Mr Ian Battersby: Weekly Update 07/12/18

The Christmas spirit was brought to life on Wednesday morning when Year 1 performed ‘Santa’s Hat’ to a delighted audience.  It was wonderful to see the children on stage as they sang, danced and delivered their lines with such confidence and with obvious glee on their faces.

Year 1 Christmas Production

The festive spirit continued on Friday as the children in F1, F2 and F3 came together for a Christmas sing–a–long.  The children were amazing and to think that the youngest performers were just over two years old is incredible. 

Egyptian Day

Although we have been enjoying the Christmas concerts and activities, it has been super to see all the learning that has been taking place this week.  In Year 2 on Thursday, all the children and teaching staff looked incredible dressed up as Ancient Egyptians for Egyptian Day.  There were various activities taking place in the classrooms during the morning, followed by a rotation in the afternoon.  To end the day, we welcomed parents in to see what the children had been learning.

Pharaohs and mummies at EY&I!

F2 Spy Day

Learning in F2 takes many forms.  On Wednesday, the children went on an adventure as spies, to BVIS.  They had great fun while they were there, but the learning began before they even left; talking about the day, getting on to a bus, seeing and talking about the journey, having lunch in a different place.  All these are opportunities for learning and will have been observed and recorded by the teachers and teaching assistants.

F2 Spy Kids

Cricket with Mike Gatting

Last Friday, we had a very exciting visitor come to BIS.  Mike Gatting is a former captain of the England cricket team and was in Ho Chi Minh City to promote participation in sport, particularly cricket, with young people.  I joined the members of our cricket club, as we took part in a training session with the cricketing legend.  It was inspirational!

Former England Cricket Captain Mike Gatting OBE visits BIS HCMC

Tet Collection

The Lunar New Year celebrations are early next year; we are off school from Thursday 31^st January.  This time will come round quickly, so we have already started our Tet Collection.   We are going to be collecting items as usual, although there are some differences as to how we will be doing this, this year. 

Year 2 Modern Foreign Language (MFL) Choices

Last week, all Year 2 parents should have received a letter with information about choosing a modern foreign language (either French, Spanish or Mandarin) that will be studied in Year 3.  If you have not received this letter please contact Ms Van (van.pho@bisvietnam.com">van.pho@bisvietnam.com) who can provide you with one.

If you would like to see Ms Sophie’s presentation that was shared about making the MFL choice, please follow the link below:

Y2 Parents MFL Choices

Finer Diners

Congratulations to this week’s Year Finers Diners!

Learning Skills Challenge: Week 13

It's the last one this term. Can you crack the code set by Mr Chandler and open the safe?! Click here to find out more. 

Winter Holiday Sports Programme

Please see the message below from Phil Husband, our Director of Sport, about exciting sporting opportunities coming up over the holiday period:

BIS are delighted to announce another action packed Winter Holiday Sports Programme during this year's Christmas holidays. Camps will run for the full first week before Christmas and the final two week days before school starts in January. The camp this holiday includes sports and activities such as Skills Factory, Basketball, Football and Swimming. Providers working with the school this year include BIS’ own PE and Swimming staff, RSFA and SSA coaches. 

Please click here to access the 'Winter Holiday Camp 18-19 Overview' for the full list of activities and prices for all three campuses. If you would like to sign up for a camp, please print off the relevant letter and reply slip and pay at the cashier of your school before WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER. Please stick to this deadline so that relevant organisation can be made with providers. 

Christmas BISzaar 2018

Our Parent Teacher Group (PTG) are busy organising our annual Christmas BISzaar to be held on Saturday 8th December 2018 at the BIS Secondary Campus. 

Raffle tickets are now on sale from each campus reception. Register your interest in the Christmas BISzaar 2018 Facebook event to stay up to date with the latest prizes!

Upcoming Community Events

Coming up in Term 2

• Community Talks
  • Look out for more talks coming in Term 2.  Topics to be discussed include: heart attacks, autism and pollution.
• Community Workshops
  • Term 2 will also see the start of our community workshops where parents will have the opportunity to come together and do a creative workshop together.  Workshops coming up include printing, embroidery and watercolour painting. Look out for details at the start of Term 2 about how to sign up for these workshops.

PTG Update

There were some great moves on the dance floor on Thursday.  Please see the PTG Update for more about the disco, and how preparations are going for International Week.

Primary PTG Update: 14/12/18

Join our BIS Baby and Toddler Group

Children can start at BIS when they are 2 years old. Fundinotots is the ‘BIS Baby and Toddler Group’ where parents of children aged 0 to 36 months can meet other parents and allow their children to engage in a range of activities. Fundinotots is based on the new Early Years and Infant Campus.

To find out more about fundinotots at BIS HCMC, please click here.

8/12/18 – Christmas BISzaar

10/12/18 – F1, F2, F3 Canteen Taster Session @ 9am (sign up through CHQ)

11/12/18 – Primary Carol Concert @ Junior Campus

12/12/18 – EY&IC Christmas Market (for children only)

14/12/18 – Term 1 ends @ 11.50am

7/1/19 – Term 2 begins

8/1/19 – Welcome Back and Newcomers Coffee Morning

14 & 15/1/19 – PTSCs with Class Teachers

21 – 25/1/19 – International Week

31/1/19 – TET Holiday begins

Permission to leave slip

We would like to remind all parents that school identification badges must be shown and worn at all times when on any of our three campuses (including weekend and evening events).  If not, you will be asked for some form of identity and be required to wear a visitor’s badge.  

If you are collecting a child without the ID card, you will need to visit Reception for a ‘Permission to leave slip’ before collecting your child from the classroom and exiting the campus together.

We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students and school site safe and secure.

Health and Safety

Stay Vigilant

As in all major cities petty crime does occur, as a reminder to all of us please always take care of your personal belongings, especially when walking across roads and along the pavements.

Safeguarding at school – it’s everyone’s responsibility

Photographs

It is every parent’s wish to capture memorable moments on camera of their child at school either performing in an assembly, on their birthday or simply playing with their friends on the playground before the start of the school day.  Any photos that are taken by parents on personal devices must be kept private.  They must not be shared publicly on social media or between non-family members such as, other parents in the school.  By following these guidelines, we ensure our BIS safeguarding policy is adhered to and that our children are kept safe. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

If, during your visit to school, you have any reason to be concerned about the safety of a young person, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Leader.

And Finally…