Dear SSIS Parents,
On behalf of the Saigon South International School staff and faculty, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year. We look forward to a productive year filled with opportunities for your child to reach their highest potential.
One thing that makes this community so special is the strong partnership we have with you, our parents. It is a partnership that we greatly appreciate, as it allows us to successfully address any challenges that we face in the world in general, and in our community, in particular, during this time of COVID-19. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you this year so that together we can provide the caring, challenging, and enriching experience that your children deserve. Our overall theme this year is “Care & Excellence,” and you can expect us to strive towards these ideals in everything we do.
We are excited to welcome many new families into this great community. Families that, like our long term families, have recognized the difference of an SSIS education. The demand for spaces at SSIS has been unprecedented, and we start off school with the highest enrollment in the school’s history! I hope that you all join me in embracing our new families into our community.
New Faculty
This year we are also excited to welcome several new faculty members to SSIS. This new group of highly-qualified teachers brings extensive experience from around the world. We can’t wait for you to meet them. Any new teachers coming from overseas will have completed the mandatory government quarantine and presented negative COVID-19 tests prior to being allowed on campus. The entry into the county has been delayed for a few teachers but rest assured that every class will have a competent and caring teacher as we await their arrival.
Mandatory Health Screening Questionnaire
We are grateful for the rigorous precautions that the Vietnamese government is taking to limit further spread of COVID-19, particularly after the unfortunate recent surge in cases, primarily in Quang Nam province. Although I too availed of the wonderful nature, scenery and adventures in Vietnam this summer, I was fortunate to avoid DaNang.
Please note that to ensure a safe campus for our children, all students must complete the Health Screening Questionnaire (sent Wednesday, August 5, in a separate email) before 5 pm on Friday, August 7. Please check your inbox and contact our Health Office Manager, Lisa Chute (lchute@ssis.edu.vn), if you have any questions or concerns.
Back to School Orientation
At this time, there is no indication that we will need to begin the school year virtually; however, it would be reckless of us not to be prepared, in case the government requires it of us. Therefore, we are prepared for any scenario. Next week you will receive a Virtual School Plan that outlines how our teachers will deliver the curriculum to your children virtually, if so required. But, we hope and anticipate that your children will be walking through the school gates on August 13 for Back to School Orientation. Further details will soon be shared with you from your divisional principal. Additionally, please see the new Back to School HQ on our website that answers the most common back-to-school questions.
We can’t wait to welcome your children to the 2020 – 2021 school year! And we know how much they must be looking forward to seeing their friends and teachers. The students will be delighted to find many new changes around campus. Among the highlights – a new High School music room, new Middle School classrooms, and a purpose-built Grade 1 addition. These are just a few of the highlights, and we promise to share pictures and more with you soon!
Your children are our future, and as such, we strive to provide the highest quality programs and experiences in an environment fueled by care and excellence. It truly is a privilege to serve as Head of School at SSIS, and I look forward to another great year with you and your children.
All good wishes,
Dr. Catriona Moran
Head of School
