Mr Simon Higham: Weekly Update 08/06/18

On Tuesday evening, it was the turn of the children from our Junior Campus to perform and show off their incredible musical talents in our annual Summer Concert entitled ‘A Night at the Movies’. What an amazing effort from everyone who took part combining our orchestra and choirs. Our music department and the provision for musical learning for all of our children has continued to grow in strength, year on year and in our collaboration with Juilliard, the future is extremely bright for all of our BIS HCMC children. Well done to all of our participants this week and thank you for a very receptive and appreciate audience. More information and photos from this event can be found here.

Please also access this blog post from last week’s Friday assembly that was a pre curser for this event.

On Wednesday afternoon, our parents from Fundinotots and F1 took part in our second Community meeting, in collaboration with Family Medical Practice in which Dr Jonathan delivered a workshop on first aid for young children. It was great to see so many attendees and we hope to further extend this provision of regular workshops into the forthcoming new academic year.

On Wednesday evening, our Secondary colleagues and students showcased their artistic abilities in the BIS Night of the Arts. The Design, Visual and Performing Arts Departments opened up their doors to parents, students, teachers and the local community to showcase a variety of lessons, open rehearsals and performances. It was a real privilege to be part of this evening and see so many of our former primary students now thriving within our secondary environment.

The essence of what we are trying to achieve at BIS HCMC can be seen in these 3 events this week. Outstanding education is not achieved in isolation but in the collaboration across a whole school learning environment. This journey begins when your child takes their first steps in our school, both literally and metaphorically and continues throughout their time with us. Progress does not happen overnight but through your support of what we are trying to achieve, the evidence of learning is clearly visible.

To view the photos from this event please click here.

FOBISIA Primary Games – 2018

From 27th-31st May, this huge annual sporting event witnessed 6 British international schools across Asia competing in 4 tournaments over three days, on the island of Phuket in Thailand. 240 children from Years 5 and 6 competed against each other in Athletics, Swimming, Teeball, and Football. Our BIS children had trained for nearly 5 months in preparation for this event, creating a prepared and determined team of athletes.

Congratulations to all of our athletes who took part beating their own personal best times, heights, and jumps. Read more about this event in this post by Mr Simon Grimshaw, Primary PE Leader.   

BIS and BVIS Writing Workshop 2018

Last term, BIS and BVIS ran a creative writing competition. Children from Years 1-6 could enter the competition by writing a story with the theme ‘Watch’. We had many interesting and original entries but eventually one winner and one runner-up per year group were selected. The prize? A fun and exciting day of collaborative writing!

Congratulations and well done for taking part: Vivi, Bao Tram, Maya, Jayden, Katie, Akilan, Tupo, Jolie , Alvin, Rishi, Linh Danh, Megan and of course all of the winners from BVIS.

Read more about this event in this post by Ms Alicia, Ms Gemma and Ms Kirstine, our Primary English Leaders.

Latest News from Year 3

Much has been happening in Year 3 since our last update. A highlight of the term so far has been the Vietnamese Culture lessons that taught us all about traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Year 3 were lucky enough to have a visit from some musicians who performed to the year group last week. Read more about the Year 3 journey and view some great pictures showing their experiences in this post by Mr Michael Martin, Year 3 Teacher and Year 3 Leader.

IB Visual Arts Exhibition 2018 at Soma Art Café: Monday 11th June 2018, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

We are delighted to showcase the hard work of 4 of our Year 13 BIS HCMC artists who are exhibiting select pieces from their recently completed International Baccalaureate Visual Arts course. To find out more details and how you can come along to support, please access this post by our Secondary Art Department.

Table Tennis

The annual U11 SISAC Table Tennis Championship took place on Friday 1^st June, 2018 with a record number of players.

The quality of the tournament continues to develop with the participation of 8 teams from 7 different schools in Ho Chi Minh City; BIS HCMC, AIS, SIS, BVIS, ISHCMC, AMIS NB, AMIS NVC.

Read more about this event in this post by Mr Ali Thom, Primary PE Leader.

International Week

Our International Week is fast approaching and we are looking forward to another great week of learning across both the Early Years and Infants and Junior Campuses. This year, International Week will run from Monday June 18^th to Friday June 22^nd 2018.  It promises to be a spectacular week for all. 

Below, please find the key dates and times for events that are happening throughout the week. Thank you to all for your support in helping to make this a learning rich experience for all of our students.

