This past weekend marked a significant milestone for our school, as four of our elementary students participated in the inaugural Vietnam VEX National Robotics Championship in Hanoi. Under the guidance of Phu, who also supported our middle and high school teams, these young innovators faced challenges and celebrated triumphs. Catch a glimpse of their journey on the ES Dragon show, where their struggles and successes are highlighted. Their experiences in Hanoi have undoubtedly set a strong foundation for even greater achievements next year. Let’s extend our congratulations to these students when we see them on campus. To see who they...

This weekend I reflect on the incredible positivity that permeated our school last week. It’s been truly heartening to see the enthusiasm and energy in our students, something that speaks volumes about the environment we, as a team, have created. The joy and eagerness to learn that our students have shown is a testament to your dedication and the supportive atmosphere you foster in your classrooms. This positive start sets a wonderful tone for the weeks ahead, and I am confident we will continue to see our students thrive under your guidance. If your Super Unit launches are this week...

Welcome back! I hope your winter break was a time of rest, joy, and rejuvenation. As we step into the new year, there’s a refreshing change awaiting you at school. During the break, the school completed the removal of all the construction hoardings and other temporary structures. You’ve probably seen some of this transformation in the pictures shared, but experiencing our cleaner, more open campus firsthand will be a real treat. These new improvements have transformed our school, making it not only more beautiful but also a more inspiring space for both teaching and learning. I believe this refreshed environment...

And just like that the first semester is over. Please take these three days to reflect on the tremendous progress all of your students have made. Think about the obstacles and challenges you and your students have overcome and celebrate the achievements we have all had. As educators, every small step forward is a victory, and every challenge overcome is a testament to your dedication and skill. It’s important to recognize not only the academic growth of our students but also the social and emotional strides they’ve made under your guidance. This reflection is also a time for self-appreciation. Acknowledge...

With just 8 days left in the school term, it’s important to remember the power of staying grounded. This week, often filled with heightened excitement and energy can also bring unexpected challenges. It’s a time when being mindful of changes in adult and student behavior becomes more crucial than ever. Take a deep breath, and approach each day with a steady heart and mind. During this period, let’s be particularly mindful of the diverse emotions and experiences that the holiday season brings for both our students and fellow staff members. Not everyone’s holiday narrative is the same, and this can...

As we welcome the start of December, it’s incredible to think that we have only 13 days left before our holiday break. This time of year always brings a unique blend of excitement and reflection. It’s a chance to look back at our achievements and the progress each student has made. These final weeks are an opportunity to deepen our impact, reinforcing the learning and growth we’ve nurtured throughout the term. Let’s continue to engage our students with the same passion and dedication that has marked our year so far. As we count down to the break, let’s make every...

This weekend, some of us had the privilege of attending a workshop led by Kath Murdoch, an expert in inquiry learning. Her approach is more than just a teaching method; it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration in the classroom. Kath emphasized the importance of asking the right questions and creating an environment where students are encouraged to be inquisitive. She highlighted the value of collaboration and how inquiry learning can be integrated across different subjects. It was so affirming to know that what we live daily aligns with the inquiry learning we did this weekend. A key...

As we navigate through this week, let’s embrace the theme of change. Change is a constant in education, offering us opportunities to grow and innovate. Whether it’s adapting to new teaching methods, integrating different technologies in our classrooms, or finding fresh ways to engage our students, each change is a step towards enhancing our educational environment. I encourage you to view change not as a hurdle, but as an invitation to creativity and improvement. Let’s share our experiences and learn from each other as we adapt. Remember, the way we handle and respond to change can inspire our students to...

November often brings a certain lull in the teaching year. Some of us call it a valley, a lull, or a low. It’s a time when the freshness of the new school year has settled, and the holiday season is just around the corner and everyone is working furiously. However, this year, my November feels different, vibrant, and exceptionally fulfilling. I’ve had the unique opportunity to conduct more than 25 interviews with various candidates who are excited about joining our community. Each conversation has been like a window, offering new perspectives and insights into the diverse opportunities we offer teachers,...

And just like that, November is here. It’s remarkable how quickly time flies. Even though it feels like school just started, we’re already in November. As we reflect on the past 12 weeks, let’s take a moment to appreciate all that we have accomplished. Here’s a list of our achievements: Engaged in a 1-week professional development session on the Science of Reading, enhancing our understanding of effective reading instruction. Made significant progress in our WASC Self-Study, an important step towards accreditation. Implemented changes in our instructional practices for literacy. Successfully reintroduced G4 Talks, providing a platform for students to share...