unis hanoi tin tuc weekly newsletter 03 vol 22 tt 4 sep
DESCRIPTION
News and events at UNIS Hanoi Week 3, 2015-2016TRANSCRIPT
School News 1
NEXT WEEKMONDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER
• Student School Photo Days, 7-11 Sept• ASA and UMA Session 1 Begins• MS and Youth Sports Season 1 Begins• Varsity Boys and Girls’ Volleyball vs. HIS @ UNIS,
16.00-17.30, Sports Centre
TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER
• Advancement Committee, 7.30-9.30, Conference Room
• All Community Meeting with the SCO, 8.30-9.30, Centre for the Arts Downstairs Foyer * (New location)
• Hanoi Bus Tour and Lunch for Parents with the SCO, 9.30-14.30, Meet point: UNIS Hanoi Bus stop
WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER
• ES Parent Teacher Conferences (No ASAs/ Aquatics Academy for ES Students), 15.00-18.00, Centre for the Arts Foyer
THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER
• ECC Child Development Information Session, 8.30-9.30, Library
• ECC Library Orientation Session for Parents, 9.30-10.00, Library
FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER
• Board of Directors Two-Day Meeting, 11-12 Sept• ES New Parent Workshop, 8.30-9.30• MSHS New Parent Workshop, 8.30-9.30, Community
Room
SATURDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER
• Community Programme Autumn Session Begins• Saturday SOccer Autumn Season Begins• Community Connections Fair, 9.00-12.00, Centre for
the Arts Foyer
UNIS Hanoi’s Weekly Community Newsletter Volume 22, Edition 3, Friday 4 September
COMING SOONMONDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER
• University Information Session, 13.20-14.00, Common Room
• Varsity Boys and Girls’ Volleyball vs. BIS @ UNIS, 16.00-17.30, Sports Centre
TUESDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER
• SCO Team Building Retreat, 8.00-15.00• PYP Interactive Workshop for New Parents, 19.00-
20.00, Black Box 1 & 2 (B10-103 & 104)
• MYP Information Night for Grade 6 Parents and Parents New to UNIS, 19.00-20.00, Library
WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER
• Child Development Information Session For Parents (Grades 1 & 2), 8.30-9.30
• Library Orientation For Parents (Grades 1 & 2), 9.30-10.00, Library
• Varsity Girls’ Volleyball vs OLY @ UNIS, 16.00-17.30, Sports Centre
THURSDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER
• MRISA Leadership Conference @ International School Eastern Seaboard, Thailand, 17-20 Sept
• Child Development Information Session For Parents (Grades 3 - 5), 8.30-9.30
• Library Orientation For Parents (Grades 3 - 5), Library
• Grade 12 College Info Night, 18.00-20.00, Theatre
FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER
• ES Healthy Snack Sale 1, 8.10-10.40, ES & ECC Courtyards
• Parent and Faculty Social Event, 19.30-23.30
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc2
Thanks to those who attended the various school meetings over the last few weeks. The attendance was quite varied and we will be reviewing this model to insure we are getting it right in terms of the number of events at this time of year. We know people are busy and at the same time we want to get the home-school connection started on a strong foundation. We hope you will be able to attend some of the evenings coming up in the next couple of weeks.
As announced by the Board of Directors last week, we are hosting an international school Board Governance workshop this Saturday and Sunday here in the Centre for the Arts. Twenty-three (23) international schools and organisations from East Asia, Africa and the Middle East will be represented this weekend among the 94 delegates
in attendance. We are pleased and honored to once again have Dr. Richard Chait from Harvard who will be joined this year by his co-author, Dr. William Ryan for an intense weekend of workshops focused on best practice in Board Governance.
We look forward to many of our co-curricular activities starting next week. Again, we appreciate your patience one more time as we sorted through the ASA sign-ups. We are track to introduce the new, more user-friendly system for Session 2.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Respectfully,
Dr. Chip Barder Head of School
From the Head of School
Welcome to UNIS HanoiJacob Totti Anderson Ybarra, G09h
Kai Fall Garcia Diallo, 2TL
Joshua JP Dewan, 1RB
School News 3
Dear MS/HS Families,
I would like to thank everyone who attended the MSHS Back to School Parents Information Night. From all accounts it was an extremely positive event filled with good will and enthusiasm for learning. During my introduction to parents I stressed the need for students study hard but also to develop balanced life styles. For students a balanced life style places a priority on academics but also includes involvement in hobbies, participation in co-curricular activities, building strong friendships and engaging in regular physical activity.
