BISbuzz Issue 03 | 1

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - HO CHI MINH CITY| SECONDARY CAMPUS

SEPTEMBER 5 2014 | ISSUE 03

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Head Teacher 02

Year 12 Induction Day 04

Digital Citizens 06

BBGV Fun Run 07

Universities visits 09

Activities 10

Sports News 11

PTG 12

From The BIStro & Underground 16

September

6th Saturday Football Registration - AP2 field, 8am -10am

8th Moon Festival

8th Year 9-11 Parent Information Evening, 6.30pm

9th Year 8 Parent Information Evening, 6.30pm

11th Year 11&13 Invitational PTSC, 4pm

12th PTG Meeting, 8.15am

12th Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne visit, 10.30am

12th Universities visits, 12.30pm

Dickinson College , Union College, Wheaton College

Franklin & Marshall College University of Richmond, Sewanee The University of The South

UPCOMING EVENTS

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From The Head Teacher

Tết Trung Thu May I wish all families a happy Mid-Autumn Festival on Monday. Let’s hope for clear skies and for an en-

joyable evening with your children.

Happy students, effective learning We are now fully in to the start of the new school year and it has been a delight to see how committed,

enthusiastic and cheerful the students are. The “cheerful” part is vital. We all know that it is hard to

learn when we are stressed, tired or unhappy. Neuroscientists unequivocally agree that good moods are

not only essential for learning, they actually lead to better problem solving and more effective retention

on information.

Scientist Dr. David Rock (2008: p. 46) says this about the matter:

"Engagement is a state of being willing to do difficult things, to take risks, to think deeply about

issues and develop new solutions. ...Interest, happiness, joy, and desire are approach emotions.

This state is … important for interest and learning. … There is a large and growing body of research

which indicates that people experiencing positive emotions perceive more options when trying to

solve problems, solve more non-linear problems that require insight, *and they+ collaborate better

and generally perform better overall."

So, when you ask your children about their day at school, pay attention to the emotional side of your

question. Be positive, upbeat and interested (not challenging). You will support their learning in doing

so.

Reference

Rock, D., 2008 “SCARF: a brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others”, Neuro-

Leadership Journal (1), pp 44-52.

Parent Information Evenings It has been good to see so many of you at the Parent Information Evenings this week. The sessions are a

chance to meet the Form Tutors and forge some connections with parents of other children in the same

Form or Year Group. Evenings for years 8, 9, 10 and 11 take place next week and I look forward to seeing

many of you there.

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Traffic With so many children arriving at school by car at similar times in the mornings, the traffic outside of the

school can be congested. We have entrances on Nguyễn Văn Hưởng and Quốc Hương and the Quốc

Hương entrance is relatively quiet. Please consider using this entrance to the secondary campus. A map

from the Saigon Bridge (Cầu Sài Gòn 1) appears below.

Richard Dyer

Head Teacher

Secondary

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“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” – Neil Armstrong (1969) The new Year 12 IB Diploma students took their own “giant leap” into the Sixth Form when they attended their Induction Day on Tuesday 26th August. The day was designed and run by the current Year 13 Pre-fects, with guidance from Ms Binnington. This was a great opportunity for the Year 13s to showcase the leadership skills they have developed during their time at BIS, and to set the bar high for the incoming Year 12s. They designed an action-packed and informative schedule of activities which allowed the Year 12s to get to know their peers, to gain a deeper understanding of the expectations of the IB Diploma Pro-gramme, and to help them settle quickly into life in the Sixth Form. The day started in the theatre where students discovered the meaning behind the many IB acronyms, such as CAS, TOK and IA, and were provided with an overview of the course by Mr Chandler. Following this, the Y13 Prefects led a time management card sort in which the Y12 students had to organise a week’s worth of activities, deadlines and other commitments in order to successfully complete all their work – as well as sleep, eat and exercise! After the break, Mrs Holmyard did a short talk based on Stephen Covey’s Big Rocks in which she used canned food and rice to model how students should prioritise in or-der to successfully complete all their work and still have time for social activities and relaxation. The Year 12 students were also put through their paces in the “BIS Amazing Race” which challenged them to devel-op skills which they will find useful over the next two years, such as finding books in the library, logging into ManageBac and meeting the school counsellor, Mrs Hamblin. After lunch, the Sixth Form Social Committee gave a talk to the Y12 students about how to use the Com-mon Room space responsibly and they introduced them to the Common Room Agreements, a set of rules written by the students for the students. It was then time to focus on specific subjects. Volunteer Y13 stu-dents manned stations for each subject area for Y12 students to visit and ask questions about what it is like, for example, to study Biology or Business Management or French. Finally, the Y12 students met their Form Tutors and the day ended with students looking to the future and considering what CAS projects and trips they would do over the course of the year. Once again, the cogs of the Sixth Form have started to churn and grind as term begins, creating a bustling and dynamic environment for all. We would like to thank the Y13 students for their involvement in the day and for making sure it all ran like clockwork. We warmly welcome the Year 12 students into their new home – also known as the Sixth Form Common Room!

Keegan Chua (Head Boy) and Michelle Kwok (Head Girl)

Year 12 Induction Day

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The following universities will be visiting Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday 14th September: Princeton University Columbia University Northwestern University Georgetown Duke University If you are interested in attending this public event please follow the link below and complete the registra-tion: http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=0yj51herbmenxkzu0vkb24sgw6vg330fmwf64nbjg07mhyhwkjz2

Aidan B Crowley College & University Guidance Counsellor

Universities visits

Four American Universities in Vietnam for 2 Nights Only!

Interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the United States? Have you considered studying in

the cosmopolitan cities of Nashville, Chicago, Houston, or Ithaca? Come and learn about

Vanderbilt University, University of Chicago, Rice University, and Cornell University at

information sessions provided to give you an opportunity to learn about the academic and research

opportunities, student life, and admissions requirements.

Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City

Sunday, 21 September 2014 Monday, 22 September 2014

17:30 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:30

Hilton Hanoi Opera British International School Ho Chi Minh City

1 Le Thanh Tong Street An Phu Secondary Campus

Hoan Kiem District 246 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2

Hanoi Ho Chi Minh

REGISTER ONLINE REGISTER ONLINE

Registration is required. Inquiries should be emailed to admissions@vanderbilt.edu (please do

not contact the venues directly). Note that both information sessions will be conducted entirely in

English – no Vietnamese interpretation services will be available.

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Activities

Term 1 Activities The activities booklet can be found by following the link to the school website: http://www.bisvietnam.com/index.php/clubs_activities-39.htm The CHQ system for selection closes today (Friday 5th September) at 5pm. Students will be notified on CHQ whether they have been selected by Friday 12th September. Term 1 Activities will begin on Monday 15th September and finish on Sunday 14th December 2014. There will be no activities during the October holiday (18th October – 26th October inclusive).

Phil Drake Director of Sport/Activities & Trips Coordinator

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PHUKET 7’s Football Tournament, hosted by British International School, Phuket 6th – 9th November

2014

This year we are hoping to take 4 teams:

U13 Girls & U13 Boys: For these teams students need to be under 13 on 1st August 2014

U19 Girls & U19 Boys: These 2 teams will be made up of students from Year 10 and above.

Please return reply slips as soon as possible.

U15 FOBISIA Games, hosted by British International School, Jakarta 12th – 16th November

A letter relating to this competition was given to all students. Please be aware students should be under

15 on 1st August 2014. Please return reply slips as soon as possible.

Bangkok Patana Swimming Competition 12th – 15th December 2014

Details relating to this competition will be sent to parents early in September.

The U13 FOBISIA Games will take place in March next year, hosted by Taipei European School and further details will follow later in the term. Any Year 7’s who are interested in taking part in this event should choose the relevant sports clubs in term 1 (football, basketball, swimming & athletics).

Saturday Morning Football Registration A reminder that registration will take place on Saturday 6th September from 8am – 10am on the An Phu big field. If you would also like to assist in the coaching please notify parents during registration. The programme will begin on Saturday 13th September. For further information please contact Phil Drake PhilipDrake@bisvietnam.com

Term 1 Key Dates

6th September: Saturday Football Registration 8am -10am AP2 field

13th September: Saturday Football begins.

15th September AP2 ECA’s begin.

22nd September AP1 ECA’s begin.

28th September BBGV Fun Run.

9th October U19 Volleyball City Championships.

28th October U14 Basketball City Championships.

29th October U19 Badminton @SSIS 1pm

1st November BIS Invitational Swim Meet.

6th – 9th November Phuket 7’s U13’s U18’s.

12th – 16th November U15 FOBISIA GAMES – BIS Jakarta.

25th November U14 & U19 Swimming City Championships.

3rd December Inter House Athletics Day.

5th December IGCSE PE Video Moderation 1.

7th December AP1 ECA’s finish.

12th – 15th Bangkok Feeding Frenzy.

14th December AP2 ECA’s finish.

19th December Sports Day Assembly.

Phil Drake Director of Sport/Activities & Trips Coordinator

Sport News

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Agenda

AP2 PTG Meeting

Friday 12th Sep 2014 at 8.15am

1. Adoption of minutes of previous meeting

2. News and Updates

3. Community Service

4. Review of past events:

-Uniform Distribution (21 – 26 August)

-Combined Welcome back Coffee (29th August)

-Newcomers welcome coffee (3rd September)

5. Upcoming events:

-Cheese and Wine Evening (18th September)

-Quiz Night (26th September)

-International Day (17th October)

6. Any other business (AOB)

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From the Underground & BIStro

Menu 3 (8 September)

From the Underground & BIStro

DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

MAIN COURSE CHOOSE 1

Chicken Carbonara

OR

Roast Pork, Rice

Pasta Bolognese-Pork

OR

Sweet & Sour Fish,

Rice

Battered Fish &

Chips OR

Nasi Lemak

(Chicken & Egg)

Chili Con Carne -

Beef, Rice OR

Won Ton Noodle

Soup

Honey Lime Chicken,

Sautéed Potato

OR

Beef Rendang, Rice

VEGETABLES Bok Choy & Carrot

Salad

Long Bean, Carrot

Salad

Morning Glory,

Carrot

Choy sum &

Carrot

Broccoli & Carrot

Salad

SOUP Choy sum Spinach & Melon Tomato & Tofu

Soup Mixed Vegetable Watercress

DESSERT Mixed Fruit Mixed Fruit Mixed Fruit Mixed Fruit Mixed Fruit

VEGETARIAN

Braised Tofu &

Beans, Rice

Choy sum Soup

Mixed Fruit

Veggie Pasta

Chickpeas Salad

Mixed Fruit

Vegetarian Chili

Con Carne, Rice

Tomato & Tofu

Soup

Tofu Noodle

Soup

Choy sum &

Carrot

Aloo Tikki Burger

Mixed Beans Salad

Mixed Fruit

DELI BAR OPTION

Baguette & Wrap

Fill it with a variety of choices including ham, chicken, cheese, tuna mayonnaise, beef, baked bean,

mixed bean, bolognese sauce

SNACK MENU

Swiss Roll

Crème Puff

Fruit Cup

Chocolate Mud

Donut

Fruit Cup

Curry Puff

Samosa

Fruit Cup

Muffin

Sponge Cake

Fruit Cup

Curry Puff

Samosa

Fruit Cup