www.aisvietnam.com
Australian International School | Issue no.20
The AIS
essenger
Message from Executive Principal
Sometimes schools are seen as places where
students learn, teachers teach and grades are
produced at the end of a 13-year process. And yet,
of course, education is so much more. We want our
students to achieve their full potential academically
but we also want to be truly educated so that a
graduate of AIS is a rounded human being, capable
of making the most of what those ‘grades’ open up
for him or her.
Teachers at AIS have been incorporating leadership
skills and training into the core curriculum and
extra-curricular activities in very unique and creative
ways. AIS is bursting with examples of energised
young people engaged in the world around them –
whether it is raising funds for aids orphans or raising
awareness about important global issues through
Xi Campus
(Kindergarten)
190 Nguyen Van Huong Street
Thao Dien Ward | District 2 | HCMC
t: +84 8 3519 2727 | f: +84 8 3744 6961
the GIN programme. The
refined focus on these most
valuable leadership skills has
helped boost the students’
self-confidence and has
created a positive atmosphere
in our school community.
Leadership in its most
important sense means being the agent of your own
life, influencing the things you care about most in
the world and making it a richer life.
Clive Keevil
A
lice, School Camps,
International Day, AIS
Sports, AISA, PYP Exhibition,
over 100 ECA’s a week, Kidzone,
Saturday School, AIS Has Got Talent,
Graduation Ceremony sum up just
some of the highlights of the year
at AIS. Add to this the academic
achievement and university places
gained, life is very full for all of us.
Not too long ago society became conscious
of the need to be able to deal with change. We
were told that our children could expect to have
several different types of jobs over a life time. It
was something that younger people had learned
to accept. Alas the economic landscape is very
different now. The importance of being able to
deal with change has a whole new meaning and
has taken on a reality that is very challenging. AIS
students are equipped to rise to that challenge. Their
school day and the extra-curricular activities give
our students the skills needed to embrace these
challenging times – to be innovative, creative, team
players, thinkers.
Be proud of your child’s achievements this year. I
look forward to our continued partnership for the
success of our children.
Thao Dien Campus
(Kindergarten & Primary School)
APSC Compound
36 Thao Dien Road | District 2 | HCMC
t: +84 8 3744 6960 | f: +84 8 3744 6961
Thu Thiem Campus
(Kindergarten, Primary, Middle & Senior School)
264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West Highway)
An Phu Ward | District 2 | HCMC
t: +84 8 3742 4040 | f: +84 8 3740 7361
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
1
Students-Parents-Teachers;
but why?
I was reflecting this week on how much
we talk about the importance of parents
being involved in their child’s school life.
We invite parents regularly into school,
to coffee mornings, to assemblies and
shows, to conferences; but why? There
is considerable research on how parents
who talk to their children about school,
work with them on homework, show an
interest in their progress and struggles etc.
have children who are both happier and
more successful. But all of these things,
while related to school, happen at home
so why do we need you to extend that
interest and commitment into school
itself?
The answer is twofold: firstly both
parties have enormous experience and
understanding and secondly we both
want the best for children.
Last week I tried to estimate how many
children I have known throughout my
career, the conservative number I came
up with was 15 000. Granted some I knew
well, some only casually but all had an
impact on the breadth of experience that
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The AIS Messenger | June 2015
Terry Storer
Message from the Deputy
Executive Principal
I carry forward. Multiply this by over 30
teachers in the secondary school and we
probably have the collective experience
of interacting with close to half a million
students. However only one of them was
your child, with all their complexities,
history, desires and dreams. As parents
your experience is far less broad but
immeasurably deeper. No one knows
your child better than you, and that is why
your input is so vital.
If as educators and parents we can
engage in genuine open conversations
then we can work to shape an experience
that allows our knowledge and training
to compliment your deep understanding.
There is a reality that is attached to this
idealistic mantra. It is not always an easy
task given our busy lives, demands of
work, distances, traffic and a myriad of
other competing forces. The MYAIS site
that we refreshed earlier in the year has
both a calendar of upcoming events and
regular updates, it is a good resource to
help keep you informed and plan. Please
do visit the site often:
http://www.myais.vn.
ALICE the Musical
By Jacqui Gaynor, Music Coordinator
M
usical theatre is at its best when
the audience spans several
generations – a guarantee that
the story being told onstage is being
taken in and reacted to in a variety of
ways, enriching the experience for all.
This happened at the AIS Thu Thiem
Campus auditorium April 3 and 4 with
the two sell-out evening performances
of ALICE directed by Jacqui Gaynor.
More than 100 AIS Primary, Middle and
Senior School students and specialist
teachers were involved in the ALICE
show, utilised their collective talents
to produce a high calibre musical that
‘wowed’ audiences of all ages.
The modern songs accompanying the
ALICE story including Avril Lavigne’s
‘Alice’, Bruno Mars ‘Lazy Song’, Pharrell
William’s ‘Happy’, Lorde’s ‘Royals’
and Ed Sherran’s ‘Don’t’ added to
the appeal with specially written
lyrics by Jacqui Gaynor and band
arrangements and direction by Chris
Hoddinott.
ALICE in Wonderland is not just a
children’s classic or a favourite family
film, it’s a celebration of nonsense
for anyone who has ever wanted to
poke fun at the ‘grown up’ world of
learning, politics and good manners
and is an affirmation of the power of
imagination. Everyone’s imagination
was activated with the powerful
performances, multi-leveled stages
and beautiful set design of the AIS
ALICE musical production.
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
3
International Day at Thao Dien
By Rachel Baldwin
A
t AIS we pride
ourselves
on our
diversity. Our
students represent
over 38 different
nationalities.
From Australia,
Brazil, Canada
and Denmark… to
Switzerland, Taiwan,
United Kingdom
and Vietnam… all
nations were flying
their flag high at the
2nd AIS International
Day (TD)
G’day Australia and New
Zealand
Thao Dien’s
basketball court
was transformed
into a global
paradise. The stage
was set, music
played, bunting was
hung and the sights,
smells and sounds
of our mini world
were a sensory joy.
It was carnival time at the
Brazilian and Mexican stall.
Games of United Nations
soccer were played, Pinatas
full of toys and candy for
everyone were smashed, and
delicious churros were served.
All of which made this stand
extremely popular!
Each country
demonstrated their
traditional games,
offered delicious
food and drinks,
displayed factual
information and
told stories of their
nation’s proudest
achievements.
These were some of
the highlights of the
day...
These two countries joined
forces with a game of beach
volleyball, then treated us to
a very special sausage sizzle
cooked by some of the AIS
dads.
Pryvitanne Belarus
Belarus welcomed its guests
with the breaking of bread
then dipping it in salt tradition.
Many interesting facts were
displayed, including a globe
showing children where this
extraordinary country is in the
world.
Oi Brazil and Hola Mexico
Hello Canada and the United
States of America
The children discovered the
wondrous spice trail of India.
Samosas, Acchappam crisps
and coconut ladoo were served
together with Mango juice.
India’s spiritual history was
told using Nataraj, the dancing
god.
Dia dhuit Ireland
The lucky Irish were
represented by our very own
primary principal Mr Madine.
He explained the rich culture
of Ireland, and how their
national sport Hurling was the
inspiration for Harry Potters
Quidditch.
Konnichiwa Japan
A summer festival set the scene
at the Japanese stall. Children
enjoyed the colourful fishing
game of Mizufusen, a blue
ninja roamed the crowds, a
playful cut out photo booth
was adored and plenty of
Japanese candy handed out.
Hej Denmark
Anyoung South Korea
Denmark’s interactive stall
was a real winner. Lego, Lego,
Lego!!!
South Korea was a ‘BIG HIT’
with its interactive Taekwondo
chopping boards. Marine
boy crisps were presented to
the winners. South Korean
children were all proud to
wear their national sport,
Taekwondo outfits during the
costume parade.
Bonjour France
A recreation of a beautiful
French Boulangerie stall
serving bagettes, crepes and
viennoiseries was simply
devine.
Fairy tales by The Grimm
The AIS Messenger | June 2015
Namaste India
This stall was such a cool
concept joining the two
nations. The children were able
to play Canadian ice hockey
against a native American
Indian. And eat American
popcorn sprinkled with
Canadian maple sugar.
