First Quarter 2011-12

» Welcome back Concordia!

And, welcome to the new students, friends, and faculty who are joining us for the 2011-2012 school year! The theme word “Transform” was chosen this year as a focus and transformation is taking place in many forms around our school.

The campus landscape is being transformed with more grass, sculptures and playground equipment. The process will continue as trees and bushes are planted this fall to beautify the campus and lower our carbon footprint. A windmill and solar panel are creating new energy sources. Students and teachers are being transformed every day through the learning of new knowledge and skills. But even more importantly, we are encouraging the Concordia community to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We are challenged to not conform to the ways of the world, but to be more like Christ. While most things in this world change, we know that God’s love is always constant and in that knowledge there is freedom to allow Him to work His transformational change in us. My challenge to you—find the courage to let God transform you from the inside out every day of this year.

I invite you to sit on the “Concordia” sculpture by the Rittmann Center or on one of the many benches on campus to reflect on your transformation. Check out the celebration wall by the Founder’s Garden to reflect on words that can assist us as a community in our ongoing collective transformation.

» Record Beginning Enrollment

As of Sept. 1, there were 1202 students on campus, with additional students enrolled throughout the coming months. Enrollment has continually increased with each new school year. We are thankful that so many expatriate families have made Concordia their school of choice!

» Introducing New Faculty and Staff

The new faculty and staff “Class of 2011” has been warmly welcomed and has become fully involved in various activities at Concordia. As with many other Concordia teachers, this group brings vast knowledge and experience. The new hires have taught internationally in locations that include elsewhere in China, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saipan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore South Korea, St. Croix, Taiwan, and Thailand. Their diversity in backgrounds and experience will benefit the Concordia community in many ways. The hiring process to fill vacancies (new, expansion, restored, and replacement) was lengthy and intentional. After 110 interviews being conducted from a pool of 475 completed applications, the 30 members of the Class of 2011 were invited to join our community. We are pleased to welcome each of them to Concordia!

» Creative Play!

We are pleased to announce that recess is being held on the new playground next to the Elementary and Middle School buildings. As partially funded by the 2009 Creative Play Auction, the new play area integrates landscaping with new play equipment, which also offers many developmental benefits. Students will be able to improve coordination on the climbing apparatus, balance structures, tunnels, swings and spinners. Upper body and core muscle strength are increased when weight bearing takes place on equipment like the climbing structures, monkey bars, parallel poles and more. To ensure the safety of all our students, administrators have provided each class with training on the rules and procedures for the play area. During PE, teachers have instructed students on how to properly use the different equipment.

Physical education teacher, Kirsten Gray shared, “Children are able to play cooperatively and creatively on unique equipment. Concordia’s new play areas offer hours of entertainment along with building critical strength and coordination.” I encourage you to take a look at our newest transformation. From the undulating waves and the rock river edges to the climbing ropes, students will be able find challenge at their own comfort level and enjoy their play time as they continue to grow and develop.

» Official Launch of www.concordiashanghai.org

As part of the continued technological and branding transformation, our new website was launched on Thursday, October 14th with a fresh looking Community Bulletin. Many of you have commented on how you have enjoyed the look and feel of the revamped Community Bulletin. We do too. The professionalism and branded image is a reflection of a two-year process involving the hard work of staff and volunteer parents. Thank you to all who participated in any way and congratulations on a job well done!

Hopefully most of you have had an opportunity to look around the site and have found many new features. The site offers one-stop access to countless informational nuggets whether you are a parent, student or faculty member.

Congratulations to all website contest winners. If you don’t know what that refers to, it is not too late. To solve the next challenge and get your name in the drawing for a free 2012 Gala and Auction ticket, make sure to read the next Community Bulletin. Happy hunting!

» Upcoming Parent Climate Survey

Please watch in November for the 2011 Parent Climate Survey. Concordia’s administration finds valuable information from this annual survey. Your opinions count and we look forward to hearing your thoughts. The results will be shared later in the school year along with what actions have or will result from the data gathered from the survey. Thanks in advance for your participation!

» HOS Search Update

Last fall I announced my retirement at the end of this school year as your Head of School. Concordia’s Board of Directors has started the search process to find a person who will lead Concordia in the future. The committee is working diligently to narrow the list of very qualified applicants. Their goal is to name a successor by December of 2011. Please continue to pray for this process and watch for invitations to meet candidates in November.

Dr. James Koerschen

Head of School