Some parents may not fully understand why UNIS Hanoi stresses student involvement in co-curricular activities? We do realize that students enjoy participating on athletic teams, being
involved in drama productions and/or taking part in service projects but there is a deeper reason. Research is clear, academic achievement increases when students participate in a balanced program of academics, co-curricular opportunities and partake in healthy life styles (proper nutrition and regular exercise). UNIS Hanoi does not devote resources to co-curricular activities solely because they are enjoyable. We do so because co-curricular activities promote higher academic achievement and help develop well balanced individuals.
In closing I thought I would provide a link to a presentation which illustrates the importance of how something as simple as physical exercise can contribute to academic achievement. Please understand, I am not downplaying the importance of hard work and high academic standards but we cannot overlook the positive impact of a balanced life style which includes participation in co-curricular activities. My hope is that parents will support their children by encouraging them to study hard but also to take part in activities they enjoy. The brain and exercise
Warm regards,
Pete Kennedy MSHS Principal
From the Middle and High School
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc4
Safe CyclingJobs OpportunityUNIS Hanoi is inviting applications for the following vacancies:
Middle School/High School1. Part-time (40%) IB MYP Music Teacher - Specialization in Orchestra/Strings
2. Part-time (40%) IB MYP Music Teacher (semester two)
OperationsAssistant Manager - Contract Supervision
To view more information about these openings at UNIS Hanoi, and to apply online, please visit our website at www.unishanoi.org/jobs
I am departing from role as Technology Director at UNIS to write about a safety and security issue affecting many of our UNIS students and adults.
I am an avid cyclist, road bike and mountain bike, recreational riding and amateur racing. During every cycling adventure I wear a helmet because of the potential for head injury. You may wish to review current thinking regarding Head Injuries and Bicycle Safety from the Center for Disease Control.
I performed an informal survey during my Gate 5 duty last Monday, August 31st. During my observations I counted the following:
• Approximately 165 bikes arrived at Gate 5
• 48 students had helmets hanging from their handlebars or in baskets. Please note that in at least 10 cases
the way the helmets were hanging from the handlebar could have caused the helmet visor or strap to stop the front wheel and throw the rider from the bicycle.
• 6 students with no helmets and excuses that included my helmet is broken or I forgot.
• 20 adults not wearing helmets. • 6 students arrived on motor bikes
with adults (possibly parents) and none of the riders were wearing helmets.
My informal survey doesn’t include a number of students that had not fastened their chin straps or that were wearing poorly fitted helmets.
Please take time to ensure that your son or daughter is wearing a properly fitted safety certified helmet with a fastened chin strap anytime that they ride a bicycle or a motorbike. We expect helmets to remain on rider’s heads until after they dismount at the gate. Adults should model rules that we expect students to follow.
Cycling can be a fun fitness building activity. But precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of riders. As adults we must help our youth develop good cycling habits.
Please call or email me if you have any questions about cycling in Hanoi.
Ed GilbreathTech Director
04 3758 1551 Ext 8600
School News 5
Posing Time !When: 7-11 SeptemberWhere: Community Room (Building 7)
Starting on Monday, 7 September UNIS Hanoi will have professional photographers on campus taking individual portraits of each student and class photos. The photos will then be used for the UNIS Hanoi Yearbook and other official school materials.
NOTE: If your child(ren) has PE lesson during the day, please bring an additional shirt for her/him to change for the shooting. We will provide mirror, hair dryer in the Community Room.
If your child is absent on her/his assigned day, all make-up photos will be taken in April 2016.
As a parent, you will have the opportunity to purchase a package of different sized photographs of your child’s sitting and his/her class photo. You will be receiving an envelop with sample portraits and information regarding purchasing on October 6.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
When will my child’s photo be taken?
Monday 7 September
ES: Grades 3 and 5MSHS: Grades 10 and 12
Tuesday 8 September
ES: K2 MSHS: Grade 8
Wednesday 9 September
ES: Grade 4, 2RJ, 2MA MSHS: Grades 9 and 11 (Homeroom photos)
Thursday 10 September
ES: Grade 1, 2TL, 2CHMSHS: Grade 6 (Portraits and homeroom photos), Grade 9 (Portraits)
Friday 11 September
ES: Discovery and K1MSHS: Grade 7 (Portraits and homeroom photos), Grade 11 (Portraits)
Student Photo Days
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc6
Air Quality Index (AQI)Have you noticed the colored flags and cards we have hanging in several areas of the school?
These flags are part of our Air Quality Monitoring System. The AQI is a tool for reporting daily air quality. It tells us how clean or polluted the air is, and what health effects might be a concern for everyone.
Understanding the AQIThe Air Quality Index is a tool for reporting daily air quality. It tells how clean or polluted the air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for everyone.
The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern and these are:
• “Good” AQI is 0 - 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• “Moderate” AQI is 51 - 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, pollution in this range may pose a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may experience respiratory symptoms.
School Health Centre Library News• “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”
AQI is 101 - 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air. .
• “Unhealthy” AQI is 151 - 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. .
