As the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) embarked on its 31st year, the Back to School activities provided an ideal opportunity to celebrate the start of a new academic journey. These events were vibrant and community-focused, welcoming both new and returning families and setting the stage for a year filled with enriching learning experiences and opportunities.
Welcoming New Faces Across All Grades
From Early Explorers to Grade 12, ISHCMC welcomed new faces and embraced the return of familiar ones. The campuses buzzed with activity as families explored the school’s vibrant spaces. Visitors enjoyed performances by talented students, met the leadership team, teachers, and student ambassadors, and learned about the #ISHCMC way—a way that fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration, and holistic development.
Capturing Memories: School Photos and Milestones
The start of the school year also marked the beginning of class and individual photo sessions. On the Primary campus, the youngest students in Early Explorers and the top of the Primary School, our Grade 5s, smiled for the cameras, capturing the excitement of a new school year. On the Secondary campus, the first day of school photos commemorated significant milestones, with 112 Grade 10 students marking their final year of the Middle Years Program (MYP) and 112 Grade 12 students donning graduation caps and gowns for their special photos. The Picture Day team did an outstanding job capturing these memorable moments, and we look forward to seeing more smiling faces throughout the week.
Celebrating Core Values and Preparing for Success
This year, ISHCMC proudly introduced Inclusion as a new core value, alongside Curiosity, Achievement, Resilience, and Empathy. The addition of Inclusion reflected the school’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students and families. The inclusive spirit of the community was evident as students reconnected with friends, met new peers, and engaged with teachers dedicated to their success.
Information sessions and workshops were key elements of the Back to School events, equipping students and parents with the knowledge they needed for a successful year. Last night’s information session was particularly insightful, offering details on the academic pathways available at ISHCMC. With over 33 courses to choose from, students were reassured that, while they each had a unique path to success, they were not alone in their journey. Supported by classmates, teachers, and parents, they were encouraged to aim high and create lasting memories.
Engaging with the Primary and Secondary Communities
The Primary and Secondary Back to School Nights were significant highlights. Parents and students in the Secondary community were introduced to the A-Z of ISHCMC, from the PTO (Parent Teacher Organisation) mixer to information sessions on the MYP (Middle Years Program) and the DP (Diploma Program). Attendees also learned about the exciting opportunities available through the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) award program and connected with the dedicated teachers guiding students through their academic journey. On the Primary campus, parents had the opportunity to connect with their children’s teachers, explore learning spaces, and discover ways to support their children’s education during the Back to School Nights. These events underscored the importance of nurturing strong parent-teacher relationships to ensure that every child receives the support they need to flourish both at school and at home.
Building Connections: The First PTO Bus Tour and Cooking Class
In an effort to further connect the ISHCMC community, the Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) hosted its first-ever Bus Tour and Cooking Class, offering a fun and engaging way for parents to bond and explore the city. The adventure began with a shopping experience at the famous Ben Thanh Market, where parents honed their negotiation skills. The day continued with a stroll along Nguyen Hue Street and a cooking class at Hoa Tuc, where parents crafted traditional Vietnamese spring rolls (cha gio). The day concluded with coffee and conversations in Thao Dien, overlooking the Saigon River. This event not only provided a great introduction to the city but also helped build lasting friendships among our parent community.
Looking Ahead: Continued Community Engagement
As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement, ISHCMC has planned additional workshops and meetings for the coming weeks. These include sessions on navigating online platforms, understanding community engagement, and learning about upcoming events at ISHCMC. With the strong foundation laid during these initial activities, the ISHCMC community is set for a year of collaboration, exploration, and growth.
As the school year unfolds, the foundation laid during these initial Back to School activities promises a bright and fulfilling academic journey for all members of the ISHCMC community.
