The newsletter provides information about upcoming events at the British International School in Ho Chi Minh City, including a fun run, book week activities, maths workshops, and a business and enterprise day. It introduces new teachers to the school community and provides updates from various school departments on recent activities and events. The contact information is provided at the end for the school.

1. 26 SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 5
Dates for your diary
IN THIS ISSUE
From: Page
Headteacher 2,3
Y3 Teacher 4,5
Community Department 6,7
Fundinotots Department 8
PE Department & Marketing Department 9,10,11,12,13,14
PTG 15
Lunch Menus for F1-Y6 16,17
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
28th BBGV Fun Run.
(please note revised BIS Group Photo time of
7.30am)
1st - 3rd Book week Author Visit (Adam Bushnell)
3rd Book week - Non Uniform Day
7th & 9th Maths Calculation workshops (EYFS/MP1 & MP2/MP3)
16th Business and Enterprise Day
September
October

2. From The Headteacher - Mr Simon Higham
Issue 5 /Page 2
Scan here to access the
‘AP1 Parent Blog’
AP1 Parent Blog
http://ap1parentblog.blogspot.com/
The AP1 Primary Parent Blog is a one stop shop of information, detailing
how you can help to make a difference to their education by knowing how to
help.
If you are new to educational jargon, visit the AP1 Parent Blog and simply
click on the ‘Educational Terms’ tab. This gives you a comprehensive list of
everyday terms from ’AP1’ to ’WALT’
Similarly, why not have a look at the ‘AP1 Monthly Calendar’ to find out
what workshops are happening next week.
As outlined at the beginning of this academic year, both at the Orientation meetings for
new families and also during the Meet the Teacher evenings, we are constantly striving
for the highest possible standards that one can achieve, across all areas of our educational
provision. This week, this has been evident in a number of events that have taken place.
Reading and writing is a priority for all of our children and on Tuesday and Thursday,
over 120 parents attended two reading workshops in an attempt to understand how litera-
cy standards can be further raised at school, through your help and support at home. I
have received some very positive feedback from both events. Please note that the presen-
tations from both workshops and an extensive bank of reading resources can be found by
accessing the AP1 Parent Blog, within the ‘Useful Websites and Resources’ tab.
Alongside the highest standards in academic provision, the moral element of our Aid Memoir focuses upon
Integrity, Respect and Care. On Tuesday this week, all our teachers took part in a Community Service session
after school. This event had the aim of supporting the children from our extensive range of community partner-
ships and also introducing our new teachers to just some of the many projects that we support across the cur-
riculum and within our Extra Curricular Clubs programme. It was a privilege to see over 100 partnership chil-
dren engage and communicate across a variety of different high quality experiences.
To ensure that the highest standards of uniform is reinforced within school, please may I ask all parents to
check that each child comes to school in the correct footwear. Black leather shoes should be worn by all chil-
dren. Please note that if your child comes to school in PE kit, then they must also bring in the correct footwear
to change back into after their PE lesson has been taught. In addition to this, I would also like to reinforce that
all children should be brought into school from 7.30am each morning. Any child that enters school before this
time must be supervised by an appropriate adult in order to maintain the highest quality of care and supervi-
sion. Similarly, it is the expectation that a prompt pick up at 2.30pm or at the correct time after a club has fin-
ished is also supported.
Finally, you can be assured that your child’s education is safe with us at BIS. From F1 to Y13, the very highest
standards are being applied in all areas of school life. We know the needs of your child and are working hard to
retain a supportive, family environment for your child’s future to ensure that the foundations for learning are
laid, nurtured and developed within Primary, Secondary and beyond.
I hope that you enjoy reading through our newsletter this week.

3. Meet our New
Teachers!
Meet our New
Teachers!
Introducing Our New Teachers
A chat with Mr Gary from 3I
Pick the first 3 words you think of when I say
Vietnam
Friendly, Hot, Adventure
What are your first impressions of BIS?
A vibrant exciting, highly professional and
hard-working school! I love it!
What new experience have you had since you ar-
rived in Vietnam?
Lots of new and exciting food and coping with
the shock of a lizard falling on my shoulder in
the dark!
If you were writing a postcard to friends back home,
what would it say?
A postcard isn’t big enough. I’ve started a blog
for friends at home but my postcard would
simply tell them to come and experience it for
themselves.
A chat with Ms Debs from 5S
Pick the first 3 words you think of when I say Vietnam
Greenery, Food, Adventure
What are your first impressions of BIS?
Friendly kind and caring children and staff
What new experience have you had since you arrived in
Vietnam?
Visiting the Mekong Delta and ordering take-away
pizza using the internet!
If you were writing a postcard to friends back home,
what would it say?
Having an amazing time. Hope you can visit soon.
Dear parents,
We would like to introduce our new teachers to you over the next few weeks and let you know how they are
settling in. Please do say hello if you see them in school and feel free to offer them some of your ‘top tips’ about
life in Vietnam!
Kind regards,
Deidre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Issue 5 /Page 3

4. Welcome to the Year 3 news letter. Our Year 3 topic of Dinosaurs has been very exciting so
far. We have learned so much about how life and the land has changed over time. For home-
work we chose a pre-historic time period and built a model of it using dinosaurs from that era.
We have also been making different types of rock by melting and hardening chocolate in differ-
ent ways. We found out that exposing the chocolate to different temperatures and pressure
had different effects on the chocolate’s properties.
Issue 5 /Page 4
Welcome to Year 3

5. In Maths we have been learning about multiplication, division and how the two are linked. We have
explored different ways of calculating and explained our chosen methods.
Mr Jonathan Phillips
Y3 Teacher and Assistant Milepost Leader
Issue 5 /Page 5
Welcome to Year 3

6. Community Service - New Staff Visit to Giong Ong
To Primary School
One of the reasons that make BIS a very special place to work is the Community Service aspect to our curricu-
lum and community. On Tuesday, the 2014-2015 cohort of new staff had the privilege of visiting ‘Giong Ong
To Primary School’ to work with some of the children there. After an incredibly warm welcome, each of the
teachers got to work with a small group for a team building challenge.
With our limited Vietnamese and their beginner English, we relied on many hand gestures, repeated words
and plenty of smiles and laughter. Their enthusiasm was infectious and when the 5 minute warning came to
announce the end of the task, we were all disappointed that it signalled the end of our afternoon.
Working with the amazing children at BIS is a fantastic experience but the cherry on top is getting to work
with the children at BIS alongside our community partners. All of us in the 2014/15 cohort of new teachers
have been inspired to get involved in the community projects. I can only urge you to encourage your children to
do the same. We can guarantee a fantastic, enriching experience for all.
Ms Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Issue 5 /Page 6

7. This week, the staff at BIS had the opportunity to get involved with our Community Partners. The BIS Com-
munity Service Team invited nearly 100 children from our partners at Binh Trieu, Giong Ong To School, Mai
Am Shelter, and Binh Loi Social Center to participate in activities at AP1.
Teachers enjoyed leading activities such as parachute games, cooking, table tennis, painting, and play dough.
The children had a great time experiencing new activities and learning new games. This yearly event is a
highlight at BIS, with both children and staff exhibiting feelings of happiness and satisfaction. You can see
on the children’s faces how much they enjoyed the activities!
Many teachers have expressed a renewed appreciation for Community Service and a desire to extend their
own service at BIS. This might come in the form of exciting curriculum projects or new Community Service
clubs. We hope the parents and students at BIS can join us this year in making Community Service an even
BIGGER part of our school!
Ms Samantha Baker
EAL Teacher
Community Service Leader
Community Partners Visit BIS
Issue 5 /Page 7

8. Issue 5 /Page 8
Fun in Fundinotots
What is Fundinotots?
Fundinotots is a friendly place to meet other parents with
young children (aged 0 to 36 months). We provide an in-
formal play environment with opportunities to take part
in a range of activities such as painting, soft play, sand
pit, water play, storytelling, large play apparatus, library
time and music sessions
How do I join Fundinotots with my baby or tod-
dler?
For more information about joining Fundinotots please
ask in the primary office for more information, click on the
link below or use your mobile device to scan the QR code.
http://www.bisvietnam.com/index.php/fundinotots-44.htm
Ms Sarah Bonner
Fundinotots Leader

9. Business and Enterprise Day - Coming Soon!
Issue 5 /Page 9
More information about this exciting event is coming soon so watch this space!

10. Issue 5 /Page 10
Extra Curricular Clubs – Term 1 2014-2015
Thank you for your support with the first week of our Extra Curricular Clubs programme this week. Most of our clubs are well
represented however there are still some that need more children to run effectively (see above).
If you would like your child (ren) to be allocated to another club, in addition to their current allocation, please look carefully
at the list of clubs above and email Ms Nhung directly.
nhungdanglehong@bisvietnam.com
Ms Deirdre Grimshaw
Deputy Headteacher
Scan here to access the
AP1 Club Booklet
Name of club Year group Time & Date
Tag Rugby Y1&2 Monday 7:00am
Paid football Y4-Y6 Monday 4:45pm
Create and Write Y3 Monday 2:45pm
Make Your Own E book Y3-Y5 Monday 2:45pm
All Games Y1-Y3 Tuesday 7:00am
Girls Football Y4-Y6 Wednesday 7:00am
Swim General Y4-Y6 Wednesday 7:00am
Tag Rugby Y5-Y6 Thursday 7:00am
Space Y3-Y4 Friday 7:00am
Green Screen Y5-Y6 Friday 7:00am

11. Issue 5 /Page 11
Today was a fast and exciting basketball game against
ISSP. They came hard and tactical in the first half, by
the whistle we were 0-4 down. After a half time talk
from Miss Lara and Mr Richard we knew we had to
play the rebounds and not lose our player- and we
were at our lucky hoop end! We worked really well as
a team trying our hardest to score as many baskets as
we could. Before we knew it we were 6-4 up. With se-
conds to spare Gemma scored our 8th point. The final
score was 8-4. A big well done to everyone who took
part and did their best. Great team work everyone!
By Emily Marshall 6N
PE Department - Update
BIS U9s Versus SSA U9s
Match Report
25th September 2014
In a friendly warm-up match before the Phuket Football Tournament, BIS U9 squad played against SSA U9s to
get some practice. SSA dominated the first half and scored two goals, but BIS bounced back in the second half
and scored two goals too. The match ended in a draw.
In the first half, SSA did some good passing. They managed to get the ball through the BIS defense and scored
their first goal. Their second goal came from a corner. The ball was crossed into the box to an unmarked player
who then managed to beat the BIS goalie.
During half-time, Mr. Chris said BIS team must be tighter at marking, do more shots, and create space for
more passing.
In the second half, BIS were stronger in defense and stopped SSA attacks. About half way through the half, Ji
Sung passed the ball to Ben Marshall who scored. It was 2-1. A few minutes later, Freddie passed the ball to
Ben Marshall in the centre and he managed to kick the ball passed the goalie and equalised. BIS were back in
the game!
SSA tried to attack again, but Ollie our goalie did some good saves and BIS managed to stop them.
The final whistle blew and we had managed to draw the game. Everyone shook hands at the end.
Mr. Chris talked to the BIS squad after the match and we now have some tips to try and win next time.
By Ben Wheller Y4
This Wednesday BIS played ISSP in a basketball fixture. Despite having all the possession, BIS struggle to
score in the first half finishing only 2 – 0 up. After a good half time talk, the boys really pulled it out the bag
and linked up well as a team. William, Ben and John showed a high level of skill taking the ball round the op-
position allowing out team lots of chances to score. With strong rebounding, the boys finished the game with 20
points to ISSP 1! A fantastic second half from all the players involved.
Ms. Lara Wilkinson
PE Teacher

