Issue12

21 November 2014 | ISSUE 12
Dates for your diary
IN THIS ISSUE
From: Page
Headteacher 2
F3 3
Y4 4
Community Service Department 5,6,7,8 and 9
Staff profiles 10
PE 11,12,13 and 14
PTG 15,16,17
Menu 18,19
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
24th Bangkok Swimming Meeting (4.00pm)
26th U11 Basketball Tournament (AP2)
27th F2 and F3 Sports Day (8.30am)
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
November
December
Teacher’s Day Breakfast
Y1 Community Service

From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham
Issue 12/Page 2
Scan here to access the
‘AP1 Parent Blog’
AP1 Parent Blog
http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/
Are you planning ahead for the rest of this term?
Click the ‘Monthly Calendar’ page on the AP1 Parent Blog and look at all of
the events that are taking place both this term and for the rest of the year.
In addition, use the blog to find an overview of term dates for this academic
year and also next year too (2015-16). Click here to view both calendars.
Another very busy week on Campus, with the focus upon creative learning, feedback and
giving back.
The Autumn Collection was unveiled for the very first time on Monday morning to begin
the new Year 4 IPC topic ‘Fashion’. As the catwalk took pride of place in the Milepost 1
playground, our Year 4 children came dressed in clothes designed by themselves. Sequins,
chic accessories and sparkle really began the week in style, rounded off with a fashion pa-
rade befitting the cities of Milan, London and New York. More details and pictures of this
event can be found on page 4.
I would like to thank all parents of Year 1 to Year 6 children that attended our parent
teacher meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday. I hope that you gained an insight into your child’s progress,
achievement and effort and also have an understanding of their next steps and how you can assist in this pro-
cess. It is the expectation that all parents attend such meetings, therefore if you have not yet been able to dis-
cuss the Interim Report with your child’s class teacher, please make an appointment as soon as possible. As
always, your support is very much appreciated
On Thursday, the PTG Teacher’s Day Committee organised a special breakfast treat for all of our teachers and
teaching assistants. Situated inside of Gate A, coffee, tea, pastries and fruit were offered to our hard working
and dedicated staff to celebrate this very special day in the Vietnamese calendar. I would like to personally
thank the committee members Fraine Mahoney, Isabel Ariza and Nikki Aurora-G for their invaluable organi-
sation and also the volunteer parents Bina McConville, Carolina Wilson and Ginette Diaz Rodriguez for their
help on the day. Random acts of kindness such as these go a long way to forming a strong and unified commu-
nity.
It has been a pleasure to see how our extensive programme to create a greater awareness towards our Commu-
nity Partners was working this week with visits to Nguyen Hien Primary School for our Year 5’s and the con-
tinuing play dates of children from Thien Phuoc Foster Home with our Year 1 children. More details of both
these visits can be found on pages 5, 6 and 7.
Thank you to all F3 parents that attended this morning’s phonics workshop. A link to the presentation can be
found by clicking here - (F3 Phonics Workshop - Full Presentation. 21.11.15)
Finally, I would like to welcome delegates from FOBISIA schools across the region, to our Learning Support
Conference that takes place today and Saturday at AP1. Developing our teachers’ own outstanding practice by
sharing the outstanding practice of others is a vital element in constantly reflecting upon how we provide the
very best educational provision for all of our children.
I hope that you enjoy reading the articles in this week’s newsletter. Have a great weekend.

F3 Visit to the Water Puppets
Issue 12/Page 3
This week F3 had a fantastic visit to the Water Puppets show. The children boarded the bus and we had an ex-
citing ride to the theatre. The puppets and colours were all amazing to watch and the music was fantastic to
listen to. The children loved every second of it! Everybody was well behaved and did a great job representing
BIS.
Well done F3.
Ms Louise Swift
F3 Teacher & Assistant Milepost Leader

Issue 12/Page 4
As an entry point into their new IPC unit ‘Fashion’, the Year 4 pupils
presented the very latest in styles from around the globe. ‘The BIS Fashion -
Autumn Collection’ brought together the creative, artistic and writing talents
of our fabulous models whereby each pupil had to first decide upon a style,
come up with the actual costume befitting that style and then write their
walkway introduction using the type of language commonly used in fashion
extravaganzas. The final aspect of the event, and arguably the most daunting,
was the presenting of the chosen fashions on the purpose built catwalk at the
front steps of AP1, and didn’t the models do their creations justice? Paris,
London, Milan, and now An Phu! A huge crowd of over 120 parents and friends
were in attendance to witness what was the initial, but certainly not the last,
annual “Autumn Collection’ event.
Ms Clare Lowson
Year 4 Teacher and Assessment Leader
Year 4 - Autumn Fashion Show

Issue 12/Page 5
Year 5 Visit Nguyen Hien
Primary School
Why we went?
We went to the Nguyen Hien school to help us feel
part of the community, the Vietnamese school
community. Our school is different to them and we
should appreciate being more fortunate. We
learned how to communicate with the Vietnamese
students at the Nguyen Hien school. We were
there to learn how to work with different people,
as our community is getting bigger and bigger
worldwide, and to meet new friends. In my opinion
a good school is one that appreciates differences, is
kind to one another and encourages being part of
the community, meeting people worldwide. That is
what makes our school special!
Proud Suntipong (5B Pupil)
What we did?
When we went to Nguyen Hien school the
activities we participated in included
traditional dancing and sports. For
traditional dancing we lined up in rows of
our classes with children from Nguyen Hien
school in front of us. We all copied some
children from Nguyen Hien school and a
teacher from their school. After that we all
got in a few circles and copied some B.I.S
children and Nguyen Hien school children
and did the traditional dance again. For
sports we first of all did tug of war, we were
separated into two different mixed teams.
After that we then did basketball mixed
with skipping. We lined up and when it was
our turn we got the skipping rope and
skipped five times took the basketball and
shot.
Matthew Carter (5S Pupil)
Community Service

Ms Deborah Spencer
Y5 Teacher and Assistant Milepost Leader
Issue 12/Page 6
How we felt?
Before we arrived at the Nguyen Hien school most of us were excited but some people were a
little bit scared too because our teacher had told us that the students in Nguyen Hien school
could speak only a little bit of English. When we went to the gym to do PE we all realized
that the Gym was way bigger than our schools gym and it looked different. The PE lessons
in the Nguyen Hien school were very different from our school’s PE lessons so a lot of people
were surprised. When we finished PE everybody were very sweaty.
After that we went up to the classroom to do the traditional dance so we all were super excit-
ed. When we went in to the classroom it was also bigger than our classroom but there was
only a table, chair, computer, projector and the big screen. When we saw the dance a lot of
people said it was very funny but some people just thought it was just weird. After we saw
them dancing some people from our school went to the front of the classroom and also some
from the local school. I think they were very nervous. We had a very good time.
Sung Soo Lee (5I Pupil)
Community Service

Community Service - Thien Phuoc Foster Home
Issue 12/Page 7
Over the last few weeks some lucky Year One students have had the chance to meet our Community Partners.
Thien Phuoc Foster Home for Disabled Children provides a loving home for children with disabilities in Ho Chi
Minh City. The range of disabilities of the children are varied. We played with the children in the BIS soft paly
room. It was great fun making new friends and learning from each other.
.
Ms Nicole McKelvie
Y1 Teacher
Here we are playing with the
children. We had to think of
games that they would like. They
enjoyed colourful and noisy
games with the scarves and bells.
We knew that the children were
happy because they smiled at us
and grabbed for the toys. We felt
happy when we made them
smile.
Year 1 Thien Phuoc Playdate

Community Service and Enterprise Day
Issue 12/Page 8
Last month, the whole school participated in Enterprise Day. It was a huge success and the students made
26,914,000VND in profits!
The school voted on how the money should be used. After some debate, the generous students decided to use the
money to support some of BIS’s Community Service partners. The funds were dispersed in the following way:
7,099,000VND to Thien Phuoc Home, to support their Christmas Party and festivities.
8,630,500VND to Binh Tho School, to help build a new playground.
11,184,500VND to E.A.S.T., to go towards a new habitat for the pygmy loris.
At a recent Whole School Assembly, representatives from each project came to receive their funding. Ms Dee,
with the help of the House Captains, presented the money on big BIS cheques. We were honoured to present the
cheques to Abi, representing Thien Phuoc Foster Home, Sister Khuong from Binh Tho School, and Clover from
the E.A.S.T. project.
Thank you to the representatives for coming to receive the funds in person and thank you to all the students for
your generosity and continued commitment to Community Service at BIS. Our Community Partners will do
great things with the money you earned at Enterprise Day!
Ms Samantha Baker
EAL Teacher and Community Service Leader

Community Service and Enterprise Day
Issue 12/Page 9
Inviting players from Years 5, 6 & 7 to take
part in a Community Football Tournament.
Sign up will be by CHQ soon!
Sunday 14th December

Introducing Our Team
A chat with Ms Phuong,
Primary Vietnamese
Coordinator
How long have you worked at
the school?
Since November 2006
What is your favourite time of
the year at BIS?
I always feel wonderful when seeing the chil-
dren excited about whole school events like
Moon Festival, Christmas and Tet Fair.
If you had to describe BIS in 3 words what
would they be?
Professional, respectful and caring
Why do love/like working at the school?
I love seeing children learning and playing in
school. I also enjoy working with professional
and friendly staff as well as experiencing in-
tercultural environment.
Ms Phuong : As a Vietnamese person, what
would be the top 5 things you would recom-
mend a foreigner to do in HCMC?
 Enjoy a general view of Saigon by night on
a Vespa tour.
 Visit the old French Quarter including
places such as the Opera House, Notre
Dame Cathedral Saigon, Independence
Palace, Saigon Post Office and Dong Khoi
Street.
 Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine such as spring
rolls (chả giò), pancakes (bánh xèo), rice
cooked in a clay pot (cơm niêu), broken
rice (cơm tấm), noodle soup (phở) and
drink coconut juice.
 Drink Vietnamese coffee or tea like local
people.
 Enjoy bargaining at Ben Thanh market.
A chat with Ms Dee
Deputy Headteacher
How long have you worked at
the school?
Since August
What are you impressions of BIS so far?
Coming here as a family has been a wonderful
experience. Speaking with my ‘mummy hat’ on,
my boys are really happy and are enjoying the
challenges that BIS has set them. In my role as
Deputy Headteacher, I am enjoying getting to
know the children, staff and parents and the
whole of the BIS community
What five words describe the school for you?
Community, Care, High Expectations, Laugh-
ter and Learning.
If you had to write a postcard to family and
friends back home what would it say?
Dear Family,
WOW! What an amazing experience so far.
Many people told us that Saigon and BIS were
special places but you have to come here to
truly realise it. We are thoroughly enjoying all
the new experiences from riding on a scooter
to eating Vietnamese food. The boys have set-
tled in really well and are enjoying all the new
experiences and challenges that BIS has to of-
fer. Already they feel part and parcel of the
community.
Please come and visit!
Dear parents,
This week we introduce another two members of staff Ms Phuong who is our Primary Vietnamese Coordinator
here at AP1 and Ms Dee Grimshaw, Deputy Headteacher aka. Me! Ms Phuong works with all our TAs to make
sure that the Vietnamese Culture lessons are broad and varied and provide an enriching experience for all. Ms
Phuong is also busy co coordinating the Vietnamese Language lessons that take place after school for many of
our students. She does a wonderful job.
As you probably know, I am new to post this year and I am enjoying supporting Mr Simon and all the teaching
staff in their roles here at school. It’s a wonderful place to work and I am enjoying the many and varied chal-
lenges that come my way.
Watch this space for more profiles next week as we interview some of our longer serving members of the BIS
Community.
Ms Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Meet Ms Phuong Meet Ms Dee
Issue 12/Page 10

 Come to school as normal
 Wear your house T-Shirt
(don’t forget your hat, water
bottle and sun block)
 Parents are encouraged to
attend and support their
children.
Where:
AP1’s small outdoor field
Events:
Wa ter c up race, w ob ble b oards,
bean bag cha llenge, o bstacle co urse,
eg g and spoo n race, s prin ts an d mo re.
F2 + F3 Sports Day
When:
Thursday, 27 November,
2014
8.30-9.15am
F2 and F3 Sports Days
Issue 12/Page 11

MP1 Sports Days
Issue 12/Page 12
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

MP2 & MP3 Sports Days
Issue 12/Page 13
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