BIS EY&I Campus Parade of Nations

Our BIS Parade of Nations will happen on Thursday 21st June at the EY&I campus.  This is open to students, teachers and parents. It will be in the EY&I Sports Hall and will start at 8:30am.  Children are invited to come to school dressed in their national dress or clothes representing their home country on this day.

Junior Campus Parade of Nations, Friday 22^nd June

This is open to students, teachers and parents. Due to large numbers, there will be two Parades.

Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4B, 4S, 4V and 4H will be in the first parade which will begin at 8.30am

Year 5, Year 6 and Year 4I, 4N and 4C will take part in the second parade which will begin at 10.30am.

Both parades will take place in the gym at the Junior Campus. 

Children are invited to come to school dressed in their national dress or clothes representing their home country on this day.

Global Café

With regards to the Global Café and in line with our commitment to reduce the use of single use plastic across the school, we will not be providing plastic plates for the children.  Instead we would like to ask all children to bring in to school an empty reusable lunchbox/container for their food that they can take to the Global Cafe. Please can you ensure that NO GLASS containers are sent in. Examples are below. It should be lunch box size.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

Many thanks,

Ms Dee & Ms Mary

Thao Dien Clean-Up

The Global Goals Club would like to invite you to join them in their second Thao Dien Clean-Up event. The clean-up will take place on Saturday 23rd June, from 8.30am - 11.30am. You do not have to sign up for the whole time but choose time slots.

• 8.30 - 10.00am
• 9.00 - 10.30am
• 9.30 - 11.00am
• 10.00 - 11.30am

This clean-up is in support of the Clean-up Vietnam movement and will encourage both participants and members of the local community to be more aware about waste production and disposal. We want to keep our local environment clean and we need your help to do it!

Find out how you can sign up  in this post by Ms Sarah Curran.

Thuy’s Dreams Donation - 2018

At the end of last term we held our annual coffee and cake fundraiser to support and raise money for one of our long term community partners; Thuy's Dreams. This fantastic community event, organised by our Parent Teacher Group raised vital funds to support children living with cancer in Ho Chi Minh City. This week, the Community Department at BIS HCMC, with the support of the PTG passed on our fundraising  efforts to Thuy’s Dreams. Read more about how the funds have been distributed in this post by Ms Clover Sharman, Community Service Leader.

Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Scholarships 2018

What makes the projects so successful for both BIS HCMC and our community partners is that students don’t need to spend all their time fundraising, but are able to use their time getting to know children in the community and learning together - leading to friendships and a stronger connection with the partners.

To find out how our secondary students have been making a difference, please access this post.

To follow regular Community Service updates please follow us on Twitter: @BIS_Community.

End of Year Uniform Collection

Do you currently have old uniform that you no longer use or preparing for next year and need somewhere for all of this year’s old uniform to go?

Our thriving upcycling project needs your old uniform. Simply bring it into school and deposit all uniform items in the collection bins provided. These are situated along the office corridor and outside of the Canteen.

Together, we can continue to make a difference!

Job Vacancy

Part Time Primary Chinese Teacher (equivalent to 2 days per week)

We are looking to recruit someone with a strong desire to work for a growing organisation who has an affinity with and an interest in teaching Chinese to Primary children.

The person appointed will work at the Junior campus, must hold a full degree, qualified teaching certificate and have previous teaching experience within either Primary or Secondary education.

If you are interested please forward a letter of application and full CV which must include a recent professional photograph and the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current employer to bis.recruitment@bisvietnam.com by Friday 15th June.

Managing our Traffic Together

Following Mr Anthony’s email to all parents a number of weeks ago, we have continued to distribute a newly updated Driver’s Code of Conduct to all those who drive to school both at drop off and pick up times. With key information in both English and Vietnamese, we aim to further educate our drivers to make better choices when they enter the areas around our school campuses and within the Thao Dien area as a whole.

Please take time to talk to you drivers about the this and ensure that it is visible in your car at all times. This will serve as a reminder about our expectations for all drivers when they are bringing our children to school in the morning and picking them up at the end of the day.

Safeguarding at school – it’s everyone’s responsibility

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 Person.

Please note that CCTV cameras are in operation at all times across the campus.

PTG Update

Your Primary PTG Needs You - Vacancies

Are you interested in joining the new Primary PTG Committee for the forthcoming school year?  Please do see anyone from the current PTG or Mr Simon or Mr Ian to discuss further.