12. Issue 5/Page 12
Holiday Sports Programmes - October 2014
Date Sport Time Head Coach
Mini-
mum
No. Of
Stu-
dents
Age
Prices (all
in VND)
Location
20/10 - 24/10 Football 8 am- 11 am SSA Min 8 Year 3 upwards 1,900,000 Big field
20/10 - 24/10 Basketball 1pm-4pm SSA Min 8 Year 3 upwards 1,900,000
AP2
Sportshal
l
20/10-24/10 Multi Skills 8.00-9.00
Mr Richard So-
riano
Min 8 Y1-Y3 440,000
AP1
Sportshal
l
20/10-24/10 Multi Skills 9.00-10.00
Mr Richard So-
riano
Min 8 F1-F3 440,000
AP1
Sportshal
l
20/10-24/10 T ball 4pm-5.30pm
Mr Richard So-
riano
Min 8 Y3-Y6 660,000 Big field
Group Time Cost Venue Minimum Maximum
Foundation 2-3 8.00 – 08.45 415,000 VND AP1 5 10
Foundation 2-3 08.45 – 09.30 415,000 VND AP1 5 10
Year 1 – 2 09.30 – 10.15 415,000 VND AP1 5 10
Year 1 – 2 10.15 – 11.00 415,000 VND AP1 5 10
Year 3 – 4 11.00 – 12.00 550,000 VND AP1 5 12
Year 5 upwards 12.15 – 01.45 825,000 VND AP1 5 15
20/10 - 24/10 Swimming 8am- 1:45 pm
Mr Vinh Ngu-
yen
Min 8 F2 upwards
Various
(see letters)
AP1 pool
Holiday Swimming Programmes - October 2014

13. Issue 5 /Page 13

14. Issue 5 /Page 14
PTG - Cheese and Wine Evening
Thank you to everyone who came along to the Wine and Cheese Evening last night and helped make it such a
success. We had almost 100 parents and teachers there and it was great to see many new faces.
A huge thank you to Sharyn and Steven for kindly opening up their home for the evening and thanks to
Sharyn, Christine, Ella and Carolina, for all their work organising the evening and for the amazing food.
Thanks also to the others who contributed to the great buffet.
If you couldn’t make the event this term please come along when we do it all soon. Even if you don’t like wine
or cheese there are plenty of other things to enjoy on the evening!
Fraine Mahoney (parent)
Cheese and Wine Organising Committee
Would you consider helping with one or more of these committees? Can you help by giving some time to make
a difference within our school community?
To sign up for "Class Parent", go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C054EACAE28A4F85-class
To sign up for "Country Rep", go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C054EACAE28A4F85-country
Email the PTG directly at:
bisvnptgap1@gmail.com

15. Issue 5 /Page 15
Volunteers are needed for ticket sales & day of event.
To volunteer, please email
ellaraj@hotmail.com or santisa17@yahoo.es
Thank you!
50,000vnd per
ticket
&
Free Entry for
Adults &
Children under
2 years
Term 1
New
Families –
Free Entry
Alternatively, click on the link below to sign up online.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C054EACAE28A4F85-bisfamily/
Thank you
Ginette Diaz Rodriguez
PTG Parent Liaison Coordinator
PTG - Future Events

