1. 7 November 2014 | ISSUE 10
Dates for your diary
IN THIS ISSUE
From: Page
Headteacher 2
Learning Support 3
PE Department 4,5,6,7
Community Service Department 8
Technology update and MFL Department 9
Introducing Our Team 10
PTG 11,12
Lunch Menus from F1 - Year 6 13,14
Contact information
225 Nguyen Van Huong St, District 2, HCMC
Tel: (848) 3744 4551
Fax: (848) 3744 4182
E-mail:
simonhigham@bisvietnam.com
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - HO CHI MINH CITY
AN PHU PRIMARY
Newsletter
14th Interim Reports issued
18th Y1 to Y6 Parent meetings - 3.00pm to 5.30pm
19th Y1 to Y6 Parent meetings - 3.00pm to 5.30pm
20th Teacher’s Day
30th Terry Fox charity run
November
2. From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham
Issue 10/Page 2
Scan here to access the
‘AP1 Parent Blog’
AP1 Parent Blog
http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/
How successfully does BIS educate students from Primary, into Secondary and
prepare them for adult life?
Click the „Academic Results‟ page to find out more.
BIS knows your children and their needs, to nurture independence
and academic success in a friendly and supportive family environ-
ment.
Many thanks to all parents that attended this week‟s Headteacher Coffee morning. A rec-
ord turnout of 62 participants heard a presentation outlining our campus priorities for the
forthcoming year and also had an opportunity to hear a very informative presentation
from Dr Jonathan Halevy from Family Medical Practice on „Nutrition - Feeding and Eat-
ing Disorders in Children‟. If you were unable to attend this meeting on Wednesday, both
presentations can be found on the AP1 Parent blog within the ‟Useful Websites and Re-
sources‟ page.
Congratulations to our swimming squad that took part in the 2nd Annual BIS Swim Meet
last Saturday. It was great to feel both the team spirit and competitive edge that allowed
all participating teams to do their very best and thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.
Well done to our BIS AP1 team for becoming overall combined points champions. Full details of all individual
trophy winners and top 3 finishers can be found on page 4 of today‟s newsletter.
On Thursday morning, our Phuket football squad left for the annual Phuket football tournament in Thailand.
Good luck to our U9 Boys, U11 Boys and U11 Girls. I am sure that all teams will do both themselves and our
school proud. Look out for live score updates on our school website:
http://www.bisvietnam.com
As part of our on going commitment to the Health and Safety of all pupils, I am pleased to report that our
planned Lockdown drill went well on Thursday morning. Throughout the academic year, all BIS campuses take
part in two separate Lockdown drills - one planned and the other unplanned.
I would like to remind all parents that the Interim Report for all pupils will be issued next Friday, 14th No-
vemeber. This report details both achievement and progress across all subject areas, indicating next steps in
learning and also outlining how parents can help to reinforce learning at home. On Tuesday 18th and Wednes-
day 19th November, parents of Year 1 to Year 6 pupils are invited to meet with class teachers and specialist
teachers to discuss this report in more detail. A letter outlining how to arrange meeting times will be sent to
you via email today. I look forward to seeing all parents attending these important meetings, working in part-
nership to enable all pupils to fulfil their learning potential.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say „thank you‟ and „good luck‟ to Ms Nhung (PA to the HoC)
who will be leaving AP1 today to take up her new position as Admissions Manager at BVIS, in Binh Chanh
District. We all wish Nhung and her family all the very best in her new job.
I would also like to welcome Ms Duyen (PA to HoC) to BIS as she takes over from Ms
Nhung on Monday. Please note her email address below for any enquiries relating to Extra
Curricular Clubs and I am sure that you will help to welcome Ms Duyen into her new role.
duyentranthikim@bisvietnam.com
Thank you for the time taken time to read through the rest of this week‟s newsletter. Ms Duyen (PA to HoC)
3. Learning Support - Meet Our Team
Issue 10/Page 3
Welcome to Term 1, 2014-2015 from the Learning Support Team
Where can you find us?
We are in Room 209 which is on the top floor, above the library. We have an open door policy and when we are
not teaching we would love to see you – so pop in to say hello, ask a question, or share successes.
Learning Support Conference and Job-Alike-Workshops (JAWs)
In 2 weeks time, BIS we will be hosting the Learning Support Conference and Job-Alike-Workshops (JAWs) for
FOBISIA schools. We are expecting over 30 delegates from schools across Asia.
