1. 14 November 2014 | ISSUE 11
Dates for your diary
IN THIS ISSUE
From: Page
Head teacher 2
PE Department 3,4,5,6
Staff Profiles 7
MP3 Live Lunches 8
Community Service Department 9
EAL Department 10
PTG 11,12
Menu 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
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
4th PTG Disco
November
December
2. From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham
Issue 11/Page 2
Scan here to access the
‘AP1 Parent Blog’
AP1 Parent Blog
http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/
What happens when our primary students transition to AP2 (BIS Secondary
School) moving through our supportive, family environment and then transfer
to the wider world?
Click the ‘Academic Results’ page on the AP1 Parent Blog and read the Senior
School Profile in both English and Vietnamese versions.
BIS students graduate to the top universities in both the USA and UK.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, achievement is ‘a thing done successfully’ and
effort is defined as ’a vigorous or determined attempt’.
As you receive your child’s interim report today, please take time to look over the com-
ments, targets and also both the achievement and effort grades, that are linked to the ru-
brics found on the reverse of the covering letter. Take time to talk through the content
with your child, ensuring that you are both clear what achievements have been gained,
what efforts has been exerted and most importantly, what are the next steps for learning.
These reports are a snapshot of your child’s progress within the first 10 full weeks of this
academic year and Y1 to Y6 parents will have the opportunity to discuss the content with
class teachers and specialist teachers during next week’s parent meetings on Tuesday 18th
and Wednesday 19th November from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. More details of the sign up procedure can be found in
the letter that was sent to all parents last week - click here to access. It is vital that all parents attend these
meetings so that we can work in partnership to ensure that all of our children gain the maximum achievement
and give the maximum effort that they possibly can, across all areas of the curriculum. Please note that
there will be no Extra Curricular Clubs (except for paid clubs) on Tuesday and Wednesday next
week.
Congratulations to our Phuket football teams who returned from their tournament in Thailand last weekend.
Great achievements both on and off the field were evident and I am pleased to say that I have received feed-
back from many parents stating that our children not only performed well but wore the BIS HCMC shirt with
pride, showing exemplary sportsmanship at all times. More details of the trip can be found on page 3 of today’s
newsletter - well done to everyone that took part!
Musical achievement and effort were also evident this week with the start of this year’s Live Lunches. Organ-
ised by the music department, children have had the opportunity to showcase their musical talents in front of
their peers and this week was the turn of Milepost 3. More details can be read on page 8. I am very much look-
ing forward to the next set of Live Lunches that are due to take place next term. Look out for these in our fu-
ture editions of the newsletter.
Franklin D Roosevelt stated, ’Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort’.
Celebrate your child’s achievements and encourage them to try their best in all that they do. Achievement can
vary from child to child and not everyone can gain the best marks in an assessment, throw the furthest or play
the violin to philharmonic standards. What every child can do though, is be the best that they can be - throw
themselves into every activity that they do with perseverance, a positive attitude and deter-
mination to do well - this epitomises a BIS child.
If you have any enquiries relating to reports or parent meetings, please do not hesitate to
contact my new PA, Ms Duyen (PA to HoC)
duyentranthikim@bisvietnam.com
I hope that you enjoy reading the many articles in this week’s newsletter. Have a great
weekend.
3. Phuket Football 2014
Issue 11/Page 3
Ms Lara Wilkinson
PE Teacher
Congratulations to all pupils that attended the Phuket Football tournament last week. The tournament has
been running for 13 years and this year boasted the largest number of participants. There were 35 different
international schools from all over Asia and over 1350 pupils! It meant the standard was incredibly tough!
Our teams have been preparing for weeks,
demonstrating a huge amount of commitment,
passion, drive and determination. We are very
proud of all their performances both in terms of
sporting ability but also sportsmanship and
team work
The U9 boys did not lose a pool game and went
through to the semi -finals where they faced BIS
Phuket – the host team. It was a closely contest-
ed game with BISP winning 2 -1. The boys were
gracious in defeat and went on to win the bronze
medal against St Andrew’s, Bangkok. Well
done!!!!
The U11 boys started their tournament with a win
against the host school, 5 – 1. They then came up
against strong opposition from Alice Smith, Dulwich
College Shanghai and Harrow International School,
losing each game. The boys played well in all three
and were unlucky with some of the scores. However,
the boys showed great perseverance and came back
on day two to beat the British International School,
Hanoi 6 – 0 and Dulwich College Beijing 4 – 0. The
boys worked well as a team and performed exception-
ally well on day two, building on their performance
from the first day.
