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AIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | Issue May 2018

Student Leadership

From the Executive Principal

Student Leadership

R ecently we held both our graduation ceremony for Year 13 and our leadership assembly for new

school captains. AIS has wide ranging opportunities for student leadership, from the Primary School

SRC and speaking in assemblies to the house leaders, GIN groups, SRC, prefects and school captains

in the Secondary School. It is wonderful to see how the students make the most of these extensive

opportunities.

The following is an extract of my speech at the leadership assembly and summarises how we view

leadership at AIS.

George Washington, the first American President, faced terrible difficulties when he was a general fighting

the American War of Independence. His armies had lost a number of battles, they were dispirited and

close to giving up. However, due to his leadership, a decisive victory was won at the Battle of Trenton

in1776. To win this battle, his army had to march 10 km in an ice storm, cross the Delaware River at night

and attack a town defended by experienced troops. It was a remarkable victory, and one that would not

have been won without a leader who inspired his troops by leading from the front.

Leadership is not being the physically strongest or the toughest or the most skilful - though at times this

might be necessary – it is being the strongest character; for leadership is about setting the right example,

just as Washington did. As Albert Schweitzer said, (Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It

is the only thing.)

In our world we see many examples of leadership with the most common being the ‘strongman’ leader,

who often says, ‘I am in charge and you must do what I say’. The reality is no one likes being aggressively

told what to do. We would argue at AIS that there is a more effective model of leadership which we call

servant leadership. This says that to be a good leader, students need to lead by example and demonstrate

empathy. True leaders inspire, sometimes by words, but more commonly by deeds. They set the example

that others want to follow. These leaders do not say, ‘you go,’ rather they say ‘let’s go together.’ By doing

this, they engender respect and build trust. True leadership can only occur when we build positive

relationships with each other.

This is a wonderful school community and each morning I see hordes of happy, smiling faces as they

descend from the buses or cars eager to see their friends and enjoy all that the school has to offer. The

joy on all their faces (both young and old) as they face each new day is delightful. The challenge for our

student leaders is to harness and lead that energy and enthusiasm to help the School be the best we can

Dr Roderick Crouch

The Leader ¡ May 2018 2

be - both our community and the world. We can start by asking, are we giving our best or are we

complacent and not trying? We can then build on it by working together, rather than alone.

It was once said that, our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail, so to all

our students I would say this - leadership is not easy; so support your student leaders. They have earned

their position, so let them lead you. It is easy to hide at the back, and complain. It takes courage and

perseverance to stand out the front, make speeches, represent the School and work with others. They

are not perfect, just as you are not perfect and I am not perfect, but we can all give our best. So let us all

help our student leaders through our own attitude and desire to make this School the best for all of us.

To our leaders I would say, congratulations, good luck and don’t despair if things are not going as well as

might be hoped. Always remember that it was Einstein who said, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that

I stay with problems longer."

When we persevere, like Washington, we succeed.

The new prefects, holding their prefect’s ties, join returning prefects Grace Seo, Jenny Nguyen and Jerry To


US University Counsellor’s Tour

Following the IC3 (Colleges Careers & Counselling)

Regional Forum that we hosted at AIS in February, I

was invited by IC3’s sister organisation, KICUnivAssist,

to participate in a college counsellors’ tour to the

United States in late April. The aim of the tour was to

provide college counsellors with first-hand experience

of the range of tertiary study options available in the

US and to meet with admissions staff and faculty to

gain a greater understanding of the admissions process

and the courses on offer. This was a particularly timely

opportunity as over the last two years the US has

emerged as the single biggest university destination for

students graduating from AIS.

The tour included counsellors from 16 schools in 13

different countries. The demanding travel schedule

involved visits to no less than 13 different institutions.

The colleges and universities that we visited represented

the full range of tertiary institutions on offer in the US:

two-year community colleges, liberal arts colleges,

public and state universities, and private universities.

The first two visits were to Golden West College and

Orange Coast College, both community colleges

located close to Huntington Beach just south of LA.

Community colleges offer some interesting options. They

are significantly cheaper than four-year universities but

many of them nevertheless offer high quality programs

and facilities. The admissions requirements are less

demanding – few require SATs/ACTs, personal essays

or letters of recommendation - and they are accessible

to those students who do not have a full IB Diploma.

They also provide a pathway into four year colleges,

many of which have Transfer Admission Guarantees

( TAGs ) with community colleges. Under this system

students, including international students, can study for

two years at a community college, gaining an Associate

of Arts degree, and then, if they meet the required GPA,

transfer their credits to a four-year college. In California

this is a pathway that thousands of students use to gain

full degrees in both the California State and University

of California systems. In fact one-third of the students

admitted each year into the UC system come from

community colleges.

