AP2 News 13/2/2015

1. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 1
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - HO CHI MINH CITY| SECONDARY CAMPUS
FEBRUARY 13 | ISSUE 22
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Head Teacher 02
From the Principal 03
IB & IGCSE Performance Music Evening 04
Year 10 Trip ‐ Hong Kong 06
Community Service 08
Sport News 10
From The BIStro & Underground 11
February
16th ‐ 24th Tết holiday
26th ‐ 1st SEAMC
27th Year 7 Short Report
March
3rd Year 12 Parent Teacher Student Conference, 4pm
4th Interhouse Athle cs Sports Day
7th ABRSM Theory Exam
UPCOMING EVENTS

2. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 2
From The Head Teacher
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới !
As we near the end of the Year of the Horse and look forward to the Year of the Goat, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank all parents for their support of the school over the past year. You have support‐
ed in so many ways. Whether it is a ending PTG events, helping with Interna onal Day, providing useful
construc ve feedback to us or a ending the many concerts, performances, compe ons and sports
events that we run, your help is much appreciated. You have made significant contribu ons to the school
and help make BIS the excep onal community that we all enjoy.
Of course, the greatest support you offer is the direct support of your children. Sending them to BIS is the
first step. A er that, you ensure that they have the right nutri on, sleep, exercise and love to enable
them to learn and develop and grow. You encourage and help with homework and show your interest
and involvement through a endance at the Parent‐Teacher‐Student Conferences.
It is said that people born in the Year of Goat are polite, filial and kind‐hearted. They are ar s c, wise,
gentle and compassionate but should be careful to avid pessimism. As such, these people would be fabu‐
lous supporters of their child’s educa on at BIS, and we extend our best wishes to the “goats” and to all
of our BIS community for a healthy, prosperous and peaceful Year of the Goat: Năm mới toàn gia bình
an!
Richard Dyer
Head Teacher, Secondary
From The Head Teacher
Start Date End Date
13 February 1907 1 February 1908
1 February 1919 19 February 1920
17 February 1931 5 February 1932
5 February 1943 24 January 1944
24 January 1955 11 February 1956
9 February 1967 22 January 1968
28 January 1979 15 February 1980
15 February 1991 3 February 1992
1 February 2003 21 January 2004
19 February 2015 7 February 2016
Year of the Goat

3. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 3
Senior Leadership Update
New Head Teacher
I am delighted to inform you that Mr Carl Mincher has been appointed to the posi on of Head Teacher
for the An Phu Secondary Campus with effect from 1 August 2015.
Mr Mincher was born and educated in the UK. He has a BSc Degree in
Geophysics, a Post Graduate Cer ficate in Educa on (PGCE) and was awarded
the Na onal Professional Qualifica on for Headship (NPQH) in 2006.
Mr Mincher started his teaching career in Cheshire in England. He then taught
in a number of UK schools before becoming Head Teacher of Llanfyllin High
School in North Wales in 2007. This will be his first overseas post.
Mr Mincher will come to Vietnam with his family. His wife Suzanne will be a
Biology teacher at BIS and their two daughters will be secondary students in years 9 and 12. Amongst his
interests Carl lists off‐road cycling, mountain walking and table tennis.
Last October I wrote to parents announcing that Mr Richard Dyer was leaving BIS in order to look for a
school leadership posi on closer to the UK. I am delighted to inform you that Richard has been appointed
Principal of the Bri sh Interna onal School, Budapest in Hungary. We wish him and his family well as they
move to a new life in Europe a er nearly 30 years in Asia.
New Deputy Head
I am also delighted to inform you that Ms Ted McGrath has been appointed to the posi on of Deputy
Head for the An Phu Secondary Campus with effect from 1 August 2015.
Ms McGrath was born in the UK and went to school in Bournemouth before
gradua ng with a BEd (Hons) Degree from De Mon ort University in the UK.
She started her teaching career in Liverpool in England before developing her
interna onal teaching career for 10 years in FOBISIA schools in Bangkok and
Phuket. She is currently the Head Teacher of EF Academy in Oxford, UK, which is
an interna onal sixth form boarding school.
Ms McGrath will take over the responsibili es of Mr Peter Gillmore who has
been appointed to the posi on of Head of Secondary at Al Ain English Speaking School in the United Arab
Emirates. We wish him and his family well in this new post in the Middle East.
Shaun Williams
CEO and Principal
From The Principal

4. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 4
The BIS Music Department’s IGCSE and IB students gave an evening of performances on the 10th
February
2015 as part of an in mate opportunity to perform their exam pieces.
Our Higher Level IB student, Emma Ngo gave a 20 minute voice recital, performing pieces such as O Waly
Waly (Tradi onal English Folk Song), Schubert’s Love’s Sorrow and a Vietnamese fusion piece Khong The
Va Co The.
The IGCSE students had the op on to perform either their ensemble piece or their solo piece for the
performance aspect of their exam. The IGCSE students offered a range of ensembles, from piano, clarinet
and voice solos to a double cello concerto, a piano duet and a jazz quartet.
Students were professional in their approach and audience members were engrossed by not only the
musical and stylis c performances heard but also the challenging nature of a wide range of repertoire
that was performed. The standard of all our musicians at BIS grows every year but last night the IGCSE
and IB students highlighted not only their talent but also their dedica on and love for the subject.
The Music Department would like to wish all the Year 11 and IB musicians good luck for all their
upcoming exams.
Please see our Music Department Website for further photos and a short video of the highlights from that
evening:
https://sites.google.com/a/bisvietnam.net/bis-music/an-phu-secondary/ks4-and-ks5-projects
Sarah James
Director of Music
“If you missed this musical evening, you missed a real treat. The standard was so high, I was enthralled,
moved and entertained. Such range and talent is rarely seen in the city. Make sure you come along next
year!” Mr. Dyer
IB & IGCSE Performance Music Evening

5. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 5

6. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 6
The Year 10s met early at school on Monday 26th
January, full of excitement for the adventures ahead on
Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
A er a smooth journey, we arrived at our excellent accommoda on, the YWCA, with the students se ling
into their rooms and exploring the site, and enjoying its picturesque views across the bay. We were
introduced to our trip adventure company, North Star, who took care of us so well and guided us with
exper se throughout the week’s varied ac vi es.
I was very proud of the whole year group during the en rety of this trip; all students commi ed to the full
range of ac vi es with unrelen ng enthusiasm, perseverance, and a keen sense of humour. Perhaps
more importantly, I was impressed by how well they cared for and encouraged one another, looking a er
the community, as well as strengthening and forming new bonds of friendship.
This trip offered mul ple opportuni es to for outdoor learning, including archery, climbing, trekking,
shelter‐building, stretcher‐making, stretcher‐racing (!), fire‐star ng and even a touch of fish‐gu ng.
North Star’s daily ‘survival lectures’ ensured that the students truly understood the value and use of the
skills which they were developing. The visit to the Big Buddha and accompanying nature trail also offered
some enlightening cultural and environmental experiences.
As always, the impact of a trip such as this is best described by the students who took part:
For the first half of the day, we did rock climbing and archery. Since these two ac vi es were very new to
me and therefore challenging, it felt great when I rang the finishing bell (at the top of the climbing wall)
and hit the bull’s eye with my arrows. (Nhi Dang, 10N)
For almost all of us, learning how to scale, gut and cook a fish was a tough challenge, but in the end we all
enjoyed the experience. We then went on a hike to Mui Wo beach where we had to make a stretcher and
run carrying three sandbags! To add to the excitement, we ended our day with a game of beach ul mate
Frisbee. Undoubtedly, today will be a day we will never forget, with the beau ful scenery and fresh air
that would have been impossible to get in the city. (Ha Thanh Le and Angela Kim, 10B)
Ben Wall
Head of Year 10
Year 10 Trip - Hong Kong

7. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 7

8. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 8
Community Service
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới
Visit to SOS Village, Go Vap
With the coming of Tet, it is easy for Vietnamese teenagers
such as myself to forget that not everyone is as fortunate.
Armed with good wishes, tradi onal cakes, cards and
plas cine figurines, we set out to make the Tết holidays a
bit brighter for children who can’t afford the privileges we
o en take for granted.
Nam Tran Year 13
May I take this opportunity to wish you all
“ Năm mới vui vẻ , mạnh khỏe và thành công”
Mai Le, Head of Vietnamese
Last Friday, our students were taught how
to make tradi onal Tết cakes which were
then delivered on Saturday by a small
group of joyful Y10 students to the
children of SOS Village in Go Vap.
Ms Deleporte, Community Coordinator

9. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 9
Three of our Sixth Form students went along to Van Thanh Park to appear on
an HTV program about VinaCapital’s Heartbeat Vietnam Founda on. The
student‐led community programme supported Heartbeat Vietnam, which funds
life‐saving heart opera ons for the most financially disadvantaged children.
The documentary is due to be shown on HTV9 at
9am on the 23rd
February.
A er comple ng their community project we asked our
students for feedback on how they felt it went. As a group
they thought it was a wonderful experience and on
reflec on they made the following observa ons:
“Going to the hospital was really meaningful, to see those kids and keep them company and make them
smile we think made a difference. The hospital visit was very worthwhile and construc ve. We learnt a
lot from talking to the children and appreciated the efforts of the organiza on.”
The Sixth Form students involved in Heartbeat Vietnam
have raised awareness and helped in Vina Capital’s
objec ves “Have a heart. Give a heart”.
Kevin Halpin
Community Service Officer
Community Service Project – HTV Appearance

10. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 10
Sport News
6th
February 2015
BIS Secondary Campus Inter‐House Athle cs Day
Wednesday 4th
March
Thong Nhat Athle cs Stadium, 138A Dao Duy Tu, District 10
Dear Parents,
The Secondary Campus Inter‐House Athle cs Day will take place on Wednesday 4th
March at Thong Nhat
Athle cs Stadium, 138A Dao Duy Tu, District 10.
Students will be transported by bus from the school to the athle cs stadium. They need to arrive at
school by 7.55am for registra on, wearing their house t‐shirt, PE shorts and trainers. Students should
not bring valuable items to school or wear jewellery. Hats and sun block are compulsory.
The first events will begin at approximately 9.20am and students will return to school at around 3.45pm.
Please organise the collec on of your son/daughter at BIS at approximately 3.45pm. Students who nor‐
mally use school transport will be bused home accordingly. Parents are encouraged to come and sup‐
port the students.
Your son/daughter will be given a bo le of water on the day which they should con nue to refill. Water
sta ons will be placed around the stadium. You can provide your own food for your child or lunch should
be ordered and paid for before the day and will be delivered to the stadium (this will be organised next
week). Light snacks will be provided by the school. Students should take any necessary medica on with
them and hand it to the teacher accompanying them on their circuit. Inhalers, for those who use them
should be carried and taken to all events. There will also be a first aid sta on at the stadium.
This year Sports Day will be compulsory for years 7,8,9,10 & 12. Year 11 and 13 will remain at school to
study. All students are expected to take part and they will all par cipate in a minimum of four events. If
your child is unable to par cipate on the day, please could you provide your son/daughter with a signed
note for them to pass to their form tutor.
If you have any further ques ons, please do not hesitate to contact me on the above email address. If you
have any queries in Vietnamese, please contact Mr Dyer’s secretary, Ms Huong on 08 3744 2335 Ext 112.
Yours sincerely,
G. Willis
Gary Willis
Head of Physical Education

11. BISbuzz Issue 22 | 11
From the Underground & BIStro
Menu 1 (25 February)
From the Underground & BIStro
DAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Roast Pork, Roast Potato/
Rice
OR
Chicken Noodle Soup (Pho)
Fish Goujon & Potato
Wedges
OR
Beef & Vegetable Stew, Rice
Roast Chicken, Yorkshire
Pudding
OR
Pork in Dark Soya Sauce, Rice
VEGETABLES
Choy sum & Carrot
Salad
Chinese Cabbage & Carrot
Salad
Broccoli & Carrot
Salad
SOUP Tomato & Tofu Spinach & Melon Mixed Vegetable
DESSERT Mixed Fruit Mixed Fruit Mixed Fruit
VEGETARIAN
Vegetarian Noodle Soup
Tofu in Soya Sauce
Mixed Fruit
Tofu & Vegetable Stew, Rice
Spinach & Melon
Mixed Fruit
Chickpea & Vegetable Curry,
Rice
Mixed Vegetable Soup
Mixed Fruit
DELI BAR
OPTION
Baguette / Wrap
Fill it with a variety of choices including ham, chicken, cheese, tuna mayonnaise, beef,
baked bean, mixed bean, bolognese sauce
SNACK MENU
Curry Puff
Samosa
Fruit Cup
Banana/Carrot Muffin
Sponge Cake
Fruit Cup
Donut
Cream Puff
Fruit Cup