The U11 girls went out hard on day, being unde-
feated in all their games. The girls worked superb-
ly as a team and demonstrated great skill through-
out the day. On day two, the girls played two more
pool games which resulted in a draw and a win.
This meant they finished at the top of their pool to
play a strong Patana team in the semi – final. The
girls were unlucky in their semi; going 1 – 0 but
unfortunately the weather conditions didn’t help
their battle. At full time the score was 1 - 1, result-
ing in 10 minutes extra time where Patana got
lucky with one shot on goal. The girls played with
huge determination and passion, it was a great
performance. Unfortunately, the girls lost their
final playoff to Tanglin but showed fantastic
sportsmanship; being quick to congratulate them
on their win.
Well done girls, it was a great weekend and the standard of football played was very high. The level of team
work and support showed by all team members was amazing and commented on by lots of other teams. Con-
gratulations to Gemma Handscombe who was player of the tournament!
4. Upcoming MP2 & 3 Sports Days
Issue 11/Page 4
Mr Chris Pemble
PE Leader
The final results from the tournament are available to check on the official website:
https://sites.google.com/a/bisphuket.ac.th/football/
Photos from Day One are here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152525258177989.1073741961.161656237988&type=3
Photos from Day Two are here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152525258807989.1073741962.161656237988&type=3
Here's a link to a story and video in the local newspaper the Phuket Gazette:
http://phuketgazette.net/phuket-sports/Video-Report-BISP-Soccer-7s-serious/39445#ad-image-0
Phuket Football 2014 - Full results and photos
5. 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 11/Page 5
6. 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 11/Page 6
7. Introducing Our Team
A chat with Nurse Shena,
Nurse, AP1 Campus
How long have you worked at the school?
Almost two years
What is your favourite time of the year at BIS?
I can say that my favourite time of the year is International
Week, where everyone wears their national costumes and
you can taste the food prepared by parents which represents
their countries.
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what would they
be?
Outstanding, Friendly and Disciplined.
Why do love working at the school?
I love children. Taking care of them when they're sick and
meeting their health care needs is my passion. School is a
place where I can show my care professionally. I can give
health information creatively, and share health topics per-
sonally.
A chat with Ms Phuong,
AP1 Campus Facilities
Manager
How long have you worked at the school?
Since 2005
What is your favourite time of the year at BIS?
I enjoy setting up for the events/productions and team build-
ing time with my colleagues.
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what would they
be?
Respectful, Sharing and Helping
Why do love working at the school?
To learn, challenge and improve myself in a peaceful and
lovely international environment.
As a Vietnamese citizen, what would be the top 5 things
you would recommend a newcomer to do in HCMC?
Shopping
Visit the museums
Try tasty street food
Sample the famous Saigon nightlife
Pamper yourself
Dear parents,
We continue to introduce you to the staff that work behind the scenes and in Nurse Shena’s case, on the front
line to make sure our students and staff have a healthy and safe working environment. Nurse Shena has prob-
ably met most if not all the students at one time or another. Her welcoming smile and calm nature mean that
students and staff feel safe in visiting her and know they will be looked after.
Ms Phuong is our campus facilities manager. You might have caught a glimpse of her in the office. Ms Phuong
is well known by all the teachers as she is our ‘go to’ girl! When we need something Ms Phuong sorts it out for
us and for all the staff. She makes sure that all our events run smoothly with whatever equipment is needed
to hand. In a school the size of ours, that is no easy task yet she always manages to do it with a great big smile
on her face!
Look out next week for more staff profiles.
Ms Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Meet Nurse Shena Meet Ms Phuong
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
Issue 11/Page 7
8. MP3 Live Lunches
Issue 11/Page 8
This week has seen the return of the hugely popular Live Lunch concerts. Students from Years 5 and 6 pre-
sented a series of lunchtime concerts for their friends and teachers, showcasing their musical talents. We were
treated to performances from a wide range of instruments including voice, ukulele, guitar, oboe, flute, clarinet,
piano and even several rock bands. To see a slideshow of some of the performances, please visit the AP1 Music
Blog at www.ap1music.blogspot.com
Well done to all of the young musicians that took part!
