Weekly Updates on 13/10/2023

1. BVIS co-hosts NAE teacher and senior leader conference here in Hanoi in March

I am delighted to announce that BVIS has been selected to host in March, the largest NAE teacher and senior leader conference here in Hanoi alongside our sister school BIS. This is one of the biggest professional development events of the year for any schools group and I am delighted that our school has been chosen to host. This truly demonstrates the advantage our teachers have in being part of such a large organisation. This also means our teachers here in Hanoi will receive some of the best professional development and collaboration opportunities in the world. This will ultimately benefit your children. Well done BVIS community for being selected.

2. Further capital investment

This week Mr Shaun Williams our Regional Director visited the school and was immensely impressed with the many changes he has seen since he last visited the school, over 6 months ago. He has also pledged to me further capital investment this year to enable the continuation of my drive for even better facilities for the children and families. A further $500,000 has been released to me which is an addition to the 1.5 million dollars we have already invested into the school site. This fits well with our 3 year plan for investment in the buildings and facilities.

3. BVIS 10 Years anniversary

As you may be aware, this year we are celebrating our 10 Years anniversary. This is a significant milestone for any school and one which we wish to celebrate with you. You will be receiving in due course a formal invitation to an event we will be hosting to celebrate this achievement. But for now, please note that the date and time of the event will be as follows:

• Date: Saturday, 25th November
• Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

I know you will join me in thanking all the staff in school for what has been a fast paced and action packed half term. There are far too many events and activities to highlight, it has been truly remarkable. The students have also been amazing, they never cease to amaze us with their dedication, perseverance and good humour. BVIS is truly a very happy place and long may this continue. Thank you everyone for an incredibly successful first half term here at BVIS.

At the end of the first half of Term 1, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked on together. It has been a period filled with growth, learning, and wonderful achievements.

Our primary students have embraced new challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm, demonstrating their resilience and determination. From the classroom to the playground, their curiosity has shone through, and we are immensely proud of their progress.

Our dedicated team of teachers and staff has been instrumental in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for our young learners. Their unwavering commitment to providing quality education and fostering a love for learning is truly commendable.

Throughout the term, we have witnessed the power of collaboration between home and school. Your continued support and involvement have played a vital role in shaping the success of our students. We appreciate your active participation in school events such as our Moon Festival Celebration and Exit Points.

Looking ahead, the second half of Term 1 promises to be equally exciting. We have planned engaging projects, educational trips, and a range of activities designed to further enhance your child's holistic development. We are confident that these experiences will inspire them to reach new heights and broaden their horizons.

And now, here is a look at learning across Primary this week:

1. Celebrating Learning

A busy but productive first half term in Early Years ended with lots of fun and a review of Class Dojo. The children have been supported in new experiences and suitably challenged in all areas across the curriculum. The Early Years teachers shared the learning from Class Dojo with the children. It was lovely for them to see everything that they had achieved over the weeks.

2. Firefighters' Visit

Year 1 had a very special visit last week from two Firemen. They came in their firetruck and talked to the children about the firefighters’ jobs and the types of equipment that they use for their jobs. The children loved it and were very excited about it. Finally, they had the opportunity to sit inside the firetruck and tried holding the hose to spray water. What a wonderful experience! 

3. Hooray! Let’s go on holiday!

Year 2 had their exit point of the IPC topic: ‘Hooray! Let’s go on holiday!’ this half term. We were so excited to welcome the Year 2 parents who came and joined us in some activities such as book café to share literacy, Yen So park trip recount, and holiday arts and crafts.

4. Showing Gratitude

Year 3 have been discussing showing gratitude to people that help us. Using the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ and PSHE lessons, we learn to be kind and show appreciation by giving thanks and compliments to others. Some of the classes made thank you cards to give to the people around school that help us.

5. Explorers and Adventurers

Year 4 students and parents participated in ‘Explorers and Adventurers’ Exit Point. The children performed a role-play the story named “Hiccup the Viking”, about a shy little boy who tries something he finds scary and learns that this is the secret to being brave!

6. Climate Control

On Thursday, Year 5 students celebrated their Climate Control Exit Point with their parents. The students retold the stories they learnt in English and Vietnamese, they sang songs, they showcased their Eco-city designs, and they quizzed each other about everything we learned this Term.

7. What Price Progress?

Year 6 had a successful first term of the school year! Last week, the children communicated their learning bilingually through a moving, impressive and important Exit Point Assembly. The presence of parents helps children feel motivated and excited. The show was a resounding success, with students confidently demonstrating how much they have matured and learned.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your trust in our school and for entrusting us with your child's education. We value the partnership we have established and are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for your child.

Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating half-term break. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our students back for the second half of the term, ready to continue their educational journey together.

1. School value GLOBAL CITIZEN and INTEGRITY

Students in the Service Learning ECA had a special visit from Wild Rhino. They are an NGO who protect rhinos in the wild. Students learned that the last rhino in Vietnam died in 2010. They have come up with a plan on how we can support rhino protection across the world as well as other species protection here in Vietnam. The ECA group are excited to implement their plans across school.

2. School value INTEGRITY and PERSERVERENCE

The KS3 Boys Basketball team recorded their first victory of the season against HIS -winning 24-7. The boys worked extremely hard and have been building towards this victory for a few weeks.

3. School value VIETNAMESE PERSPECTIVE and RESPECT

It has been wonderful to know that Ha Phuong Chau (Year 10) and Ha Thien Chau (Year 9) have been expanding their performance skills and experience beyond that at BVIS.

Most recently, these pupils have participated in a production of ‘Dong Dao Co Tich- The Endless Fairy Songs’, performed at Au Co Art Center located in Ba Dinh, Hanoi. The production was a spectacular showcase of music, dance and drama; not to mention fabulous costumes! Miss Barrowman and Miss Quinn thoroughly enjoyed the performance and were impressed with the level of focus, commitment and confidence of both pupils on the stage. Congratulations Ha Phuong Chau and Ha Thien Chau!

4. School value GLOBAL CITIZENS and ENQUIRY

Multilingualism week

Our secondary school recently celebrated a dynamic Multilingualism Week, where we embraced the diverse languages within our community. During this event, students engaged in activities, including language workshops, where they learned basic phrases, explored linguistic traditions, and enjoyed interactive language games. Through this event, we celebrated language's power and fostered a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultural diversity.

Students learning Afrikaans from Mr Bruwer and Milo

Students learning Turkish from Mrs Wood

Students learning from Monica to speak Spanish

Students learnt Italian from Mr Papa

Students learnt French from Miss Bur

Translanguaging spelling bee

Students learning Mandarin from Miss Quinn

5. Programme from University of Cambridge (UK)

We are pleased to announce that the University of Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) will be providing a unique educational opportunity for 14-18 year old BVIS students. There will be a separate email being sent to the relevant parents regarding the details, please do look out for the communication to find out more about this excellent opportunity for your child(ren) to work with an established programme affiliated with Cambridge University.

Whole school

Primary

Secondary

We wish you all a very safe and happy half term break and look forward to seeing the children back in school on Monday 23^rd October.

Senior Leadership Team from BVIS Hanoi