Parents’ Corner – 24/3/17

Not long ago, I wrote to the Parent Group whatsapp group that Term 3 will be very quiet. I guess I was wrong. Term 3 will be equally as busy as Terms 1 and 2 because the group has decided to step into a challenging project (again!). Read more in this week’s Parent Corner.

Reflecting on the beginning of the school year, the energy was a bit low.  We had to say, “Good bye” to many parents and friends at the end of the previous academic year and the Parent Group was not sure how and what they could bring for the upcoming year. However, with “new blood” the spirit came back quickly and the Parent Group has continued to be very ambitious! Term 3 will be as challenging and interesting as the two previous terms with the Poussières de Vie (PdV) playground project. 

Be Ambitious…(again and always)

Last week Ms Clover and Ms Alicia introduced to Eva and Duyen the various possibilities to make good use of the money that the school fête raised. On Monday, Ms Alicia delivered the presentation again to an extended parent group and two options were selected. TX have around 7 different community partners, all with different needs. All suggestions were very interesting, however it was decided that we would focus on a big project rather than “spreading” smaller amounts on many smaller projects. Nevertheless, Thien Phuoc Orphanage was also carefully discussed as they are in need of a (very expensive) physiotherapy bike.  We are thinking about how to help Thien Phuoc to reach the amount needed with the help of our two other campuses because Thien Phuoc is also supported by An Phu Primary (APP) and An Phu Secondary (APS). 

So for TX at the moment, as Animal Rescue and Care (ARC) received 11million VND from EYFS already, but need manpower, we will volunteer for the dog walks like last year and also the cleaning and playtime at the cat house. The visits will be scheduled during Term 3 and we’ll inform you ahead of time so parents will be able to join. 

PdV has a playground which is in need of renovation. APS students and TX Y4 students will be involved with this renovation through a club. They will design a mural to be completed during club time and installed at the end of Term 3. The parents’ task will be to provide PdV with the equipment that they wish to receive for example, a foam floor, a gym, a play structure and a fan. Next Tuesday an initial group will go and survey the location of the playground with Ms Clover. The aim is to assess their needs and listen carefully to what they would like. After the visit, we will have a clearer picture of the area and will be able to start planning; however, painting walls is already on the list of tasks. It promises to be another great sharing moment for parents!

This week, it was the last EAL Parents’ Class of Term 2 and Wendy and Alexander wanted to share their experiences with you. Parents’ Corner is your place, too! So if you would like to share something about the events that you take part in at school, then feel free to send your text and pictures to, tx.ptg.bis@gmail.com before Thursday morning to be featured in the Friday newsletter.

Throwback…EAL Parent Class

Everyone agreed that throughout the months, from day one till the very last day of class Mr. Luke always came to class well prepared.  Before the end of the class he would always ask us what we would like next week’s topics to be. And once the class started he would always give everyone an opportunity to speak, after all this class is all about helping everyone learn to speak confidently in English. Furthermore, he always had a ‘memory game or ‘guess the correct word’ game for us to play. It is another clever idea for getting everyone involved in playing and learning at the same time. Like last term on our last day we all went to the cafe next to school to have a drink and recap on what everyone had learned.  This gave everyone a chance to feedback and evaluate. Overall, everyone has enjoyed being in this class and of course everyone is already waiting to sign up for Term 3. 

Wendy & Alexander

Next Parent Group Meeting

Next Wednesday 29^th March, you are invited to join the PG meeting with Ms Mary at 8am in the Multi-purpose room. We’ll look back at the School Fête and review what’s in store for Term 3. Please join us, it’s never too late to have some fun! 

Have a lovely weekend and don’t forget to pop to the APP Spring Fair (9am to 12pm) for lots of fun and entrainment.  The Spring Fair is for another great cause as the funds raised will benefit the APP community service partners. 

Anne on behalf of the Parent Group