At BIS, we want our children to not rely on instant judgements about people and situations, but to consider more deeply what they think – to look again, to treat others how they would like to be treated. This half term, we are focusing on ‘respect’ in our assemblies and in class, and there are many opportunities where the children can show respect; with our community partners, to members of staff in the canteen and around school and to one another. I do hope that you will be able to continue the conversation at home; do we always treat our parents, brothers and sisters the same way we would like to be treated. Respect has to go two ways – to get respect you have to give respect.
F2 SPLATS
Understanding goes alongside respect. This week, in F2, parents were invited to Stay, Play and Learn All Together (SPLAT) with their children. The children really enjoy having their parents in the learning areas, but the main aim of the SPLATs is to provide that opportunity for parents to gain a deeper understanding of how we operate in the early years’ foundation stage. Play is central to the children’s learning, and hopefully the sessions this week have allowed F2 parents to appreciate the planning and reflection that goes in to ensure all individuals in the class are challenged at a suitable level.
Spooktacular SPLAT in F2
Assessment in Primary at BIS
There are two main types of assessment; formative and summative. Formative assessment is that on-going process of observing the children, questioning them and responding as they complete a task or given piece of work. F2 parents may well have seen this happening as members of staff recorded elements of learning on their iPads throughout the sessions.
Summative assessment is carried out at the end of a unit of study or at a given period during the school year. The final exams in the International Baccalaureate (IB) that the students sit in Year 13 are an example of summative assessments. The IB exams require a great deal of study and revision, but not all summative assessments carry quite the same weight.
This week has been an assessment week at the Early Years and Infant Campus where some year groups have carried out writing assessments. These provide the teachers with a check point, an opportunity to gauge whether or not the children are making the progress they should, and if they are at the level we would expect at this point in time in the school year. The teachers will be combining their knowledge of the children through the formative assessments with the results of this week’s assessments, to provide an accurate all round picture of how your child is getting on. This forms the basis of the reports which will be shared with you in early December.
Eye Tests for Year 1 Children
It is our aim that the children at BIS flourish in all aspects of their development, so we were delighted when the European Eye Centre approached us to ask if they could support our BIS families by providing free eye screening tests for all the children in Year 1. For three days this week, the conference room was ‘blackened out’ to allow for each child to receive an individual screening. Your child will have brought home a letter with the results of the screening, identifying if any follow up is needed.
I hope this is something that we can build into our calendar, as it goes without saying, that if a child is struggling to see clearly, it will affect their education.
Remembrance Sunday and Poppy Appeal 2019
All BIS families are invited to attend the inaugural Commonwealth Remembrance Service in HCMC on Sunday 10th November, 12.15pm, in Mai Khoi Church, 44 Tú Xương, Phường 7, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh. The Junior Harmony Choir will be supporting this event and no tickets or advanced booking is required if you would like to attend. However, there is limited parking near the church.
If you require any more information about the service, please contact Ms Beth directly at Elizabeth.Bown@bisvietnam.com
Juilliard Curriculum Specialist for Dance Visitor
There are many benefits that come with being part of Nord Anglia Education, and one which all children benefit from is our affiliation with the Juilliard School of the Performing Arts. For several years now, we have seen our music curriculum enhanced through Juilliard resources and visits from Juilliard alumni. We are now moving into the next stage of the partnership with the introduction of the drama and dance programmes.
On Monday and Tuesday, next week, we have Salla Saarikangas, a member of the Juilliard dance team in school, working with children and teachers. There is also a session for parents which has proved to be very popular and so there are no spaces left available. We look forward to finding out more next week.
NRICH Maths
Also on Monday and Tuesday next week, we have Fran with us from NRICH Maths (nrich.maths.org). Maths is a subject that we excel in at BIS; our children have great number skills and mathematical knowledge, however, one area that can be developed further is the children’s reasoning skills and their ability to apply their knowledge into different contexts. Fran will be working with staff, doing demonstration lessons, and providing training for parents and teachers.
Support Services Coffee Morning
On Tuesday 19th November there will be a chance to meet some of the many support services that are available in our community. You will be able to learn about who they are and what services they offer. For example: what does an Occupational Therapist do? What is a Speech and Language Therapist, a Behaviour Specialist or an Educational Psychologist? You will also have a chance to meet our school counsellor and her team. In addition, you can find out more about how the Learning Support department supports children in school and what you can do to support your child at home.
The coffee morning will take place at 8:30 am in the Black Box Theatre on the Junior Campus.
All are welcome.
Fundinotots Community Talk – Developing a Growth Mindset
PTG
The final preparations are well under way for next Saturday’s (16th November) PTG Family Fun Evening. It is going to be a super event with many food and beverage stalls and lots of activities for the children to enjoy. Please make sure you get your ticket to support this wonderful community event.
Community Choir
If you enjoy singing and would like to join the Community Choir, rehearsals have started, but it is not too late to join:
- Every Thursday at 7am in the Secondary Theatre
- Every Friday at 1:15pm in Room 110, Junior Campus
We will be performing at the Christmas Concerts in December.
iSAMS App
At the beginning of this academic year we implemented a new management information system called, iSAMS. Many families are already befitting from the services this provides. The system comes with a parent app that allows you to get important information about upcoming school events, access details unique to your children and locate quick links at the touch of a button. If you have not already downloaded this app, I strongly encourage you to do so; please speak to your class teacher for your unique code or pop into the office and we will help you get started so that:
- We can send you 'push notifications' to the iSAMS iParent App. In order to subscribe to these notifications, please follow the instructions attached sent via email on Wednesday October 9th 2019.
- You can log into CHQ using exactly the same username and password as your iSAMS Parent Portal account- Instructions sent via email on Wednesday October 9th 2019.
- You can view links to important information (eg Parent Campus handbooks, options booklets, etc) - just navigate to the 'Info.' tab and tap on 'Bookmarks & Web Links'
Remember, this is the only way you will be able to view your child's academic reports. In addition, there is a wealth of information for you to view on the portal and app.
EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS NEEDED
BIS HCMC are looking to recruit to expand our current team of exam invigilators. We are looking for reliable and confident people to assist throughout our busy examination periods of January and May/June each year.
Your role will include invigilation at IGCSE and IB level during both internal and external examinations.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing the examination venue prior to examinations in accordance with regulations;
- Distribution of scripts and strict supervision of students during examinations.
We are looking for:
- Team players and people who are flexible in their approach.
You do not require experience as full training will be provided, and the position is on a casual basis with days/hours being variable depending on examination demands. You will, however, need to meet our safer recruitment policy by providing an up-to-date police check and completing our online safeguarding training.
If you are interested and would like further information about how to become an invigilator, please contact Abbie Astbury (Examinations Officer) on abbie.astbury@bisvietnam.com