A farewell from Mr Sean O'Neill

As I leave BIS HCMC after 9 wonderful years, I want to share my thanks to you all for your support and partnership each day of my BIS journey. 

In case you were in any doubt- BIS is a really special place. I remember when I arrived there were certain things that made me realise our school was different, in the opening few weeks – the school received the IGCSE Learner Awards in which students received recognition from Cambridge for their IGCSE Performance. Amongst the awards , one student Rahul received “Top in the World in mathematics” and the place erupted! Everyone jumped to their feet and he ran up to the stage almost flying on the wave of adulation.  And I thought to myself… I am so glad to be in a place where the Maths students are the Rockstars-(but also the rockstars are the rockstars). It said to me that we value the right things. 
There are moments when you know you are in a great community…such as on one International Day when a year 7 student “Ishmael” stood up and sang “Dil Dil Pakistan” and the whole school went wild in rapturous support. Now every year we sing together with Ishmael and it somehow represents who we are and what we value.

What is of course really great is that it is not just at special events that the magic of BIS happens. I was walking round the corridors last week during one period and in that short time, I saw Parachutes dropped, trebuchets fired , rock bands, robots, debates, grotesque art, and a whole year group orchestra. This is what I love about BIS that every day something incredible happens…

And the reason for this - what makes our school – the people within it and the relationships we share. Between students, teachers and everyone else who makes up our school.
Our students are just the best, today I told the students a secret, that this is what the teachers say all the time - when we are asked what makes this a great school every teacher always says the attitude, spirit , determination and positivity of our students. We love working with them each of them.

I love how they always want to make change and embrace change. At BIS, we never stand still – when our alumni come back to visit they are always amazed at how much BIS has changed. When our students come back after the summer there will be new changes. We don’t stand still and I have loved working with them to change our school whether it has been big things like the Courtyard, Curve or Cafeteria and writing the BIS Student Values to those small things that they have suggested that just make a small difference like having Beanbags in the Curve or Uno in the Hub. It is so important that each have a voice and use it to shape your school. 

Not too long ago I went to tailors I had used over the years, for a new suit, the tailor said “Mr Sean you look much more old and fat than since I last saw you”  I haven’t been back.

But seriously I will miss that honesty and closeness, an emotional realness that makes this place special. Whether this is your home country or like us you are guests.  Appreciate just how lucky we are to have spent some of our lives in this wonderful country,

Today, I led the last-ever assembly with your sons and daughters and I offered my observations 3 things that I have noticed that when people do them they seem to have a good life.

Treat everyone the same 

1. First, treat everyone the same - treat everyone the same -  irrespective of their power, wealth or status. It is how we treat waiters, porters, cleaners, security guards, and strangers on the bus, not how we treat the boss, that defines us as an individual. Remembering no-one is better than you and no-one is beneath you is a good way to have a good life and make real connections with the people you meet along the way. And at times when people you meet are a bit annoying - give them the benefit of the doubt- you might need it in return.

Be yourself - live your life

2.  Secondly, remember:  Be Yourself- live your life, not what society wants, not what your parents want, not what your friends are doing- take advice but do what is right for you. You all go out into the world with something unique to offer - there is no-one on this planet quite like you. So don’t be pigeonholed by expectations. What I love about BIS students is that you can be the winner of the Maths Prize and Battle of the Bands, in the football team and DnD CCA, an Historian and a Scientist. As we get older the world often wants to put us into square boxes and fit to a certain type. My advice is to not let it. Continue to be a computer scientist who paints, a diplomat who sees the beauty of mathematics, and a doctor who writes poetry. It will lead to a rich and rewarding life.

If you haven’t done something yet doesn’t mean you can’t do it now.  You may remember the fantastic performance of Bonnie and Clyde last year. Huy the Year 12 who played the main male supporting role had never been in a production, and never studied drama but in year 12 auditioned for the school show. He got the part, loved the experience, found his passion and then auditioned for drama school in New York where he is now studying to be an actor.  So when you see a musician or an athlete or an MUN debater don’t think that doesn’t apply to me – you can all be however you want to be – so if there is something you want to do but haven’t done yet- just go for it.

Say yes to as many things as you can- you will have a more interesting life.

Try to laugh every day

3.      My last and perhaps most simple thing you can do to have a good life is to try to laugh every day…each day if you haven’t laughed yet – find someone you can laugh with –talk to someone who you know makes you laugh,  find something to make you laugh, watch something, read something. If you can make someone smile  - they will have a good day and so will you.

You have made me smile, made me laugh and made me so proud every single day of my 9 years at BIS. I am so proud to be your Headteacher and feel blessed to be part of this wonderful school.

I will miss you but know I will be cheering you on from afar.

Thank you.