Issue 40 March 2013 - The Academic Colleges Group

ACG International School VietnamDalat campLast November, Years 5 and 6 spent an unforgettableweek in Dalat, building rafts that float in water,climbing trees, visiting historical sites and mostimportantly, strengthening friendships.Over 50 students went on camp and reported that itwas one of the best experiences they have had.“Dalat camp was a valuable and exciting trip, andenabled the students to be risk takers in a variety ofways.” commented Mr Hale, a Year 5 teacher.“Highlights of the camp were: students working as ateam to build a raft, racing the raft, eating great food,high ropes activities, team-building activities andplaying flashlight tag at night. All the students wereable to do the high ropes activities and many foundthem easy because they knew they couldn’t fall.It was great to hear whoops as students raced overthe zip line over the lake. Other students who werechallenged by the activities completed them to theencouragement of their classmates and felt very proudof themselves afterwards.” added Ms Weir, a Year 6teacher.IBDP students teach English atVietnamese orphanageThis year, 37 IBDP students are engaged in theCreativity Action Service as part of the IB DiplomaProgramme.It is an integral, non-academic component of theProgramme that aims to extend students’ personaltalents and social commitment through major projectsof community worth. Over an 18-month period, studentsare expected to complete approximately 150 hours ofactivities.A number of IBDP students have taken the initiative ofteaching English to children at the Ba Chieu orphanageevery Saturday. They provide one-to-one support to theorphans, hence considering their individual abilities.Our ACG students have organised and plan this wholecommunity service activity all by themselves. Throughthis CAS programme, our students have come to valueeven more their privileged access to private education.Attendance and commitment are strong qualities inour students and they have supported the orphansrelentlessly every weekend of Term 2.VietnamFest: a cultural celebration of TetKindergarten and Primary students andteachers celebrated Tet, the Lunar NewYear, on Wednesday 6 February 2013 witha courtyard filled with traditional activitiesincluding clay modelling, Vietnamesecalligraphy and origami using coconutleaves. Students thoroughly enjoyed theability to experience the unique culture andcustoms of Tet, in Vietnam.Students also got to taste the flavoursomedelicacies and sweets of Tet, provided by theparent community at ACG International School.The day closed with a whole school assemblywith special performances from Primary andSecondary students. It was a memorableoccasion for all.16 News at ACG ■ March 2013