IMPACT 10 by Concordian International School

ISSUE 10 APRIL 2014

SUMMER ISSUE

The Voice PYP Musical Alumni update from P’Ping & P’Jeannie University Acceptances

EYP Winter Concert

CONTENTS

ต้นทองหลาง (ต้นประวาลพฤกษ์/ต้นปาริชาติ) ทองหลางเป็นไม้มงคลนาม หมายถึงมีทองมากมายหลากหลาย ใบสีทองยังมีความสวยงามดุจ ประกายทองสีเหลือง เรืองรองดูตาดตา และโบราณยังมีความเชื่ออีกว่า ถ้านำ�ใบทองหลางไปใช้เป็น เครื่องประกอบในพิธีสำ�คัญทางศาสนาจะทำ�ให้เกิดสิริมงคลยิ่งขึ้น

Sunshine Tree (Tiger’s Claw/Indian Coral Tree)

Sunshine Tree (Tiger’s Claw/Indian Coral Tree) The Sunshine Tree is bright orange like the sunshine. In Thai, its common name - Thong Lang, means to have a large amount of gold and thus, it is considered to be the tree of good fortune. In ancient times, it was often used in religious ceremonies to bring good luck.

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Editor’s Note Concordian Showcase Message from the Board of Trustees Dublin Award / TISAC Battle of the Band Congratulations Concordian Mathematicians University Acceptances List of Class of 2014 Message from Athletic Teams Yellow Canary Gallery Exhibits Concordian Artists’ Work Greed - a short story by Vasin

the community, the Nation, and the World

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Feature article

The Bully too close to home

Speacial Feature

Making a difference in the IB World Values Program

Alumni Update

From One City of Angel to another Give a Man a Fish

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MYP / DP

Lock - in Life Skills Second Session Going Strong 4 Education USA Fair Comes to Concordian 5 Making a Difference at Harvard Model Congress 6 Asia 2014 7 G8 visit to Amazing Ayuttaya 8 Sports Flex and Clash of the Beats G12 Power Plant Trip 10 G10 IB Retreat 12

EYP / PYP

Impact

Community Service - Always Present

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Accreditation 14

Events & Activities

PYP Musical EYP winter concert 16 High School Musical : Where the Wild Things Are The Voice of Concordian // Session 1 20 Library News 22 EYP Sports Day PYP Sports Day 24 25

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Dear Impact Readers,

By the time you read this issue of Impact, there will be a scant two months left in the 2013-2014 Concordian school year. This will be our last Impact issue for this school year.

Next month please look for the Yearbook, our students’ picture memory book of the highlights of this year.And please look for our next issue of Impact in September.

Our special feature this month is an article – reprinted with permission – by Rachel Macy Stafford, who recently published her first book called Hands Free Mama, and who writes a parenting blog by the same name. There’s something for each of us to learn from this thought-provoking article. It made me think about the difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection.

As always, our students have been busy in academic, musical, artistic, athletic, and charitable endeavors. Please enjoy reading about the events, activities, and day-to-day happenings at Concordian. We think you’ll also enjoy hearing about how two more Concordian alumni are thriving at their universities, and how well Concordian prepared them for this next step.

Enjoy the rest of the school year, and have a safe and wonderful summer break.

Shelley Harris Editor Sarunya (Bell) Aroonsirichoke Wanlapha (Prinz) Sa-ardwong

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A Message From

The Board of Trustees

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he Concordian International School Board of Trustees would like to say “Thank You” to all members of the Concordian community.

This includes students, teachers, staff, parents and all the various agencies that have come and supported our mission statement. We have made great progress in developing this school over more than 10 years, through hard work and persistence. It would not have been possible if each of our stakeholders did not work hard toward achieving this success.

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With this in mind, we still have much to do for the future of the school. I’m glad to say that the board is the place for like-minded individuals who want to contribute and make a difference for the future of the young people of today, the leaders of tomorrow. The board would like to welcome anyone who is interested in helping to advance the mission statement of Concordian to apply for a seat on the Board of Trustees.

Ideally, these selected positions should represent each of the various programs (EYP, PYP, MYP, and DP). The board usually meets once a month, and has monthly committees meetings as well. The board is guided by a set of by-laws.

We deal with policies and major issues, along with the management team. We do not deal with individual student or staff problems or issues. We focus on strategic issues and support the sponsor and management team in fulfilling the vision of the founder and the mission statement.

In addition to the voting members, the school management team attending the meetings. At times, we also have presentations by in-school speakers who update the board about the progress of important programs at theschool.

Honorary board members are also present to assist in guiding the direction of the school. If anyone is interested in helping the school as a board member, but lacks the time to be a full voting member, we invite you to contribute your time as an honorary member.

The board consists of uptovoting 9 members. Half areappointed by the sponsor and half are selected through the PTA or school community.

Now is the time to ask, “Do you want to make a difference?”

We should act with a sense of sacrifice and purpose for the betterment of the future of today’s

children. If you believe you have the time and commitment to help guild the Concordian school community, then please inquire through the PTA or the school office about becoming a member of the board. We very much want various points of view represented, and we are seeking people of passion and commitment who believe in the school’s mission and who want “to make a difference in the world.” Please come and join us to make the mission statement a reality, and to be a role model for the students who are striving to fulfill our mission statement.

Concordian International School promotes academic excellence while nurturing young people to become moral and intellectual leaders, people of dignity, integrity and compassion, who want to make a difference in the world.

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Concordian Showcase

CONCORDIAN STUDENT WINS the nationwide essay-writing competition

- the Junior Dublin Literary Awards

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hree Concordian students – Joshua G12, Daven G11, and Oum G10 – were named as finalists in the 9th Junior Dublin Literary Awards for Thailand contest.

author, who received a cash award of 50,000 baht. Regional winning authors and merit award winners also received cash awards of 10,000 and 5,000 baht, respectively.

Super Big Congratulations to Oum Anchiraya G10 for being the nation-wide and regional winner of this year Junior Dublin Literary Awards. She will be flying to Dub lin to attend the awards ceremony. Many congratulations also to Joshua and An awards ceremony was held on Daven who received certificates March 17th at the Rembrandt Hotel honoring their excellent work. to announce the national winning All of you have made Concordian proud!

Contestants had to write an original essay in English, not edited by anyone else, titled “Behind the Mask.” The contest was open to Thai students aged 14-18 years old, and the essay was required to be between 800 and 1,200 words.

The CRIMSON HALL

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Rocking at TISAC Battle of the Bands Competition

n March 12, Concordian’s lower secondary band, called the Crimson Hall, rocked the stage at KIS at the TISAC Battle of the Bands Competition. The amazing group of young dragons won the hearts of the audience and the judges, and took home a 3rd place prize.

Congratulations musicians!

Mac G 7 - guitar Pound G7- guitar and drums Kat G7- lead vocals Chris G7- drums Shertam G8- bass and vocals Punch G8- keyboard

You guys rock!

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Concordian Showcase

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Congratulations

Concordian

Mathematicians GRADE 10 STUDENTS FIRST NAME LAST NAME Calvin Chu Sirapong Kancvalskul Kasi Nganthavee Nat Denpongpan Vasin Vongchaiyasit Kongpak Phupa Naragamol Voothisiri Achiraya Umpornpun Saran Wongmahacharoen Krij Suwanpraipatana Noah Zachary Christensen

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big Concordian Congratulations goes out to our mathematics students who once again performed brilliantly at the UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC) organized by United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT).

This academic year our students achieved 5 Gold, 9 Silver and 22 Bronze certificates.

