Message from the Middle School Principal – 20 August 2026

Dear ISHCMC Middle School Community,

“This is your story; of course you can change it.” - Rebecca Marhkam, Leader of Learning.

It has been my greatest joy to see the smiling faces of students and families in the classrooms and corridors as we start the school year. I want to thank you all for the overwhelming community support. I hope you and your children have felt the same  positive, productive start to the new school year.

The real privilege has been sharing time in lessons with our students, connecting with them, listening to their voices, and experiencing learning through their eyes. 

Our Grade 6 Leader, Mr. Larry Huynh, led a most engaging Service Action lesson with 6.6 on sustainability and responses to pollution. I’ve never seen students so excited to offer their answers after a lesson ended at the end of the day. Maths students were beginning the year with algebra fundamentals: factors, multiples, and questions to stretch the mind, building strong routines and habits of learning in the Middle School. Students in 6.1 were so excited at lunch to share that their favorite lesson of the week came from InSoc with Mr. Cameron, learning the story of our humanity and history of Homo Sapiens. 

Grade 7 Language and Literature students were writing their own poems. The environment of care and critical thinking was impressive. I learned so much about the students through their stories and sure you will too. When discussing the power of poetry, one Grade 7 student exclaimed: “It hits different.” The rich learning underpinned by fundamental literacy techniques, exploring new ideas, and the freedom of expression captured the essence of what we aim for in our ISHCMC classrooms daily: high-quality, high-care education. Ms. Rebecca Markham’s words and work are a testament to the passion and dedication invested by our ISHCMC teachers daily. 

Our Year 8 students were making the most of the new Vex Robotics room, learning how the power of code and algorithmic thinking drives automation. Grade 8 Service classes led by Lee Pilon presented powerful conflict resolution scenarios, exemplifying our Culture of Care and providing Grade 8 students to teach and set examples of understanding and communication in our ISHCMC Community.

As we begin the year together, I am delighted to invite our Grade 6–10 students and families to our Back-to-School Night.

Date: Thursday, 3 SeptemberTime: 17:30–20:00Location: Secondary Theater

During the evening, families will hear from our school leaders, learn more about the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), connect with your child’s advisors, and interact with other members of our community so you can understand and participate in our Middle School learning journey. 

Ahead of the event, I encourage you to explore our Curriculum Overviews, which provide an outline of your child’s learning. Back-to-School Night will offer an opportunity to discuss this learning with teachers, ask questions you may have about the subject, and create a personal connection between our students, parents, and teachers.

After School Activities: Season 1

Registration for After School Activities (ASAs) Season 1 opens on Monday, 24 August, through SchoolsBuddy. With activities spanning sports, creativity, technology, and experiential learning, there is something for every Rhino.

Please note the following key dates:

• Monday, 24 August: Student registration opens on SchoolsBuddy at 07:00

• Monday, 7 September: ASA Season 1 begins

• Thursday, 5 November: ASA Season 1 ends

For questions about activities or registration, please contact our Director of Activities and Experiential Learning at garthtaylor@ishcmc.edu.vn. For technical support, please contact our IT Department at helpdesk@ishcmc.edu.vn.

Middle School Sports Day

On Thursday, 27 August, our Middle School students will come together for Sports Day. Students will participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including football, Wall Breakers, tug of war, and more.

It promises to be an energetic and enjoyable day, giving students another opportunity to work together as teams and launch our major House activities for the year.

None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our IT staff, support staff, and all the people on campus who have dedicated themselves to a relatively smooth start of the year. As we navigate new technology platforms, form new teams, and make our way into the start of a new year, I want to acknowledge their continuous efforts, and your patience and partnership to provide the best for our ISHCMC learners and families.  

Academic Year 2026–2027 is a new story to write for ISHCMC and our Middle School. It has been a privilege to write Chapter One with you. I look forward to seeing our students embrace the opportunities ahead and to connect with you throughout the year.

Best wishes,

Anthony Mulson

Middle School Principal

International School Ho Chi Minh City