Weekly Highlights 09/12/2022

Mr. Simon Higham, Principal

Dear Parents

As we approach the festive Christmas season, what better way to begin this week’s Highlights than with a quote by the famous British author, Charles Dickens. In his book, ‘A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings’ he said:

“Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every person has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all people have some.”

For myself, as we approach the end of a school term it signals a time to reflect upon what has been achieved and prioritise the next steps along the journey. This year, we have returned to learning following a difficult period of time when we were unable to enter the school building, learn within a virtual classroom and develop deeper feelings of concern, uncertainty and isolation – all of which are were never previously associated within the field of quality education.

As Dicken’s outlines in his writing, we must essentially reflect upon what we have, not what we haven’t and be able to be forward facing in all that we do.

The art of effective reflection can generate great conversation and discussion at home and in school. Over the weekend, please take time to reflect with your child(ren) and ask them the following questions:

1. What do you now know about yourself that you didn’t know at the beginning of this academic year?
   
   
2. What has been your biggest achievement this term and what helped you to achieve it?
   
   
3. What have you found most challenging this year and how have you tried to overcome this? Who has helped to support you?
   
   
4. What are the 3 things that you want to achieve in Term 2 and beyond at BVIS?
   
   
5. How can the support around you, help to make these achievements attainable?

As always, I would very much like to hear about the discussions that you have with your chid(ren) and what their reflections have been during a very busy and productive term of learning together at BVIS.

Blood Brothers

A huge congratulations to all of the cast of Blood Brothers - our Secondary Production for 2022.

The Main Hall was transformed into what could have been Broadway in New York or the West End in London for the 3 incredible performances that took place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.

Well done to you all for your hard work, dedication and efforts in making these truly amazing nights to remember and look forward to next year’s show!

BVIS Christmas Day

We are looking forward to seeing you all at this year’s BVIS Christmas Day that takes place on Saturday 10th December from 10.00am.

Thank you to all families who will be attending and also a big thanks to all parents who have volunteered to help support on the day.

See you there!

Christmas Lunch

Continuing the Christmas theme, next week on Thursday 15th December, all students will have the option of eating a traditional festive lunch with a special treat for dessert too!

Thank you for the continued support of Ms Huong and her Blackcat team for their continued high quality and variety of excellent food offered to our BVIS students.

I’m feeling hungry already!

School Photographs

Last week, Pret a Portrait were in school to take both individual and class photos across EYFS, Primary and Secondary phases.

This year, we have brought the team in earlier than normal, to ensure that you have more time to make your orders should you wish to purchase any photographs of your child(ren).

We remain in close contact with the photographers and over the next 2 – 3 weeks, we expect to receive information from them that will guide you through the options for how to view your child’s photographs and how to order them online.

A Vietnamese speaking representative (Ms. Van Tran) from Pret-A-Portrait is available to you as a first point of contact to give assistance if required. Should you have any questions please Zalo or call 0932525051 and email her directly on: customerservice@pret-a-portrait.vn or mivatran.pret@gmail.com

Welcome to BVIS 

As part of our ongoing introduction to new members of our teaching staff, this week we are pleased to welcome Mr John Twemlow, our Secondary Computer Science Teacher.

1. What were your first impressions of BVIS?
   
   Having worked at BIS Hanoi previously, I was aware of the strong reputation BVIS had in the community within HCMC. I’m extremely pleased to have joined such a welcoming and supportive school that cares deeply for everyone who steps inside the building. The sense of belonging hits you immediately and the existing staff have made the transition to BVIS extremely smooth.  
   
   
2. As a BVIS teacher, what are your professional priorities in this first year at school? 
   
   The foundation of any successful classroom I believe is the rapport you have with your students. I want to ignite the passion for computer science through the use of technology within this forever changing industry, experimenting with new devices, trialling new initiatives and allowing students to work collaboratively on a range of problem-solving activities.  
   
   
3. What 3 things are you looking forward to doing whilst working and living in Vietnam?  
   
   As I enter my 6th year in Vietnam there are still many places I would like to explore. I would like to try some of the outdoor activities in Dalat, along with caving in Phong Nha. I also love driving my motorbike around, so it would be great to find some hidden places outside of the city for weekend get-aways.

Contact Us

Should you require any help, support or advice regarding the school website or any aspect of your child’s education, please do not hesitate to contact us using the information below:

Have a very relaxing and well-deserved weekend ahead.

Please remember that next week is the last week of our term and that school will finish on Friday 16th December at 11.30am.

Mrs Mary McAloon, Head of Primary

‘Santa Goes on Strike’ – Year 2 Production

Our Year 2 students proudly performed their production to Year 2 families on Friday this week.  The hard work and perseverance paid off with every song being sung with enthusiasm and talent and every line being spoken with confidence.  Putting together a performance such as this promotes and supports so many aspects of development for children.  Performing in a play develops the courage to speak in front of a large audience, tests a student’s memory as they practice learning their lines and provides an experience of working collaboratively with the whole cast to ensure the timings are perfect and the story being told flows well throughout.

Congratulations and thank you to our Year 2 performers this week – the show was magnificent! 

Year 4 – Year 6 Sports Day

This week the whole of Upper Primary came together in their house teams – Dalat, Hanoi, Hue and Saigon – to compete in the annual Sports Day led by our PE department.  The excitement filled the air as the students and teaching team embarked on the buses to make their way to the Sports Stadium that had been set up ready for the fun-filled morning ahead.  With activities like sprint shuttles, javelin launch and frisbee challenge, the students were prepared to build up their house points to work towards being named the Champion House of the Year for the Upper Primary Sports Day.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and made memories to keep forever.  

Congratulations to our winning house: Hue!

Football Programme

Following the huge success of our U11 Girls and Boys Football Team wins this term in the City Championships, these students are being offered the opportunity to continue to develop their passion through a bespoke programme designed to nurture the skill, passion and commitment that these students have shown through their football squad experience.  

Last Saturday was their first taster session of what was in store as they continue to meet as a squad and build their confidence, playing style and talent on the football field.  This bespoke programme has been shared with our U11 and U13 football squads; please look out for the emails for further information.  

We look forward to seeing the further success that they will have together as a team.

Upcoming Events

• 10/12/22: Christmas Fun Day

• 15/12/22: Primary Christmas Party Day (non-uniform day for primary students)

• 16/12/22 @ 11:30: Term 1 Ends

Mr Toby Bate, Head of Secondary

Secondary Sports Day

On Monday, secondary students represented their houses at our annual sports day. 

Students from Year 7 - Year 13 competed in a range of track and field events, and all showed amazing house spirit by supporting their teams. It was a close-run event, however the end results gave Hue the sports day trophy! 

Well done to all students for their excellent sportsmanship and enthusiasm all day!

Headteacher’s breakfast

Two students were selected from each of the four houses and Sixth form, by their Heads of House, to enjoy a breakfast and discussion with Mr Bate. This was to reward their commitment to their House over the course of Term 1.

Congratulations to Minh Dan (Vio), Thai Hien (Annie), Nhu Minh (Kate), Tuyet Nhi, Vivian, Ngoc Han (Jenny), Hoang Khoi (Tin Tin), Nam Phu, Khai Phuc (Frank) and Phuong Nghi (Nancy) who enjoyed chatting over breakfast on Tuesday morning with Mr Bate.

Creative Arts

The cast, band and crew of ‘Blood Brothers’ have impressed audiences from BIS, friends, family and teachers this week with their spectacular performances. 

It has been a huge commitment this term, with the majority of the cast rehearsing for at least 5 hours a week since August to prepare. This was our most challenging show to date, with an emotional and tense storyline. 

The standard of the acting, singing and music on display was incredibly impressive, and received rave reviews from the audience in attendance. 

Ms Lopez (Director) and Mrs Amos (Music Director) 

History

As part of their studies on ‘The Industrial Revolution’, Year 8 students were looking into changes in production methods that occurred.  

The classroom simulation allowed students to discover the differences between the old Domestic System and the modern Factory System and led to a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of both systems. 

Instrumental Music Lessons

This week saw the launch of our exciting new collaboration with the Auftdart School of Music and Performing Arts to provide specialist instrumental lessons for students in Year 4 – 6. The instruments offered will be guitar, ukulele, drums and singing. If you’re interested to find out more and to register your interest in lessons, please click on the link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=e3DJf4-dak-Fa664SP7xA47OyJUdHKJNqbUMZg6_s0lUN0U4R1VRQ01SN1NHRVVFME9ORERCMVZCTS4u 

Student Champion(s) of the Week

This week once again saw joint champions from Year 9!

Congratulations to Yen Minh (Olivia) 9I and Thao Nhi (Rose) 9V! This actually makes it 3 weeks in a row for Olivia, what an amazing achievement!

Champion Tutor Group of the Week

This week’s champion tutor group is….

who collectively earned a huge 112 Housepoints! A huge congratulations to everyone in 9V!

Upcoming Events

• 10/12/22: Christmas Fun Day 

• 16/12/22 @ 11:35: Term 1 Ends

• 04/01/23: First Day back for Students

• 04/01/23 – 13/01/23: Mock examinations for Y11, Y12 and Y13 students.

• 10/01/23 – 13/01/23: Secondary Residential Trips

• 18/01/23 – 31/01/23: Tet Holiday

• 09/12/22: Secondary Clubs end

Safeguarding and Child Protection

The health, safety and wellbeing of our students remains the number one priority at BVIS HCMC.

Should you have a concern for the welfare of any child in our school, please refer to our Safeguarding poster below: