Mr Ian Battersby: Weekly Update 09/04/2021

Mr Ian Battersby: Weekly Update 09/04/2021 Community is at the heart of BIS. As we see the community working together again, we can look forward to achieving more.

‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’  Helen Keller

On Thursday morning, we welcomed parents to the first PTG Coffee Morning of the term at the Early Years and Infant Campus.  It was marvellous to see our BIS community together again!

Ms Gayatri and Ms Pamela, two of our PTG core committee members, shared their vision for how the PTG will move forward next term and beyond.  The central theme was reconnecting.  After the year we have had, with countries in lockdown, and restrictions in place for travel and face-to-face meetings, I cannot think of a better theme.

Plans were then shared regarding possible workshops, meeting schedules, fundraising activities and events for the children.  In addition, there was a presentation about the Upcycling Uniform Project, and the need for volunteers to take this forward.  In all of these cases, it would be too much for an individual but with your support, as Helen Keller says, ‘together we can do so much.’

To find out more about the different projects and ways in which you can get involved, please see the PTG post:

PTG Coffee Morning

Well done Hanoi!

Every week,  the children earn house points for working hard and making good choices in school.  At the end of each term, we count up all the house points and the team with the most, gets a reward...ice cream!  Congratulations to Hanoi, the Term 2 house point champions!
All children in Hanoi should wear their house t-shirts on Thursday 15th April; after they have finished their lunch they can enjoy a well-deserved ice-cream treat.

BIS Community Football Friendlies 2021

Other community events have also been resuming recently.  Last Saturday, children from some of our community partners joined BIS children to take part in the annual Community Football Competition. A group of Year 12 students did a wonderful job with the organisation of the event which was clearly enjoyed by all those who took part:

Community Football

Year 2 Tea Time Piano Recital

Our talented pianists in Year 2 were offered the opportunity to perform in the very first EY&I Tea Time Recital on April 2nd.

The ‘Tea Time Recital’ in the  EY&I Library welcomed parents of 10 pianists from Year 2.

We were also treated to performances from two students who visited from the Junior Campus to offer further inspiration to our young musicians.

At BIS we aim to give all of our students the opportunity to perform within a safe and nurturing environment. Regardless of whether they are a beginner or more advanced, our pupils are able to experience the art of performing pieces they have been practising to further develop their performance skills. This results in a feeling of a real sense of achievement when they have performed, and they reap the rewards of their hard work and dedication. 

All the students demonstrated highly accomplished performances and played music ranging from Tchaikovksy and Brahms through to Henry Manchini. The afternoon tea was certainly enjoyed as we all celebrated their work together. 

Congratulations to all performers, you made many people very proud and a big thank you to everyone who has supported the children on their musical journeys. We look forward to making many more musical memories!

Anna Hogan

Primary Music Leader

More photos of Year 2 Tea Time Piano Recital can be found here.

Swimming in Primary

Throughout Term 2 our students from F3 to Year 6 have developed their skills and knowledge about water safety as part of their learning within swimming lessons.

Students have plunged into the pool by exploring different types of water safety entries; compact jumps, slide in entry, stride in entry, diving and wading.

As Global Citizens they have become more aware of the risks and safety considerations in a range of water environments. They have explored and practised reach rescues and throw rescues. They have learnt the important lesson of “Reach or throw, don't go!”.

Our students have considered how to save their energy in the water. Through practice and determination they have developed their floating, treading water and survival strokes such as survival backstroke and breaststroke.

To conclude the unit students have explored real life scenarios and challenges by wearing their clothes in the water and not using their goggles. This unit has allowed students to step outside their comfort zone, but also consider real life scenarios to keep themselves and others safe.

Emily McClelland

Head of Aquatics

More photos of Primary Swimming can be found here.

Global Campus Duathlon/Triathlon

The BIS Barracudas and BIS staff took part in the Global Campus Duathlon and Triathlon event. This is a multi-sport event challenging our staff and students to swim, ride and run. All participants challenged themselves across the 3 disciplines to achieve personal and team success. For many of our students, this was their first time experiencing a duatlon or a triathlon.

 Students competed against each other, but also against other Nord Anglia Schools. This event involved over 2000 participants! BIS performed very well individually and as a team. Overall BIS finished 3rd! The individual Gold, Silver and Bronze results are below. Congratulations to all participants and thank you to Mr Vinh, Mr Tuong, Mr Khoi and Mr Chau for facilitating this event for our students.