NICK NAME CERTIFICATE Calvin Gold Wei-Min Silver Ou Silver Nat Silver Boss Silver Kong Silver Fasai Bronze Oum Bronze Chris Bronze Krij Bronze Noah Bronze

GRADE 9 STUDENTS

FIRST NAME LAST NAME Kalsuda Lapborisuth Dhammatorn Riewcharoon Chanyanuch Duangkosol Sirada Tangtrongchitr Min Sung Kim Ceceliz De Los Santos Napat Kongpiyacharn Chayanis Srisanguansakul Khamolluck Niamkongkit Kwin Palanuwech Thitichaya Triyanantakul Natdanai Lee

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The UKMT Mathematics Trust is a registered charity whose aim is to advance the education of children and young people in Mathematics. If you would like to try a few of those GRADE 8 STUDENTS UKMT questions or would like to know more about the Trust and its FIRST NAME LAST NAME activities, please visit www.ukmt.

Sarinya Lertsakulcharoen org.uk Thienpol Zhang Chatchai Atchariyaporn Setasit Pittayathikhun Chayut Triyanantakul Nareauphol Liu Natthaphol Sresthaporn Boonyisa Dolritacha 6 Krittaporn Sombunsakdikun Parit Phowarasoontorn Chayanont Pithaksithiporn Eric Liu Nutthavadee Tassawong

NICK NAME Waad Zen Ting Ting Jar Min Sung Eliz Max Nam Mild Kevin Inc Nat

CERTIFICATE Gold Gold Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

NICK NAME Pena Pien Pien Mawin Shin Ong Gavin Thon Cherry Ming Ming Pep Max Eric Prang

CERTIFICATE Gold Silver Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

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University

Acceptance List of the Class of 2014

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ongratulations to the Class of 2014 for having been accepted to these prestigious universities around the world, and all the best to those who are still waiting for your results.

University Acceptances of Class of 2014 (as of March 25)

Conditional Offers of Acceptance Bangor University, UK American University, USA Buckingham University, UK Drexel University, USA Cambridge University, UK Florida Institute of Technology, USA (with scholarship) Imperial College London, UK Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano (NABA), Italy Keele University, UK Penn State University, USA King’s College London, UK Pomona College, USA London School of Economics (LSE), UK Purdue University, USA Loughborough University, UK UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), USA Richmond American International University, UK University of California Riverside, USA SOAS, UK University of Evansville, USA (with scholarship) University College London (UCL), UK University of Irvine, USA University of Bath, UK University of Leicester, UK University of Birmingham, UK University of Liverpool, UK University of Brighton, UK University of San Francisco, USA University of Bristol, UK University of South Florida, USA University of Chester, UK Westminster College, USA University of Durham , UK Blue Mountain College, Australia University of Edinburgh , UK University of Glasgow, UK Quest University, Canada University of Loughborough, UK Trent University, Canada University of Sheffield, UK. University of British Columbia, Canada University of St. Andrews, UK University of Surrey, UK SCAD, Hong Kong (with scholarship) University of Warwick, UK The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology University of York , UK (HKUST) Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Thammasat University, Thailand Rangsit University, Thailand

Acceptances for graduates from previous classes who took a gap year are also included in this list.

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Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland

Acceptances to universities in the United Kingdom are conditional offers, contingent upon achieving a certain score in the IB examinations taken in May. In previous years, our students with conditional acceptances have, in all cases, been able to achieve the IB scores required by the conditional acceptances.

Concordian Showcase

MESSAGE from

Athletic Teams .................................................

U-9 Football We love to play football. We have the biggest team with 18 players.

Thank you to our Coach Jared, our parents, Coach K and Coach Jhet for making us play well this year.

And, to Mr. Laurent for sharing Gatorade.

U-13 Football The U-13 Football Team is one of the strongest teams in Dragons Athletics and is composed of a solid group of players that have been training together for the past three years. Coach K and Coach Yuri helped to lay the foundation.

Now, this unified group is ready to take their game to a more challenging level of football, under the supervision of Portuguese import Coach João Delgado

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U-11 Football Playing is not all about winning, it’s how the team shows respect, courage, teamwork, and love for the sport. U-11 is a team that definitely 8 possesses these qualities and I’m positive that they will continue to show them whether they’re on or off the field.

Coach Raymond

Several players have demonstrated excellence in their physical skills and shown commendable sportsmanship. Led by Captain and MVP Tan (7S), this team knows not the taste of defeat. Mammoth (6N) has shown his amazing left-footed skills at the wing position, as has Eiffel (7J) on the midfield. Name (7S) has shown incredible defensive skills. Goalkeeper Leng (7S) has awareness in the box beyond his years, and has saved sure goals on several occasions.

The U-13 football team is having a terrific season, committed to strengthening their skills in training, doing their very best on the field and displaying enthusiasm throughout their games. In the TISAC League, strikers from the other teams know that scoring against the Dragons U-13 Football Team is not an easy feat!

U-15 Boys Football The football season is well underway and the U15 Boys are committed, enthusiastic and quietly confident as we approach the TISAC tournament in April. The Dragons are training hard and continually increasing their skill and fitness levels under the shrewd guidance of Coach Koki, whose first-hand experience as a top level player has been invaluable.

I would like to congratulate all the players for giving their best effort thus far and wish them good luck as the season progresses.

Concordian Showcase

U-15 Boys Football team Grade 8: Shin, Nat, Sung Ju Grade 9: Kram (Assistant Coach), Poom (Captain), Kevin, Kan, First, Zen, Max, Thai Grade 10: Kong Coach Kenny

Senior Badminton This year was not as easy as last year. We lost a couple of games and a set in qualifying rounds, as the opponents have all improved and there are a couple of new foreign players. The co-ed doubles team of Pat and Naam still whizzed through

Senior Badminton Result from TISAC Tournaments Boys Singles: First Place Girls Singles: First Place Boys Doubles: First Place Girls Doubles: Second Place Mixed Doubles: First Place 9 CONCORDIAN

everybody for gold. Lee and Mook won second place in girls doubles.

Coach Yatima gave our ace single star Praew a few words of ad-

vice about finesse and placing, and Praew was able to beat two girls who were much stronger. Khun Tiew also saved the day for our doubles team of Sun and Chris, with a strategy that helped the duo to come back in the finals to beat the team that had won earlier. Captain Ong faced the toughest opponent so far, but Ong’s athleticism and endurance from football kicked in when the games were tied 1-1, and he won by running his opponent in the third game to get the gold. Ong said, “Overall team champions for all of TISAC is that much more sweet the second time around”.

Concordian Showcase

Mook’s installation

Fong’s photography project

Praew’s painting

Aun

Ami Ms. Deborah’s collage work

Mr. Martin’s painting

Nint’s painting

Yellow Canary Gallery Exhibits Concordian Artists’ Work

By Mr. Martin

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n March 2nd an exciting new chapter in Concordian Visual Art began with the first full scale show of student work at the Yellow Canary Art Gallery in Bang Chak.

Senior I.B. Visual arts students Aun, Ami, Fong, Mook, Nint, and Praew presented art works in a variety of 10 media including photography, printmaking, sculpture and painting to an audience of more than 200 people at the Sunday morning opening. The student works were extremely well received, and the new gallery buzzed with enthusiasm and appreciation.

Concordian art teachers Deborah Coffey and Martin Kane added to the occasion with a floor of their own art works, and both were delighted with how well the event was received. Yellow Canary Gallery owner, Ashley Kay Yip, was thrilled by the high standard of work and the large turn-out of viewers, both from within the Concordian community and from art lovers across the city. It is hoped that this will become an annual event as our students showcase a range of extraordinary talents to the wider community. The event can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/yellowcanaryartgallery

Concordian Showcase

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Concordian Showcase

Greed

- a Short Story

by Vasin Vongchaiyasit (Boss) Grade 10 Illustrates by Mild N. G9

“As long as greed is stronger than compassion, there will always be suffering.”

– Rusty Eric

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O

nce upon a time, a boy was born in the midst of a peaceful era. The name was “Tan”. Tan was born in poverty. His mother died giving birth to him, and left him with his father, “Wang”.

