Update from Catriona and Lunar New Year wishes

Dear Faculty & Staff,

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 we head off next week, 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 – 3:00 pm, where the tournament will be held. If you have never witnessed robotics in action, you will not want to miss it. Thanks to Evan Weinberg and a host of supporters for providing this extraordinary opportunity for our students.

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 the learning environment for future Middle Schoolers.

University Applications Season and Admissions

As many of us head off to celebrate this holiday with friends and family, let’s encourage the High School Seniors among us, with a supportive 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.

I look forward to tonight’s local staff Tết party and to the school festivities next week. And, I hope that you 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!

Catriona