Head of School Letter: Updates and Lunar New Year Wishes

    828

    As we rapidly approach the Lunar New Year, I want to wish you all Chúc Mừng Năm Mới, and a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Rat. It promises to be an energetic year of progress and new beginnings. 

    Before you head off, I would like to provide you with a few updates. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to an exciting “first” in Vietnam; tomorrow, SSIS will proudly present the first-ever VEX Robotics Competition in Vietnam! Everyone is invited to drop-by the HS Gym from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, where the tournament will be held. If you have never witnessed robotics in action, you will not want to miss it. It’s a unique opportunity to let your children see the incredible things that can be done with robotics while supporting our teams.

    Campus Construction Updates & Master Plan

    The campus master-plan and new middle school building design are progressing beautifully, and Construction Phase 1 is on track. Just this week, Flansburgh Architects met with the administration and faculty to review the developing plans. In addition, they met with 13 of our middle school students to get their input on the new Middle School design. “Amazing,” “spacious,” and “modern” were some of the initial reactions. Our students discussed many essential issues with the architects regarding the design, such as ensuring that there is enough light, seating, and changing rooms, to concerns regarding environmental sustainability. We appreciate their thoughtful comments, as their feedback is an integral part of determining how the learning environment of future Middle Schoolers will look.

    University Applications Season and Admissions

    As many of us head off to celebrate this holiday with friends and family, let’s remember the High School Seniors among us, with an encouraging word. For them, this is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking time of research, applications, and interviews, as they continue to work on their university applications. I have been very impressed with the support our Seniors are showing each other during this process. I also rejoice at the level of support our University Guidance Office is providing each student. After the break, we will give you an update on 2020 university admissions successes.

    Important Information about SSIS 2020-2021 Applications

    We place great value on having complete families at SSIS, but that is only possible when we have spaces. At this time, there is already a tremendous demand for the 2020-2021 school year, so the Admissions Office is encouraging SSIS families who have children attending other schools, whom they wish to enroll at SSIS, to please apply as soon as possible. 

    Let us all enjoy the Tết break, and this beautiful time of apricot blossoms and “bánh chưng.” 

    All good wishes for a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!

    Dr. Catriona Moran

    Head of School