• “Very Unhealthy” AQI is 201 - 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• “Hazardous” AQI greater than 300. This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
AQI colorsSpecific color has been assigned to each AQI category to make it easier for people to quickly understand whether air pollution is reaching unhealthy levels and to take appropriate action.(http://www.epa.gov/airnow/air-quality-guide_pm_2013.pdf)
School News 7
School Health Centre Library News
Prolonged exertion
This means any outdoor activity that you’ll be doing intermittently for several hours and that makes you breathe slightly harder than normal. A good example of this is working in the yard for part of a day. When air quality is unhealthy, you can protect your health by reducing how much time you spend on this type of activity.
Heavy exertion
This means intense outdoor activities that cause you to breathe hard. When air quality is unhealthy, you can protect your health by reducing how much time you spend on this type of activity, or by substituting a less intense activity—for example, go for a walk instead of a jog. Be sure to reduce your activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or unusual fatigue.
For more on AQI, read http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
Susan McComic SHC Coordinator
Phone: 3758 1551 Ext 8911app
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc8
Dear Parents,
Please be sure to send your ES child’s Library books to school in a water resistant book bag.
If you do not already have one, please purchase one from The Shop in the Sports Centre.
Library NewsNext week shall be the last week student’s may borrow without a book bag.
Thank you for helping us to keep our precious Library books in good condition.
Ms. ConroyElementary School Librarian
MSHS New Parent WorkshopWhen: September 11, 2015 @ 8:30
Where: Library
Parents of children new to UNIS Hanoi are invited to attend a short workshop presented by the MSHS counselors. Topics will include the cycles of transitions, what to expect from your child in the transition period and things to do in Hanoi.
In order to make this as valuable of an experience for you as possible please answer the questions HERE by Friday, September 7.
School News 9
It is High School Volleyball time at UNIS Hanoi! The Senior Girls and Boys Varsity teams wish to invite you to their league games and be a part of the exciting Phoenix action. All members of the UNIS Hanoi community are encouraged to come - bring your family, posters, noise makers & enthusiasm! Your teams need your support!
The first games will be this Monday at the UNIS Hanoi Sports Centre from 16.00-17:30. Come watch us take on HIS in the first of many exciting games. Please see the schedule for all games so you can plan to be part of the action and our greatest supporters!
Monday, Sept 7 vs HIS (Girls & Boys)
Monday, Sept 14 vs BIS (Girls & Boys)
Wednesday, Sept 16 vs OLY (Girls)
Monday, Sept 21 vs CISH (Girls)
Please note students attending will need to find their own transportation home that day, which is why we have provided all of the dates in advance, so you can hopefully plan accordingly. We hope to see you there - be part of something great!
High School Volleyball
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc10
High School Day Photo Special
School News 11
SCO Constitutional AmendmentsSCO Constitutional History and Amendment Process:
In 2009 the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) worked together with two consultants to proactively organize and structure the PTA. In this process, it was decided to change from the name of the PTA to a more inclusive name, the School Community Organisation (SCO) was created and along with it the SCO Constitution.
When the Constitution was created in 2009, it was based on what they thought was best for the organisation. Since 2009, members of the SCO have made their best attempts to follow the Constitution which has proven to be a practical tool for the SCO Executive Committee and Committee Coordinators. However, for the past 2 years the SCO Executive Committee have been working on making updates to the constitution to reflect what has been tested and tried over the years with transparent, workable procedures and an effective system of checks and balances. At this time, we hope to have reached a structured yet flexible tool to guide any incoming committee members.
According to the Constitution, amendments need to be made at the SCO AGM. A motion was made to move the vote for Constitutional Amendments to the first SCO General Meeting of the school year, as opposed to waiting until the 2016 AGM. This motion was endorsed by a unanimous
vote in favor of moving the voting date to the first SCO General Meeting of the 2015-2016 school year.
Both the Head of School and SCO Executive Committee have approved the Constitutional Amendments. Below are two links for the community to review the original and the amended versions of the SCO Constitution.
It is hoped that this process reflects the original intent of the Constitution to allow for a period of public consultation before constitutional amendments are voted.
SCO Constitution (May 2009 original version)
SCO Constitution (June 2015 amended version)
Please join us as we vote on ratifying the amended constitutions at the first SCO General meeting on September 8 from 8.30 to 9.30
Location has changed to The Centre for the Arts Foyer.
