Tu Xuong Fete

Community is at the heart of everything we do at BIS HCMC.  Last weekend was a perfect example of how our community at the Tu Xuong campus regularly meets to enjoy, celebrate and create magical memories together.  It is true to say that working together achieves more; as John Heywood once said, “Many hands make light work”.

Saturday 4^th March began with a great amount of energy, with Mr Ian opening the Tu Xuong fete with a welcome speech and declaring the games and activities open.  The parent group had been busily preparing an array of fun and laughter for the community.  Not only were students and families invited but also, friends of families and our fabulous friends at Poussieres de Vie school (PdV).  PdV are one of Tu Xuong’s community partners who our Tu Xuong children work with.  The children and teachers from PdV were invited to sing and dance on the stage as well as enjoy the crafts, games and refreshments, all sponsored by our parent group.  We give thanks to all those who supported the event and made it happen for our friends at PdV, they really were appreciative of their experiences from the day.  We also thank PdV for preparing such great performances for us all to watch.

The Parent Group really were ambitious when it came to sponsorship and the tremendous raffle prizes that they gathered.  People who had purchased raffle tickets really were in for a treat if they were lucky enough to have their ticket drawn from the drum.  With coconut juice to spa vouchers and 2-nights hotel stays to hotel dinner vouchers, there sure was a lot to get excited about!  The 270+ raffle prizes were drawn throughout the day, along with the amazing silent auction prizes, there were so many happy winners.  The Tu Xuong fete was sponsored by so many groups and individuals.  This would not have been the case had it not have been for the fantastic parent group who coordinated it all.  Firstly, on behalf of the school I would like to say thank you to all the parents and family members who were involved in the run up to, during the event and after, because without all of the support that you have given, and continue to give, we would not be able to create such a magnificently successful event.

Along with enjoyment and great memories comes the great news of how much money was raised for our BIS HCMC community partners.  In total the Tu Xuong fete raised 120,000,000VND!  This is credit to the parent group and is perfect evidence to show how much of a success the event was.  It also highlights just how generous and supportive our community is.  Use of the funds will be very carefully planned by Ms Clover and Ms Huong in our Community Department together with our parent group over the next few months.

As a final note, it is pertinent to give thanks to all of the sponsors who supported the event, whether that be with donations for the raffle, café, games or craft activities, volunteering time or working hard to plan and evaluate the event.  There are a few major sponsors who I would like to thank individually for their extra special and generous sponsorship,

·         Nhakhoakim (dental clinic),

·         Naman Retreat Resort in Danang,

·         Holiday One Hotel in the Mekong Delta

·         Air France

The magical memories that have been made are set to stay with our children and the children from PdV forever; thank you to all those who were involved – children, parents, teachers and sponsors.  It was heartwarming to see so many smiling faces enjoying their day at the Tu Xuong fete!

Mary McAloon, Deputy Headteacher