Issue14

05 December 2014 | ISSUE 14
Dates for your diary
IN THIS ISSUE
From: Page
Headteacher 2
Christmas Concert 3
Community Service Department 4-6
Year 4 and EAL Department 7
Staff profiles 8
PE Department 9-11
PTG 12-15
Menu 16-17
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
7th Term 1 Club Programme ends
10th MP1 Production to parents (8.30am. Gym)
11th MP3 Speech Contest
12th EYFS Christmas Concert (8.30am. Gym)
12th BIS Swim Squad travel to Bangkok
19th Term 1 Ends - 11.30am

From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham
Issue 14/Page 2
Scan here to access the
‘AP1 Parent Blog’
AP1 Parent Blog
http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/
Have you missed a parent workshop this term?
Don‟t worry, you can access a selection of key presentations from AP1 by clicking on the „Useful Websites and
Resources‟ page on the AP1 Parent Blog. Here you can find information from the following workshops:
 Settling In and Moving On
 Reading
 Phonics
 Maths calculation
 Child Nutrition
In addition, useful online resources that can be used with your children at home can also be accessed here.
The aim of our Extra Curricular Clubs programme is to, „extend existing learning opportu-
nities beyond the classroom, to give all children a wider range of fun experiences that en-
hance the core curriculum.’ With more than 100 quality clubs that have been on offer, I
hope that all children have found the programme both enjoyable and an enrichment to
their overall learning. I would like to remind you that the official club programme for
Term 1 ends this Sunday, 7th December so please remember to collect your children from
their classrooms at the correct time next week. Today, you will have received an email out-
lining some key dates for the Term 2 Extra Curricular Programme. The new club booklet
for Term 2 will be available to view on the school website on Monday 8th December with
sign up beginning on Monday 15th December until Friday 19th December.
For all details regarding Term 2 Extra Curricular Clubs, please refer to the letter that was sent to you last
week. Click here to access this information.
Well done to all children this week that took part in the annual Sports Days and Inter House Athletics tourna-
ments. It was great to see every child encouraging one another to do their very best, whilst also retaining the
competitive spirit that epitomises such events. More details of these days can be found on page 9 and 10 of
today‟s newsletter.
On a further sporting note, thank you to all children and parents that represented our school at the Terry Fox
fun last Sunday. As always, BIS was well represented, running in the memory of a truly inspirational
individual. Please refer to page 4 of this newsletter and follow the link to find out how the money raised is be-
ing used.
Next week, we welcome the return of the BIS Christmas post boxes. This is now becoming somewhat of a tradi-
tion within our school. From Monday 8th December, all children can write a Christmas card to anyone in AP1
and we will deliver it! Further details can be found on page 7.
Maintaining the Christmas theme, I am very much looking forward to the Christmas productions that are hap-
pening next week. I look forward to seeing parents supporting their children at the Milepost 1 (Year 1 and Year
2) production of, „Bertie‟s Christmas Play‟ on Wednesday 10th Dec and also the F3 Christmas production of,
„Snowman at Sunset‟ on Friday 12th December. Both these events begin at 8.30am in the AP1 Gym.
Finally, I would like to thank all of our PTG Disco committee for organising a very successful Term 1 Christ-
mas Disco on Thursday. Over 350 children attended this very popular event and had a great time dancing to
some of their favourite tunes. Some great pictures can be found on pages 12 and 13. Please note that the next
PTG Disco is scheduled in Term 2 on Thursday 16th April - Groovy!
I hope that you enjoy reading through the many pages of this week‟s newsletter, celebrating the variety of
events and achievements that have taken place at AP1 this week and looking forward to the ones that are still
to come. I wish you all a very pleasant weekend.

Issue 14/Page 3
Christmas Concert

Issue 14/Page 4
Community Service - Terry Fox Run
It was fantastic to see so many BIS students, parents and staff taking part in the 4km Terry Fox run in District
7 on Sunday 30th November.
If you would like to find out further information regarding the Terry Fox foundation and also where the funds
are used in Vietnam, please follow the link below:
http://www.terryfox.org/TerryFox/
Phil Drake
Director of Sport/Activities & Trips Coordinator

Community Service - Helping Hands Club
Issue 14/Page 5
Every week, the children from Helping Hands Club visit our
friends at Thien Phuoc Foster Home. The residential centre
provides healthcare and education for disabled children in
HCMC. The children in the club give their all to Community
Service and we are inspired by their commitment and en-
thusiasm. After a term of playing, giggling, jumping and
laughing, here the children reflect on their experiences.
"I signed up to Helping Hands club because I think it‟s a
great experience and it makes you feel good to put a smile
on someone‟s face. My best memory was when I came back
after the holiday and even though I didn‟t see them for
three months, as we arrived I was nervous. Then one of the
children came and gave me a hug and it brightened my
mood. Other BIS children should sign up for helping hands
because it‟s really fun and you will love how nice everyone is
there even though they have so little. Plus if you love play-
ing with children of any age then this will be a thrilling ex-
perience." Benjamin Brownrigg 6I
"I signed up to the Helping Hands club to help. When my
dad and I saw that there was a Helping Hands club we were
happy because I had been in a community service project in
Mauritius and I had fun. People should go to the Helping
Hands club because it‟s really fun to help the less fortunate
kids who have had hard times." Adyan Naser 5S
"I signed up for Thien Phuoc club because I really like to
help people and play with people who have disabilities. My
best memory is playing with a child you don't know and
when they smile at you. I have learned how to play with
someone that cannot talk or cannot move. People should go
to Thien Phuoc club because it is really good to help some-
one that can not talk or do a lot of things and it feels AMAZ-
ING when you help someone that's less fortunate than you
are." Hope Bonner Higham 5S
“I signed up to Helping Hand club because when my sister
came home from it she was really cheerful and happy so I
thought that if I signed up I would like it as well. My best
memory would be when I was teaching a little boy how to
walk with a walking frame. I have learned how to communi-
cate with people who cannot speak. You should come to
helping hands because it is fun.” Hannah Walsh 5V
Helping Hands club is open to children from Years 4, 5 and 6. It runs on Mondays from 2:40pm to 5:30pm. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms Aoife.
Ms Aoife O'Connor
Year 2 Teacher and Community Service Leader

Community Service - Football Tournament
Issue 14/Page 6

It's that time of year again! Year 4 would like to invite all students to use our
Christmas Card Delivery Service. You can write a Christmas card to anyone in
AP1 and we will deliver it!
Remember to write their full name and class on the front of the envelope so that
we know where to take it. Then, just pop it into one of the special post boxes. One
will be outside Miss Dee's office, the other will be outside the canteen. The service
will run from Monday 8th until Thursday 18th December. We are really
looking forward to delivering your festive mail so get busy writing those cards!
David Cotmore
Year 4 Class Teacher
Year 4 - Delivery Service
Going Green Team
Issue 14/Page 7
“When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten and the last stream is poisoned you will soon realise that
you cannot live on money anymore.”
Native American Proverb.
Meet the team—Yong Jing, Sunny, Nini and Hannah
Do you want to help the environment?
We are looking for new members that
care for our school and the environ-
ment to join the Going Green Team.
Anyone can join us in Room 021, better
known as the EAL room on Thursdays
at 12:00.
If you would like to help us please talk
to a member of the Team or Mr Luke.
Mr Luke Turner
EAL Teacher

Issue 14/Page 8
I am looking forward to flying
off to Phnom Penh in Cambodia
to meet my best friend who is
flying in from London. After a
few days of sightseeing
and shopping we are going to
relax on the beach where I am
going to perfect the art of doing
nothing but lying on a sun
lounger with my nose in some
very good books.
Ms Shaheena, Head of EAL
I am going back to Leeds for the
Christmas holidays, for the first time
since I have moved to Vietnam so I
am very excited. I am most looking
forward to visiting the Manchester
Christmas markets and sampling all
the festive mas treats. Also we have
a family tradition on Christmas Eve
of going for a walk on the Yorkshire
Moors then having fish and chips
afterwards, so it will be a busy holi-
day for me.
Sarah Horton, Year 2 Teacher
Fran Amos,
Music Teacher
For the Christmas holidays I am going to
Canada. I have never been to Canada before,
so I am really excited about this trip! One of
my best friends from when I was at school
lives in Vancouver now, so I can‟t wait to see
her and for her to be able to show me around
her new home town. We are also going to be
staying in a hut near the mountains for a few
days and go skiing, which I am very excited
about. I am looking forward to feeling the
cold and I hope I will get to have a white
Christmas!
Sahita Balzer
Year 6 Teacher
The McKelvie Family have decided to stay put
for Christmas this year after almost a decade of
spending our festive holidays with friends in
Bangkok. With the great weather, entertainment
options and great food all in plentiful supply
here in Ho Chi Minh City, we felt that we don‟t
always get to enjoy the finer things that life in
Saigon throw at us which is why we have decided
to take our time and enjoy Saigon the way it
should be enjoyed; at a slow pace! As for the spe-
cial days, what better way to enjoy Christmas
morning than with friends around a pool on the
side of Saigon River?
If we get energetic enough and tire of simply re-
laxing around a pool enjoying family life, we may
even jump on the scooters and venture further
afield, outside of the city limits, but then again,
maybe not!
Chris and Nicole McKelvie,
Mile Post 2 Leader and Year 1 Teacher
This week instead of our teacher profiles, we thought we would ask teachers what they are up to for the hol-
idays. Below are a selection of responses from some of our teaching staff. It sounds like there will some air
miles clocked up this Christmas as well as some relaxing days here in Saigon.
Deirdre Grimshaw,
Deputy Headteacher
I‟m very excited about my Christmas holidays
because I will be seeing my family and experi-
encing a new culture. We will be visiting Laos
for the first time and we are looking forward to
trying new food, seeing new sights and enjoying
some time together. I hope I get to see some
Laos performers dancing and singing and to
maybe even see some traditional instruments
too. I‟m looking forward to having a relaxing
and enjoyable time.
I will be spending the festive period with my fami-
ly, here in Ho Chi Minh City. I hope to be relaxing
and catching up with friends, books and TV, as
well as eating far too much. There are also a few
jobs around the house that I started last Christ-
mas so maybe I‟ll finish them this year! Maybe not
as exciting as some of my colleagues but this is my
idea of simply having a wonderful Christmas time.
Jonathan Smith,
English Leader and Year 4 Teacher
This Christmas I will
be heading back to the
UK to spend time with
my family. I am excit-
ed to take my children
to see the Pantomime
'Dick Whittington' and
I am looking forward
to meeting Santa on a
steam train. It will
cold and frosty in Eng-
land and we are really
hoping that it will
snow!
Sarah Battersby
Learning Support Teacher
Holiday Destinations - Where Are They Going?

Issue 14/Page 9
PE Department – Sports Days
On Monday and Tuesday of this week the PE department ran the Inter House Sports Days for Years 3 to 6 on
the AP1 Big field. Pupils rotated around five throwing and jumping stations where they got the chance to com-
pete against other members of their class.
Each throw and jump scored points for their individual houses, contributing to the overall tally. Pupils also had
the opportunity to earn 1st to 3rd place ribbons for the best boys and girls in each event.
After the field events, pupils selected one race to run in and again competed against other pupils to secure 1st -
3rd placed ribbons as well as points for their House.
All distances and times were recorded and this year‟s school record breakers totalled an amazing 33……that‟s
33 brand new school records! Certificates for these outstanding achievements were handed out in Friday‟s as-
sembly and their pictures will be displayed outside the PE Office until their records are broken.
Year 1 and 2 also had their Sports Day on Thursday of this week. This event was more about participation than
competition and all pupils received an effort ribbon for all their hard work in what was a hot sunny day!
I am pleased to announce and congratulate Saigon as this year‟s winners of Inter House sports day. They re-
ceived their trophy in today‟s assembly and all pupils got to watch a video of the highlights from each Sports
Day. This video will be shown on the TV‟s around AP1 between now and Christmas so keep your eyes peeled!
Many pictures can also be viewed on the Homepage of the AP1 Parent blog
Well done to all pupils for their efforts and achievements.
Mr Chris Pemble
PE Leader
MP1 Sports Day

Issue 14/Page 10
MP 2 + 3 Sports Day

Issue 14/Page 11
PE - U11 Boys Basketball Championship
Under 11 Boys Basketball Championship
On Wednesday 3rd December the AP1 boys basketball team went to ISHCMC to play in the pool A city champi-
onships for under 11s. The team consisted of eleven players whose names are Ben, John, Zim, Samuel, Malik,
William, Matthew, Yong Jing, Paul, Danilo and Gung He. The coaches for the team were Mr John and Mr Rich-
ard. We left school at 12:15pm and got to ISHCMC about 20 minutes later. The exciting tournament kicked off
with a welcome and introduction followed by our first game against ISHCMC.
Our team started off great with lots of passing, shooting, rebounding and of course great defence. BIS won 27-7.
Our second game was against SSIS team B and everyone contributed well. We won 30-6.
After some amazing games we were eagerly waiting for the semi final against TX. The first half of the game
was tough and TX were right behind us however, we managed to run ahead in the next half and we won 34-13.
This was it, what we had all been waiting for. The final against SSIS team A. Both teams started off strong and
we were tied at half time, 15 - 15. The second half however was not the same. We managed to score 4 points
and our great defence played a huge part in the game. We won 20-16. We shook hands and then listened to the
scores as the trophy was presented to us.
BIS AP1 were the champions for under the 11 basketball championship 2014.
Malik Salamatian (6V pupil)
Mr John Handscombe
Year 6 Teacher and Maths Subject Leader

Issue 14/Page 12
PTG Disco - Years 1, 2 and 3
Disco fever hit AP1 this week with not one but two superb dis-
cos held on Thursday afternoon with over 350 children in total
in attendance. A variety of shapes were thrown on the dance
floor and it was obvious that our children in Year 3 - 6 have
many moves just as good if not better than Jagger!
DJ Rachel was on hand to keep the party going and her groovy
choice of tunes meant that no one left the dance floor.
Once again our superb PTG out did themselves with dramatic
disco decorations, super scrumptious snacks to keep the dancers
happy and energised and prizes for the best dancers.
Particular thanks to the PTG Disco committee of Catherine
Bledsoe, Marina Valverde, Isabel Ariza and Ella Martin.
Thanks also to the many parents that volunteered to sell the
tickets in the weeks leading up to the disco.
Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher

Issue 14/Page 13
PTG Disco - Years 4, 5 and 6

Issue 14/Page 14
PTG - Christmas BISazaar
This year‟s annual PTG Christmas BISzaar will be held on Saturday 6th December from 9am-2pm at the AP2
campus. In addition to the fantastic variety of vendors, festive activities and exotic raffle prizes, this year two
of our generous sponsors have donated prizes which, due to their invaluable and undoubtedly popular nature,
will be sold through a silent auction.
 Autographed Football Shirt - Francesco Totti
 Autographed Football Shirt - Manchester United
 Painting by Hanoi Artist Dinh Huu Viet
All bids can be made on the day at the Bazaar.
PTG Committee

Issue 14/Page 15
PTG - Future Events

Issue 14/Page 16
MENU FOR F1 - F2
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 08 DECEMBER)
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
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

Issue 14/Page 17
MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6
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 & bo-
lognese sauce
Served with Salad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily

Issue14

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