School News

Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

» A message from the High School Principal:

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from evil. . . Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17: 15, 17- 18

Graduates, our job is done and we send you off into the world with our prayers. We pray that you will always remember the lessons you have learned while at Concordia. I am not speaking of the academic lessons but rather, the knowledge that being a servant is the greatest form of leadership; that community is more than just a word, it is how we behave towards each other; that goals are important; and that your teachers and parents all care deeply for each one of you and want all joy to be yours as you move through this wonderful life.

Take pride in the knowledge that you will always be a Phoenix.

God bless you all.

Mr. David Harris, High School Principal

» A Message from the Head of School

Congratulations to the class of 2012.  You have been an awesome class and have played a significant role in the transformation of Concordia from where we were four years ago to where we are today.   Thank you for all that you have contributed to during your time in our community.  Thank you to all the parents as well.  Our prayers go with you as you continue your journey to reach your next milestone.

Dr. Jim Koerschen

 

 

» Simple Steps Now to Avoid Long Lines Before School in August

• Data Verification is required for all returning students before they can start school on August 21st. Click here to review verification requirements
• Uniform Preorder has been extended. Forms are available at http://www.concordiashanghai.org/parents/uniforms/preorder-process and should be turned into school offices by end of day Friday, May 18.
• Bus Transportation changes/needs take two weeks to arrange  so act now so your child can ride the first day of class. The fee for using school bus transportation is 12,000RMB per school year per child. Contact busing coordinator Ms. Sunny Wang (sunny.wang@concordiashanghai.org).
• Locate all IDs to determine if the replacement process needs to be initiated through the Admissions Office.
  • There is a 50RMB charge per card for replacement IDs.
  • The school will automatically replace all ID cards, free of charge, when student photos are taken in the fall for any student with an ID printed in the 2009-10 school year.

» Libraries Closing for the School Year 2012: Important Dates and Requirements for Release of Final Report Cards

Elementary Library

• Last week for check out: Monday, May 7—Friday, May 11
• No checkout for children or parents beginning Monday, May 14
• No library classes after Friday, May 18
• Elementary School Library closes for the year on Friday, May 18.

This summer the Elementary Library will be completely transformed. We will be gutting the inside, and the library will be completely renovated in order to offer a facility with greater flexibility and more learning spaces. To do so requires all library staff to conduct an inventory and box all books to ready the space for demolition. We apologize for the inconvenience that this early closure may cause, but we appreciate your understanding.

 

Phoenix Center Library

• Last week for check out: Monday, May 21—May 25 (exception: teachers)
• For students: All items due by Wednesday, May 30
• For teachers: All items due by Friday, June 1
• Phoenix Center Library closes for the year for inventory on Thursday, May 31.

Please note: Final report cards are withheld for all students (PreK-12) whose items are not returned. If an item is lost, then go to the Phoenix Center Library to get the Lost Item form for payment purposes.

» Koerschen Farewell

Invitations to the Open House on June 4 have been sent to all community members via email. Please RSVP to polly.zheng@concordiashanghai.org by Friday, May 25, 2012.

» China: Outbreak of Rubella in Pudong

An outbreak of rubella in the Kangqiao area of Pudong district (see map), Shanghai province, has been confirmed by the Pudong Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most cases are reported in young immigrant factory workers who had not been vaccinated against the disease. Unconfirmed reports indicate there have been hundreds of cases since late March.

In Shanghai, cases of rubella peak annually between April and May. Usually, school-aged children are affected. However, during the past few years people between the ages 20 and 30 years have also been infected.

Health authorities have urged people to stay up-to-date with their vaccination.

Rubella, sometimes called “German measles” or “three day measles”, is caused by the rubella virus. Infections typically start with a slight fever and tender lymph nodes in the back of the neck or behind the ears. This is followed by a rash that first appears on the face, then spreads downward. Up to 50% of infected people do not show any symptoms, or only get very mildly ill for a few days

It is important that pregnant women avoid infection, as this ordinarily mild disease can cause fetal loss and severe birth defects known collectively as congenital rubella syndrome.

Rubella can be prevented by vaccination, which is now included in routine childhood immunization programs in most countries. Vaccination schedules vary. A combined vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (called “MMR”) is usually used. As the vaccine is a live virus (weakened), pregnant women should NOT receive the vaccine until after they have delivered. In addition, many authorities recommend women avoid falling pregnant for at least 4 weeks after vaccination.