Saturday Morning Football (SMF) needs a new leader from August as sadly Andy will be leaving the Junior campus. If you are interested in taking over or helping please do contact us. 

It’s fun, rewarding and you’ll make lots of new friends!  Please come and find out more by e mailing - bisvnptgap1@gmail.com

Term 3 Primary Discos

Thursday 14th June – Get your dancing shoes ready!

Yr 1 disco. 2.30-3.30 pm EY&I campus, sports hall

Yrs 2 and 3 disco. 2.45-3.45 pm Junior campus, sports hall

Yrs 4, 5 and 6 disco. 4-5 pm Junior campus, sports hall

Tickets on sale from Monday 4 June as follows!

Tickets cost 50,000 to include refreshments but NOT a drink due to plastic straws not allowed in school – so please can children bring a full water bottle, please note that YEAR 6 CHILDREN GO FREE (but still need to obtain a ticket from Gate A or Canteen please so we know how many children are going). 

JUNIOR CAMPUS TICKET SALES – (please note tickets do advise a drink is provided but they were printed prior to the decision that children should provide their own drink/water bottle)

On sale at Gate A and Canteen from Monday 4 June, at morning and afternoon pick up. 

Please sign up, using the following link, to help sell Junior Disco tickets at Junior campus at Gate A and Canteen Disco Term 3, 2018 (thank you!)

EY&IC TICKET SALES – (please note tickets do advise a drink is provided but they were printed prior to the decision that children should provide their own drink/water bottle)

On sale from Ms Palm at EY&I Reception all day.

PTG Orange T Shirts

Any orange PTG T Shirts that are not now required (in case you’re sadly leaving) please return to a Primary Campus Reception (Ms Phuong at JC or Ms Palm at EY&I). These will then be collected by the PTG. Many thanks for your valuable contribution to the PTG.

Pop Up/Recycling Shop

This will be open at Juniors in the playground next Thursday 14^th June whilst the Primary discos are taking place. Please bring small change to purchase items!

Saturday Football

There is NO SATURDAY FOOTBALL on Saturday 9th June. 

This is because BIS are holding an Aquathlon competition and both the large and small fields will be occupied.

Coach Andy is moving on! 

Next season my son Sam will be moving to the secondary campus and to Yr7. Therefore, he will not be part of the SMF and I will no longer be a coach. Please volunteer to coach and keep the sessions fun and enjoyable for the parents and kids! SMF will need coaches to help with Yr2/3 and Yr 4/5/6 sessions.

For all enquiries, please contact myself in the main office or via email - Simon.Higham@bisvietnam.com

Key Dates for Your Diary

June

• Saturday 9^th – Aquathlon (Junior Campus: 7.00am start)
• Tuesday 12^th June – Joint Primary Head Teacher’s Coffee Morning: EYIC (8.15am onwards)
• Tuesday 12^th June - Infant Summer Concert
• Thursday 14^th – PTG Disco
• Saturday 16th June - Year 6 Moving on Celebration. 

• Sunday 17^th – Club programme ends
• Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd – International Week
• Tuesday 26^th – Junior classroom drop in: 2.30pm – 3.15pm. Come along and informally meet your child’s class teacher for 18/19.
• Friday 29^th – Year 6 Leaver’s Assembly: JC Gym (10.30am)
• Friday 29^th – Term 3 ends: school finishes at 11.30am

And Finally………

Primary Aquathlon 2018

This Saturday, the Junior Campus will host the 11^th annual Aquathlon. An Aquathlon is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines both swimming and running. Students can compete individually or in a team (1 swimmer, 1 runner.)

The swimming will take place in the BIS HCMC Junior Campus pool, and the run will take place on the big field. The race briefing will take place at 6.45am and the first race will begin at 7.00am.

Year 1&2              : 40m swim (4 widths) / 200 run (1 lap)

Year 3                    : 150m swim (6 lengths) / 800m run (4 laps)

Year 4                    : 200m swim (8 lengths) / 800m run (4 laps)        

Year 5                    : 250m swim (10 lengths) / 1km run (5 laps)

Year 6                    : 300m swim (12 lengths) / 1km run (5 laps)

All participants will require:  Swimming costume, Trainers to run in, T-shirt (which must be worn during the run) Goggles (optional), Hat (optional) Towel

Good luck to all of our competitors and I look forward to sharing the stories on Monday morning.

Have a very pleasant and relaxing weekend ahead.

Mr Simon Higham, Head Teacher, BIS HCMC, Junior Campus