Ms Beth Bown
Music Leader
9. Community Service: Friendship Club with BinhTho
Issue 11/Page 9
Friendship club brings together children from BIS and Binh Tho School. Over the last few weeks the children
have enjoyed getting to know each other better and developing new friendships by playing team building
games, making friendship bracelets for each other and generally having lots of fun. They also had a fantastic
time at our Halloween Party a couple of weeks ago. Take a look at some of the photos of the activities they have
been doing and see their blossoming friendships!
Ms Melanie Wagstaff
Classroom Teacher
13. Issue 11/Page 13
MENU FOR F1 - F2
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 17 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE
1
Ham & Cheese
Croque Monsieur,
Potato Wedges
OR
Chicken Rice
Chicken Carbonara
OR
Roast Pork, Rice
Pasta Bolognese-
Pork
OR
Sweet & Sour
Fish, Rice
Battered Fish &
Baked Potato
OR
Nasi Lemak -
Chicken & Egg
Chili Con Carne-Beef,
Rice
OR
Egg Noodle w Pork
VEGETA-
BLES
Long Beans, Car-
rot
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrot
Morning Glory
& Carrot
Spinach Choy sum & Carrot
SOUP
Spinach & Melon
Watercress
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cabbage & Carrot Mixed Vegetables
FOR
VEGE-
TARIAN
ONLY
Oriental Fried
Rice
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Braised Beans &
Vegetables, Rice
Watercress Soup
Veggie Pasta (e)
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Vegetarian Chili
Con Carne, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Sautéed Vegetarian
Noodle
Mixed Vegetables Soup
MENU FOR F3 - YEAR 2
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 17 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Ham & Cheese
Croque Mon-
sieur,
Potato Wedges
OR
Chicken Rice
Chicken Carbona-
ra
OR
Roast Pork, Rice
Pasta Bolognese-
Pork
OR
Sweet & Sour Fish,
Rice
Battered Fish &
Baked Potato
OR
Nasi Lemak -
Chicken & Egg
Chili Con Carne-
Beef, Rice
OR
Stir Fry Egg
Noodle w Pork
VEGETABLES
Long Beans,
Carrot
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrot
Morning Glory &
Carrot
Spinach
Choysum & Car-
rot
SOUP
Spinach & Mel-
on Watercress
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cabbage & Carrot
Mixed Vegeta-
bles
FOR
VEGETARIAN
ONLY
Oriental Fried
Rice
Spinach & Mel-
on Soup
Braised Beans &
Vegetables, Rice
Watercress Soup
Veggie Pasta (e)
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Vegetarian Chili
Con Carne, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Stir Fry Vege-
tarian Noodle
Mixed Vegeta-
bles 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 Bolo-
gnese Sauce
Served with Salad
Bun
filled with
Chicken & may-
onnaise,
Served with Sal-
ad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily
14. Issue 11/Page 14
MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 17 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Ham & Cheese
Croque Monsieur,
Potato Wedges
OR
Chicken Rice
Chicken Carbona-
ra
OR
Roast Pork, Rice
Pasta Bolognese-
Pork
OR
Sweet & Sour Fish,
Rice
Battered Fish &
Baked Potato
OR
Nasi Lemak -
Chicken & Egg
Chili Con Carne-
Beef, Rice
OR
Egg Noodle w Pork
VEGETA-
BLES
Long Beans, Carrot Chinese Cabbage
& Carrot
Morning Glory &
Carrot
Spinach Choysum & Carrot
SOUP Spinach & Melon
Watercress Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cabbage & Carrot Mixed Vegetables
FOR
VEGETARI-
AN
ONLY
Oriental Fried Rice
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Braised Beans &
Vegetables, Rice
Watercress Soup
Veggie Pasta (e)
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Vegetarian Chili
Con Carne, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Vegetarian Noodle
Mixed Vegetables
Soup
DELI BAR
OPTION
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
fill with ham, chick-
en, cheese, egg, tu-
na mayonnaise,
baked beans, peas
& bolognese sauce
Served with Salad
Bun/Jacket Potato
fill with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked
beans, peas & bolo-
gnese sauce
Served with Salad
Wrap/Jacket Potato
fill with bacon,
ham, chicken, egg,
cheese, tuna mayon-
naise, baked beans,
peas & bolognese
sauce
Served with Salad
Bun/Jacket Potato
fill with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked beans,
peas & bolognese
sauce
Served with Salad
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
fill with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked
beans, peas &
bolognese sauce
Served with Salad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily
