Secondary Counseling Update
As the new academic year unfolds at Concordian International School, the Secondary Counseling Department has had a very exciting start to the year. We're delighted to welcome Ms. Johanna who joins the University Counseling section, bringing a wealth of experience in guiding students through the complexities of applying to university. Her expertise will be invaluable as she helps our students navigate the path to university admissions and career choices.
In the Social Emotional Counseling team, we're pleased to introduce Ms. Sze Wan and Ms. Lindsay. Both are passionate about student wellbeing and very experienced in helping students in their social and emotional development. Their dedication to fostering a supportive environment aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture every student.
It's not all change as Mr. Tony and Ms. Bee are here to help their new colleagues settle into the department and ensure continuity for our students and parents
The school year commenced with a flurry of activities designed to enhance student engagement and development. Our team participated in the Grade 8-10 Bonding Trips, important experiences that strengthened relationships between students and staff. These trips provided a platform for students to build trust, collaborate, and develop other essential skills for their personal and academic journeys.
Additionally, the University Preparation and the IB Retreat, led by Mr. Markus, offered Grade 11 and 12 students invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. These trips are planned to equip students with the tools they need for success in applying to university and IB Diploma.
The success of all these trips are due to the hard work of many people in the school, but the department deeply appreciates the support of Khun Varnnee, Khun Kay and everyone in Mr. Ben’s Service Department.
The University Counseling team has enjoyed meeting parents of Grades 8-12, offering guidance on career exploration and the university application process. These meetings are very important in empowering our parents to help support their children in making informed decisions about their future careers and university plans.
The highlight of September was hosting Dr. Shanton Chang from the University of Melbourne. His enlightening talk on "Developing 21st Century skills for an AI-driven post-pandemic world" captivated our parent community. Addressing the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving skill sets r equired in the modern world, his presentation sparked meaningful discussions about education and career readiness.
The overwhelming positive response led to Dr. Shanton agreeing to extend his visit and speak to the entire Secondary school. His ability to engage with students across Grades 8-12 was truly inspiring, providing them with a broader perspective on the impact of technology and the importance of adaptable skills in their future career.
Recognizing the unique needs of each student group, we've restructured our Social Emotional team to provide more tailored support. We now have dedicated counselors assigned to specific year groups:
• Ms. Bee will focus on Grades 6-7, aiding students as they transition into secondary school and navigate early adolescence.
• Ms. Sze Wan takes on Grades 8-9, guiding students through critical developmental stages and academic challenges.
• Ms. Lindsay will support Grades 10-12, assisting students with the pressures of upper secondary education and preparations for university and beyond.
This strategic approach ensures that each student receives personalized attention, fostering stronger relationships and more effective support systems. We will also be fully implementing the International School Counsellor Association (ISCA) Model to guide our department's practices. This model provides a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices, emphasizing proactive and data-informed counseling services.
We encourage students and parents to reach out to our counselors—whether to seek guidance, share concerns, or explore new opportunities!
Mr. Tony McMullen Head of Secondary Counseling