The other 11 universities visited were all four-year

institutions. These ranged from small private Jesuit

founded colleges like Loyola Marymount in LA and

Saint Peter’s in New Jersey, to large public universities

including the University of Oklahoma and the University of

Cincinnati, to medium size colleges like Miami University

(in Oxford, Ohio!) and West Kentucky University both

located in classic American college towns. All had

superb facilities. Stand-outs included the football

stadium and art gallery at the University of Oklahoma,

the research labs at UC Santa Barbara, the E-Sports

gaming centre at UC Irvine, the three Nobel laureates

on the teaching faculty at Stonybrook University on

Long Island, and the beautiful Georgian architecture at

Miami University. Of course all this comes at a price and

college education in the US is not cheap. Price points,

including tuition and living expenses, ranged between

US$ 21,000 at Orange Coast College and $ 68,000 at

Loyola Marymount.

From a professional point of view the trip was most

worthwhile. The insights and understanding gained

from the tour will mean that those AIS students who

are interested in studying in the US will receive better

informed advice and guidance in the future. I would like

to take this opportunity to thank publicly KIC Univassist

who were generous sponsors of the tour.

Mark VellaDeputy Executive and Secondary Principal


Leadership Assembly

During week 4 of this term a special leadership assembly was held to announce the new Head Boy & Head Girl,

Prefects, SRC Executives, and House Captains who have been appointed for the 2018/2019 academic year.

Because our Year 13 students graduate early in Term 4, prior to sitting their IB exams, student leaders are appointed

and commence their duties during Term 4, and continue in these roles until Term 4 of the following year.

These positions all involve what is known as servant leadership. Through their additional efforts and responsibilities,

our student leaders make life at AIS a more positive and fulfilling experience for their peers and for the wider AIS

community.

New Student Leaders for 2018/2019

Head Girl: JUNG, Seung Yoon

Head Boy: Blair KELLY

Prefects: Ramya BALBON, Harrison CRAIG, NGUYEN Yen Nhi (Milly), NGUYEN Tran Hai Quan

SRC Executive: TRINH Minh Khoi (Bill), MAI Viet Khanh, BABA Yu, CHUNG Eun Ji, Luke GILLIN

House Captains:

Senior: Rohit AMBAKKAT, Guillermo MENDEZ SOTO (Gilly), MAI Nghi (Jessica), MAI Tuong (Eric), NGUYEN Khanh Doan

(Dalina), SEO Hyun Jin (Grace), Andrew TRAN, Hayley WALLER

Junior: DOAN My Kim, Luke GILLIN, HIGUCHI Ryo, NGUYEN Ha My, PHAM Gia Huy, TRUONG Nguyen, Ishan VERMA,

WANG Dinh Chi (Gigi)

Dr Crouch, the new SRC Executive, Mr Price ( TIC of SRC )

House Captains


Over the past week the children have undertaken their end of year assessments

in mathematics, reading and writing and I have been very impressed with their

positive attitude towards these very important tests.

During the school year, assessments take place each term. There are a number of ways that you can maximise

your child's learning capabilities throughout the school year, which can lead to confident test-taking. Please find

below some of my favourite strategies:

• Assist your child by ensuring that your child completes all

homework set by their teacher.

• Help your child develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a

positive attitude towards education from an early age.

• Ensure that your child has good attendance at school.

• Stay in regular communication with your child's teacher.

• Encourage a good bedtime routine and regular eating habits.

• Talk to your child about any worries they may have about their

assessments.

• Encourage your child to read as much as possible, and to increase

their vocabulary – even reading magazines, newspapers, and

comic books regularly will help improve their reading skills.

As you help your children do their best in their assessments, remind them that testing is just one part of their

education. With your support and involvement, they will be well on their way to their own bright future.

On Thursday 10 May we were delighted to welcome many families to share in their child's learning through

our annual Student Led Conference. The children taught their parents a variety of subjects and impressed

them with their skills and knowledge. Several parents said that they were amazed by their child's progress this

year. As a school we are delighted to see the children show so such great enthusiasm when sharing their

learning and it was wonderful to see how proud their parents were of their child's achievement.

Supporting your childthrough their assessments

Student-Led Conferences

From Rachel Perkins - Primary and Kindergarten Principal


On 20 May we enjoyed a fabulous International Day at AIS. Students came beautifully dressed in their

national costumes or in outfits in the colour of their flag. The Members of the PFG at both TD and TT set

up a range of stalls from many countries that enabled the children to use their senses to explore many aspects

of that particular culture. We thank the parents for their contribution as we tasted food, played games, looked

at posters, learned about landmarks and animals, listened to music and watched performances and dances.

The children had an amazing time and they learnt that ‘together we are stronger,’ and the beauty that sharing

our different nationalities and culture brings to our school community. We were also lucky to have Queen

Elizabeth from the UK, and the Sheikh from the UAE come to share our special day!!

What a wonderful way to celebrate our diversity and enjoy each other’s culture.

International Day at AISBy Bernadette O’Sullivan


On Monday, 9 April, students attended the Inaugural Year 8 English Short Film Festival where

they viewed ten films, voted for their choice of Best Film and received a number of awards

recognising their creative and technical achievements.

During the last fortnight in Term 3, Year 8 English students produced original short films based on

their study unit “Fabulous Hobbies.” Students showcased their talents and interests which included

sports, music, art, aerial photography and drone operation, conducting scientific experiments, yard

“sale-ing”, caring for animals and travelling. Besides revealing some impressive hobbies, the project

uncovered an vast array of filmmaking skills.

Students worked together in cross-cohort groups to brainstorm ideas, develop concepts, write

scripts, present content in English on camera, film and edit. Along the way, they also learned about

working in groups, capitalising on members’ strengths and negotiating problems. According to

Year 8 English teacher Joe Brown, “The process really was as important as the products.”

Another important factor in the project’s success was the fun the students had working creatively

and collaboratively. One student said, “It was a really nice opportunity to work with people from the

other classes. I looked forward to English classes during the week we filmed.” Another student

agreed, “Working with the other classes gave me more opportunities to communicate in English.”

Lights, Camera, Action

By Lynette Hutting


On Friday 27 March, our 59 Year 13 students had

their final day of school and, in celebration,

some 500 people gathered in the auditorium to

witness their Graduation Ceremony.

As our graduates processed in to Elgar’s Pomp and

Circumstance, our MC for the afternoon, Mr

Armstrong, was there to announce them and to lead

the school through the event. Together we witnessed

emotional speeches from our Head Girl, Julia Lee,

and Head Boy, Desmond Lim, as well as Chelsea

Degenhardt who all eloquently expressed how AIS

had become more than a school, rather a second

family to them. Our student leaders gave heartfelt

thanks to their families, our staff here and, of course,

their peers, as well as sharing memories of their time

at AIS.

Our Executive Principal, Dr Crouch, gave a speech

that contained some excellent advice for our Year

13s as they contemplate their lives after AIS and

graduate. Stephanie Sua performed a beautiful

version of Rachel Platten’s Better Place in honour of

her family, teachers and friends. We also enjoyed a

video that she had put together which highlighted

the journey that our students have gone through at

the school. This was followed by Mr Cartlidge who,

in what is now becoming a tradition, delivered his

ridiculous but entertaining poem An ode to our

Graduates TM.

It was then time for the more formal part of the

occasion as our students came up on stage, one by

one, to be awarded their graduation certificates by

our Executive Principal. This was followed by the

‘turning of the tassel’ and the final procession out, to

a standing ovation from their fellow students, their

family, friends and teachers.

It is right and fitting that, as a School, we recognise

this occasion in the life of our students. Leaving

Secondary School is one of the major events in one’s

life, a rite of passage, signalling the end of a thirteen-

year journey through school and the beginning of

the next phase in a young person’s life.

Our graduates are currently in the middle of three

weeks of IB exams, the end of which we will celebrate

at the Graduation Dinner on Saturday, 19 May at the

CEM Centre. I hope that our graduates look back on

their time at AIS with fondness and we all wish them

luck in their future endeavours, whether at work, in

tertiary education or serving in their country’s military.

Our school motto is ‘leading to a bright future’: this

is indeed what we hope for all our students.

Graduation 2018by Andy Cartlidge - Head of Senior School & IBDP Coordinator


MUSIC NOTESThe benefits of a quality music education

There is considerable research which shows that

learning and practising music assists one’s IQ and

intellectual development. A 2007 University of Kansas

study showed that students in primary schools with

superior music education programs (like AIS) scored

nearly 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher

in Maths on standardised tests. Learning to read music

is another essential part of music education and it is one

of the few genuinely international languages.

Recently I have been playing in the Ho Chi Minh City

Orchestra and Mekong Delta Big Band. These groups

consist of players from all parts of the world. They are

medical doctors, engineers, financial analysts, advisors

and company directors. Most of these people have

learnt their music in high school and have continued

playing as a hobby. At AIS, our students are being taught

exactly the same high standards of international music

and the results are showing in what we are seeing and

hearing from the students. The following is an update on

some of our many ensembles.

Our Senior Concert Band has over 60 members and

they will be performing at the prize giving evening on 5

June 2018.

On Tuesday afternoon Year 12 student Yuna Jeong (as

part of her CAS project) helps a small group of Year 7

and some year 10 students improve their playing skills

by showing them the individual techniques of playing an

instrument. Yuna is an extremely accomplished flute

player and piano player.

