Weekly Update: June 10 – August 1 (Summer Break Edition)

The last week of the school year was full of metaphors for me.  A group of teachers helped set the foundation to a house that our students will build upon in just a short few days.  As we dug in the heat of the Mekong Delta and moved gravel, it was hard not to see the promise of a better future for a deserving family.  This foundation will change the life of this family forever.  Meanwhile, back in Saigon, we have built a solid footing in our division.  From a pastoral focused advisory, to a complete retooling of our IB Program Leadership, introduction of our first full time Instructional Coach for Technology, a revamping of our University Guidance office, common assessment guidelines, 9th Grade Transition Program, Senior Transition Program and much more a lot of amazing work took place in the 2016-17 school year.  I am excited to see what how can build upon our foundation over the next months and years in our division.

Have an amazing summer break,

Jacob

Thursday, June 8
Early Release Day
Student Breakfast, 7:45-8:15 (2nd Floor Kiosk/Art Area)
House Leagues Competition, 8:30-10:30 (Starts in the HS Gym)
End of Year Assembly, 11:00-12:15 (Auditorium)
Ice Cream, 12:15 (Plaza)
Last Faculty Meeting & Farewell, 3:15-4:30pm (Lac Brewery)

Friday, June 9
Non-student day (Last Day for Teachers)
HS Checkout Time, 8:00-11:00am
AS Faculty Meeting, 11:00am-12:30pm (Auditorium)
AS Luncheon, 12:30-2:00pm

Saturday, June 10
Start Rest & Relaxation

Wednesday, June 14
Last Day for Administrators

On the Horizon:

July 17-18, New SSIS Staff Arrive to Saigon
July 31, HSLT Meeting (9:00-10:30am)
August 1-7, Full Faculty In-Service
August 8, Orientation Day
August 9, First Full Day of School

Farewell to Mark Mouck– Come out and join the HS staff in saying goodbye to Mark on Thursday starting at 3:15 at Lac Brewery.  We will have some Vietnamese finger food/light snacks.  Beverages are self pay.

Dragon’s Lair Staff Thanks– A special thanks to all of the regular contributors to the Dragon’s Lair.  Erin, Robert, Tim, Thomas G, and Thomas R you consistently keep our faculty highly informed.  We are indebted to you for a fantastic year.

Important Beginning of Year Documents– Here are some of the documents that are readily available to you to start the new school year.

• Master Schedule 2017-18
• Grade Level Teams 2017-18
• HS ASA’s 2017-18
• New Faculty Orientation Schedule
• Full Faculty In-service (August 1-7)

Grade Level Deans 2017-18– Our grade level deans have been established for the 2017-18 school year.  These individuals will be the key point people for students and teachers in regards to grade level leadership and advisory planning.

• Grade 9- Alison Leathwood
• Grade 10- Alex Bunting
• Grade 11- Bilal Khan
• Grade 12- Andrew Crawford

New Staff– Only three new staff members join us for the 2017-18 school year (1 departing, 2 new positions).  Regi Katz returns to SSIS’s science department after a few year’s hiatus to the US and India.  Sean Schochet will become our new grade 9 and 10 counselor.  Tuan Phan will join is in the English department next year.  We can’t wait for you to meet them all on August 1.