 

Our Community

» Preorder School Uniforms: Deadline Extended!

Don’t forget to preorder your uniforms for next year! Preorder forms are currently available at http://www.concordiashanghai.org/parents/uniforms/preorder-process; but must be turned in to your school office by Friday, May 18. This is your opportunity to reserve your August uniform; order now and avoid the long lines and quantity restrictions that come with purchasing in August. Secure your order early, enjoy your summer, then pick up and pay in August!

Questions regarding uniforms should be directed to: uniforms@concordiashanghai.org.

»Uniform Blowout Sale

We need to clear out some inventory space, which is great news for you, because we are selling all of our oxfords, v-neck sweaters and sweater vests for only 25RMB, 70-80% off of their normal price! As with all Concordia uniform pieces, these are high-quality items of clothing and are approved uniform wear. In addition, if you’ve always been eyeing that sweet v-neck sweater but haven’t yet taken the leap, this is your last chance to buy one, because once these are gone, we’re not making any more. These pieces can be bought at the uniform store during its normal operating hours and will be sold through the end of the school year while supplies last.

» Phoenix Shop News

Now through the end of May-we will be having our annual “Repatriation Sale/Heading Away for Summer Sale”.Lowest Price ever for the wonderful Concordia Themed Quilts. They have a soft, waterproof back that can be used on a bed or on the field at a sporting event. Original price 500rmb and currently at 425rmb.

Year of the Dragon T shirts–Original price 100rmb now 75rmb.

Other news: we have a great new Zippered Hoodie in six sizes now available. Great new design and a fashion forward fit! This is a great gift item to take home for summer and we have also replenished the stock in the Mens and Womens Long Sleeve Tshirts.

Athletics

 

PSO

» PSO Used Uniform Sales

Gently used Concordia uniform pieces are for sale at all monthly PSO meetings. The uniform pieces cost 20 RMB each. If you have gently used uniforms you no longer need, please consider donating them to the PSO. Donations can be dropped off at the PSO office (located inside the Admissions Office) any time. Please put your uniform donation in a bag and label it “used uniforms.” If you have any questions about used uniform sales or donations, you may contact Betsy Haughee at BetsyHaughee@yahoo.com or Alison Dillemuth at Alisondillemuth@yahoo.com.

Partners & Promotions

» YEP—Concordia’s own charity of the month for May 2012

Concordia’s flagship charity is celebrating 10 years of making a difference in rural China! You can be personally involved with the Yunnan Education Project, by sponsoring a student’s education.Would you like to provide the gift of a year of High School for a needy student in Yunnan province? For 2,300RMB you can provide life-changing assistance to an impoverished student. Education is one of the most effective ways of breaking the cycle of poverty.

You may contact Karin Semler for more information—studentlife@concordiashanghai.org or complete a request for sponsorship.

In addition to sponsoring educational scholarships, you can join the ES students in sponsoring a YEP Water Project—29 RMB pays for 1 meter of PVC pipe needed to bring fresh water to a village in Xundian county, Yunnan.

Get involved today!

 

Job Openings

» Openings for 2012-2013

• Assistant Director of MarCom: Publication, Advertising, and PR focus Half-time position in the Marketing and Communications Department focused on publication relationships, advertising and PR effective August, 2012. Salary paid at an hourly rate. Requires six-3 hour blocks of paid shadowing/training between May 22 and June 5, 2012. Click for the job description and application form. Application deadline is May 18.
• Teaching Assistant/ParaProfessional (Preschool 4) – Requires ability to understand and speak English well. If a foreign passport holder, the government requires 2 years of teaching experience or 5 years of experience as a TA outside of China.
• ES Mandarin (PRC)
• MS Mandarin (PRC)
• Mandarin Substitute: Seeking substitute teachers for K-12 Mandarin classes. College graduates with a BA degree in Chinese, teaching Chinese as a second language, or a related field preferred. Ideal candidates are teachers with experience teaching Chinese as a second language or teaching heritage Chinese to K-12 students.

Applicants should complete the application form available online in the Employment section of the school website.

Opportunities

» Want get Your Doctorate?