Our 7/8 Concert Band rehearses Friday lunchtime, it is

growing all the time and new members are welcome to

attend to play easier music.

Recently these smaller ensembles have been playing in

the cafeteria as pop up performances. They are well

rehearsed and use these opportunities to showcase

what they have been rehearsing as a group.

Finally during lunchtimes on Thursday I have been

teaching a group of students jazz and the 12 bar blues.

This group is growing in numbers. Currently we are

working on 2 jazz standard songs called “Louie Louie”

and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”.

by Andrew Sweeney


It was great to see so many parents attend the Literacy

workshops. The workshops focussed on assessment

and covered a range of specific issues including:

• preparing students for external tests

• the Year 6 Checkpoint exams.

• benchmark assessment instruments used AIS

including the PM Benchmark and PROBE.

• whole school writing assessments and how they are

differentiated for year levels.

• how writing is moderated

• the importance of ‘mother tongue’ (that is the

language one speaks at home) in language learning

Year 7 students recently made Mother's Day cards in

Chinese. Here are some of them.

母亲节快乐（mǔ qīn jiē kuài lè ，Happy Mother's Day)

On Thursday 29 March there was a Math Assessment

Parent Workshop. Many parents attended at Thu

Thiem and Thao Dien and learned about the Assessment

tools that are used at AIS. Parents had the opportunity

to have some hands on problem solving by “competing”

in our own Math Olympiad. Parents were able to solve

problems taken from the end of year Cambridge exams

in order to understand better the rigour of the Cambridge

curriculum.

by Shanna Comerford

by Helen Zhuang

by Megan Lavelle

Literacy ParentWorkshop

Literacy ParentWorkshop

Happy Mother's Day 母亲节快乐 :Celebrating Mother' s Day in Chinese class


On Wednesday 9 May, a group of T-Ballers from AIS Years 3-6

entered a T-ball tournament held at the British International School

(BIS). This was the first time our school has competed in this tournament

so we were all very nervous, but excited at the same time. There were

two age groups. The u10s (which were the Year 3’s and 4’s) and the

u11’s (the Year 5’s and 6’s). We were due to play three games. The first

we lost against a very well drilled BIS team. After adjusting our tactics to

look at our opponents strengths and weaknesses, we were overjoyed

that we had won our second match against ISSP! Unfortunately right

before our match with BVIS, we heard thunder and had to go inside. The

rain never stopped and the whole tournament was called off due to the

weather. Never mind, we all had a great time and it was a good learning

experience.

Many thanks to our coaches Ms White and Mr Hansen for preparing us for

the day.

On Tuesday 8 May AIS hosted the U14 SISAC

Tournament. It was a fabulous event. The students

from over six different international schools in HCMC

excelled themselves by starting games on time, being

supportive of each other and keeping score of their own

games. Three Year 12 students (Bill, Tom and Bao Long)

also played an important role in making sure the games

ran smoothly and completed on time. They also provided

coaching advice during the games, which the AIS U14’s

much appreciated. As we got into the finals, AIS students

played well under pressure, thanks to the enthusiastic

encouragement and cheering of many of our students

who came to watch the games after their classes

completed. It has been a pleasure being involved with the

U14 AIS badminton Team, who have been practising hard

at lunchtimes and know how to have fun while playing

sport. Congratulations to the following students who

received trophies for their achievements.

1st place BOYS DOUBLES : Laurence and Khoi

1st place GIRLS DOUBLES : Rinon and MY

2nd place GIRLS SINGLES : Jarja

2nd place BOYS SINGLES : Thinh

by Minh Tam Le - U11 T-Ball team

U14 Badminton TournamentA Super Effort!

by Charla Sweeney


In Year 3 our fifth Unit of Inquiry is ‘How the World Works’. During this unit, we inquired into weather and climate

and how humans have to adapt to suit their environment. With that in mind, all Year 3 children took part in an

exciting trip to Snowtown to think more about what it would be like to live in the snow!

While we were there we had the chance to go tobogganing, build snowmen and play some fun games in the snow.

We had to adapt to our new conditions by dressing up for the cold weather we found ourselves in. It was an

interesting experience to need scarves, coats and gloves in Vietnam but we had lots of fun and learned some

valuable lessons about how some people in the world live differently to us. Take a look at us in action!!

by Ben Mansell

Congratulations to the Cast and Crew for a

very entertaining rendition of Roald Dahl's

comedic story about a boy and his grandmother

defeating the Grand High Witch and her

followers. This was the FIRST ever 'Drama'

stage performance for AIS.

by Jacqui Gaynor

13The Leader ¡ May 2018

from the - aisvietnam.com · junior: doan my kim, luke gillin, higuchi ryo, nguyen ha my, pham gia...

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