At BIS we really do feel it is important to recognise our host country, Vietnam. I have spent the last seven years living in this amazing country and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. It is a country that is full of friendly people who make us, as foreigners, very welcome indeed. I know that foreign members of the school community feel exactly the same and that is why, as a school, we want to take every opportunity to celebrate and pay respect to the culture of this stunning country. When I am away from Vietnam travelling, or on holiday, I am often asked where my home is and, when I proudly say Vietnam, I get a look of surprise and maybe a little envy that I am able to call such a beautiful country my home! With regards to the Moon Festival, I always enjoy the Dragon dance and lovely assemblies that we have experienced this week in both the Junior and Early Years and Infant Campus. When these beautiful activities take place, I always closely observe new staff members in order to see their responses and the look of amazement on their faces is a joy to observe.
This is what makes BIS HCMC a special place where we can be “Global Citizens Learning Together” whilst showing great respect to our host country.
As you may be aware, I am proud to be Chair of FOBISIA’s Executive Board for the next two years. FOBISIA (Federation of British Schools in Asia) is dedicated to supporting British type international schools in Asia and its Mission is:
“To ensure high quality British-international-style education through shared professional development, student enrichment, and mutual support between Member Schools in the region.”
At BIS, we participate in many quality events that FOBISIA organise and we have been proud members of the federation for many years. Over the next few weeks we are hosting two major FOBISIA events:
- The Advanced Orchestral and Choral Festival
- The Heads of PE Conference
These two events involve a large number of students and staff from other schools and I am extremely grateful for the hard work done by our PE and Music departments to organise them. FOBISIA is now a federation of 68 schools and further information can be found at www.fobisia.org. In addition, please follow this link to read the latest edition of ‘The FOBISEAN’, a magazine published periodically during the year by FOBISIA.
I do hope that you all have a wonderful weekend.
Anthony Rowlands, Principal