Triathlon Individual Race Results;

11 - 12 Girls: Kim Ly - Silver

Male Teacher: Owen McDivett - Bronze

Female Teacher: Amy Murphy - Gold

Female Teacher: Lauren Binnington - Silver

Female Teacher: Jules Bye - Bronze

 Duathlon Relay Team  Results;

7 - 8 Boys: Brian and Tommy - Gold

7 - 8 Girls: Nicole and Hanna S - Gold

7 - 8 Girls: Doutzen and Myeisha - Silver

7 - 8 Girls: Bao Han and Thanh Mai - Bronze

9 - 10 Boys: TaeDong and Jay Heuk - Gold

9 - 10 Boys: Tin Tin and Byung Ha - Silver

9 - 10 Boys: Aaron and Benny - Bronze

9 - 10 Girls: Tina and Khanh Lin - Gold

9 - 10 Girls: Rachel and Euseo - Silver

11 - 12 Boys: Kai and Duc Anh - Gold

11 - 12 Boys: Natan and Jack - Silver

11 - 12 Girls: Kyu In and Amber - Gold

Triathlon Relay Team Results;

7 - 8 Boys: DoWon, Kang and YiWen - Gold

7 - 8 Boys: Yu Ting, Huan Le and Andrews - Silver

7 - 8 Boys: Aiden, Evan and Bao - Bronze

7 - 8 Girls: Anna, Addison and Abby - Gold

7 - 8 Girls: Kimberly, Seolri and Aoy - Silver

9 - 10 Boys: Minh Quan, Daniel and Jake - Gold

9 - 10 Boys: Leo, Alex T and Cedric - Silver

9 - 10 Girls: Myla, Tanisha and Isabella - Gold

9 - 10 Girls: JiWoo, Momoko and Jolisse - Silver

11 - 12 Boys: Hadrian, Harry and Ben - Silver

11 - 12 Girls: Alex, Janice and Addison - Gold

Emily McClelland

Head of Aquatics

More photos of Global campus Duathlon can be found here.

The PTG Book Swap

Book Week had to be delayed this year because of the Covid restrictions, but I am delighted to say that it will be happening again after the holiday.  The activities will be begin on Monday 26th April, our book character dress up day will be on Wednesday 28th April, and the PTG Book Swap will be on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th May.  In order to prepare for Book Swap, we would like children to bring in books (that are in good condition) any day next week (Monday 12th April - Friday 16th April).  Volunteers from the PTG and members of staff will be ready to collect the books just inside Gate A on both the Junior and Infant Campuses.

BVIS Summer School

Our Sister school, BVIS, will be running a summer school in District 7. Applications are open for all BVIS (and BIS) students, including those who have signed up to start in August 21.

There are discounts available signing up early; more details can be found by clicking on this link:

BVIS Summer School 2021

Term 2

14/04/21                           Year 2 Production

15/04/21                           Science Day

16/04/21                           Term 2 ends @ 11.50am

26/04/21                            Term 3 begins

26/04/21                            Book Week begins

28/04/21                            Book character dress up day

04/05/21 - 05/05/21      The PTG Book Swap

 

Health and Safety

Lockdown

Next week will have a planned lockdown.

Covid 19

We continue to follow our procedures and policies in response to Covid 19. We are obligated by the Vietnamese authorities to keep updated with the travel activities of  the BIS community.  Therefore can I remind you that if you or family members travel outside of HCMC at any time over the next few weeks to please send us an updated health declaration form that you can find here. If you have any questions related to health and safety please do not hesitate to contact sarah.curran@bisvietnam.com

Absence

If for any reason your child is absent from school, we ask for you to inform the class teacher and email reception eyic.reception@bisvietnam.com. You can also inform the receptionists via telephone from 7:30am on the morning of absence.  If your child usually takes the school bus, we would also ask for you to also inform Ms Trang, our bus manager, via email at Trang.Pham@bisvietnam.com 

When calling reception please use the telephone number: 

•            Early Years and Infants (EY&I) – 028 3636 0055

School Photo Orders

Later today we will be sending an email to all parents for students who had photos taken in January. 

The email will include website and login details so that you can order your child’s photos.  Please check the email...

Order and delivery Schedule Campus

Order deadline for Free delivery at school + Free ID print: 09-11/04/2021

Order deadline for Free delivery at school only: 12-18/04/2021

Estimated free delivery of orders at school (applied for orders placed in deadines): 25/05/2021

You can contact Ms Phuong (phuong.hoang1@bisvietnam.com)  for further information.

Thuy’s Dreams

For several years now, the PTG has organised a bake sale in order to raise money for the Thuy’s Dreams charity for children with cancer.  This year the event will be taking place on Thursday 13th May on the EY&I Campus.  Please put the date in your diary.  It will be super morning, and one where, together, we can make a big difference.

More information will follow.

And Finally…

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed a group of ten Year 13 students to our assembly on Friday.  Having been at BIS since they were in F1 or F2, next Friday, they will have their last lessons as BIS students, followed by a series of exams and then on to university.  They shared some of their memories from primary school with the Year 1 and 2 children, before heading down to F1 to meet up with their former teachers (Ms Crislet, Ms Christina and Ms Grace).  They have been the recipients of not only a great education, but also all the benefits of being part of the wonderful BIS community!  We wish them all the best.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend,