AIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | Issue Feb 2018
From the Executive Principal
What are the lessons we teach our children? Dr Roderick Crouch
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
A
s we celebrate the lunar year, the whole country stops for Tet. It is a wonderful holiday full of flowers, new beginnings and hospitality. Most of all, Tet is a time for family. Family has a special meaning
in Vietnam. When I think about family, I remember my own parents (both of whom are still alive) my children and now my grandchildren. I am thankful for what I learned from my parents My mother is both wise and good fun and I have learned much from her, both about life and people. She, and my father, liked to have sayings, some of which were funny and some serious, and most of them (like it is as easy to be on time as it is to be late, so be on time) I found myself still living by. I then think about my children (and grandchildren) and the lessons I have taught them. Although I have been a teacher and principal for more than 30 years, for me, the home is still the greatest educator. In other words, while at school we might help in the education of children by imparting knowledge, providing opportunity and developing a lifelong love of learning (all of which AIS does extremely well), it is at home that we learn the real lessons of life, and develop the values on which we base our lives. I am ever thankful for my parents for teaching me many things. Some of these are amusing such as that no day is ever fully complete if it doesn’t involve chocolate, but others are far more serious such as how to develop a thoughtful opinion, how to show respect, and the value of hospitality. Most importantly I am thankful that my parents drilled into me, through word and example, the truth of the saying, ‘to whom much is given, much is required’. This is why I am an educator. This last lesson simply means that if we have been given abilities, then we should put them to good use, and the best way to do this is to live a life for the benefit of others not just ourselves. In other words, how do we use what we have to improve our world so it is a better place for our children and grandchildren? When we reflect on family and how we were raised, it should leave us asking – what are the lessons we are giving our children? What values do they learn from us? What example are we setting? How do we respond when something goes wrong; or when we are running late, or have had someone treat us poorly? How do we respond when our children make mistakes? Are we able to say no? How do we respond when we see others less fortunate than ourselves? Do we model resilience, compassion and self-control or do we let our feelings get out of control, and show anger and contempt? Do we take
The TheLeader Leader¡¡February February2018 2018
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responsibility or seek to blame others? Do we allow the school to do the parenting and avoid it ourselves because we are too busy? There are times I think that parenting is the hardest task we are ever given to do, as we never stop worrying about or teaching our children (no matter how old we are). It is time consuming, often exhausting and sometimes deeply frustrating. Yet it is a task also full of great joy, infinite love and deep reward as we watch our children grow into fine young men and women. It should not be something we would want to shy away from and give to others. As we celebrate the special family time that is Tet, I encourage each of us to think about these questions. I also encourage all parents to be involved in their child’s education here at AIS, for there is no doubt that the closer the school and home works together, the greater the benefits for each child.
Council of International School (CIS) Accreditation Visit
T
he CIS visiting team left the school on
commented on how committed they were
26 January, having spent a week
to the students.
They were equally
looking at all we do. The committee will
impressed by the support and administration
now write a report and we must wait for 8
staff. They were kind enough to compliment
weeks before we receive it and a final
the leadership of the school. This was very
decision from CIS. This should arrive by the
humbling. In all we were described as a
end of March. The report will contain a
genuine member of the top group of schools
series of commendations, advice and
across the world.
recommendations. As a school, we are committed to The committee were allowed to say to us
improvement, and no doubt the final report
that that they were giving us an extremely
will offer suggestions on ways we can
positive verbal report and there were no
continue to do things better for our students
issues of any substance that we would
and their families. I look forward to receiving
need to address. They praised the school,
the report and advising the community of
using words such as exceptional and
the final outcome.
excellent. They were especially impressed by the culture of the school, particularly the respect shown by staff and students towards each other. They were also impressed by the standard of the grounds and facilities. They praised the quality and professionalism of the teaching staff, and
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3
Plan To
Succeed Mark Vella - Deputy Executive and Secondary Principal
T
here’s an old maxim in teaching about writing essays:
unsustainable to ‘ban’ them. In the medium to long term
fail to plan, plan to fail. ‘Fail’ has two meanings
a study schedule will only work if a student ‘buys in’ to
here: literally, being awarded a fail grade; but also failure
it and can remain committed and motivated. Prioritizing
in the sense of underachieving - failing to achieve to
these important aspects of daily life and blocking them
potential. This same principle applies to our students in
on a weekly planner first, leaves a surprising amount of
the secondary school who, over the next few months,
time that can then be used for study.
are preparing to sit important external IGCSE and IB examinations; in this case the maxim is ‘fail to study,
The second common mistake made when organising
study to fail’.
a study plan is to allocate large chunks of time to each subject. This results in unfocused and therefore less A critical first step in
productive study. For instance, rather than scheduling 60
exam preparation is
minutes of English study (or even worse, just allocating
developing a study
the time to ‘Study’) on Mondays and Wednesdays,
plan or schedule. In
it would be far more effective to focus on Literature
fact, two plans are
on Monday - with 30 minutes on each of prose and
required:
for
drama – and Language on Wednesday, allocating 30
regular term time when, realistically, study opportunities
minutes on reading comprehension and 30 minutes on
are limited to after school and weekends; and another
either descriptive, narrative or discursive/argumentative
during the examination period itself when students
writing.
one
are often on study leave. Designing a study planner is not rocket science. In fact, downloadable templates
To succeed at their studies students need to create
are freely available and easily accessible (for example
a healthy balance between their personal and their
see: www.sussex.ac.uk/skillshub/resources/Revision_
academic lives. An effective study plan allows students
Timetable.doc). However, when it comes to allocating
to manage their time and achieve this balance.
blocks of time to study, parents and students often fall into two common traps. The first of these stems from a belief that most or all other aspects of a teenager’s daily life – spending time with family and friends, playing sport, pursuing hobbies, working a part-time job, or simply watching TV, gaming or spending time on social media – have to be sacrificed for study. While it is true that some of these activities may need to be curbed or adjusted, particularly during study leave and exam periods, it is simply unrealistic and
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4
Internet Safety Rachel Perkins - Primary and Kindergarten Principal
I
f like me, you have children who like using the internet to learn and connect with family and friends across the world, I’m sure you also worry about how we can keep our children safe in this growing digital world.
Here at AIS we have policies and procedures to ensure the children are safe when accessing the internet at school and we regularly remind children of how to protect themselves on line. But how can parents help at home? This year the ‘Safer Internet Day 2018’ was celebrated globally on 6 February 2018 with the slogan “Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you”. Below are 5 points that the group recommends to help children under the age of 11 keep safe online. A better internet starts with… 1. Staying safe online.
online, things can still go wrong. If you ever upset
Keep your personal information safe and check with
someone online, even if it wasn’t on purpose, then
an adult before you share anything online. Personal
saying sorry is a really powerful and positive action to
information includes your email address, phone
take.
number and passwords. Never agree to meet up with someone you only know
4. Taking a step back.
online. No matter how friendly they might seem or
Being online is great – there are so many fun and
how well you think you know them, they are still a
exciting things to do! But being connected all the
stranger. Always tell a trusted adult if someone online
time can get a little stressful. If being online is making
asks to meet up.
you feel worried, upset or confused, it’s always worth taking a step back and having a break from your
2. Being a good friend.
online activities.
Remember that behind every screen is a real person. Being kind and positive online is just as important as
5. Asking for help.
being kind and positive face-to-face.
It’s okay to feel worried or upset by something you see online – just make sure you speak to someone about
3. Saying sorry.
it! Always tell an adult you trust if you see anything
Even when we’re trying really hard to be a good friend
that worries you online.
I hope that you found my article useful, and possibly a talking point with your child. Please feel free to contact me or your child’s class teacher if you have any further questions regarding keeping your child safe online. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!
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5
S
pring signals the time for flowers to blossom, and it’s the sacred time for Vietnamese people to express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors whilst welcoming the traditional New Year (TET)
with their beloved family members. The Vietnamese New Year, Tet Nguyen Dan, more commonly known as Tet, is the most important and popular holiday and festival in Vietnam. Celebrated on the first day of the first month in Lunar Calendar, Tet’s celebration is the longest holiday, which may last up to seven days. This year AIS Early Childhood and Primary students have celebrated Tet by experiencing our annual Tet Fair and enjoying our Tet Concert. There were many activities which included popular Vietnamese traditional games at both our Thu Thiem and Thao Dien campuses. The whole area was creatively decorated with lots of bright and stimulating students’ posters and art works. Pictures of the 12 Zodiac Animals including the Dog – this year’s zodiac animal - Vietnamese hat mobiles, Tet leaves and flowers, were dancing and winking jubilantly. Music was also a highlight at the fair with the performances of Vietnamese Tet songs by students of all year levels. The entertaining performances from the AIS students lifted up the whole atmosphere with happy Tet songs and drums being thumped skilfully in traditional Tet beats. The children cheerfully rushed to more than ten interactive game stalls and a special Vietnamese traditional food stall which were beautifully prepared and decorated by all Vietnamese teaching staff and volunteer Vietnamese parents. The students played traditional games such as fishing, hitting the ball, balloon popping, making play dough models on a stick (tò he), coconut leaf shaping, etc… The Tet Fair was a huge success as all the nationalities that make up AIS came together to learn about Vietnamese customs and cultures and share happy memories in our new adopted home of Vietnam. On behalf of the school, we wish all of you a very happy and successful year of the Dog - 2018 Chúc mừng năm mới!
Nguyen Pham and Vy Le On behalf of the Tet Committee
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T
he children in Primary and Kindergarten very kindly filled Tet boxes for children at the Little Hearts of Hope orphanage. We collected over 300
boxes from our Thao Dien and Thu Thiem campuses. This was a wonderful act of kindness. Thank you to everyone who took part.
A Trip To Japan-in-Saigon
S
ince the beginning of Semester Two, IBDP
the two main characters’ love. Having sipped the green
Vietnamese Literature students have learned one
tea while surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere, we
of the first ‘Works in Translation’ named “Kitchen” by
finally could feel why Teaism has always been treasured
the Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto. As the title
by the Japanese culture. Only after this trip did the
suggests, the story was about food bringing people
novel “Kitchen” finally become a part of our daily lives,
together; and in this case, a dish called katsudon ignites
not just simply words printed on paper or things that
the subtle affection between Mikage and Yuichi. During
happened in a far away country anymore. To us, this
the interactive oral in class with our teachers, we have
trip provided us more than just a relaxing Friday
always been curious about the culture, people and
afternoon. It will assist us on the writing tasks for the
especially the cuisine of Japan as the whole story was
novel “Kitchen”, and many more translated works in
driven by it. And thanks to our dedicated teachers, we
the future.
finally had a chance to understand the story on another level, catching the feel of the novel right in the middle of
Milly NGUYEN, Year 12
a bustling Saigon, by having lunch at Sorae (pronounced as sora which means sky in Japanese.) We sat across from each other, bustling with details from the novel and exciting quizzes prepared by our lovely teachers. The spirit of the two IBDP Vietnamese Literature classes had never enjoyed as much harmony. Having tasted the katsudon ourselves, we finally could grasp the reason why this dish had brought a spark to The Leader ¡ February 2018
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Artwork of the Month Joann Kim ‘Portrait’ Pencil, resin & ink on paper
T
his month’s artwork is the result of an investigation into happiness. Joann wanted to explore human
emotion in portraiture and discovered that most portraits of this genre focused on feelings of melancholy and desolation; troubled portraits set against dark backgrounds. So, she deliberately chose to explore something more positive. The feelings of happiness, memories of blowing bubbles and the colours of summer feature in the thoughts of the subject, and yet there is still something... Nigel Hall - Head of Design
Mangahigh Asia Maths Competition John Pollard - Teacher
T
his year AIS has invested considerable resources in student subscriptions to the excellent digital platform Mangahigh. The
Asia Maths Competition will see all Primary and Secondary schools across SE Asia compete with each other on the Mangahigh.com platform, in a fight to get their school to a top spot on the leaderboard, plus every student with a score of 150+ points will earn themselves a medallion. Students can play any of the activities, with 10 questions per activity and a maximum of 3 points to be earned per activity. Every point earned between 5th - 18th March 2018 is a competition point! The school that scores the most points during the competition will be crowned the Mangahigh Maths Champion, winning a $750USD Amazon Voucher, and a trophy for the school. Encourage your child to be involved in the Asia Maths Competition. The Leader ¡ February 2018
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CAS
SPOTLIGHT What’s the big iDEA? A group of Year 12 students has just begun an exciting new Creativity Experience for CAS. In this age of technology, learning digital citizenship is becoming increasingly important. As such, these CAS students are engaging in group work to complete their Bronze Duke of York Award or Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award. iDEA is a programme that helps students develop digital and enterprise skills. Through a series of online challenges and events, they earn career-enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry recognised awards that help them stand out from the crowd. The challenges are split into four main categories, each with its own series of badges to be won - citizen, worker, maker and entrepreneur. iDEA has been developed in the UK and is supported by industry leaders in technology. AIS is proud to be involved in such a programme - possibly the first school to do so in Vietnam. Andrew Masterton - CAS Coordinator
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AUSTRALIA
Day 2018
M
any congratulations to the Primary school choir for entertaining everyone at the Australia Day event last weekend. They performed
beautifully and the audience commented on the children’s confidence and singing skills. The day was a wonderful community event and the choir performs at the Australia Day annually. Well done to the choir!
