19 December 2014 | ISSUE 16

Dates for your diary

IN THIS ISSUE

From: Page

Headteacher 2

Music Department - Carol Concert 3

PE Department - Bangkok Swimming 4

MPF Skype with Santa 5

International Week 6

Community Service Department 7-10

Fundinotots - BIS Baby and Toddler Group 11

Lunch Menus 12-13

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

9th Orientation Day for new students

12th Term 2 begins

14th AP1 Welcome Back Coffee

19th - 23rd International Week

20th & 21st Global Café

23rd Parade of Nations (national dress)

26th - 30th School photographs are taken

January

From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham

Issue 16/Page 2

Scan here to access the

‘AP1 Parent Blog’

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

Nearly 20,000 page views on the AP1 Parent Blog.

Click on the link to the AP1 Calendar to find out what events are

planned for Term 2.

Please note that new posts are regularly added to the Blog to celebrate and showcase AP1 events and achieve-

ments.

According to the Oxford English dictionary, the word „spectacular‟ means „beautiful in a

dramatic and eye catching way‟. This week, there have been many spectacular activities

throughout the campus in preparation for our festive holiday.

On Tuesday, over 400 parents, 300 children and 100 teachers and teaching assistants

came together to celebrate the joys of Christmas with our annual Carol Concert. We could

not have asked for a more spectacular evening under the stars showcasing the spectacular

skills of our choirs and orchestra. Thank you for supporting this event - one of the definite

highlights of the year for me - I hope that it got you in the Christmas mood. More details

of this event can be found on page 3 of today‟s newsletter.

There has also been some spectacular parties across all classes this week and I was pleased to see so many par-

ents attending these and sharing the fun with their children. For our EYFS classes, Santa came to school,

handing out presents and reinforcing how well behaved all the children have been this year. They also had an

opportunity to speak to Santa directly via Skype on Thursday as for the very first time, BIS had a link to the

North Pole. The children asked some very thought provoking questions. Look out for more details and pictures

on page 5.

Well done and welcome back to all of our swimmers that attended the International Feeding Frenzy in Bang-

kok last weekend. All of those that participated did both themselves and BIS proud with many spectacular per-

sonal bests. The results of the meet are detailed below showing our 4th overall placement out of 14 competing

schools. More pictures can be found on page 4.

Final team placing:

1 Bangkok Patana TigerSharks 3,767 pts

2 Uwcsea -East 3,421 pts

3 Tanglin Merlions 2,231 pts

4 BIS HCMC 2,018 pts

5 ISB Dragons 1,447 pts

I would also like to congratulate Helena Vila Ariza who was placed 2nd overall in the 8‟s and Under individual

section - a spectacular achievement!

Finally, thank you all for your continued support in the education of our children this term and I leave you

with an extract from „Twas the Night before Christmas‟ by Clement Clarke Moore:

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.!"

I wish you all a very peaceful and relaxing Christmas break.

Music Department - Carol Christmas Concert

Issue 16/Page 3

This year‟s concert was a wonderful evening of fes-

tive entertainment. The concert began with a great

rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” from our youngest

performers, the MP1 Choir, followed by items from

no less than four different choirs. The Orchestra

played “White Christmas” beautifully and the audi-

ence sang along with us for “Santa Claus is Coming

to Town”. However, the highlight of the evening

was definitely our rousing finale, “All I Want For

Christmas Is You”, featuring all of the evening‟s

performers. Once again, we were extremely im-

pressed with the amazing talent shown on display

but, most importantly, the children‟s sheer enjoy-

ment when performing. The Music department are

very proud of each and every one of the children

involved. Well done!

Ms Beth Bown

Music Leader

Issue 16/Page 4

PE - Bangkok Patana Feeding Frenzy 2014

Issue 16/Page 5

MPF Skype With Santa

On Thursday, the children in MPF were very lucky to have a Skype conversation with Santa in the North Pole

alongside their friends in BVIS. Children from Years F2 and F3 each took it in turns to ask Santa a question

which he then answered.