Want to learn more about joining the Jan 2013 doctoral program cohort for Nova Southeastern University meeting in Shanghai? Please let Steve Nurre know. He will pass the information to Dr. Vanaja Nethi, the NSU liaison for Asia. She will be at Concordia to meet with interested people in the Jade/Pearl Dining Room, May 24 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. If this time doesn’t fit your schedule but you would like to speak with Dr. Nethi please let Steve know of your interest. Click here for more information about the program.

» New Family Hosts Needed

Volunteers are needed to help welcome new families to Concordia for the 2012 – 2013 school year. If you are interested in this easy and fun way to meet and help new families please contact garyjohnson@comcast.net. In your response please include the grade your children will be entering NEXT school year and if you speak any other language than English. The matching process and notifications will get underway soon. Once you receive a match you would email the new family to welcome them to the Concordia community.

» Parents In Touch

We are a group of parents who meet twice a month on campus to seek guidance and wisdom for our children, our school and the Concordia community. If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact Lin Chee at 138 178 13943 or ylgoh21@yahoo.com.hk.

 

Club Sports

» Phoenix Swim Club

Concordia Phoenix Swim Club is a parent run group providing competitive opportunities for swimmers who are 8 year old up at Concordia. For requesting a tryout and information please write to concordia_swimming@yahoo.com.

» Tuesday Night Volleyball

Check out the change. Come join the fun every Tuesday night starting at 7:00 in the HS gym. We will go until about 8:30ish or so. All levels and players are welcome to this co-ed program. Tell a friend to show up! Have questions? Contact michael.boll@concordiashanghai.org

» Shanghai American Football League

Shanghai American Football League is a youth program for ages 8 through 14. Practices and games take place at the Shanghai Rugby Club. Please go to the website www.shanghaiamericanfootball.com for more information or e-mail safl2009hits@gmail.com with any questions.

» International Shanghai Football Club (ISFC)

Works with dedicated U12’s, U14’s and U16’s players (boys and girls). Century Park Stadium is the home for ISFC Pudong and we are currently searching for more committed and highly motivated soccer players to join our enthusiastic team of coaches and current squad members. For more information please contact Andrew Deacon at andrew@sportforlife.com.cn

» Shanghai Sluggers Youth Baseball

Shanghai Sluggers is for ages 8 through 15. Please go to www.shanghaisluggers.com for more information or e-mail shanghaisluggers@gmail.com with any questions.

» Ice hockey in Shanghai

Are you looking for some hockey for your child? If so, please consider the Shanghai Thunderbirds. All the information you need can be found at www.shanghaithunderbirds.com or contact Meredith Lee at meredithruthlee@hotmail.com for more information. Please note, most sessions are full for the Fall term but we are taking names for the new session in January.

 

Worship

Please click here for information about Worship Services in Shanghai.

Classifieds

»Moving Sale!!! (5/17)

• Cell phone LG-KP108 in excellent condition. Used briefly by my children. CNY190
• Cell phone LG-GD510 in excellent condition. Rarely used. CNY890
• Wii Sports with two controller – brought in the States, hardly used. All in original box. CNY1100
• Violin 1/2 size, great quality in great condition. Brought it in Taiwan. CNY1600
• Aiwa Audio system in great condition, brought in the States. CNY500
• IPAD I Wifi + 3G 32GB in great condition. CNY2900

If interested, contact Daisy at 18902269144

»Moving Sale – Furniture! (5/17)

We’re moving to a much smaller home in Hong Kong so need to sell some of our furniture. Please visit this link for photos and prices: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9359716@N08/sets/72157629589272738/detail/

For questions, please contact us at amirandmumtaz@gmail.com.