If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns please contact [email protected]
We look forward to meeting you soon! SCO Executive Committee2015-2016:MSHS Chair –Pippa Wood [email protected]
MSHS Vice Chair – Chikako Oba [email protected]
ES Chair –Natascha [email protected]
ES Vice Chair – Carmen Kuebler [email protected]
Treasurer – Petra Eichler [email protected]
Committee Coordinators:The Shop – Malin [email protected]
Spring Fair – [email protected]
Snack Sale – Bo Young Hwang Seung Shin Lee, Hiromi Ogura, Makiko [email protected]
Used Book Sale – Megan Todd [email protected]
Phoenix Boosters – Renea [email protected]
For general questions:[email protected]
School Community Organisation News
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc12
The ShopThe Shop hours Monday 8.00 – 9.00 / 15.00 – 16.00
Tuesday 8.00 – 9.00 / 15.00 – 16.00
Wednesday 8.00 – 9.00
Thursday 8.00 – 9.00 / 15.00 – 16.00
Friday 8.00 – 9.00
Note: The schedule is based on volunteer availability and is subject to change.
his photoshoot. Contact Malin Niklasson, The Shop Coordinator, at [email protected] .
The 2015 swim wear is back in stock in all sizes for both girls and boys! Stop by The Shop to pick up your new swim gear!
Looking for 3 more volunteers! Are you one of them?To keep the school store open for the year we need three more volunteers. These are the shifts that need an *extra pair of hands:
Monday 8.00 – 9.00
Tuesday 15.00 – 16.00
Thursday 8.00 – 9.00
If you are free for an hour in the morning and would like to spend some time helping out in The Shop, please contact The Shop Coordinator, Malin Nikalsson, at [email protected] and let her know which shift works for you!
School News 13
New to UNIS Hanoi? Join our Bus Tour! We would like to invite you to join the popular Hanoi Bus Tour organised by the fellow parents in the School Community Organisation (SCO).
On our bus tour, we take parents on a quick tour of Tay Ho and the Old Quarter to show you some key spots around town including a wet market, a popular international book store and if time allows Ao Dai stores (to purchase traditional Vietnamese attire).
This is a great way to get to learn about Hanoi and form new friendships with other UNIS Hanoi parents!
WHEN: Tuesday, September 8th
TIME: 9.30 - 15.00 (starts after the SCO All Community Meeting from 8.30 - 9.30)
MEETING POINT: Bus Stop
If you are interested in joining the Bus Tour, please REGISTER HERE (https://goo.gl/fBA4xC) Please register by this Sunday at 8pm so we can book accordingly.
The Bus Tour is sponsored by the SCO, but attendees are asked to contribute to their own lunch. Additionally, if you are an ES parent and wish to purchase an Ao Dai for your child, please bring his/her measurements.
This event is primarily aimed at parents, babies in arms are welcome, but we kindly ask you to find childcare for older kids.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to email us back!
Your SCO Executive [email protected]
Time to Sparkle! Great fun for all !! SCO SPARKLY SOCIAL 2015It is only two weeks until our beloved SCO Sparkly Social, a highlight of our social calendar! The tickets for this event for UNIS Hanoi Parents, Guardians, Staff, Teachers, Administration and partners will be on sale from Monday afternoon, September 7 from the Advancement Office, the Shop, or one of the SCO Executive members.
This year we will head to O’leary’s at 38 Ba Trieu. We have been able to keep tickets at just 200 000 VND per person for two hours free flow beer, wine, and soft drink and delicious finger food then an open bar where you can purchase from a limited menu.
Check out our UNIS HANOI SPARKLY SOCIAL 2015 page on facebook to see pics of the yummy savouries on offer! Enjoy the live band and entertainment, and our favourite DJ Neil Taylor.Purchase your ticket by 5 p.m. Tuesday September 15 to go into our lucky draw. Come and catch up with old friends, and make some new, and of course lots of dancing!!!
This event is for adults only, so book your sitter now! Also please plan to take taxi or share rides to the venue. We want everyone to have a great time and be safe !
UNIS Hanoi Tin Tuc14
New to Hanoi and still getting settled?
What gym offers Zumba, Yoga or Pilates classes?
Where is the best place to buy my groceries?
What to do with ALL my free time?
Are these some questions you ask yourself?The purpose of the Community Connections Fair is to provide useful information to our UNIS Hanoi community, especially those newly arrived expats, by bringing a variety of Hanoi’s service providers and organizations together to one convenient location!
Come to our Community Connections Fair!WHEN? Saturday, September 12
WHAT TIME? 9.00am - 12.00pm
WHERE? UNIS Hanoi Centre for the Arts.
Want to learn how to drive a motorbike?
Where should I go if my child has a fever?
Which dental services are available in Hanoi?
Who will be coming?We will have representatives from a variety of areas (for example: medical services, vets, fitness centres, community/cultural groups, activity groups, transportation services, to name a few) come and set up an information/display booths and will be present on the day to answer questions.
Join us and learn more about what Hanoi has to offer and get all your questions answered!
For more information, contact our Community Liaison Officer, Nathalie Grun at [email protected] in the Advancement Office.
his photoshoot. Contact Malin Niklasson, The Shop Coordinator, at [email protected] .