Welcome back

Welcome back from far and wide!  It’s that shiny-new time for school … the building is sparkling; cool building projects were completed over the summer; we all feel refreshed and recharged; all ready for this new year.  People who work in education are lucky that way. We get to have a new start each and every year.  What will this new start bring for you? What are you hoping for as we head into the new year?  What goals, plans, and dreams do you have percolating in the back of your brain?  Getting started on a new year always has such a great feel!  I can’t wait to get started with you all.

What a difference a year makes:  While I still spent my first few days in-country moving into a new house (much closer to school), the family and I all commented on how different it feels to be entering into this school year.  While we certainly don’t feel like Vietnam-experts yet, we are appreciating the sense of familiarity and the feeling of coming “home” when we returned.

Our new faculty have arrived and are busy getting set up here in D7.  It is a lively group full of energy and enthusiasm.  We are privileged to have them joining us.  Here is a reminder of who they are:

•      Gregor Berger, PE and Health

•      Hsiao-ling (Charlene) Chung – Mandarin (part time)

•      Amy Flynn, Learning Support

•      Rebecca Jardin, Art

•      Greg Jardin, Exploratory Writing

We are also welcoming a several new administrators as well:

•      Dan Keller – EC/ES Principal

•      Barbara Reynolds – EC/ES Assistant Principal

•      John Kruk – HS Principal

As with every summer, a great deal of maintenance work has been done.  While you’ll get a full run down later, here are some highlights that apply specifically to our division:

•      Replaced air-con pipes and ceiling tiles in Building A classrooms

•      Installed new WIFI in Building A

•      Removed wall between A313 and A311

•     Built ATM hut in the fence line along Nuygn Duc Canh giving school and public access to ATM machines

•      Removed computer lab in A213, converted to classroom

•      Converted computer lab in A209 to Mac lab

•      Converted storage area into office for Athletic/Activities and Aquatics directors

Following up on last year’s very successful Service Learning Trips, these are once again being offered.  These optional trips will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9.  You can sign up by clicking HERE.

Looking forward to another great year!