1. 28 November 2014 | ISSUE 13
Dates for your diary
IN THIS ISSUE
From: Page
Headteacher 2
Christmas Concert 3
Year 2 Transport Topic 4
Community Service Department 5,6,7
Staff profiles 8
PE Department 9,10,11
PTG 12,13
Menu 14,15
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
30th Terry Fox charity run
1st Y3 (8.15am) and Y5 (10.30am) Inter House Athletics
2nd Y4 (8.15am) and Y6 (10.30am) Inter House Athletics
4th Y1 (8.15am) and Y2 (9.50am) Sports Day
4th PTG Disco
6th Christmas BISzaar
7th Term 1 Clubs finish
November
December
2. From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham
Issue 13/Page 2
Scan here to access the
‘AP1 Parent Blog’
AP1 Parent Blog
http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/
Have you missed an important letter from school?
Don’t worry, you can access a selection of key correspondence from AP1 by clicking on the ‘Parent Documents’
page on the AP1 Parent Blog.
Look out for today’s post about Heroes.
Following today’s Y1 to Y6 assembly, why not ask your child
about who their hero is.
The Christmas season has started to take hold across AP1 this week with many children
busily refining the lines to Christmas carols, preparing decorations for their classrooms
and the Gym and generally getting into the Christmas spirit - and it’s only the end of No-
vember! Please ensure that you have the key dates in your diary for the many events that
will take place at AP1 by accessing the Monthly Calendar on the AP1 Parent Blog.
I very much enjoyed attending the Special Assembly from 3B on Tuesday who retold some
interesting legends to both children and parents. Thank you for all those parents that at-
tended and supported their children during this time.
Well done to all F2 and F3 children who took part in their Sport’s Day on Thursday.
Learning Support Assistant
BIS is seeking a second Learning Support Assistant to join the Learning Support Department at AP2 second-
ary campus. Learning Support at AP2 consists of in-class support, study skills development and homework
support for students across the age range with a range of mild learning difficulties.
Qualifications and experience are useful, but enthusiasm, teamwork and an ability to relate to young people
are essential.
To apply, please send a brief CV and covering letter by email to Richard Dyer
(richarddyer@bisvietnam.com) by Thursday 4th December.
School News
Everybody managed to tackle the challenge of each activity, showing great perseverance in front of the many
parents that supported. Please note the days and times of the MP1 - MP3 Inter House Athletics that take place
next week. I am very much looking forward to sharing the sporting achievements of every child and hope that
you will be able to attend, giving your valued support.
Next week sees the final week of this term’s Extra Curricular Clubs programme - clubs end on Sunday 7th
December. I am pleased to announce that following this newsletter, you will receive the introductory letter
outlining some improvements to the Term 2 Extra Curricular Clubs provision. To address feedback from par-
ents regarding the speed of the initial sign up, all free and paid club selections from Term 2 will be randomly
allocated by CHQ and not on a first come first served basis. This means that there will no longer be the need to
log on to the system immediately when it opens. In addition to this, I am pleased to announce that for the first
time, F1 and F2 children will be offered the chance to sign up for one free club. Please look out for the Term 2
Club letter, reading all details carefully.
I hope that you enjoy the articles that are on offer in this week’s newsletter and wish you a pleasant weekend.
4. Issue 13/Page 4
Year 2 Transport Topic
We have been so busy in Year 2 this week! As part of our IPC topic, we have been learning about different
modes of transport. Our challenge this week was to design and make a car for our teddy. First we learned
about the different parts of a car and what they all do. Then we experimented with the materials and learned
how to saw and join wood. We were very careful when we used the saws and glue gun. After that we designed
our vehicles, selecting materials for each part. We think our cars look beautiful and we are very proud of our
hard work this week.
Ms Aoife O'Connor
Year 2 Teacher and Community Service Leader
5. Issue 13/Page 5
Community Service
Nguyen Hien Primary School
Visit Year 5
After a very successful visit to Nguyen Hien School, 5B were
very pleased to invite students from Nguyen Hien School to visit
us.
3 separate Y5 classes (5B, 5I and 5S) were split into 21 groups
and were then joined by 3 children from Nguyen Hien School.
In IPC, Y5 are currently studying ‘Climate Change’ and the
challenge for all 21 groups was linked to renewable power. Each
group had 25 minutes to build a working windmill.
Every group managed to achieve their aim and thoroughly
enjoyed working with and getting to know their new friends.
5V and 5N will visit Nguyen Hien very soon.
Ms Deborah Spencer
Year 5 Teacher and MP3 Assistant Milepost Leader
6. Issue 13/Page 6
Here are just a few of the finished working windmills - created
in just 25 minutes, demonstrating great communication and
cooperation skills.
All the materials used were junk brought in by students to
recycle.
8. Introducing Our Team
A chat with Ms Andrea,
Year 3 Teacher
How long have you
worked at the school?
11 years
What is your favourite
time of the year at BIS?
I like Term 2, as by this
time I know my pupils
well and all their learning
is being consolidated and
they are making links across the subject areas.
Also we have Tet celebration and Internation-
al Week which are both such vibrant events.
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what
would they be?
Diverse, dynamic and active
Why do love/like working at the school?
I find it interesting teaching children from dif-
ferent cultures and backgrounds. The school
is friendly, supportive and well resourced. The
school calendar is brimming with events to
participate in and enjoy. There is never a dull
moment.
As someone who has lived here for quite a
while, what would be the top 5 things you
would recommend a foreigner to do in HCMC?
Try sampling the strange and wonderful
street food around Ben Thanh market at
night.
Take a xe om ride and see the city on the
back of a motorbike.
Visit the Reunification Palace for a lesson
in recent history.
Eat some durian – it tastes better than it
smells!
Try to get an invite to a traditional Viet-
namese wedding. They are ‘big’, entertain-
ing celebrations.
A chat with Ms Clair
Assistant Headteacher
(EYFS)
What is your favourite
time of the year at BIS? I
have many favourite
times of the year since
there is always something
happening. However, I
particularly love Interna-
tional Week and the opportunity to see the
whole school community come together and
share our family backgrounds.
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what
would they be? Outstanding, fun, caring
Why do love/like working at the school?
I love working at the school because of the
school community. Everyone I have met here,
from the staff to the children and the parents
all make this a very special place to be. BIS is
a happy school and I feel lucky to come to
work here every day.
How would you describe life in Vietnam to
friends back home?
My friends at home are often highly jealous of
my life here! I think that life here is some-
times a little crazy with so much traffic but al-
so very relaxing with lots of opportunities for
massages and beauty treatments. The people
are friendly and you never have to look far for
help. For me, it is also a healthy lifestyle with
fantastic local food and opportunities for exer-
cise.
Dear parents,
We hope you are enjoying getting to know our BIS Community. This week we introduce Ms Andrea who is one
of our longest standing members of the teaching staff. Andrea has seen BIS grow and develop into the wonder-
ful school that it is today and has been very much a part of that process.
Ms Clair is our Assistant Headteacher (EFYS) and a member of the Senior Management Team here at school.
Her leadership and work alongside all of our EYFS teachers and assistants, has seen it grow and develop into
an engaging and vibrant learning environment for our very youngest children.
Please read on to find out more about these teachers in our school.
Ms Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Meet Ms Andrea Meet Ms Clair
Issue 13/Page 8
9. U11 Girls HCMC Basketball Tournament
Issue 13/Page 9
Ms Lara Wilkinson
PE Teacher
On Wednesday 26th November, BIS hosted the U11 girls HCMC basketball tournament at AP2. Last year, the
girls finish in 4th place and have been training hard with Mr Richard to build on their prior performance.
Only 5 schools took part in the tournament; BIS AP1, BIS TX, ISHCMC, SSIS and AIS, with the remaining
schools taking part in the ‘B’ tournament. The tournament was played in a round robin format allowing us to
play all the schools, with the top two schools going through to the final.
In the round robin, the girls only conceded two points. They played some outstanding basketball, with all the
girls contributing to the score line. Their dedication to training highlighted by the range of skills, tactics and
strategies that they showcased. They were a pleasure to watch.
In the final, the girls played BIS TX again and won 15 – 0, becoming the HCMC girls basketball champions.
A huge congratulations to Gemma, Teaghan, Lila, Emily, Ela, Anna, Naomi, Mimi, Ji Hee and Mr
Richard!
Results
BIS AP1 V TX : won 22- 0
BIS AP1 V SSIS: won 18 – 0
BIS AP1 V AIS: won 14 – 2
BIS AP1 V ISHCMC: won 15 – 0
10. MP1 Sports Days
Issue 13/Page 10
Ms Lara Wilkinson
PE Teacher
Come to school as normal
Wear your PE kit (don’t
forget your hat, water bot-
tle and sun block)
Parents and supporters
are welcome to spectate
in the viewing areas.
Where:
AP1’s Big field
Events:
Water cup race, long jump,
beanbag challenge,
obstacle course, egg and
spoon race, sprints and
MP1 Sports Days
When:
Thursday, 4 December, 2014
Year 1: 8.15-9.00am
Year 2: 9.50 - 10.35
11. MP2 & MP3 Sports Days
Issue 13/Page 11
Mr Chris Pemble
PE Leader
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
20/12-22/12 Swimming 8:45am-9:30am Mr Vinh Min 5/Max F2-F3 415.000 AP1 Pool
9:30am-10:15am Mr Vinh Min 5/Max Y1-Y2 415.000 AP1 Pool
11.00am-12.00pm Mr Vinh Min 5/Max Y3-Y4 550.000 AP1 Pool
12.15pm-1.45pm Mr Vinh Min5/Max 15 Y5 upwards 825.000 AP1 Pool
December Holiday Sport Programmes
14. Issue 13/Page 14
MENU FOR F1 - F2
MENU 2 (WEEK BEGINNING 01 DECEMBER)
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 01 DECEMBER)
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
Chicken, 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 &
Carrots
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 Noo-
dle Soup
Long Beans & Car-
rots
Aloo Tikki Burg-
er
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 Bolo-
gnese Sauce
Served with Salad
Bun
filled with
Chicken & may-
onnaise,
Served with Sal-
ad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily
15. Issue 13/Page 15
MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6
MENU 2 (WEEK BEGINNING 01 DECEMBER)
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
Chicken, 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 Noo-
dle 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
