Message from the Middle School Principal – 17 September 2026
Dear ISHCMC Middle School Community,
Our campus has been full of energy this week, with students, teachers, and parents coming together for learning, activities, and events. It has been wonderful to see so much happening across our Middle School.
This week, students have been completing the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments. These help teachers understand each student’s achievement and growth in reading, language, and mathematics, and tailor learning to their needs. Thank you to our students, teachers, and IT team for making the assessments run smoothly.
One Grade 8 student captured the purpose well: “MAP is a chance for me to learn where to improve. I don’t need to worry about the result, just do my best.” We encourage all students to take this approach. MAP results offer useful insights, but they are only one part of the wider picture of your child’s learning. The guide below explains more about the assessments and how to understand the scores.
Two weeks into ASA Season 1, students are exploring interests and making new connections through more than 130 activities. From Writers Club and VEX Robotics to choir, MUN, Formula 1, and table tennis, there is plenty to try. Congratulations to our table tennis team, who opened their season with a 4–0 victory at ISHCMC.
Thank you to our Director of Activities, Garth Taylor, and his team for coordinating the program. Garth and our Grade Level Leaders also welcomed families to Wednesday’s camp information sessions, sharing plans and answering questions about the upcoming trips across Vietnam.
Last week’s school photos captured plenty of personality alongside the individual and class portraits. It was lovely to see students enjoying the experience and creating memories of their time together.
In classrooms, I saw learning that continued well beyond the lesson. Ms. Mary Ascione’s Grade 7 math students explored investments and variable interest rates, weighing options and discussing their choices with classmates. Their interest carried into lunch, where they continued talking with me about banks and compound interest.
In Mr. Benjamin Snitker’s Grade 6 science class, students explored hypotheses and scientific inquiry. When asked whether sugary drinks could help someone lose weight, one student looked beyond a simple yes or no, explaining that total calorie intake mattered. It was a thoughtful example of students questioning assumptions and considering the wider evidence.
Both lessons reflected the learning we value in the MYP: opportunities to think critically, work together, and connect classroom learning to everyday life.
This Friday, I look forward to welcoming Middle School parents for coffee. Please join us to share how your child is settling in, discuss learning at school and at home, and connect with other families. Your perspectives help us understand what is working well and where we can offer further support.
Next week, our community will mark the 8th Global Be Well Day celebrated across all Cognita schools worldwide with physical activity and an afternoon of well-being workshops.
Thank you for your support throughout our first six weeks. It has been a pleasure to see students building friendships, exploring interests, and growing in confidence. I look forward to sharing more of their learning with you as the year continues.
Warm regards,
Anthony Mulson
Middle School Principal
International School Ho Chi Minh City
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