On Friday 21st November we will be pleased to welcome our keynote speaker; Kathryn Philips.
On Saturday 22nd November we will share good practise across our schools. This is a great opportunity for us
to share, develop, and grow – and we will certainly be using what we find out in the following terms as we
work with your children.
Who is Kathryn Phillips?
Kathryn has been in the educational field for more than 35 years and has taught from preschool through to
university. She is a lifelong educator with expertise in school psychology, classroom management, behavioural
issues and special learning needs. Her experience has included teaching in the general education classroom,
special education centres, counselling as well as administration. Currently, Mrs Phillips presents in more than
one hundred cities a year as she travels throughout North America, Australia, Europe and Asia providing con-
sultation to schools on education and special learning needs. She is the author of twelve books and is the own-
er of Total Behaviour Management, an internationally recognised educational consulting firm.
http://www.totalbehaviormanagement.com/
Miss Andrea
Miss Ha Miss Sarah
Miss Ha Thu Miss Louise Miss Hang
Miss Andrea Dix
Learning Support Leader
4. The 2nd Annual BIS Invitational Swim Meet (1)
Issue 10/Page 4
On Saturday 1st November, it was great to see over 120 Primary School swimmers taking part in the 2nd Annu-
al BIS Invitational Swim meet. There were swimmers from 5 other International Schools from within the city
and the capital, Hanoi. All students from BIS TX, BIS AP1, BIS Hanoi, AIS, ISHCMC and EIS HCMC contrib-
uted to the success of the event and also achieved many personal bests. There was a fantastic feeling through-
out the meet and the day ran smoothly thanks to the help of BIS staff and the Vietnamese officials who attend-
ed.
It was exciting to see the overall team trophy awarded to BIS AP1, along with several individual trophies that
are listed below.
Overall combined points:
1. BIS HCMC 4877.5 Points - Champion
2. ISHCMC 3892.5
3. BIS-TX 1567
4. SSIS 1301
5. AIS 751
6. EIS HCMC 504
7. BIS Hanoi 352
Individual Trophies and top 3 finishes:
1. Tran, Quynh An 1st place 100 Points - 8 & Under Girls - BIS TX
2. Soriano, Calysta 3rd place 84 Points - 8 & Under Girls - BIS AP1
3. Vila Ariza, Helena 3rd place 84 Points - 8 & Under Girls - BIS AP1
4. Park, Harry 1st place 83 Points - 8 & Under Boys - BIS AP1
5. Tan, Kirsten 1st place 100 Points - 9 Girls - BIS AP1
6. Vu, Andrew 1st place 100 Points - 9 Boys - BIS TX
7. Sarashina, Ryo 2nd place 91 Points - 9 Boys - BIS AP1
8. Vo, Jeanette 1st place 100 Points - 10 Girls - BIS TX
9. Marshall, Emily 2nd place 92 Points - 10 Girls - BIS AP1
10.Stoddart, Lila 3rd place 91 Points - 10 Girls - BIS AP1
11.Villamil, Sophia 3rd place 91 Points - 10 Girls - BIS AP1
Neo, Zanneth 3rd place 87 Points - 10 Boys - BIS AP1
Once again thank you to all Swimmers, spectators and staff who all contributed to the day.
Mr Vinh Nguyen
BIS Swim Coach
6. Scan the QR code or
click the swim symbol
to access the AP1 PE
Blog for more sport-
ing updates.
December Holiday Sport Programmes
Date Sport Time Head Coach Min No of
students
Age Prices
(VND)
Location
20/12-22/12 Football 8:00-11:00am SSA Min 8 Y3 upwards 1.350.000 Big Field
20/12-22/12 Basketball 1:00pm-4:00pm SSA Min 8 Y3 upwards 1.350.000 AP2 Sports
Hall
20/12-22/12 Swimming 8:45am-9:30am Mr Vinh Min 5/Max
10
F2-F3 415.000 AP1 Pool
9:30am-10:15am Mr Vinh Min 5/Max
10
Y1-Y2 415.000 AP1 Pool
11.00am-12.00pm Mr Vinh Min 5/Max
12
Y3-Y4 550.000 AP1 Pool
12.15pm-1.45pm Mr Vinh Min5/Max 15 Y5 upwards 825.000 AP1 Pool
Issue 10/Page 6
7. Dear Parents,
Please see attached dance programmes that will be offered by the Dancenter next term.
