13 February 2015 | ISSUE 21

Dates for your diary

IN THIS ISSUE

From: Page

Headteacher 2

Student Council 3

Year 2 4

English Department 5

Vietnamese Department 6-8

PE Department 9-11

Music Department 12

AP1 Production Club 13

Community Department 14

PSHE Department 15-16

PTG 17-20

Fundinotots 21

Lunch Menus 22-23

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

13th School closes for the TET Holiday

25th School resumes after the TET Holiday

25th - 1st Mar No clubs

2nd Mar Term 2 club programme resumes

February and March

Pictures from left to right :

Creative computing - Community activity

Being an Astronaut - Foundation

Art work - Foundation

Family reading time - Library

From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham

Issue 21/Page 2

Scan here to access the

‘AP1 Parent Blog’

AP1 Parent Blog http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/

Did you miss this week’s Headteacher’s Coffee morning and want to know what was

Presented to parents?

Have you recently changed your address and need to complete and confirm a change of

address form?

Find all these and more by accessing the ’Parent Documents’ page on the Homepage

on the AP1 Parent blog.

According to Asian - Nation.org:

‘Têt Nguyen Dan literally means the first morning of the first day of the new period. More

simply known as "Têt," it is Viet Nam's version of the Lunar New Year and is celebrated

by millions of Vietnamese all around the world to celebrate the Year of the Sheep/Goat,

beginning on February 19, 2015. Têt is normally the biggest and most important holiday

in Vietnamese culture, almost like New Year's Day, Valentines Day, Thanksgiving, and

Christmas all rolled into one. It's a holiday that is based on history but has also evolved

into a modern celebration that incorporates new elements to produce new traditions.’

This week, AP1 certainly felt like all the holidays had been rolled into one with a vibran-

cy and energy enhanced by some creative decoration.

Thank you to all of our local Vietnamese staff for sharing this special time of year with

us all. Photographs of both the TET fair and the TET assemblies can be seen on pages 7 and 8.

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

On Monday our charity bake sale took place with the help of our PTG bake sale committee and Year 4 stu-

dents. A staggering amount of money was raised in a short amount of time, with more details of the total

amounts and the projects it will benefit on page 17. Thank you to all parents that helped to make this event

happen, in particular the organising committee of Danielle Kinder, Ying Mckenzie, Nikki Aurora, Fraine Ma-

honey and Isabel Ariza - as always, the time that you donate to these events is very much appreciated.

Thank you also to all parents that attended the Term 2 Headteachers’s Coffee morning on Wednesday. Follow-

ing an overview of the achievements and vision for AP1, the Community Service team presented how BIS is

committed to learning beyond the classroom through our extensive Community Service programme. If you were

unable to attend and want to find out more, you can find the full presentation on the Primary Parent Blog. Full

details of how to access this presentation and other relevant parent documents, can be found in the section at

the bottom of this page.

I would like to remind all parents of our procedures relating to absence due to sickness and the time that chil-

dren should be at home before retuning to school. All details of this can be found on page 11 in our Primary

Parent Handbook. Please can you ensure that if your child is sick or shows symptoms of a communicable dis-

ease, they are only return to school in accordance with our outlined procedures. Please also note:

Generally speaking, if a child is fit to attend school then they are fit to swim. If children are unable to swim or

access the pool due to a medical condition, parents must provide school with an appropriate medical certificate.

These children will accompany their class to the pool and observe the lesson (Primary Parent Handbook).

I wish you all a very peaceful and relaxing TET holiday and I look forward to seeing you all again on Wednes-

day 25th February. I hope you enjoy reading the many articles in today’s newsletter.

Please note that Term 2 Extra Curricular clubs resume on Monday March 2nd (no clubs from 25th

February - 1st March).

Student Council - Encouraging New Friendships

Issue 21/Page 3

Year 2 - ‘The Circus is Coming’

Issue 21/Page 4

In Year Two, our new IPC topic ‘The Circus is Coming’ has got off to a great start. We have been learning about

all the different performers and acts in the circus and have had a go at some of them in our classrooms. Last

week we were lucky enough to visit a real life circus here in HCMC!

We joined with our friends from the TX Campus to visit the circus in Go Vap District. As we drew closer we

could see the big top through the trees and heard the music from inside. We took our seats and waited for the

show to begin. We were treated to a spectacular show with acrobats, clowns, unicyclists and so many more in-

credible acts. Below are some words from the children’s writing about the trip.

