Welcome to VIS

I want to give a warm welcome to all new and returning families joining our school community for the 2009-2010 school year.

We begin our second full year at our new campus on Phonsavanh Road in Vientiane. Over the break many items were upgraded or added to our campus. The football pitch has been loamed – upgraded improving the surface coverage and durability. Ceiling ventilation was installed in the basketball stadium to help cool the area during the warmer months. A new walkway was laid to the library computer lab from both the and primary buildings. Internal room changes were made to provide a new EAL/SEN suite in the primary building and classroom space added to the secondary building. A new tiled floor now covers the cafeteria.

Academically, we are pleased to let you know that late last June we were officially authorized to teach the IB Primary Years Program. We received IB Diploma authorization in April, 2008. We expect to add the Middle Years Program authorization sometime next year. This will put VIS in a very select group of IB schools. Less than 5% of IB schools are authorized to offer all three programs.

This year we look forward to improving our school in many ways. Our five year Strategic Plan that was developed last year is our vision and guide for where we would like our school to be in 2014. This will include Phase 3 of constructing a swimming pool and creative arts center.

One of the most exciting events this year will be the graduation of our first IB Diploma candidates. Another important task will be our community wide work in preparing the self-study phase of re-accreditation with the Council of International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

I look forward to working with all our families and staff in making this another great year at VIS.

Steve Alexander, Director