Finishing the term with a flourish!

This week has seen some outstanding performances by our students.  On Monday, our Year 6 students spent the morning working in groups to explore and debate various aspects of the UN convention on the Rights of the Child.   They worked collaborative to discuss ideas and in the afternoon each group gave a presentation to parents and a team of judges on their findings and ideas.  I was honoured to be asked to be on the judging panel and can honestly say that I was thoroughtly impressed by the standard of their work.  Each group of students had prepared a slide show to support their speech and every child spoke confidently and from a position of knowledge.  It was truly impressive to watch.

Friday morning saw our traditional end of term Principal’s Assembly, which was live streamed into classrooms rather than held in person.  I hope some of you were also able to join us for the event.  We enjoyed some spectacular performances from our choir and Juilliard Dance troupe, as well as a short piano recital from Eric, our NAE Young Musician of the Year.  Some students who had participated in different events throughout the term spoke about their experiences, which ranged from Mini-United Nations (MUN) debates, through Book Day and an MFL competition, into Science Week and the MIT STEAM Festival.  It was wonderful to reflect back over the term and celebrate some of these events and achievements.

Of course, the highlight of the Principal’s Assembly is always the Principal’s Awards. These are given to just one student per year group, not solely for academic effort and achievement, but more importantly for embodying our BIS values and attributes in their day to day school lives. The values of respect, integrity and care, and attributes of enquiry, reflection and perseverance underpin all that we do as a school. I am delighted to announce the following Term 2 Principal’s Award winners:

In the assembly, Nacho and Ha Minh, our current Head Boy and Head Girl, reflected on their year in these important posts. They were also proud to announce our new Head Students, who will take up their roles next term. I’m delighted to tell you that, after much discussion and debate, Heidy and Angela have been selected to take on these key leadership roles in our school. We wish them both every success in their new venture.

Today sees our Year 11 and 13 students going off on study leave in preparation for their examinations next term. We wish them well at this crucial point in their school careers.

Today also marks my final day as Principal in BIS Hanoi. It has been my absolute honour and privilege to lead this wonderful school over the last 9 months. I have worked in and been associated with many schools during my career, but I can honestly say that BIS Hanoi holds a truly special place in my heart. The student focused, caring ethos almost seems to be part of the fabric of the building and is what sets it apart from other schools. Although leaving, I will continue to follow the development of the school from afar, and I am sure that it will continue to go from strength to strength. My very best wishes to you all.

Karen Hanratty

Principal