Guten Tag Germany
4
Brothers took centre stage
at the German stand.
Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red
Riding Hood, Hansel and
Gretel, Snow White, Pussy
in Boots and Cinderella were
all represented. Children
were delighted to see the
gingerbread house and got
to enjoy Haribo candy and
Leibniz biscuits.
Selamat Pagi Malaysia
How appropriate that the
Malaysian word for ice-cream
is ‘AISkrim’ The children of
AIS certainly enjoyed this
Malaysian cool treat on such a
hot day. Children also savoured
the traditional dish of Nasi
Lemak and played a game of
Congkak.
Mabuhay Philippines
Delicious Outo steamed rice
cakes and Pastillas candy
was served at the Philippines
stand, whilst children played
the traditional balloon lottery
game.
Czesc Poland
The Polish Embassy generously
donated books pens and
souvenirs to our International
Day. Poland’s magnificent
castles were displayed and a
fun memory game was played.
Ni Hao Singapore
Singapore celebrated the many
cultures of their country:
Chinese, Malay and Indian.
Hullo Switzerland
A fun interactive display
including Daisy the cow and
bowls full of chocolate, created
a very popular Switzerland
stand. Frau Barbara effortlessly
demonstrated the traditional
way to milk a cow.
Ni Hao Taiwan
Delicious Winter Tea was
served and children enjoyed
a game of pinball with fun
prizes.
Hello United Kingdom
All aboard the giant double
decker bus… and into a very royal tea party.
Marmite sandwiches and scones were served and
a jolly good game of welly wanging was played.
A visit from the Queen of England (Brooke
Baldwin SKJES) made this stall very regal.
Xin Chao Vietnam
Traditional outfits and musical instruments were
beautifully displayed. Delicious tropical fruit,
spring rolls and cake were offered whilst classic
Vietnamese games were explained.
A huge thank you to all who took the time to
create a truly amazing International Day. Thank
you to Alex Ryan and the PFG team. Thank
you to Ms Suzette and her ‘all you need is love’
ensemble. Thank you to all the teachers and
parents who shared their nation’s culture. And
of course to all the students who took part in
the great costume parade. You can certainly feel
proud of yourselves and your countries.
Thank you to Asian Tigers for sponsoring the
Photo Booth.
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
5
International Day at Thu Thiem
By Julie Wilson
I
nternational Day at Thu Thiem campus
was on Thursday 23rd April.
The students were given a flavour of
countries from around the world. The
auditorium reflected a meeting of the
cultures of the countries represented on
the day.
In preparation for International Day
students learnt the greetings for each
of the countries. Each class did a mural
displaying their ideas about Internationally
Mindedness.
Some of these murals are now displayed
around the campus.
The Vietnamese community provided an
array of Vietnamese traditional food and
students could learn about their arts and
crafts.
India was an exciting stall to visit because
the students were able to their hand
painted, known as Mehndi.
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The AIS Messenger | June 2015
Thailand provided the students with an
opportunity to learn about Thailand’s
traditional dress and customs.
The combination of Denmark and Ireland
on one stall was a unique way for students
to gain an insight into two European
cultures.
At the Malaysian stall the student played
traditional games and learnt about the
wonderful sights Malaysia has to offers
The Ukraine stall was decorated with their
brightly coloured traditional dress and
students tasted their traditional sweets.
The Japanese stall showed the many
aspects of the Japanese culture, their
homes, dress and sports.
At the Australian stall the students got
to try a ‘sausage sizzle’ and vegemite
sandwiches.
The Korean stall was where the students
could participate in the games Korean
children enjoy playing. The food was a
variety of their delicious Korean flavours.
The Philippines had a boxing ring for the
students to watch a presentation about
their beautiful country. The food reflected
their wide variety of culinary delights.
In the afternoon the students had a
‘fashion parade’ of their traditional dress.
The parade was a colourful and spectular
sight for parents and the students.
It was an enjoyable learning day for the
students. The students’ passports was a
great memory of the day.
I would like to say thank you to the
parents/teachers who ran the stalls and to
the International Day Committee.
