IMPACT 32 by Concordian International School

Issue 32 of Impact, the official magazine of Concordian International School, is the Back to School issue for November 2021, opening the 2021-2022 academic year. New editor Dessy Delevaux introduces a management team in new roles: Ariel Yu Wang and Tim Byrum as Elementary School Principals; Min Li, Bill Berry and Sally Wen as Secondary Principals; and Dr. Tresa Virankabutra continuing as Director of College Counseling. Founding Director Varnnee Chearavanont Ross reflects on 20 inspirational years and the school's mission, while Head of School Laurent Goetschmann describes the phased, hybrid campus reopening, developed with the Samut Prakan Health Department amid the ongoing Covid-19 situation. The issue also bids farewell to retiring High School Principal and DP Coordinator Dr. James Leung after 14 years.

The School Update section covers the end of the previous year and summer activity, including the Elementary School's online learning program using Seesaw and Zoom, the Earth Day Art and Design Contest run by Student Council, the PYP Exhibition under the theme How We Express Ourselves, and a Grade 5 Visual Art Exhibition. Facilities upgrades included two new parking areas, a resurfaced PYP Dome, an expanded playground and new stainless steel fencing.

Academically, DP Coordinator Markus Mattila reports that Concordian's IB Diploma results averaged 37 points against a world average of around 33, with strong TOK and Extended Essay outcomes from a non-selective DP. At the first International Chinese Language Festival 2020/2021, drawing 3,621 contestants from 450 schools, Concordian sent 55 secondary students and won 33 prizes plus the overall Outstanding Participation Award.

Further features highlight Athletics, MSSG and HSSG welcomes, the MYP Service Program, and 33 student clubs, including Habitat for Humanity raising over 250,000 baht and the Grin Green environmental club. Special features cover the PTA donating 229,500 baht and 500 care bags, staff donations, parent testimonials, a Hello Magazine interview with the founders, and 24 new faculty. The graduate class of 33 received offers across 10 countries and more than 14 programs.