» WTS – Baby and Toddler items, all bought in US (5/17)

Brand new baby items (still in box) :

1. Fisher Price Ocean wonders bouncer – rmb 300
2. Kawasaki Ninja Trike (for 2 to 5 year old) – rmb 180
3. Huggies Diapers size 6 (144 count) – rmb 200
4. Leap frog infant learning system – rmb 150

Gently used baby items :

1. Graco high chair – adjustable height and trays – rmb 350
2. Eddie Bauer car seat – adjustable height and cup holder – rmb 500
3. Graco booster seat – rmb 75
4. Graco Pack and Play Travel lite crib – rmb 350
5. Graco stroller with car seat – rmb 500
6. Peg Perego easy drive (light weight) stroller – rmb 500
7. First year newborn to toddler bath tub – rmb 50
8. Fisher Price link a doos magical mobile swing (3 positions, 6 speeds) – rmb 400

Please see the attached link for pictures http://share.shutterfly.com/view/flashShareSlideshow.jsp?sid=0AasmrNk5auGLvY

Contact – shweta @ 139 1803 3414

» Items for Sale (5/17)

IKEA Galant writing/computer desk (80cm X 120cm) with chair. Sell at RMB200. Click to see picture. Pls txt or call 13611720532.

» Furniture and trees for sale (5/17)

• 1- King size mattress and box spring (not IKEA) 1000RMB
• 2- IKEA POANG chairs (one blue and one tan) 200 RMB each
• 1- Artificial bamboo tree 100 RMB
• 1- Artificial tree 100 RMB
• 1- Metal 2 drawer file cabinet 200 RMB
• 1- IKEA 6-shelf BILLY book case 200 RMB

Contact Michelle at 13524758939 for details

» Trombone for Sale (5/10)

San Carlo Trombone for sale.. Purchased from Best Friends Music in Fall of 2010. Only used one school year. 900 RMB. Please call Betsy at 15800557120 if interested.

»Digital Piano for Sale (5/10)

• Casio Digital Piano PX 720 for immediate sale. Barely used and in excellent condition. Price RMB 3600 or best offer.
• Buzz Light Year Tricycle for Sale
• Brand new Buzz Light Year tricycle for immediate sale for RMB 250, original price RMB 600.

Contact 13472435454 or email jaya_krishnamurthy@yahoo.com

» Moving Sale (5/10)

• Full size spare bed with mattress and bedside table included 1000rmb or best offer
• Weber Charcoal Grill 57cm One Touch Premium with Cover and Chimney Starter bought from Villa Lifestyle for 3650rmb selling for 2500rmb (hardly used)
• Furniture from US: Couch 1600rmb, Loveseat 1400rmb or best offer
• Programable Rice Cooker/crock pot 100rmb

email michellewesley@mac.com for pictures.

» Housewares for sale (5/10)

MS teacher Wes Henderson has several items for sale. Click here to see photos and prices Henderson items for sales. If you are interested, text or call 15021947636.

Drivers & Ayis

»Driver and Car Available in June (5/17)

Mr. Sun Xiao Yong is 34 years old and has 8 years experience as a private driver in Shanghai. The family he presently works for is leaving Shanghai in June. His is an honest, clean, and safe driver with an accident free record. He is looking for a new family who wants to rent a private driver and vehicle, his rates will be better than those found through a rental car company. The type of car he will drive depends on your needs, he will buy it and rent back to you. Mr. Sun Xiao Yong can be reached at 134 8275 7571.

»Ayi Available in Lujiazui Area (5/17)

Xiao Sun has worked for my family for two years and has worked as an ayi for 7 years. I can’t say enough good things about Xiao Sun. She is dependable, thoughtful, hardworking and honest. She speaks, reads and writes English. Great with my 4 boys. Cooks well (chinese and western dishes) and is an excellent house keeper. Prefers to work 9-3 Monday-Friday and in the Lujiazui area.

Email theduerrings@mac.com or call Bridgett 1862-109-2872 for more information.

»Would you like to share an Ayi? (5/17)

I have an Ayi to share. She is available from 12:30 PM everyday. She is a good worker and cleans well. She does not speak English but the communication is not difficult. Her rates are not excessively expensive.

Please if you are interested contact me: lourdesandma@yahoo.com

»Wonderful full- time Ayi available (5/17)

Our Ayi has been with us for almost 2 years. She has been like a grandmother to our two young children. Incredible work ethic, great with children, cleaning and odd
jobs. She doesn’t cook.  She is available to start July / August.

Call Jenny @ 18621976372 if interested

» CPR Trained Ayi Available (5/17)

We are leaving Shanghai this summer and so sad to be leaving our fabulous Ayi Cao Zhenmei (Mei). Mei has worked for us for nearly two years. She has helped raise our 18 month old daughter, to whom she has been a fantastic help, positive influence and great teacher. Mei’s primary responsibilities consist of taking care of our daughter while we work, cleaning our 3 story house, laundry, shopping, paying bills, etc.