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 12/Page 14

Issue 12/Page 15
PTG: Teacher’s Day Breakfast
Thursday 20 November was Teacher's Day and as a small way of thanking our wonderful teachers and TA's for
all their hard work throughout the year the PTG provided breakfast for all 120 staff, as well as a small gift of
Alfajores (a traditional South American caramel biscuit). It was a great way to start the day and it was lovely
to see the happy faces of the teachers as they arrived at school to be greeted with coffee and breakfast treats.
Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher
- Japanese proverb
Thanks to the rest of the committee, Ginnette Diaz, Isabel Ariza de Villa and Niki Aurora-Gupta, as well as
the people who helped serve on the day, for all your work to make this event possible. A special thank you also
to the Loop restaurant for their generosity in sponsoring the coffee.
Fraine Mahoney
PTG Teacher’s Day Committee member

Issue 12/Page 16
PTG - Future Events
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C054EACAE28A4F85--‐

Issue 12/Page 17
PTG - Future Events

Issue 12/Page 18
MENU FOR F1 - F2
MENU 1 (WEEK BEGINNING 24 NOVEMBER)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Honey Lime
Chicken, Sautéed
Potato
OR
Braised Tofu with
Pork, Rice
Cottage Pie-Beef
OR
Chicken & Vegeta-
ble Curry, Rice
Pasta with Pork
Balls
OR
Fish Teriyaki,
Rice
Roast Pork,
Mashed Potato
OR
Chicken Noodle
Soup
Fish Goujons, Potato
Wedges
OR
Minced Beef & Vegeta-
ble Stew, Rice
VEGETA-
BLES
Choy sum & Car-
rots
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrots
Spinach Long Beans &
Carrots
Morning Glory
SOUP
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Watercress Mixed Vegeta-
ble
Spinach Cabbage & Carrot
FOR VEG-
ETARIAN
ONLY
Dhal
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Vegetarian
Cottage Pie
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrots
Pasta Napoli-
tana
Chickpeas Salad
Vegetarian Noo-
dle Soup
Long Beans &
Carrots
Tofu & Vegetable
Stew, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
MENU FOR F3 - YEAR 2
MAIN COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Honey Lime
Chicken, Sau-
téed Potato
OR
Braised Tofu
with Pork, Rice
Cottage Pie-Beef
OR
Chicken & Vege-
table Curry, Rice
Pasta with Pork
Balls
OR
Fish Teriyaki, Rice
Roast Pork,
Mashed Potato
OR
Chicken Noodle
Soup
Fish Goujons,
Potato Wedges
OR
Minced Beef &
Vegetable
Stew, Rice
VEGETABLES
Choy sum &
Carrots
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrots
Spinach Long Beans & Car-
rots
Morning Glory
SOUP Spinach & Mel-
on
Watercress Mixed Vegetable Spinach
Cabbage & Car-
rot
FOR VEGETARI-
AN ONLY
Dhal
Spinach & Mel-
on Soup
Vegetarian
Cottage Pie
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrots
Pasta Napolitana
Chickpeas Salad
Vegetarian Noo-
dle Soup
Long Bean & Car-
rot
Tofu & Vegeta-
ble Stew, Rice
Cabbage & Car-
rot 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

Issue 12/Page 19
MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Honey Lime Chick-
en, Sautéed Potato
OR
Braised Tofu with
Pork, Rice
Cottage Pie-Beef
OR
Chicken & Vege-
table Curry, Rice
Pasta with Pork
Balls
OR
Fish Teriyaki, Rice
Roast Pork,
Mashed Potato
OR
Chicken Noodle
Soup
Fish Goujons, Po-
tato Wedges
OR
Minced Beef &
Vegetable Stew,
Rice
VEGETABLES Choy sum & Car-
rots
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrots
Spinach Long Beans & Car-
rots
Morning Glory
SOUP Spinach & Melon Watercress Mixed Vegetable Spinach
Cabbage & Carrot
FOR VEGE-
TARIAN ON-
LY
Dhal
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Vegetarian
Cottage Pie
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrots
Pasta Napolitana
Chickpeas Salad
Vegetarian Noo-
dle Soup
Long Beans & Car-
rots
Tofu & Vegetable
Stew, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
DELI BAR
OPTION
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
fill with ham, chick-
en, cheese, egg,
tuna mayonnaise,
baked beans, peas
& bolognese 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

Issue12

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