Be aware that these programmes are also open to students from other schools. These programmes will not
appear on our Activities schedules (CHQ) as their sign up dates are between 1-13th December.
Contact the Dancenter and make payments directly to secure a place for your son or daughter. Please also
quote BIS HCMC when making this booking.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Mr Phil Drake
Director of Sport/Activities & Trip Coordinator
British International School, Ho Chi Minh City
246 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2, HCMC, Vietnam
Phone: +84 (0)8 3744 2335
Fax: +84 (0)8 3744 2334
Mobile: +84 (0)9 06 965218
Email: PhilipDrake@bisvietnam.com
Website: www.bisvietnam.com
Part of the BIS Group of Schools
Paid Dance Classes For Term 2
Issue 10/Page 7
9. Issue 10/Page 9
Technology update
Do you keep seeing QR codes everywhere and want to know more about what they are and how to use them?
QR codes give a quick link to websites. Download this QR reader and open the app. Then hold your internet
connected device over any QR code and it will take you to the website which is linked to it. Try it with Mr Si-
mon‟s AP1 Parent Blog QR code and other QR codes that can be regularly found in this newsletter.
Enjoy accessing QR codes!
Modern Foreign Language News - reminder
Bonjour, Hola, Ni Hao!
Children from Y3 to Y6 at AP1 have now enrolled in the Language Perfect Online competition until 13th No-
vember. They are competing against other schools from all over the world with the chance for their language
skills to be recognised at an international level.
Please continue to encourage your children to take part via the Language Perfect website or by downloading
the app for I-pads or Android devices “Language Perfect”. Login details have been passed to your children,
either through their language teacher (MP3), or through a note in their diary (MP2).
Ms Sophie Tighzer
Primary MFL Leader
10. Introducing Our Team
A chat with Ms Chi,
Head TA
How long have you worked at the school?
I have work for the school for 12 years.
What is your favourite time of the year at BIS?
Term 1, right at the beginning when we have just come back
from a relaxing summer holiday, feeling excited with the
wonderful academic year ahead. Moreover, there are lots of
lovely events and activities happening in this term such as
Moon Festival, Book Week, Christmas and New Year cele-
brations ….
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what would they
be?
They would be: professional, outstanding and contemporary
Why do love working at the school?
I love it because I think I have been working in the best edu-
cational environment, where I can dedicate my best to the
children, the generation of future. Besides, working with
wonderful colleagues here makes me always feel good.
As a Vietnamese citizen, what would be the top 5 things
you would recommend a newcomer to do in HCMC?
Learning about our culture (custom and language)
Being friendly and respectful as you would get the
same treatment from the local people
Using motorbikes to have more chances to explore and
experience interesting things
Tasting Vietnamese traditional foods to feel the pleas-
ant differences
Wearing a helmet when traveling by motorbike because
of the traffic
A chat with Ms Nhung,
PA to Mr Simon Higham
How long have you worked at the school?
3 years 9 months
What is your favourite time of the year at BIS?
International week as I enjoy exploring new cultures around
the world.
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what would they
be?
They would be: dynamic, professional and teamwork spirit
Why do love working at the school?
I love working at the school because it is a lovely environ-
ment and there are many things to learn and explore.
As a Vietnamese citizen, what would be the top 5 things
you would recommend a newcomer to do in HCMC?
Do the Vespa Tour
Try the street food
Explore night markets but remember to bargain!
Visit Pham Ngu Lao street (Back back foreigners area)
Cycling around the city in the early morning
Dear parents,
Who else works at BIS? In our school we are fortunate to have a wonderful staff that supports the children in
many different ways. From the cleaners and maintenance crews to the security staff and teaching staff, all
have a part to play in making BIS the school that it is. It is fair to say that without any one group we would
not have the school that we have today.
So who are these staff? Who is it that helps keep the ship afloat as it were and the school ticking along as it
does. Today we introduce 2 members of staff that you may or may not know. Ms Chi is our Head TA. She has
worked at school for 12 years. Alongside Ms Chi we have Ms Nhung who has worked as PA to the Headteacher
for almost 4 years. Alas we sadly say goodbye to Ms Nhung today but excitingly as you have read in Mr Si-
mon‟s address, she is staying within the BIS Group od schools which we are all very pleased about. Read on to
find out a little more about Ms Chi and Ms Nhung.
Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Meet Ms Chi
Issue 10 /Page 10
Meet Ms Nhung
Who would you like to know more about in our
community? Do you have a great question that
you would like to ask? Email Ms Dee with any
ideas for future staff profiles and see who we
will learn more about next week.
deirdregrimshaw@bisvietnam.com
11. Issue 10 /Page 11
PTG
bisvnptgap1@gmail.com or go to
www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EACAE28A4F85-country
13. Issue 10/Page 13
MENU 2 (WEEK BEGINNING 10 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Roast Chicken,
Mashed Potato
OR
Pork in Dark Soya
Sauce, Rice
Beef Lasagne
OR
Seafood Fried Rice
Cheese Pizza
OR
Pork with On-
ion, Rice
Honey Baked
Chicken, Sautéed
Potato
OR
Pork Noodle
Soup (Nam Vang)
Pork burger
OR
Szechuan Chicken,
Rice
VEGETA-
BLES
Cabbage & Car-
rots
Spinach
Morning Glory
Long Beans &
Carrots
Choy sum & Carrots
SOUP
Spinach & Melon
Tomato & Tofu
Cabbage & Car-
rot
Spinach
Watercress
FOR
VEGETARI-
AN
ONLY
Chickpea & Vege-
table Curry, Rice
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Vegetarian Lasa-
gne
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cheese Pizza
Cabbage & Car-
rot Soup
Vegetarian Noo-
dle Soup
Long Beans &
Carrots
Aloo Tikki Burger
Watercress Soup
MENU FOR F3 - YEAR 2
MENU 2(WEEK BEGINNING 10 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Roast Chicken,
Mashed Potato
OR
Pork in Dark
Soya Sauce,
Rice
Beef Lasagne
OR
Seafood Fried
Rice
Cheese Pizza
OR
Pork with Onion,
Rice
Honey Baked Chick-
en, Sautéed Potato
OR
Pork Noodle Soup
(Nam Vang)
Pork burger
OR
Szechuan Chick-
en, Rice
VEGETABLES
Cabbage &
Carrots
Spinach
Morning Glory
Long Beans & Carrots
Choy sum & Car-
rots
SOUP
Spinach & Mel-
on
Tomato & Tofu
Cabbage & Carrot
Spinach
Watercress
FOR
VEGETARIAN
ONLY
Chickpeas &
Vegetable Cur-
ry, Rice
Spinach & Mel-
on Soup
Vegetarian Lasa-
gne
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cheese Pizza
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Vegetarian Noodle
Soup
Long Beans & Carrots
Aloo Tikki Burger
Watercress Soup
DELI BAR
OPTION
Bun
filled with Ham
& cheese
Served with
Salad
Jacket Potato
filled with Baked
Beans & Bacon
Served with Salad
Bun
filled with cheese
& egg
Served with Salad
Jacket Potato
filled with Bolognese
Sauce
Served with Salad
Bun
filled with Chick-
en & mayon-
naise,
Served with Salad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily
14. Issue 10/Page 14
MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6
MENU 2 (WEEK BEGINNING 10 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Roast Chicken,
Yorkshire Pudding
OR
Pork in Dark Soya
Sauce, Rice
Beef Lasagne
OR
Seafood Fried Rice
Cheese Pizza
OR
Pork with Onion,
Rice
Honey Baked Chick-
en, Sautéed Potato
OR
Pork Noodle Soup
(Nam Vang)
Pork Burger
OR
Szechuan Chick-
en, Rice
VEGETABLES
Cabbage & Carrots Spinach
Morning Glory
Long Beans & Car-
rots
Choy sum & Car-
rots
SOUP
Spinach & Melon
Tomato & Tofu
Cabbage & Carrot
Spinach
Watercress
FOR
VEGETARIAN
ONLY
Chickpea & Vege-
table Curry, Rice
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Vegetarian Lasa-
gne
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cheese Pizza
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Vegetarian Noodle
Soup
Long Beans & Car-
rots
Aloo Tikki Burger
Watercress Soup
DELI BAR
OPTION
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
filled with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked
beans, peas & bo-
lognese sauce
Served with Salad
Bun/Jacket Potato
filled with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked
beans, peas & bo-
lognese sauce
Served with Salad
Wrap/Jacket Pota-
to
filled with bacon,
ham, chicken, egg,
cheese, tuna may-
onnaise, baked
beans, peas & bo-
lognese sauce
Served with Salad
Bun/Jacket Potato
filled with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked beans,
peas & bolognese
sauce
Served with Salad
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
filled with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked
beans, peas &
bolognese sauce
Served with Salad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily
