Message from the Middle School Principal – 1 October 2026
Dear ISHCMC Middle School Community,
Middle School has been eventful and energetic these past two weeks. The campus has been vibrant with sports, studies, and opportunities for us to come together as a community. The support for Middle School sports has been brilliant, with parents and friends turning out to cheer for our Rhinos!
Teachers have been focused on providing feedback for the first eight weeks of learning, preparing the Learning Updates that will help drive our Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (PTSC) conversations and help students maximize their learning moving forward. Also, a big thank you to the Middle School parents who have joined our MYP sessions and provided valuable insights and commitment to our middle years program.
Last week our Middle School Pastoral Team also held a session to reflect on our 6-8 MARIO Program, look into student data, and engage in dialogue to better Know Our Community and develop strong relationships and support networks for each student. We used this approach to social and emotional support as a way to lead into our annual Global Be Well Day.
Global Be Well Day
Last week, Global Be Well Day gave our Middle School students time to step away from their usual routines and focus on something that matters every day: their wellbeing.
Students took part in a range of physical activities, from dance and swimming, to a brilliant Ultimate Frisbee session led by our Middle School PE Staff. Guided by professionals, they had the chance to move, try something different, and spend time together beyond the classroom.
My favorite part of Global Be Well Day was seeing our Grade 8 students lead the Dancy Club sessions, teaching our Grade 6 students hip-hop, salsa steps, and how to have fun on the dance floor. It is rewarding to see our students take a more active role in peer and community leadership.
In Middle School, students are becoming increasingly responsible for the choices they make for themselves. That includes understanding what helps them feel healthy, balanced, and ready to learn. These habits are not built in a day. They develop through consistent routines, community encouragement, and experiences like Global Be Well Day that expose them to new ideas and connections to enhance wellbeing.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (PTSC)
Our Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place next week on 8 and 9 October.
Schedule Details:
Thursday, 8 October: Half school day for students (dismissal at 12:25 following Block 3; buses depart at 12:30).
Friday, 9 October: Non-school day for students due to scheduled conferences.
After School Activities (ASAs): Please note there will be no ASAs on Thursday or Friday.
I encourage every family to make the most of these conversations. They are a chance for children, teachers, and parents to look closely at learning together and establish the dialogue that is essential for strong school-parent partnership. To recognize what is going well. To ask questions. And to identify and encourage where we can work together to support their next steps.
That partnership matters, particularly during the Middle School years. As students become more independent, they still benefit from knowing that the adults around them are listening, communicating, and working together.
For questions or support, please contact community@ishcmc.com.
Rhino Family Fun Night
I’m looking forward to seeing many of our Middle School families at Rhino Family Fun Night this Saturday at our Primary Campus.
With more than 30 food and beverage vendors, activities for all ages, and up to 20 live performances, there will be plenty happening. But what I value most about evenings like this is much simpler. They give us time to be together outside the usual rhythms of the school day.
For our students, the sense of belonging at ISHCMC is built through moments like these. For families, it is a chance to reconnect with people you know and make room for new connections too.
Rhino Family Fun Night is exclusively for the ISHCMC community. Please remember to bring your Parent and Student ID for entry and to take part in the lucky draw.
Warm regards,
Anthony Mulson
Middle School Principal
International School Ho Chi Minh City
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