‘I really enjoyed the acrobats, as they were so strong and bendy.’ - Celina 2N

‘My favourite performer was the clown as he was very funny and made me laugh.’ - Jerry 2N

‘The skipping was amazing and I enjoyed it so much.’ - Julia 2S

‘My favourite part was the boxing clown because he made me laugh.’ - Chau 2S

‘The clown was very funny. I could not believe that he rode the tiny bike.’ - Liv 2B

‘The juggler juggled so many things’.- Hong Xu 2B

‘The hoolahooper was the best because she can do so many at once.’ - Minh Thu 2I

Ms Aoife O'Connor

Year 2 Teacher and Community Service Leader

English Department - FOBISIA Writing Competition

Issue 21/Page 5

Click here or scan the QR code to access the English Blog

Vietnamese Department - TET Celebrations

Issue 21/Page 6

In honour of the Lunar New Year, the AP1 campus kicked off the Year of the Goat on Thursday morning with a

wonderful TET Fair. With the aim of educating children about Vietnamese traditional values, culture and cus-

toms, the fair included handicraft activities, traditional games and food stalls. The children enjoyed playing can

blaster, sack jumping, fishing and walking across the monkey bridge. Everyone also had the chance to observe

the skills of our visitors presenting to he, Vietnamese calligraphy and coconut leaf animals. In case our chil-

dren were hungry there were also some stalls where they had the opportunity to taste some traditional food

and drink such as spring rolls, fish balls, sugar coasted fruits served with tea, coconut milk ans mandarin juice.

The following day, the legend of ancient Vietnam was told to all the children during not one, but two terrific

TET Assemblies. The story was about Lac Long Quan and Au Co, the primal ancestors of Vietnam, who

brought 50 children to the coast and another 50 children to the highlands. Even though the family members

were apart, they promised to love, care and protect each other when needed. This legend has become the pride

and bond of unity for all Vietnamese people today.

A big thank you to all the teaching assistants and the 60 children, made up of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils

who worked really hard to prepare such a wonderful moment of TET celebration.

Thank you to all the parents for coming along and celebrating with our children today.

We wish you happiness and prosperity in 2015.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!

Ms Phuong Pham

Vietnamese Programme Coordinator

2015 Year of the Goat

Vietnamese Department - TET Fair (Thursday)

Issue 21/Page 7

Vietnamese Department - TET Assembly (Friday)

Issue 21/Page 8

PE Department - BIS Football Match - AP1 vs TX

Issue 21/Page 9

On 11th of February, our U11 football team had a friendly football match against TX.

As soon as the match started, we got the ball and scored which we were all happy with. Again, as soon as TX

kicked off from the centre after our goal, we scored again, this time a penalty, due to a bad tackle from be-

hind on our player. We scored without a mistake and the score was 2 nil to AP1. It was TX's turn to attack and

they came into our half by dribbling through our defenders. They could have scored but luckily our goalie was

there and he saved their effort. As he passed to the defenders, one of them passed to our striker and we scored

from almost the half way line, it was a great goal.

The ball hit the top bar and it went

down to the goalie. He punched it out

but then it hit the side post and went

in. 3 nil for AP1. After the third goal

we were all tired until the half time

whistle blew as we had worked so

hard.

We kicked off this time and TX got

stronger because of the substitutes

and change in formations. As they

pressured us, we lost the ball quite

easily at times and put ourselves un-

der pressure. TX were already near

the penalty box when one of the guys

from TX shot the ball and scored. We

fought back to score 1 more goal. It

was a cheeky goal from our striker

and the last goal scored by our team.

It was a high ball so it was hard for

TX to block it. We ended the match by

shaking hands and giving three cheers

for TX. It was a good match.

It was good to have

great teamwork and

after reflection at the

end of the match, may-

be we can work on our

passes next time.

We did a good job!

Final Score; AP1 3, TX

1

Jung Min Oh

Year 6 Student

PE Department - HCMC Schools Cross Country

Issue 21/Page 10

On Tuesday morning BIS entered four teams

into the HCMC schools cross country competi-

tion. For a lot of the pupils, this was the longest

distance they had run in one go; the U9s had to

complete 1.1km whilst then U11s had to com-

plete 2.2km. I have been so impressed with the

commitment, determination and effort that all

the pupils have put in this term to improve their

running and this was backed up with outstand-

ing results from all our pupils.

BIS came out champions in the U11 girls, U11

boys and U9 Boys.

The U9 girls came 2nd which was a fantastic re-

sult as they were one team member down.

Below are the write ups from some of the pupils that raced. A huge congratulations to all the pupils who took

part, it was a fantastic achievement and thank you to Ms Rachael and Mr Mark also attended.

Ms Lara Wilkinson

PE Teacher

U11 Boys

Cross country was a fabulous time to make friends, to have fun and to compete with

five other schools. The Under 11 boys did a 2.2 km race which they all managed to

complete. Our scores were: Jonathan 1st, Benjamin 4th, Oliver 5th and Yong Jing

12th. Around 30-40 children competed in our race so all of us did a great job!

Overall, this year’s 2015 cross country was such a fun time and a great way to com-

pete against different schools.

Jonathan 6B

U11 Girls

At first I was really nervous about the cross before country as I'd never run

2.2 km.

Gemma came 2nd, Teaghan came 3rd, I came 7th and Olivia came 12th.

Well done BIS under 11 Girls!