Although Tan was a small boy, he ate a lot and always wished for more.

Due to the poverty Tan lived in, his father had to work harder to satisfy his son’s greed. Wang became the hope for Tan to live on. As he worked non-stop, one day he finally reached his limit and left this world along with Tan’s hope, and thus leaving Tan by himself, hopelessly. Tan was then left in the care of an orphanage, which soon fell apart afterward.

Being a candidate of misfortune, Tan was left alone in the street, starving. With the mind full of desperation cause by hunger; “Stealing” would be the first thing that would come to anyone’s mind in this kind of situation, even that of Tan. He started to steal to satisfy his stomach, but no matter how much he ate, his hunger would always fail him. And one day, he too reached his limit.

The little skinny boy could no longer proceed and fell on the ground where his body had failed him. There he faced the blue sky of this peaceful world as his vision slowly faded into darkness. As darkness was devouring him, light emerged and the voice of god was heard. On the brink of death, Tan was resurrected and with a new power given to destroy the balance of the world, the ability to devour.

With the power granted, Tan was able to snatch and devour every single thing. He started from food, then to objects, and then to human lives. After devouring everything in his sight, Tan was yet to satisfy. He

Concordian Showcase simply wished for more. Soon afterward, the town disappeared. He was still not satisfied. To satisfy his own greed, he decided to travel to the next towns. On his journey, he realized that he gained abilities like strength, power, or intelligence from the things he devoured. As of that, he loathed for even more.

Many years passed by, and Tan had devoured countless humans, towns, and creatures. He eventually went through a metamorphosis and crossed the boundary of human which turned him into a monster. Eventually a day would come when he faced his second death, aging. He could not die; he had not yet satisfied his stomach.

He still needed more. With the desire to live on, he roamed the land to find something which would grant him an eternal live, “The Fountain of Youth”. To achieve what he desired, he needed the immortal live. When he finally found the fountain, he was stopped by the protector of the fountain, the fairies. Seeing them as nothing but obstacles, Tan devoured them along with the whole fountain.

He was granted immortality, as well as the magical power of the fairies and thus became an even scarier monster.

Happy with the new mysterious power Tan got, he wished for more power. There he started his hunt for magical creatures. In his journey, he met and devoured dragons, unicorns, goblins, elves, giants and more mysterious beings. At each and every of his encounter, he gained more and more power as his greed kept piling.

With immortality granted, he could roam around the whole land forever. Unfortunately, as a few

hundred years passed, he had eaten every single existence in this world.

Yet his greed was still not fulfilled. He started eating even time and space, turning everything into nothingness.

In the midst of nothingness, the spirit of his father, Wang appeared.

Being the hope of stopping Tan, he too was eaten without any hesitation. Tan had long forgotten the hope that had abandoned him and left him with only hunger and desperation. A familiar light suddenly emerged in the world of nothingness. There appeared a familiar voice; the voice of God. God claimed that Tan has gone too far and thus took away everything but his immortality. Tan was bound to live in the world of nothingness, forever.

In this realm of nothingness, Tan would live on for eternity. And yet, his greed wasn’t satisfied. Even with the desire to devour more, in this abyss of emptiness, he had no way out. His body would never die, but his mind would rot in this space of eternity. With desperation, he started biting himself. From the fingers to the hands and from the hands to the shoulder…he ate his own flesh and blood. He kept devouring himself and soon, Tan became nothing. “To devour himself” was what he decided to do in order to escape the realm of nothingness, and thus ended the tale of “Tan, the monster of Greed”.

“The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

*Tan(贪)means greed in Chinese *Wang(望)means hope in Chinese

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PYP student learning the meaning of compassion first hand

Impact the Community, the Nation, and the World

Beautiful time at the Thanks Giving Dinner.

It’s never too young to start

COMMUNITY SERVICE ALWAYS PRESENT o

By Ms. Milichu Community Service Coordinator-Advisor

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ur work, which started timidly six years ago, has grown and is proudly showing its strength, commitment, generosity and willingness to do good.

We have expanded to include a panoply of institutions, helping toddlers, adolescents, disabled people of all ages, Thai schools, small slum schools, the Red Cross, immigrants, welfare centers, and nursing homes for the elderly.

It has become a custom once a year, using the American calendar of Thanksgiving, to have a Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. The

Not only students, but also teachers and staff at Concordian can volunteer to join our extensive community service program

We play, we teach, We give, we share.

Throughout the school, colleagues who are aware of the importance of introducing our young students into the path of compassion have come forward to invite us to talk to their classes, or have become active in our work outside the school. This is the case for Ms. Nathalie (PYP), Ms. Daisy (MYP), Ms. Joycelyn (PYP) and Ms. Jing (MYP/DP). To all of them my sincere thanks for their service and compassion.

Let’s not forget that

“an ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching” ― Mahatma Gandhi

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Reflections from Concordian students

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purpose of this gathering is to thank the institutions we work with. We invite them to come to school, and to join us for a potluck dinner prepared by our colleagues. At the same time, we invite them to perform while having dinner. Some of our colleagues and students join them as well. This year our Fourth Thanksgiving Dinner took place on November 22, 2013 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in our School Canteen. On this occasion, we were entertained with music and songs by the Non Formal Educational institution, the Concordia Welfare Center, the Phrapadaeng Home for Disabled People, and Duang Jai Nursing Home. Grade 11 students Fuji and Lee were the MCs for the evening. It made for a wonderful, happy evening.

Concordian’s well established Community Service program responded to the recent typhoon Haiyan which devastated the Philippines. I would like to share with you a few lines from a letter received from Sister M. Cecilia Torres R.G.S. ( Quezon City, Philippines ) .

“Dear Ms. Milichu Keats and Staff of Concordian International School,

Thank you very much for your donation of Thirty Two Thousand Four Hundred Ninety Nine 29/100 (PhP 32,499.29) to the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

God bless you for your generosity to share your resources to the survivors of the typhoon in the various areas in the Philippines.”

Impact the Community, the Nation, and the World

Feature Article

The Bully

Too Close to Home DECEMBER 10, 2013

BY RACHEL MACY STAFFORD

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uring the two years of my overly distracted life, I communicated more to a screen than to the people in my family. My schedule was so tightly packed that I constantly found myself saying, “We don’t have time for that.” And because there wasn’t a minute to spare, that meant no time to relax, be silly, or marvel at interesting wonders along our path. I was so focused on my “agenda” that I lost sight of what really mattered.

her jacket, or her lunchbox without me making a big deal about it.

“Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.”

Although it pains me to write this, I remember sighing heavily in an–Brene Brown

She could not spill, stain, break, or misplace without being made to feel like she’d made the worst mistake in the world.

noyance when she fell down and hurt herself because it threw me off my “master schedule.” My daughter was not allowed to be Calling all the shots was a mean a child who learned by trying and voice in my head. My internal drill yes, sometimes failing. sergeant was continually pushing me to make everything sound bet- The truth hurts, but the truth heals… ter, look better, and taste better. My and brings me closer to the person and body, my house, and my achieve- parent I want to be. ments were never good enough.

Holding myself to such unattainable Every time I came down hard on my standards weighed heavily on my daughter, I justified my behavior by soul and my inner turmoil eventu- telling myself I was doing it to help ally spilled out at people I loved the her—help her become more responsible, capable, efficient, and prepare most. for the real world.

Sadly, there was one person in particular who bore the brunt I told myself I was building her up. of my discontent: my first-born But in reality, I was tearing her down. daughter.

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She could not make mess without I vividly remember the day my me shaking my head in disappoint- mother was visiting from out-oftown. The children were playing 16 ment. alone in the basement. My younger She could not forget her homework, daughter began crying hysterically.

I ran downstairs fearing she was seriously hurt.

The first question out of my mouth was directed at my older daughter.

“What did you do?” I asked angrily.

