Mr Tim Webb: Weekly Update 10/11/2017

Balance and Perspective is an Important Goal for BIS Hanoi Students

Dear Parents

Today we held a poignant yet beautiful assembly that reminded us that many of the daily stresses we face today need to be held in perspective.  Past generations have suffered terribly, and peace, understanding and tolerance are important goals that we must work towards, tirelessly.

The FOBISIA Under 15 Games in Phuket

FOBISIA is known as the friendly games and through sport our students have an opportunity to compete in a respectful environment that promotes tolerance and understanding of others.  Here are the thoughts of our two returning captains, Ha Minh and Quang Minh, whose contribution to the games in Phuket was recognised by their teachers.

What are the FOBISIA Games?

It is a sports tournament for students in Year 9 and 10.  The sports featured were football, basketball, swimming and athletics.  The events are held in international class facilities in Phuket, Thailand.  Schools from Thailand, South Korea, China and Malaysia competed against our team from BIS Hanoi.

How did you prepare for the games?

We trained a lot from the summer term until the event itself.  We had swimming sessions in the pool and specialist sessions at the athletics track.  The hard work paid off in the pool, because we claimed 2nd, overall, in the swim meet.

Was BIS Hanoi successful at the games?

In addition to the above, we claimed third place in the girls’ football tournament and the boys claimed third place in the basketball tournament.  Yes, it was our most successful U15 games to date.

What will you remember most about the games?

The whole FOBISIA experience was memorable.  To meet new people, to travel and compete internationally was really cool.  It grew our confidence.

Progress Check Tests

Our students are learning how to balance a range of priorities.  There was a lovely story of our Year 10 student athletes boarding the plane from Thailand, exhausted, and then pulling out their school books in order to revise for this week’s PCTs.  I admire their dedication but urge them not to be too harsh on themselves, if their grades are below expectations.  There is lots of time for academic improvement and sporting enjoyment in a young person’s life.  We must celebrate the fact that our children live in a peaceful country where a balanced life can be enjoyed.  Let’s focus on exam results but not at the expense of the development of a full and balanced life.

Tim Webb, Head of Secondary