Halima 5N

PE Department - Reminder

Issue 21/Page 11

Come to school as normal

Wear your House Sports

clothes (don’t forget your

shin pads, long socks, hat,

drink bottles and sun

cream)

Parents and supporters

welcome to spectate in the

viewing areas.

Where: AP1 big field When:

Year 3 - Wednesday 25th February:

8.15 am — 9.45 am

Year 4 - Friday 27th February:

10.15 am — 11.45 am

Year 5 - Wednesday 25th February:

10.15 am — 11.45 am

Year 6 - Friday 27th February:

8.15 am — 9.45 am

INTERHOUSE FOOTBALL

Music Department - Mile Post 2 Live Lunches

Issue 21/Page 12

Mile Post 2 Live Lunches

This week saw the return of the MP2 Live Lunches. Over two lunchtimes, around 45 children displayed their

musical talents for their friends and teachers. We saw a wide range of performances including piano, ukulele,

flute, recorder, voice, drum kit, Korean drumming and even some dancers. The quality of the music was out-

standing and we look forward to hearing some of the children audition for our Young Musician of the Year

competition in April.

Well done to all those involved!

Ms Beth Bown

Primary Music Leader

Issue 21/Page 13

AP1 Production Club presents….

Community Service Department

Issue 21/Page 14

Community Service Projects - TET Collection

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the families at BIS, the Community Service Projects Group was able

to distribute substantial donations to our Community Partners from all over Ho Chi Minh City. We collected

over 400kg of rice, 55 boxes of noodles, and an abundance of stationery items.

The TET Collection benefited our partners at Mai Am Shelter, Mai Tam House of Hope, the Cancer Wards in

Binh Thanh and District 2, Poussieres de Vie Organisation, Thao Dien Disabled School, Binh Tho School,

Thien Phuoc Home, and Binh Trieu School.

A hearty ‘THANK YOU’ to all the people that donated to this worthwhile cause!

Ms Samantha Baker

EAL Teacher and Community Service Leader

PSHE - Personal, Social and Health Education

Issue 21/Page 15

S.E.A.L The theme for this half-term’s work on developing children’s

social, emotional and behavioural skills has been

‘Going for Goals’

Over this half term, the children have been focused on exploring

how they can motivate themselves in their own learning.

As part of the theme they have been asked to set their own

learning goals, think about how they learn best and consider

how they might make wiser choices.

After the holidays the whole school theme will be

‘Good To Be Me’

Family Talk Time Have you got a time of day that isn’t working as well as it

might for your family? It might be first thing in the morning,

bedtime or mealtimes.

The first step is to think what you would like it to be like. Just

imagine that in the night your ‘family godmother’ came to see

you. She waved her magic wand and that time of the day

became perfect. Talk together about these questions.

What would you see that was different?

What would you hear that was different?

How would you feel that was different?

Issue 21/Page 16

S.E.A.L

In their ‘Going for Goals’ theme, Mile Post 3 have thought

about their dreams and what goals they will set now in order

to achieve those dreams in the future. Have a look at their

‘Ladders to Success.’

Ms Georgina Cochrane

Year 6 Teacher and PSHE Subject Leader

PTG - Charity Bake Sale

Issue 21/Page 17

PTG - Charity Bake Sale

Issue 21/Page 18

PTG - Spring Fair

Issue 21/Page 19

bisvnptgap1@gmail.com

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C054EACAE28A4F85-bisspring1

PTG - Volunteers for Spring Fair

Issue 21/Page 20

Click here if you are able to help out with the Spring Fair - come and be a part of our PTG

Fundinotots

Issue 21/Page 21

Issue 21/Page 22

MENU FOR F1 - F2 MENU 1 (from 25 FEBRUARY)

DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

MAIN COURSE

CHOOSE 1

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

Spinach

Long Beans &

Carrots

Morning Glory

SOUP

Mixed Vegeta-

ble

Spinach

Cabbage & Carrot

FOR VEG-ETARIAN

ONLY

Pasta Napoli-tana

Chickpeas Salad

Vegetarian Noo-dle Soup

Long Beans & Carrots

Tofu & Vegetable Stew, Rice

Cabbage & Carrot Soup

MENU FOR F3 - YEAR 2 MENU 1 (WEEK BEGINNING 25 FEBRUARY)

DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

MAIN COURSE CHOOSE 1

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 Spinach

Long Beans & Car-

rots

Morning Glory

SOUP Mixed Vegetable Spinach Cabbage & Car-

rot

FOR VEGETARI-AN ONLY

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 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 21/Page 23

MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6 MENU 1 (From 25 FEBRUARY)

DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

MAIN COURSE

CHOOSE 1

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 Spinach

Long Beans & Car-rots

Morning Glory

SOUP

Mixed Vegetable

Spinach

Cabbage & Carrot

FOR VEGE-TARIAN ON-

LY

Pasta Napolitana Chickpeas Salad

Vegetarian Noo-dle Soup

Long Beans & Car-rots

Tofu & Vegetable Stew, Rice

Cabbage & Carrot Soup

DELI BAR OPTION

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