Year 2 Holi celebration Y
ear 2s at our Thu Thiem campus celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi last week. The children experienced a range of activities through their unit of inquiry. The children and
staffed concluded the week with a fun and colourful paint throwing session. Aside from simply being great fun, the throwing of colours during Holi once had a medicinal benefit: to stave off colds and viruses brought on by damp weather in spring The colourful powders were traditionally made from natural Ayurvedic medicines such as neem, cumin, and turmeric. As you can see from our photographs a wonderful time was had by all.
O
ur Year 5 Primary students hosted their Market Day recently. The children setup their booths and sold their homemade products to staff
and other students. This is a great way for students to learn about planning, budget balance and customer service since they learn to balance the income and expenses as well as serving their customers.
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Year 10 Camp
Fun in the Malaysian Rainforest! Christina Zinetti - Teacher (Secondary)
D
uring Week 2 of this term, The Year 10 students
At the end of each day, the students were in high spirits
spent 5 days at an Eco camp in Go Peng in
and ready for the evening activities including challenges
Malaysia. Students took part in a variety of outdoor
and karaoke.
adventure activities, including earth camp exploration through rubber and oil palm plantations, tin-panning,
During camp, it was a great pleasure observing the
cave walking, campfire cooking, rock climbing, high
Year 10 students working together as a group in many
and low ropes course and white water rafting.
different situations. The students were supportive of one another and encouraged themselves and their peers to come out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves in new experiences. They laughed, cried and laughed some more as one family. We are proud of the students for adopting the moto, “Challenge by choice” with such enthusiasm and
The Eco camp was situated in the Malaysian jungle
making camp a wonderful experience. Thank you to
with spectacular surrounding scenery. Students went
the staff who attended and well done Year 10!
back to basics, sleeping in tree huts, with eco-friendly showers, whilst being amongst greenery and the local wildlife. Activities included cave walking, campfire cooking, conquering a series of high rope obstacles and white water rafting. It was great to observe the students develop their skills whilst having much fun. The final morning activity consisted of each group practising their skills as a team and working together to ‘board’ their raft!
The Leader ¡ February 2018
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MUSIC NOTES Andrew Sweeney - Music Teacher (Secondary)
T
he music program has grown from strength to
trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. After two
strength over the last two years. Each week we
days of intensive rehearsals, we performed our pieces
have students buying their own personal instruments
to a large audience. This was an excellent opportunity
to participate in the music program, practise at home
for our students to perform with students from seven
and improve their skills in music.
other international schools.
Over the last two years Music has evolved into a
On Friday 16 March is the junior spring dance and we
strong performing arts subject and students have
will have a number of small ensemble performances
been offered a wide range of listening, composing and
at this event.
performing opportunities. They have been encouraged and supported with playing an instrument and this has
We have many other performances, which occur
been a fundamental part of the music program. We
immediately after TET. The AIS open day is Saturday
are now capable of performing with the best students
10 March and will feature the Senior Concert Band
from other international schools.
and many smaller school ensembles. We have over 55 members playing in the AIS senior concert band and
Recently 24 of our concert band members participated
this continues to grow. This is a fantastic achievement
in a combined international schools concert band
within a two year period and the students have
day of rehearsals and final performance. AIS had the
demonstrated a huge amount of self motivation to
largest representation of students. Half of our group
make these programs happen.
played in the middle band and the other half performed in the senior band. The two days involved specialist
We thank all parents for their support.
lessons on flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone,
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U19 Girls Basketball T
Jo Denny - Athletics Director
he U19 Girls Basketball SISAC tournament 2017-
Such was the closeness of the competition, that the
2018 was held this month on 6 February 2018.
three wins were enough for AIS to be declared sole
Our own AIS TITAN U19 Girls, who had previously
champions, not just for the tournament, but for the
been undefeated in a number of friendly matches,
2017/18 basketball season as well. This is a first for
were placed in the Pool A competition against the top
AIS, and a momentous occasion for all of us who form
international schools’ girls basketball teams.
the AIS Community.
With an unlucky draw of four back-to-back games
As their coach, I am most proud not only of their wins,
in a round robin system, the girls maintained their
but mostly for their determination, and the way in
focus and took on the challenge to play all four
which they represented AIS both on and off the court
games in a row with no rest. Every game was tight
with smiles, encouragement, and humility. Well done
and played till the final buzzer. The AIS Titans were
AIS!
mighty, winning their first three matches before losing narrowly in their final match.
A
Coach G
Cross Country IS hosted the annual SISAC Champions Cross Country tournament at Phu My Hung golf course on Tuesday 6th Feb. 2018. It was a beautiful
clear day and AIS students were on top form. It is a team competition where the first 5 runners to finish gain points for their school. The competition was hard but AIS rose to the challenge. A special mention to Louisa Hoff who came in first place for the U9 girls race. The team results are as follows : Cross country team event.
U14 girls 3rd place
U9 girls 3rd place AIS TT
U14 boys 3rd place
U9 boys 2nd place AIS TD
U19 boys 2nd place
Well done to everyone who took part. A superb effort from all on the day. Jo Denny - Athletics Director
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AIS Titans Swim Squad BIS Invitational 2018 L
Jet Asis - Swimming Coach ast Saturday, 3 February, the AIS Titans Swim Squad competed in the “BIS Invitational 2018”. The AIS Swim Squad swam remarkably, wining the primary school competition and placing second in
the secondary school competition. When the points were combined, we finished a strong 2nd in the overall team rankings just behind host BIS. In the individual rankings, the top 3 best swimmers in their age-groups were given the “Most Valuable Swimmer” award. • The AIS Trio of Martha Bishop, Loulou Medina-Klymow and Olivia Borup took the top 3 trophies for the 6 & Under girls, making a podium sweep for their age-group. • Kim Ly Doan and Aleisha Sunderland won 1st and 2nd for the 7-8 girls. • Le Van Anh Khoa placed 3rd in the 6 & under boys. • Richard Ngo swept his age group and won 1st place in 7-8 boys. • Jasmine Sunderland and Indira Van Aggele clinched the 1st and 2nd place trophy for the 9-10 girls age group. • Daria Sulek and Holly Craig won the 1st and 2nd place for the 11-12 girls group. • Noah Borup won 3rd place over-all for the 11-12 boys age-group. • Seung Yoon Jung wrapped up the individual trophy haul by placing 3rd in the 15-17 girls age group! Many thanks to all parents for attending, supporting and marshalling our AIS Swimmers at the meet last weekend. Your presence at the event was greatly appreciated and we hope to see you again at the next one!
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Year 13
only ten weeks to go!
A
s we all celebrate Tet, please give a thought
However, there are one or two hurdles left to go:
to our amazing Year 13 students. They have
come a long way since the start of Year 12 and will
MOCK EXAMINATIONS
have only 10 weeks to go before their final exams
Mock Examinations begin for Year 13 students on
begin.
Thursday 8th March and finish on Friday 16th. There will be no lessons during this time (apart from Visual
They have almost completed the 21 months of
Arts) and students only have to attend school when
the Diploma Programme. There has been a lot of
an exam is scheduled. Please note that these are
hard work, a great deal of stress and frustration,
compulsory, as is the wearing of school uniform at
especially
this time.
with
their
Extended
Essays,
ToK
presentations, ToK essays, oral exams, IAs and university applications. Many have also had SATs
VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION
and IELTS or TOEFL exams. There has also been
Our Visual Arts students are busy preparing for their
a lot of laughter and fun, and friendships that will
Exhibition on Monday 26th March. This looks set to
last a lifetime, as well as house activities and some
be a stunning display of their creative talent and is
fantastic CAS experiences. Out students have also
open to all members of the AIS community.
had the opportunity to show leadership through the SRC, sports teams, the MUN, as prefects
GRADUATION
and involvement in GIN. There have been music
The final IBDP exams take place over three weeks
performances and drama productions. As Mr Slim
from Monday 30th April to Friday 18th May. The
famously said “you’ve come a long way baby”.
following morning, Saturday 19th May, the official Graduation Ceremony will take place, followed by the evening Graduation Dinner. This year, students have chosen the inspiring and innovative GEM Center as their venue. More details to follow but do put the date in your diary! As AIS continues to develop its Diploma Programme, introducing new subjects, new facilities and new support systems, Year 13 students have begun the countdown process to the start of the next stage in their lives. Ten weeks to go: năm mới thắng lợi mới! Andy Cartlidge Head of Senior School & IBDP Coordinator
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OPEN DAY The Australian International School (AIS) invites all families to come and see everything that a truly international school has to offer!
• Saturday 10 March 2018 • 9am-11am • All campuses AIS is a fully accredited IB World School, and a member of the Council of International Schools, with three campuses across District 2 in Thao Dien and Thu Thiem. From Kindergarten, through Primary and Secondary School, our world class, rigorous curriculum is complemented with wide ranging opportunities in music, the arts, sports, leadership and community service to help children enter successfully into the world’s leading universities.
Join us to experience: • • • • •
Student run campus tours Curriculum presentations Open, interactive classrooms ‘Pop-up’ musical performances Our PE programme
Register now:
• Scholarship information • Our exceptional facilities including full size indoor gym, award-winning swimming pools, soccer fields • And more!
aisvietnam.com/openday
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IB Visual Arts Exhibition 2018
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