She is very conscientious, agreeable, follows directions explicitly and quite trustworthy. She comes to work and does a great job with no drama. Mei has prior experience with expat families including babies, toddlers and school aged children. She speaks, reads, writes English and has also completed the Community Center CPR course. She is available the last week of June.

Mei currently works for us full time with additional babysitting on weekends as needed. She is open to full or part time work and would like to work in Pudong. If you have any questions regarding her work, please contact Joni Coughlin (joni.coughlin@concordiashanghai.org or 15821029835) or Mei directly at 13162619896.

 

» Ayi available for work (5/10)

Our ayi has worked for our family for 5 1/2 years. She has more than 10 years experience working with expat families and most of the time she has had child care responsibilities. She and her family live in Pudong, about a 15 minutes scooter ride from Concordia. She is a very hard worker, taking care of all the cleaning, laundry, errands, shopping, and our many household problems! She cooks great Chinese food and cooks some Western food (can follow a recipe if in Chinese). She speaks good English, which is great when she is caring for Western children. We do not leave until mid-June, however, we are more than willing to negotiate a sharing schedule starting now. Please contact Shelly at Shelly@bramerspace.com or via mobile at 15921666146.

» Great Driver available June 19th (5/10)

Safe driver that has worked for us for two years and has not been late or missed a day of work in that time. He is always happy and is great with our two younger kids. He owns his own good quality GL8 Firstland Buick. Our family is moving back to US and we would like to find him a new family before we go.

Please email with any questions michellewesley@mac.com

 

Reminders

» New Residence Permits, Work Permits or Passports?

Whenever you or your family members receive new residence permits, work permits and/or passports, please be sure to send copies of your new documents to the Admissions office, in the Hall of Flags. Or, send soft copies to admissions@concordiashanghai.org. Keeping your children’s files up to date helps us keep in compliance with Chinese governmental regulations.

» Health Office Information

• Concordia’s Health Office has put together this useful list of emergency telephone numbers and addresses in both Chinese and English. Click here for the list or contact the Health Office for more information.
• Flu Shots For information on Flu shots, contact the Health Office.

Contact Starry or Daisy directly at starry.tang@concordiashanghai.org or daisy.chen@concordiashanghai.org

» No Bicycles for Children Under Age 12 on Public Streets – Shanghai International Schools Association (SISA)

The following information regarding bicycle riding in Shanghai is shared in an attempt to be helpful to all its member schools. For safety purposes, the regulations in Shanghai allow for bicycles to be ridden on public streets only by children age 12 and above. This regulation is strictly enforced in Puxi, but is unevenly applied in Pudong. The immediate danger is that families may assume that local protections for bicycle riders may be the same as in their own country, but they are not. It is important to be aware that if a child under 12 is involved in any kind of accident on a public street or crossing, the parent may be held responsible. Sidewalks and bicycle paths along public roads are considered part of the public roads. In addition, as accident insurance is relatively new to China and there are not many precedents with these situations, your own accident or medical insurance company has the right to refuse cover in the event of violation of the local law. We hope that better understanding will result in better safety for younger children.

» Community Bulletin Objectives

The Community Bulletin conveys school and student-related information and supports community, volunteer and charitable organizations. The classified section and driver/ayi notices, are meant as a service to parents. With the exception of sharing information and offers from Concordia’s official corporate partners, we do not support commercial ventures or for-profit organizations. The Community Bulletin editors reserve the right to omit submitted content deemed to fall outside the scope of the Community Bulletin.

» Parent Directory Privacy Policy

At Concordia, we are very protective of family information and data. The school emails only information that is important and directly related to the school and student issues. Internally, we carefully monitor what is emailed to parents and ensure it is appropriate. The use of email addresses from the parent directory for non-school related or commercial reasons is a severe misuse of the directory.

» Submitting Community Bulletin Items

Please submit text in final format by Wednesday at noon in Arial font (maximum 100 words or 5 sentences in paragraph form with a headline) to Marketing@concordiashanghai.org. Any submission received after this time will be included in the next week’s bulletin. Submitted items may run for a maximum of two consecutive weeks.