The children planned their questions in advance and thought carefully about what they wanted to ask. They

showed great confidence in asking their questions clearly and confidently. We found out lots of new things

about Santa and the North Pole, including that Rudolph really is Santa's favourite reindeer!

Ms Clair Draper

F2 Teacher & Assistant Headteacher (EYFS)

International Week at AP1

Issue 16/Page 6

Dear Parents,

As we approach the end of what has been a very busy term, we are already very much thinking about next

term and in particular International Week which begins on Monday January 19th. 2015. On Wednesday, a let-

ter was sent to all parents with details of this fantastic learning rich experience. More details will follow in ear-

ly January.

One thing to remember for now is that your child will be invited to wear their national dress or clothes that

represent the country they are from during our Parade of Nations on Friday 23rd January 2015. The

costume should represent where the child is from, not a place they have visited.

We have prepared the parade music for all the countries that we have children listed for. If however, your child

holds dual nationality and will be dressing in a costume other than the nationality listed in school for them,

please do let us know so we can adjust the music for the parade.

The children will also be studying a country within their classes and will have the opportunity to visit other

classes and learn about the countries they have been studying too. It promises to be a superb week full of excit-

ing learning and new experiences for the children.

Before this though, a holiday, that everyone is looking forward to. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a

wonderful holiday. For those that are travelling be safe and enjoy visiting family , exploring new places or

simply enjoying the break away. For those staying in HCMC, have a wonderful and peaceful holiday.

Ms Deirdre Grimshaw

Deputy Headteacher

Community Service - Football Tournament

Issue 16/Page 7

A Day of Friendship

100 years ago, an unexpected game of football on the fields of France brought two opposing armies together. It

is heartening to know that The Beautiful Game can still bring people together as we welcomed over 70 children

to a carnival of football and friendship.

Being part of a sports team is something of a dream to many children across the world and our Community Ser-

vice leaders made sure that this dream was fulfilled for our students and community partners. All of this hap-

pened in a tournament that was both competitive and sporting.

The teams were all mixed so that our BIS students and our guests played on the same sides on a day that was

perhaps best summarised by one of our own students: “I made some great new friends today”.

Mr Jonathan Smith

Y4 Teacher & English Leader

Saturday Morning Football Tournament

Issue 16/Page 8

We had a thrilling end to the Term 1 Saturday Morning Football programme last weekend, with almost 80 chil-

dren taking part in the Christmas Football Tournament 2014.

Six mixed teams from Years 2-4 and Years 5-6 took part in two separate tournaments running at the same time

on the big pitch – that also meant a lot of parent coaches, referees, scorers, one loud MC and of lots of family

supporters making it all great fun.

We saw some great football being played by all the children, culminating in two very exciting finals between

England (3) and USA (0) in the Y2-4 tournament and Brazil and Cameroon in the Y5-6 tournament. The latter

ending in a 0-0 draw which led Cameroon to win on penalties – nail-biting!

Thank you again to everyone who has supported us this term, have a wonderful Christmas and see you all

again at the first session of the new term - 17th January.

We still welcome new players from Y2 – 6, please do email us if you child is interested in joining us at bissatur-

dayfootball@gmail.com

Enjoy the break and happy New Year!

Ms Anna Wheller and Ms Margot Evers-van Gastel

Saturday Morning Football Coordinators

Community Service Projects - Y9 Helmets for Kids

Issue 16/Page 9

Why not ask Father Christmas for

a new helmet this year?

Ms Emma Morris Community Service Projects Manager

Community Service Department - Tet Collection

Issue 16/Page 10

Fundinotots Programme

Issue 16/Page 11

Enrolments for Term 2 Fundinotots are now being received. For more information about our BIS Baby and

Toddler Group, please contact our Main Office. We‟re looking forward to meeting you very soon.

Sarah Bonner

Fundinotots Leader

Issue 16/Page 12

MENU FOR F1 - F2 MENU 2 (WEEK BEGINNING 12 JANUARY)

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 12 JANUARY)

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

Issue 16/Page 13

MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6 MENU 2 (WEEK BEGINNING 12 JANUARY)

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