My child didn’t bother to explain that her little sister had slipped on the library book that was sitting on the bottom step. There really was no point. My beautiful child with humongous brown eyes that once held so much optimism looked defeated. Silent tears of a broken spirit slid down her face. My daughter knew it didn’t matter what she said, she’d still be wrong; it would still be her fault.

And there was my mother standing beside her, a silent witness to the whole ugly scene.

As my older daughter ran off to the sanctity of her bedroom, an unexpected question came out of my mouth. “You think I am too hard on

Feature Article her, don’t you?” I snapped.

STOP.

My mom, who’d experienced her own difficult parenting moments and struggles, held no judgment in her eyes, only sadness. Her simple response of “yes” only confirmed what I knew in my heart.

Within the hour, I had a chance to try it. The first critical thought that popped into my head arose as I was preparing to leave the house. I looked at my reflection and thought, “You look fat. You can’t go out looking like that.”

meant to be instead of some idealistic version I had in my head.

When I stopped being a bully to my child and myself opportunities for growth and connection opened up.

Over time, significant progress was made. In a little less than two years on my journey to let go of perfection and distraction, I received the con“Stop!” I assertively thought to firmation I never thought I would remyself, shutting down any further ceive. criticisms. Then I quickly turned away from the mirror and recited these words: “Only love today.

Only love today.”

My daughter was outside before school tending to a garden she created smack dab in the middle of the yard. I watched from the kitchen window as she lovingly tended to her miniature plot. I was captivated by the utter joy on her face. She was clearly at peace.

Since my dad loves to garden and had taught my daughter a few things, I took a picture and sent my parents.

Nothing could have prepared me for the gift I would receive in return.

My parents wrote: “Thank for this precious picture of our beautiful granddaughter. Over the last two years, we have seen a tremendous change in her. We no longer see a scared look in her eyes; she is less fearful about you being upset or impatient with her. She is much happi17 er and more relaxed. She is thriving and growing into a content, creative, and nurturing person. We know for a fact the changes we see in her

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I mustered up the courage to find the words that needed to be said.

Apologizing didn’t come easily for someone who strived to make everything look perfect all the time, but I knew what needed to be said.

I found my child crumpled up like a dejected rag doll on top of her bed—her face puffy and red from I used the same strategy when incrying. teracting with my child a few minutes later. Before any harsh words “I’m sorry,” I mumbled. came out of my mouth about the way she was sloppily packing her My daughter didn’t move. bag of things, I cut off my inner critic by saying, “Stop! Only love today.”

I sat down on the edge of her bed Then I swallowed the hurtful words and began saying things I’d never and relaxed my disapproving face. said to another human being—not even myself. “I feel mad inside Within mere days of using the “stop” a lot. I often speak badly about technique, I noticed a change. With myself in my head. I bully my- a more positive thought process, it self. And when I bully myself, was easier to let go of the need to it makes me unhappy and then control, dictate, and criticize. In reI treat others badly—especially sponse, my daughter began taking you. It is not right, and I am go- more chances and began revealing to stop. I am not sure how, ing her true passions. She started but I will stop. I am so very sor- movie making and website design ry,” I vowed trying not to cry. on the computer. She made doll furniture and clothing to sell in the My daughter looked unsure as to neighborhood. She began baking what to do with this confession, this new recipes without any help. Nothunusual offering from her mother ing she did was perfect. Nor was it who rarely admitted any wrongdo- mess-free or mistake-free, but the ing. I didn’t blame her for the skepti- moment I said something positive, I cal look she gave me. I understood saw her blossom a little more. That why she didn’t say anything back, is when I began to clearly see bebut somewhere in those eyes I saw yond the mistakes and messes to hope—hope that things could be what was truly important. different.

I began noticing my child’s inner I desperately wanted things to beauty rather than looking for perbe different too. It was time to fection on the outside. stop being so hard on my child; it was time to stop being so hard I began paying more attention to the on myself. I prayed I could stand person she was rather than the sucup to the inner bully. I knew I cesses she achieved. needed an easy first step. I decided to use one simple word: I began letting her be who she was

Feature Article coincide with the changes we have also seen in you.”

My friends, I have the following message to offer anyone who wants to believe today can be different than yesterday: If you think that criticizing, belittling, or critiquing yourself will make you smarter, fitter, or more valuable, please reconsider.

If you think badgering, bullying, or constantly correcting your child will make him or her more likable, more confident, or more successful, please reconsider.

Because the truth is this: It’s hard to love yourself with a bully breathing down your neck.

It’s hard to love yourself when the one person who’s supposed love you unconditionally doesn’t.

It’s hard to become the person you’re supposed to be when you aren’t allowed to fall down and get back up.

If we want our children to become who they’re meant to be, let’s ease up. “Nobody’s perfect” can be two of the most empowering, healing words when said to oneself or to another human being.

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Let’s stop the ridicule. Let’s stop the relentless pressure. Let’s stop About the Author the impossible pursuit of perfec- Rachel Macy Stafford is a certified special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in education and ten years of experience working tion. with parents and children. In December 2010, this life-long writer felt Only love today, my friends. Only compelled to share her journey to let go of distraction and grasp what really matters by creating the blog “Hands Free Mama.” Using her skills love today. as a writer, teacher, and encourager, Rachel provides readers with simBecause love is always a good ple, non-intimidating, and motivating methods to let go of distraction and connect with their loved ones. Rachel’s work has been featured in USA place to start a new beginning.

Today, TIME.com, MSN.com, PBS.org, The Huffington Post, and Reader’s Digest. Her blog currently averages one million visitors a month.

18 ********************* Rachel recently released her first book, Hands Free Mama. http://www. amazon.com/Hands-Free-Mama-Putting-Perfection/dp/0310338131

Special

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Special Feature

Making a Difference in the

T

he work we do as a school sometimes is quiet, occurring in documents and groups of teachers and students.

IB World

teachers the professional opportunities they need, to improve and strengthen their classroom teaching. In our school, our teachers grow along with our students. We also believe in parents learning, shown by our strong program in “Parent Coffee Meetings” where different learning topics are addressed, as well as the parent workshops we hold at our school, to help parents understand how to help their children learn more effectively and be happier students.

For example, Concordian has transitioned into a conceptual curriculum from a topical curriculum for the past 18 months. A conceptual curriculum allows students to have a mental framework, which organizes their knowledge and skills into a coherent system. This allows students to think critically about unfamiliar problems, and cre- Sometimes, the quiet work we do is ate fresh, innovative thinking and very visible to other educators. Besolutions. cause of our systems in conceptual curriculum and focus on learning as In the conceptual work Concordian a school community, our MYP Cohas been ahead of other IB schools. ordinator, Vice Principal and Director of Curriculum was handpicked Another aspect of our school that out of all the IB Asia Pacific (IBAP) is quiet but strong is our support schools to attend a meeting at the IB for teacher learning. Research in Global Office in The Hague, Nethereducation tells us that ongoing teach- lands. er learning supports and promotes student learning and achievement. Along with three representatives Concordian is a leader in giving our from IB Americas (IBA) and two

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representatives from IB Africa, Europe and Middle East (IBAEM), Ms. Aloha Lavina worked at the Hague office for four days in February, to develop materials to support heads of schools and coordinators. These materials are used to guide schools who offer or who want to offer the MYP Program.

“Everyone at that meeting knows Concordian,” Ms Lavina says, “as one of the IB schools using innovative systems for the IB continuum.”

The development work that the group accomplished at The Hague depended much on documents from the schools represented by the group members. Some of the samples shared by Ms. Lavina for the project included our ways of implementing the conceptual curriculum, organizing professional learning using the school mission statement and IB philosophy as a frame, service learning in school, collaborative systems, and focusing school communities on learning.

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Special Feature

Immediately after the meeting at The Hague, Ms. Lavina traveled to the IB Global Office in Singapore, where she underwent training as an IB school visit leader and consultant. This training is by invitation only, and is fully paid for by the IB. Visit leaders organize and facilitate IB authorization school visits for schools wishing to become IB schools, as well as school evaluations for schools who are authorized and are working to improve the quality of their IB programs.

In Singapore, the IB School Services manager approached Ms. Lavina about Concordian hosting another school, so that the other school could learn the ways by which our curriculum is organized, implemented and assessed, and how professional learning is used to ignite and invigorate student learning.

These two recent events show us that our work as a school is visible to the IB world. The recognition for Concordian acknowledges our success in focusing all the efforts we undertake on the most important part of a school: student learning.

On March 7-9, our school hosted the IB Regional Workshops for MYP. The invitation to be a host school for workshops demonstrates trust that the school has the skill set and understanding of the IB programs to support the professional development of IB teachers.

such as Approaches to teaching and learning, Assessment, Early Years, Language and Learning , Leadership, and Technology. The IB has asked for the community to contribute to the discussion, and to provide written feedback. The information gathered will be part of a bank of ideas forming the basis for the curAnother highlight of our involve- riculum review of the Primary Years ment in the IB world is the pilot of Program.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning in the Diploma Program. On Our work has been acknowledged March 10-11, a team from the IB in the IB World, and as we reflect on was at Concordian filming students the past 12 years of Concordian, we and teachers engaging in work sur- highlight and appreciate each teachrounding the relationships of the er’s contribution to the growth of our concept pattern to different disci- school. Every action we take, every plines and schools of thought. This hour we spend thinking about how TOK project, led by DP Co-Coordi- to make something about our school nator Ms. Baertschy, is highlighted better—these seem small in the conas a series of student learning en- text of the 3,994 IB schools serving gagements promoting the highest 680,000 students around the world. levels of critical thinking embodied in an IB learner.

Together, all these seemingly quiet actions of intellectual leadership by Our PYP Co-Coordinator Ms. Sally Concordians have created a thriving Wen was recently invited to lead our community of educators and learnPYP contributions to a PYP Review. ers with the vision of making a differThe PYP invitation for review has ence in the world. We are proud to the aim of asking PYP practitioners make a difference not just within the to discuss and provide insights into walls of our school, but beyond. the key themes of the PYP review,

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Special Feature

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Values

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Invasion Special Feature

H

ave you noticed some changes around school lately?

By Ms. Linh

special message about the value of the month through a song, skit, or presentation. From the little ones in EYP wearing their purple stickers on Friday to the Words like “compassion” and “integrity” are visible PYP singing the honesty songs and writing their around school along with all the pictures and messages empathy reflections to the MYP students showing off their support by wearing pink or purple on Fridays to about compassion and integrity. the DP students helping to spread the message through Everyone now knows that PINK stands for COMPAS- their skits and rap, the entire school is making values education one of its focuses this year.

SION and PURPLE represents INTEGRITY. Students are reminded through homeroom activities, class lessons, values/counseling sessions, and at morning assemblies what it means to be compassionate and to have integrity. We look forward to Monday flag raising assembly because there will be a

In case you are wondering about the values and their associated colors for the upcoming months, check out the chart below and help promote the value of the month by wearing the color on Friday and, more importantly, practicing the value every day.

Month Value Color January Compassion/Empathy Pink February Integrity Purple March Responsibility Green April Respect Orange May Appreciation Blue Special thanks to the Concordianc ommunity for embracing this new initiative and making it a part of the Concordian life. May we not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the talk” here at Concordian International School

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Baby Dragon available now at the School Shop.

Alumni Update

Letter from Alumni

From One City of Angels to Another

By Sirada Rochanavibhata (Ping) Class of 2013 Studying Psychology at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

S

unshine and palm trees… This is the imagery that comes to mind when one thinks of Los Angeles.

One of the many great things about UCLA is definitely its prime location.

Being so close to Hollywood, my life as a fangirl is complete. The many star-struck experiences I have had include seeing Gabriel Macht (best known as Harvey Specter from the TV series Suits) and Josh Radnor (best known as Ted Mosby from the TV series How I Met Your Mother).

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To add to the list of incredible people I have had the pleasure of seeing, UCLA also has the Luskin Lecture for Thought Leadership, which is an annual lecture that features distinguished individuals. Last year, I attended the lecture by Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of 24 the United Nations. This year, I was lucky enough to win the lottery and received a free ticket to attend Hillary Clinton’s upcoming lecture for free!

Apart from being the home of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is known for being one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse places. Upon my arrival here, I was quite surprised to find out that there are different neighborhoods dedicated to different ethnic communities, such as Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo and Little Armenia. And of course, there is also an area in Hollywood that is commonly known as Thai Town. This is where all the best Thai restaurants are located – where all the food tastes legitimately Thai. Whenever I miss having some Som Tum or a bowl of noodles, Thai

Town is where I’ll go.

Overall, college has been an amazing experience. Being at UCLA has not only allowed me to grow intellectually and pursue my interests, but also to meet people from various backgrounds and make unforgettable memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Letter from Alumni

Alumni Update

Give a Man a Fish

Atisha Rakamnuaykit (Jeannie) Class of 2011 Studying Liberal Arts and Sciences at Quest University, Canada

DRAGONS!

of courses. However, you eventually have to tear yourself away from all those awesome sounding courses to begin specializing in a certain discipline. I’m heading in the direction of cognitive psychology, but my favorite courses to date include: “Sleep in the Brain” (the molecular neuroscience of sleep), “Arts for Social Change” (an arts-based course on community building), “Comparative Cognition” (a cognitive psychology course in studying animal behavior and intellect), and “Sex, Gender, and Sexuality” (a course that examined sex, gender, and sexuality through the lenses of biology, psychology, and culture).

It’s been a while since I claimed that magical beast as my school mascot, but I remember the excitement of representing Concordian in basketball games. These days, I am at Quest University Canada and am a proud Kermode (pronounced “kerMOW-dee”) or a spirit bear, otherwise known as a white black bear.

No, I’m not kidding; it’s a member of the black bear species (Ursus americanus) that is born with a genetic mutation that makes its fur white.

Whip that out at a cocktail party.

As a third year student at a liberal arts and sciences university, I need to narrow down my academic focus, but it’s easier said than done. See, They were all amazing courses, but the perks of studying at a liberal arts you’ll notice that they’re not exactly and sciences school include the free- related to one another. dom to choose from a huge variety Another student would be worried.

After all, how on earth will I get into grad school if I don’t specialize somehow? What job would take a student that took the “jack of all trades, master of none” path?

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as adults. Friends and I were knee deep in three different ecosystems around Quest, which is conveniently close to salmon spawning channels, temperate rainforests, and wetlands.

I wrote essays about the fiscal cliff and debt crises of 2013 – in a group with 19 classmates (Google docs is your best friend, fellow students). I even synthesized, from scratch, an enzyme used to replicate DNA. Incredibly diverse assignments mean that the benefits I reap from Quest have less to do with the incredible wealth of knowledge I’ve absorbed and more to do with how flexible I’ve become as a student. Don’t let anyone tell you that the 21st century requires a student that focuses on a single career! I feel more equipped now than I think I would be if I had just hunkered down But here’s the secret: I’ve been with, say, human kinetics. taught to learn. My assignments ranged from discussions of Greek If nothing else, all this knowledge philosophy to exams in which I means I’m pretty exciting to talk to… wrote about every physical and at cocktail parties. chemical property of a beaker of water set over a flame. I designed Follow your heart 25 and conducted experiments aimed (no really, do it), at drawing a link between how much someone played as a child Jeannie to how socially adept they became

MYP / DP

Concordian

Lock-in

By Calvin and Oum

------------------------------Lock - in organizers

W

hat would the Eve of Valentine’s look like among Concordian’s high school students?