16. Issue 5 /Page 16
MENU FOR F1 - F2
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 29 SEPT)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE
1
Ham & Cheese
Croque Monsieur,
Potato Wedges
OR
Chicken Rice
Chicken Carbonara
OR
Roast Pork, Rice
Pasta Bolognese-
Pork
OR
Sweet & Sour
Fish, Rice
Battered Fish &
Baked Potato
OR
Nasi Lemak -
Chicken & Egg
Chili Con Carne-Beef,
Rice
OR
Egg Noodle w Pork
VEGETA-
BLES
Long Beans, Car-
rot
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrot
Morning Glory
& Carrot
Spinach Choy sum & Carrot
SOUP
Spinach & Melon
Watercress
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cabbage & Carrot Mixed Vegetables
FOR
VEGE-
TARIAN
ONLY
Oriental Fried
Rice
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Braised Beans &
Vegetables, Rice
Watercress Soup
Veggie Pasta (e)
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Vegetarian Chili
Con Carne, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Sautéed Vegetarian
Noodle
Mixed Vegetables
Soup
MENU FOR F3 - YEAR 2
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 29 SEP)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Ham & Cheese
Croque Mon-
sieur,
Potato Wedges
OR
Chicken Rice
Chicken Carbona-
ra
OR
Roast Pork, Rice
Pasta Bolognese-
Pork
OR
Sweet & Sour Fish,
Rice
Battered Fish &
Baked Potato
OR
Nasi Lemak -
Chicken & Egg
Chili Con Carne-
Beef, Rice
OR
Stir Fry Egg Noo-
dle w Pork
VEGETABLES
Long Beans,
Carrot
Chinese Cabbage
& Carrot
Morning Glory &
Carrot
Spinach Choysum & Car-
rot
SOUP
Spinach & Mel-
on Watercress
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cabbage & Carrot Mixed Vegetables
FOR
VEGETARIAN
ONLY
Oriental Fried
Rice
Spinach & Mel-
on Soup
Braised Beans &
Vegetables, Rice
Watercress Soup
Veggie Pasta (e)
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Vegetarian Chili
Con Carne, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Stir Fry Vegetari-
an Noodle
Mixed Vegetables
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 Chick-
en & mayonnaise,
Served with Salad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily

17. Issue 5 /Page 17
MENU FOR YEAR 3 - YEAR 6
MENU 3 (WEEK BEGINNING 29 SEP)
DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
MAIN
COURSE
CHOOSE 1
Ham & Cheese
Croque Monsieur,
Potato Wedges
OR
Chicken Rice
Chicken Carbonara
OR
Roast Pork, Rice
Pasta Bolognese-
Pork
OR
Sweet & Sour Fish,
Rice
Battered Fish &
Baked Potato
OR
Nasi Lemak -
Chicken & Egg
Chili Con Carne-
Beef, Rice
OR
Egg Noodle w Pork
VEGETA-
BLES
Long Beans, Carrot
Chinese Cabbage &
Carrot
Morning Glory &
Carrot
Spinach Choysum & Carrot
SOUP
Spinach & Melon
Watercress Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Cabbage & Carrot Mixed Vegetables
FOR
VEGETARI-
AN
ONLY
Oriental Fried Rice
Spinach & Melon
Soup
Braised Beans &
Vegetables, Rice
Watercress Soup
Veggie Pasta (e)
Tomato & Tofu
Soup
Vegetarian Chili
Con Carne, Rice
Cabbage & Carrot
Soup
Vegetarian Noodle
Mixed Vegetables
Soup
DELI BAR
OPTION
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
fill with ham, chick-
en, cheese, egg, tu-
na mayonnaise,
baked beans, peas &
bolognese sauce
Served with Salad
Bun/Jacket Potato
fill with ham, chick-
en, cheese, egg, tu-
na mayonnaise,
baked beans, peas
& bolognese sauce
Served with Salad
Wrap/Jacket Potato
fill with bacon, ham,
chicken, egg, cheese,
tuna mayonnaise,
baked beans, peas &
bolognese sauce
Served with Salad
Bun/Jacket Potato
fill with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked beans,
peas & bolognese
sauce
Served with Salad
Baguette/Jacket
Potato
fill with ham,
chicken, cheese,
egg, tuna mayon-
naise, baked
beans, peas & bo-
lognese sauce
Served with Salad
Fresh Fruits & Salad Bar are available daily