This is a very significant event in the life cycle of the school, as we lay out, before impartial and objective visitors, evidence of what occurs in our school, across all facets of its life. Accreditation confers great status on the school. It helps us to refine our practices – which a good school is always keen to do anyway – and it highlights the authenticity and credibility of its educational offer. We know that what happens in here at BVIS is akin to the educational offering of schools in the UK and elsewhere charging higher fees. We know, because many of the expat staff have worked in them. And so it is with confidence that we can assert the quality of the educational provision in our school for our students. We have nothing to fear from the visit of CIS as it just serves to enhance what we already do, increasing opportunities for your children and providing you with even better value as you invest in the future of your children.
Last weekend, a group of BVIS staff visited Binh Trung village in Bac Kan province. Three hours away by car and a further 12 kilometres by motorbike along unmade roads, it was an interesting journey, to say the least. This is the daily commute for students and dedicated staff to support the work on one of those rural schools. Several rural schools need our help: from teacher training to building decoration and repairs, to toys and clothes for the Hmong children as the winter approaches would all be very valuable contributions to a community that has yet to see the full importance or impact of education on young people’s lives. We will be seeking to address some of these issues. When one considers the route some of the children have to take to school, or the facilities in which the teachers operate, it is truly humbling.
As a school, we want our staff to join in the spirit of community service that we see our students engage in through the CSR programme. Already through the various clubs and activities in the school calendar that take place, we have seen that personal growth in our students where they genuinely feel for others, seek to make a difference and are proud to do so. Together through the Christmas Market – to be held in the final week of term and about which you will hear more – and the Tet Fair booths on January 24th 2016, we will seek to support others in building relationships, serving communities and, for some children, making the world of difference. I hope that you will help us to help them.
Mr Mark Sayer - Principal of BVIS Hanoi