You would imagine students rocking out in the heat of adrenaline to the sound of wub-wub music, and, in a way, that was what this year’s Lockin event looked like. With late-night volleyball sessions in the brand-new gym, Radioactive Radio training in the Studio, intense gaming tournaments in the rotunda, and unlimited pizza and soda – all for an easy price of 400 – the students had the most fun they could’ve had together. In fact, we even had the opportunity to use the Life Skills dorms, an improvement over classroom floors and sleeping bags. Between the attendees, stronger bonds were formed, and laughter seemed to have reverberated from each and every wall of the SAT Center. It was, without a doubt, a night to be remembered by all 46 attendees.

Organized by the TR16E, otherwise known as the Class of 2016, almost 20,000 baht was raised and will be directed towards the upcoming school build project.

You could say we’ve redefined ‘fun’, turning it into both respite and merit.

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None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the teachers and faculty involved, who sacrificed their Valentine’s Eve. On behalf of Class of 2016, we would like to thank all those involved in the Lock-in.

MYP / DP

Second Session Going Strong Coach K explaining the rules to the new comers

Finished product from sewing circle

Sewing circle in session 1

led by Ms. Annabelle - the Life Skills Coordinator sitting in the middle.

Good food, good life

Time for dinner

Cooking class with Ms. Annabelle

Let’s clean up after dinner

The Life Skills program is in its second session – February to May 2014 with happy members, satisfied parents, and teachers and counselors praising the program.

Here is what the Life Skills members have to say: - I don’t have to wake up so early for the drive to school.

- Life Skills is helpful to get better quality studying time.

- I never got this much sleep at home.

- The hour and a half of solid focus on studying is great. Before, I could not do that with so many distractions. It has gotten me into a pattern too now where I am studying at that time of night even on the weekends at home.

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- The food is good, especially Ms. Anabelle’s.

- The organized time frames help me. I get a lot more accomplished.

MYP / DP

Education

Concordian

“

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C

oncordian International School was happy to host an Education USA Fair on our campus. The boutique fair hosted colleges and universities from different parts of the United States, with more than 35 universities setting up booths in our gymnasium. Students from other international schools also joined us. It was an exciting event that offered something for everyone in attendance. We had expert panel talks led by the universities for parents and students, and we also had a presentation for teachers and counselors about how to write effective recommendation letters. We really appreciate Education USA for choosing our school and enjoyed the opportunity to work in partnership with ACE, the Academy for Education USA, and the United States Embassy.

“

USA Fair Comes to

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MYP / DP

Making

a Difference

Harvard Model Congress Asia 2014

O

n January 9th to 12th, Concordian’s selected delegates flew to Hong Kong to attend the Harvard Model Congress Asia 2014 (HCMA 2014), hosted at the University of Hong Kong. The HMCA is a premiere congress simulation organized by current Harvard University students. Attending conferences is a new experience for members of our Concordian community, and the HMCA was a [first] chance for us students to be exposed to such big, international event.

The 17 delegates included Pakkard and Jar in Grade 9, Calvin, Chris, Kong, Mimi, Nat, Oum, and Weimin in Grade 10, and Fon, Fuji, Gaem, Lee, Naam, Pat R, Pond, and Daven in Grade 11. Separated into committees – the World Health and World Trade

By Fon, Fuji, Gaem, and Naam (G11) Organizations, International Criminal Court, G15, G24, and ASEAN – delegates engaged in intriguing debates on issues of global importance and attempted to resolve such issues, learning to heed the school’s mission of “making a difference in the world”. The cases ranged from an attempt by prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (Pond, Fuji, and Daven) to throw North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un behind bars, to the renaming of Kim Kardashian’s baby to promote love and peace in the world and in the ASEAN committee (Gaem and Kong).

In addition to the intense debates and discussions, delegates had the opportunity to meet new people from countries all over Asia, from as nearby as neighboring Malaysia to as far away as Jordan, in the Middle

East. This has enhanced global citizenship in our delegates; exchanging cultures, understanding new perspectives, and even offering to give a guided tour of Bangkok should any of them come for a visit.

“Going to Hong Kong for 4 days and being able to experience it all was a decision I gratefully made”, said Pat R. (Grade 11) On behalf of all delegates, we would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Kenny and Ms. Nadine for guiding and supervising us throughout this wonderful trip, and for allowing all of us to experience new forms of learning by opening us up to new experiences gained before, during and after this trip

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Grade 8 Visit to MYP / DP

Amazing Ayutthaya

By Kru Amm

A

s part of their study of Thai history, Grade 8 students were recently treated to a private tour of amazing Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.

Students visited several historical sites which reflected Thai values and demonstrated the intelligence and strength of Thai ancestors.

The goal was for students to not only learn about historical landmarks, but to learn about Thai values, and to have pride in their heritage.

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Sports Flex and Clash of the Beats

MYP / DP

- MYP Student Council

.................................................................

By: Li Grade 7

O

ver the past few weeks, the middle school student council came up with a variety of activities and games for the MYP to enjoy during flex block. The two main activities were the sports flex and “Clash of the Beats”. During sports flex, the student council arranged all the MYP students into four large teams. On that particular day, we were also allowed to wear colored shirts that matched our team colors: blue, orange, green, and yellow. Each student participated in the homeroom tug of war contest. We then divided the teams in order to be able to complete three specific sport missions: basketball, soccer, and relay racing. The atmosphere was very enthusiastic, and all the kids had fun!

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As for our music/band/singing concert, we named it “Clash of the Beats”. It was spectacular to see a lot of the students come together from different homerooms to perform, sing and play. This occasion was a show, not really a contest, and we were all glad to see that many people joined in this activity, not for competition, but for fun.

The audience had fun enjoying the performances and clapping for the participants, and overall it was a great success. The middle school student council hopes that you all had a great time, and you can look forward to even more awesome activities coming soon. Until we have fun together next time, stay tuned!

MYP / DP

Grade 12 Physics Students Visit

North Bangkok

Power Plant

By Dr. C.

A

s part of their preparation for the forthcoming IBDP exams, G12 Physics students recently visited the North Bangkok Power Plant. It was a great opportunity for them to see “Physics at Work” since it showed how the theory studied in class is applied in order to solve one of the major problems of the 21st Century: How do we satisfy the increasing demand for Electrical Power?

During the visit they were able to see not only how alternating current is generated, but also how it is necessary to transform different forms of energy (from chemical to thermal to kinetic to electricity) in order to have, as a final product, electricity.

The visit began with an introductory presentation about the history of the plant, how it works and a general overview of power plants in Thailand. After that, we had a tour of the plant, visiting the control room, turbine section, water treatment

plant, generator section and the chemical lab. During the visit our hosts gave detailed explanations from a technical point of view, and answered all the questions asked by the students. We would like to send them our sincere appreciation for all their kind attention to us.

Here’s what some of our students had to say: Pat: “Short, concise and knowledgeable experience. Efficiency creates sustainability.”

Bright: “It takes more than a man to generate electricity. It takes a power plant.”

Andy: “This opportunity to go to the power plant was very educational. We become more familiar with how the knowledge in class can be utilized in real life.”

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Prima: “We have learned about electromagnetic induction and how electricity is generated. Going to the power plant really helped me make a connection between theories I learned in class and applications in real life.”

MYP / DP

Recounting and Reflecting on the

Grade10 IB Retreat

By Noah G10

T

his was a school trip that began like so many others, but in the end was unlike any other. It started with a Friday afternoon departure – with lots smiles and laughter due to getting out of class early. Our destination was Pattaya.

Our time together on the road seemed to fly by as the music played and the group selfies count kept rising. Upon arrival, everyone seemed eager to get going as we had some free time to use up. Not long after checking in at our beachfront hotel, our class scattered, with some heading to the gym or for a dip in the pool, while others were content to chill in their rooms with a view. Dinner came and went, and we headed down to the beach for some team building, under the supervision of our teacher chaperones, of course. The warm sand and even warmer water was a perfect way to end the evening, but only after a few more group selfies.

Day two was largely spent in the hotel conference room where we were given more details about the IB Diploma Program, including what was expected of us and how we would need to start considering course choices. It was less of a lecture than I expected, and more of a discussion as everyone had so many questions. The discussions continued with more sessions focusing on the importance of values – again highlighting what we should expect in DP as well as what will be expected of us.

What came next was an opportunity to work on some IB - related skills while checking out “Believe It Or Not!” and the “Haunted Adventure” and other Ripley’s attractions. While this may not sound like a related IB experience, you do have to be a risk-taker to want to run through dark rooms while being chased by a man with a chainsaw, even if the saw isn’t real.

Our final evening in Pattaya before heading back to Bangkok proved to be the most emotional as we engaged in class discussion, candidly sharing a bunch of different issues and problems. The tears were mostly joyful and the mood of the entire class afterwards was generally positive. In the end, it was encouraging to hear from our teacher chaperones about how much they thought our class has matured in recent years – a good thing, since DP awaits.

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By Ms. Inese

Team Visits Concordian PYP

International Baccalaureate

EYP / PYP

EYP / PYP

- Another successful IB Authorization for our PYP Curriculum

O

n November 20th to 22nd, Concordian’s PYP section had the pleasure of hosting two IBO representatives from other IB schools to participate in evaluating how well we are delivering the PYP at Concordian. The two representatives are very experienced PYP practitioners and are currently working at PYP schools, as well as both being workshop leaders for the PYP.

Part of the expectations of all schools authorized to offer any of the IB Programs, is that every 5 years, the school participates in a year long self-study exercise culminating in a visit from IB representatives. The teachers at Concordian began the self-study process in November 2012. They worked in different groups collecting evidence to support a rating that we gave ourselves in the different areas of the program – areas in which we thought we were doing well, and also areas where we thought we needed to make some improvements. This documentation was then sent to the IBO in Singapore.

The visiting team used this documentation as the basis for their investigation. They also visited classrooms, made their own observations, and interviewed the administration, board members, teachers, TAs, students and parents to help them form their final assessment about the PYP at Concordian International School. This information was collated and a report was written and sent on to the IBO in Singapore. The school received a copy of this report at the end of January.

The report came to us with the findings recorded as “Matters to be Addressed”, “Commendations”, and “Recommendations”. In general, we are extremely pleased with the report. In most areas the IB team’s assessment of us matched closely with what we saw as our strengths as well as the areas where we need to improve.

These recommendations have now been recorded in an “‘Action Plan” and will inform everything that we will be doing in PYP at Concordian for the next 5 years, the time of the next IB visit.

Having a regular evaluation process for our school is a great way to reflect on our practices, and it helps to focus us on the ways to move forward to ensure we are delivering the PYP in the best way possible to all of our students. Thank you for your continued support of the Concordian teachers, the Primary Years Program, and the learning your child is involved in.

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Events & Activities

A PYP

Musical Play

An Interview with Mr. Sebert de los Santos, the Creator of “Little Stazia’s Storybook” musical

T

he PYP Musical Play, Little Stazia’s Storybook, was held on January 22nd and 23rd in Concordian’s Grand Theater. There were two performances, so that MYP/DP students, teachers, staff, and, of course, parents could have an opportunity to see this wonderful show. And judging by the riotous applause, they did just that. Following is an interview with Mr. Sebert, our awesome PYP Music Teacher, and the one responsible for bringing us Little Stazia’s Storybook.

Khrista sings MY NAME IS STAZIA

1. How did you decide to write an original musical play for the PYP? It’s been a challenge of mine for so many years to write a musical play, and I only found the time and inspiration to do it here at Concordian.

2. What/who inspired you to write this play?

My students were my first inspiration because I am aware that there are so many of them who have talents in singing and acting; and my wife, Mrs. Maricor, is my prime believer and motivator, who really pushed, assisted and encouraged me to do it. Khun Varnnee’s and Mr. Laurent’s incredible support and trust that I could do it, drove me to make this play become a reality.

KHUN VARNNEE’S WELCOME REMARKS

MR. SEBERT

3. What is Stazia all about? How would you describe it to someone who has not watched the show?

This is a story about compassion.

It is about a girl, who has almost all the material things this world can offer; a girl who comes from very rich parents who can afford to, and do, give her the things her heart desires. She and her rich friends feel that they own the world they live in.

But as Stazia meets, and has a fight with poor kids, her entire outlook on life changes, especially when those poor kids help her after she falls and breaks her knee and ankle. Stazia realizes that materials things are not enough to make a person happy. For Stazia, who learns to share things and to show caring to those who are in need, there is a tenfold return of true happiness and real joy in one’s heart.

4. Why did you name the main character in the play “Stazia”? Why not any other name?

Stazia is the name that my wife and I prepared for our third child, if born a girl. But it happened that our third child was a boy, so Stazia became real in this Musical Play. This musical play is like my fourth child.

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Grade 5 students’ Opening Song WE WELCOME YOU

Events & Activities TELL US STAZIA

Soomi and Wandy as Narrators

5. How many original songs have you written for the play?

Initially, I only planned to create eight (8) but at the end, I was able to compose 14 original songs. I wanted all cast members to have at least one song to sing, so this kept me adding and adding more songs.

7. What are the major challenges you faced while writing the play/composing the songs? I am not a prolific writer, especially with dialogue, so I have to write anything down as soon as it comes to mind. There were times that I discovered that the melody I composed was similar to an existing song, so I had to alter it to make 6. How long did it take you to write the play it different. and compose the songs?

The idea came to me sometime 8. Have you always wanted to write, comin May 2013. I began to write the pose, and direct a musical? notes of the melody every time I compose different styles of music a tune came to mind. At first, the as well as arranging a band; but I theme was a bit sketchy, until was hesitant to venture into a musieverything eventually fell into place. cal play, although I love the genre.

Finally, it was done and finalized on Directing a musical play was never November 1, 2013. my ambition, but it happened out of necessity, as the play needed a director.

9. How did the students get their parts in the play?

We had an audition for students to try out for the cast member parts.

Aside from their singing and acting talents, I also had to consider their personality, which fit character would be the best fit for them.

10. How would you describe the students’ portrayals of the roles given to them in this musical play?

All of them lived up to my expectations and some of them went even further. They were all amazing and acted so naturally.

CHOPSTICKS DANCE

DAD, MOM, BUTLER

37

Jonas plays SANTA LUCIA

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WESTERN LINE DANCE

Events & Activities

KUNG FU FIGHTING

11. What advice would you give to young people today who might be interested in writing/composing songs and/or plays?

My advice is…just follow your heart and have fun with it. Sometimes your song may sound crazy and funny, but in the end, it might be one of your best compositions. Be sure to write down the notes of any melody that comes in your mind; this melody might just be “passing by”, and after a while it will be gone and forgotten. Always write down either the notes or lyrics that come to your mind.

12. What is your next project?

Just a thought… writing a musical play for PYP that may possibly include some MYP and DP students.

A school-wide musical play, perhaps, in the near future.

THAI RICE HARVEST DANCE

WE ARE SO HUNGRY BUT NO MONEY

LIVE THE WAY YOU DO

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RICH AND POOR KIDS SONG

Events & Activities STAZIA WAS HURT

TREAT THE INJURY Dad and Mom ask Stazia’s Condition

SORRY

MAORI STICK DANCE

I HAVE EVERYTHING and SHE’S NOT SO HAPPY YOU WILL FEEL THE ANGEL’S TOUCH

Rich and Poor kids help clean up the surroundings

GREEN ROSE HULA

TINIKLING DANCE MONGOLIAN HORSE DANCE

MR. LAURENT’S CLOSING REMARKS

ELEPHANT DRUM DANCE

PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENE

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PEACOCK DANCE

EYP Events & Activities

Opening Song by the PYP Choir

K1I

WINTER

CONCERT DELIGHTS O

n December 18th in the school Amphitheater, the school community again buzzed with excitement as our EYP students put on another remarkable annual winter concert.

