowed her to channel her passion for music even further. We appreciate Concordian because when Kyla entered the DP program, the school was willing to establish an entire IB music program for one student, and bring in Mr. Mark as an excellent teacher and guide towards finally getting accepted into her dream university. We were also very appreciative of the school's values towards compassion and cooperation, allowing her to grow up with a true sense of community. Kyla loved going to school throughout her entire time at Concordian, always excited to tell stories and show off her school projects at home.

Concordian was a school that was primarily focused on academics when Kyla first joined but, over time, we as a family noticed immense changes and improvements in the arts and sports, and we believe it has truly become a great place to foster children with a strong moral compass, a multitude of skills, and most importantly, a warm place to call home.

Prom Night: "Strangers in the Night"

An Enchanting Evening at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park

High school students from grades 10 to 12 gathered for a prom night that will be remembered for years to come. Themed "Strangers in the Night" and inspired by Frank Sinatra's classic song, the event perfectly blended elegance, fun, and a touch of nostalgia. The ballroom was transformed into a scene straight out of a classic film, with dimly lit chandeliers casting a warm glow over elegantly set tables.

Adding a modern twist to the night, the popular Thai band SCRUBB delivered an electrifying performance that had everyone on their feet. Their indie pop hits and engaging stage presence brought a contemporary flair to the evening, perfectly complementing the classic theme.

A highlight of the night was the stylish photo booth, where students could capture the magic of the evening. Adorned with Sinatra-inspired props and elegant backdrops, the booth was a hit among friends and couples, creating keepsakes of this special night.

To top it off, a senior student took on the role of DJ, spinning a mix of classic and contemporary tracks that kept the dance floor alive and buzzing. Their personal touch added an extra layer of connection and excitement to the festivities.

"Strangers in the Night" was not just a prom but a celebration of youth, friendship, and the magic of fleeting moments. The enchanting setting, soulful music, and joyous atmosphere made it a night to cherish, leaving every attendee with unforgettable memories and a sense of nostalgia for the years to come.

— Class of 2024 Prom Committee (PingPing, TinTin, Pearl, Good, Annie)

Pages 77–79: photographs from Prom Night "Strangers in the Night".