29th November 2013
newsletter Dear ISHCMC community. SECURITY During the past few weeks there has been a large and ongoing amount of crime in District 2. Children, staff, and parents on their bicycles or on foot have been ‘bailed up’ at different places, whether they are coming from the An Phu Shopping Centre area or from the Vista accommodation area. The tactic of the thieves include using two motor bikes, often with number plates covered, to corner a student or students and then snatch their back pack. More often than not our students are carrying a laptop computer. Often it is girls who are targeted. In the other direction the British International School and the American School of Vietnam have also experienced similar incidents. I am told that this is not unusual at this time of year as we head toward the TET celebration period in late January.
Simon Leslie Headmaster
It is important for families to discuss this issue together. Some suggestions:
• Students, staff and parents preferably should not walk alone. Try to arrange to meet with friends or catch up to the people ahead to make a group;
• Try and establish groups of girls and boys;
• Be continually aware. Look around for strangers who may follow, watch out for the motor bikes that are ahead or behind and keep your bag or back pack away from the road side of the footpath;
• If accosted do not resist;
• Record the serial number of your laptop/tablet;
• If a theft occurs, immediately upon arriving at school report the incident in detail to your Principal. Remember the time, and location;
When reports are received at the School I will relay the circumstances to the police for investigation. Thus, it is important that you can be as detailed as possible with your reports: time, date, accurate location or address; items stolen; details of motor bike or description of the person who stole from you and so on. We have made arrangements with local police to meet on a regular basis to discuss ongoing security. We have also conferred with BIS so that our security forces can discuss a joint approach and share advice to help prevent such occurrences. THE ISHCMC ORCHESTRA AND JAZZ BAND The outdoor presentation by our school orchestra and Jazz Band on Wednesday evening this week was truly wonderful. Scott Rogal. Mr. Phi Anh, the Music Assistant and their helpers have done a wonderful job during the past 3 months to produce a truly excellent performance. I look forward to seeing the musical growth in this large group of our students as the year continues. Thank you to the parents, staff and students who joined this hour long musical celebration. I do hope that you have a very enjoyable weekend. Simon
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