Many spectators were not only awed by the various class performances in three languages – English, Chinese and Thai – but were also mesmerized by the hosting skills that our masters of ceremonies displayed in the show.

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The concert was divided into two parts. In the first part, our Nursery and K1 students treated us to a Winter Celebration Program.

This program was hosted by our K1 students, Aarpi, Bibee, Khao Wan, and Rome, and our PYP Choir 40 graciously performed the opening and intermission numbers.

The second part was the Musical Play adaptation of Teresa Jennings’ “The Share Bears”, by the K2 and K3 students, with the K3 students

K2V

Narrators from K1 K1K

Gammie, K, L, Nana and Sophia serving as narrators. Khao Mai, pleasantly acted out his role as Little Bear, the main character in the play.

The concert featured wintry holiday and sharing songs, chants, acting and dances. It was an undeniably delightful celebration, seeing so many of our talented and dedicated (and some of our youngest!) performers with their eye-catching costumes and big, bright smiles.

K3T

Events & Activities

All K3 Finale K1J

K3G

Winter

Celebration K2S

K3N

A special to all specialthank thankyouyou to the all parents, and the parents,homeroom homeroom and specialist teachers, teacher teacher specialist teachers, assistants, technical staff, staff, assistants, technical maintenance custodian maintenance and custodian team, especially to team, and especially to Ms. Norylove Maricor for Norylove and andMrs. Mrs. Maricor putting together and organizing for putting together and orthe entire the show. ganizing entire show.

K2K

People behind the scenes

K3M

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Events & Activities

Where the Wild Things Are

By Mr. Clynt Whitaker

I

was taking out the trash and found a copy of Maurice Sendak’s 1963 classic children’s picture book Where the Wild Things Are. It wasn’t in bad condition so “I saved it” thinking it might be useful at some point.

Although adapted to the media several times both as an animated short and feature film, it has not been, to the best of my knowledge, performed on stage.

Writing the stage play (script) took place during the October break and in collaboration with Mr. George and his band; what theatergoers were treated to on February 28th at Concordian’s Grand Theater was the realization of our after school activity!

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Concordian’s production was our version of the above events – all in Max’s imagination! Special thanks to Mr. Martin, for help with our set, our Concordian tech crew, the IB Theatre class (responsible for stage management, costume, lighting and props) and our indefatigable musical director Mr. George! And of course our acting troupe (Actors: Eliz, Sunny, Daniel, Mimi, Sylvia, Nat, Part, Ting-Ting, Pin, Pat, and Kenneth) – the wild things – great jugglers of time – part time actors, part time football , basketball and volleyball players – a credit to their ingenuity and risk taking – and our musicians (Noah, Mei, Pound, Santa, Yu-yu, Mac, and Jazmine ) .

The original story, which comprises just 338 words, focuses on a young boy named Max, who, after dressing in his wolf costume, wreaks havoc through his household and is disciplined by being sent to his bedroom. As he feels agitation with his mother, Max’s bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation into a jungle environment, and he winds Te Arohanui up sailing to an island inhabited by malicious beasts known as the “Wild Things.” After successfully intimidating the creatures, Max is hailed as the king of the Wild Things and enjoys a playful romp with his subjects; however, he decides to return home, to the Wild Things’ dismay. After arriving in his bedroom, Max discovers a hot supper waiting for him.

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Events & Activities

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Events & Activities

T

The Voice

Concordian

By Ms. Ker

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he very first The Voice Concordian was organized by the MYP/ DP Chinese department as part of the celebration of the 2014 Chinese New Year. On Janaury 24th, there were about 60 students from grade 6 – 12 in different Chinese language levels, who participated in this event. Besides students, we were pleased to have teachers and staff as our performing guests. K.Ning from the library played Guzheng (a Chinese instrument); the MYP/DP Thai department performed a Chinese Fan Dance; Ms.Milichu, Miss Linh, Miss Nadine and Dr. C. – who do not speak Chinese – performed a Chinese song with our grade 12 students Kenneth and Praew.

With the help of the MYP student council and High School student government, tickets to vote for the most popular group were sold. Altogether, THB 3,300 was collected and was donated to the school community service fund.

We were very pleased to see our students participate in this event enthusiastically; it’s a great opportunity to let students experience Chinese in a fun and encouraging way.

Events & Activities

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Special

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Library News

Events & Activities

Visiting Authors &

Love of Reading Week ..........................................

Dear Parents,

T

he Library is very happy to have had two wonderful authors visit our school this year. Anne Sibley O’Brien came and visited with the MYP and DP on March 10th and 11th. Mrs. O’Brien shared her experiences as a writer and illustrator of children’s books and as the co-author of the book After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance. She explained her work process and how she gets the ideas for books.

Cat Wetherill will come to visit the EYP and PYP. Ms. Wetherill is a story teller, who wows and enhances the imaginations of children. She will be coming to Concordian on April 28th and 29th. Ms Wetherill has written many books, including Barkbelly and Wild Magic.

The Library will also be hosting its annual Love of Reading Week from April 21st-25th. This will coincide with the book fair on April 22nd to 24th. This year our theme for the Love of Reading Week is Around the World with Books!

Look for more information on the information board outside the Library about the different activities that will be held during the Love of Reading Week.

The Library would also like to kindly remind parents that the Student Library accounts are only for student use.

Part of becoming great readers is for students to learn which books are just right for them. To be able to do this, students need to be the only ones using their Student Library account. When parents or family members check out books on the student accounts, students cannot learn this important skill. If a parent or family member wants to check out a book, it needs to be done on their own account.

The Concordian Library Staff

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Events & Activities

EYP Fun and Games

By Ms. Usha

O

n the 24th of January, the EYP students and their parents had EYP SPORTS DAY, with lots of games and lots of fun. Nursery and K1 had theirs at the PYP Gym, and K2 and K3 had theirs at the soccer field. How nice it was to see the children and their parents playing and having such a good time together.

And, of course, the students looked great proudly wearing the participation medals they received.

Here’s what some of the participants from K3N had to say‌

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Lily - Sports day was fun.

Phote - We got a medal after sports day.

Keet - There were lots of games to play.

PYP

Sports Day

Events & Activities Dear Concordian Community,

T

his year’s PYP Sports Day was a challenge for both teachers and students! 14 stations were set up including 4 competitive ones and 10 fun ones. Stations included activities such as torpedo throwing, long jump, badminton, football, tennis, high jump, hockey, gymnastics and Muay Thai!

It was a big marathon of physical activities, but all the students were up to the challenge! Hockey and Muay Thai were some of the favorite stations! Students competed for bronze, silver and gold medals but were also rewarded for their effort and fair play. On Sports Day we aimed to promote some important values such as integrity, respect, responsibility and appreciation. Students participated with great enthusiasm and encouraged one another, showing true sporstmanship!

This day would not have been possible without the support and commitment of all the PYP teachers in the Elementary School, the amazing support staff and the administrative team! Thank you to all parents who came out to support their children!

Joao Delgado PYP PE Teacher

Here’s what some of the kids had to say …

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Jade: I felt really proud when I got three medals. I tried my best for everything on Sports Day. Tin Tin: My favorite station was hockey because I like sports with sticks.

Kimi: My favourite station in Sports Day was the 60 meter sprint because I’ve been doing it a lot and I’ve liked it since I was 5 years old.

Brim: I liked throwing the javelin because I know how to throw it very far.

Praewa: My favorite station of sport day was hockey because I want to try new things.

Khrista: I liked gymnastics group because Mr. Jhet said...”tada”.... when I jumped!

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BABY DRAGON available at the school shop

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

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

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