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
7
Model United Nations
By Scott Garbus
M
odel United Nations (MUN) is
one of the best opportunities
that students have to
develop the sophisticated sense
of internationalism that the IB and
international schools promise. Real
internationalism is an understanding of
foreign cultures that extends beyond
the 3 f’s (Flags, Food & Festivals), and
creates a deeper understanding of
and appreciation for different cultural,
and political perspectives. It informs
a desire to reach out to resolve
international conflicts in a peaceful
manner. It also helps students develop
the research and critical thinking skills
that are so necessary to be successful
in the IB Programme.
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The AIS Messenger | June 2015
MUN provides an opportunity for
AIS students to become familiar with
Model UN in a comfortable low-stress
environment. Students who have
never participated in MUN before
will have fun playing the role of their
favourite (or least favourite) teachers,
administrators and maybe even their
own parents- as they debate the
pros and cons of separating students
into classes according to their
ability level in each subject. More
experienced students will play the
role of international diplomats who
will struggle with the moral, legal, and
even medical intricacies of developing
a policy to regulate or abolish the
trade in human organs.
The Model UN experience is
transformative for students. I have
had ESL students tell me that they felt
that their English noticeably improved
after one weekend because they
had to fully focus their concentration
on a debate that involved the
sophisticated use of language. I have
also seen a very noticeable increase
in the confidence and enthusiasm of
students as they returned from their
first conference.
Well done to this year’s MUN
participants! We look forward to
welcoming new members to our
group in the new academic year.
Year 2 & 3
Sleepover
Thao Dien Campus
By Donna Clark
Thu Thiem Campus
By Naomi Stewart
“This is the best Sleepover I’ve
ever been too!” Izzuddin Year
3DC
The most exciting event this
term has without doubt been
the sleepover, which was
looked forward to with much
excitement and greatly enjoyed
by all! Students all went home
after school at 2:30pm on the
Friday and were excited to come
back again a few hours later
with bags and suitcases full of
bedding, pillows and toys! After
setting up our beds we all went
up to the gym where students
participated in a range of
cooperation games, parachute
games, blindfold games and PE
games. After all the running
around we were all hungry and
thirsty, so then went down to
the Cafeteria to enjoy some
pizza and juice for dinner. Next it was time for our dance
party! The students all had lots
of fun showing off all their best
‘Gangnam Style’ and ‘Uptown
Funk’ dance moves. After our
dance party had finished the
Year 2s and 3s went off to their
separate sleeping areas. It was
then time for popcorn and a
movie! Eventually we were all
tired enough to go to sleep. The
students were all up bright and
early the next morning, ready
for our morning swim! Before
students were picked up they
enjoyed a special breakfast of
bacon and egg sandwiches! By staying away from home
students showed that they were
able to be risk-takers and show
independence. The Year 2s are
looking forward to doing it all
again next year and the Year 3s
are now looking forward to Year
4 camp!
Izzuddin sums up the
overall feeling of the Year 2
& 3 students after this year’s
Sleepover held at the Thao Dien
Campus. It’s safe to say that the
night was a resounding success.
The evening was filled with
a variety of activities such as
games, crafts and a disco. The
students thoroughly enjoyed
being chased by Ms Donna
and Ms Andrews during the
‘Aliens’ game and gave their
teachers a good run around!
Students made a picture frame
with Ms Knight and Ms Morris
and had fun ‘Gonoodling’ with
Ms Thompson. The students
enjoyed an outdoor dinner of
pizza, thankfully before the
rainstorm. The disco saw some
creative and energetic dance
moves by students and teachers
alike. This year, ‘Shake It Off ’
by Taylor Swift and “I Don’t
Care’ by Icona were the firm
favourites. The fun continued
into the night as we all settled
down to watch a movie and eat
some popcorn before brushing
our teeth and heading to bed.
The teachers may have looked a
little bleary eyed in the morning
but the students were raring
to go soon after 5am. After an
early morning swim everyone
enjoyed breakfast outside. The
Sleepover gave the students
an opportunity to push the
boundaries of what it means
to be a risk taker, to further
develop their independence, to
encourage bonding with one
another and, most importantly,
to have fun. School sleepovers
create memories that will last
a lifetime and this one was no
exception.
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
9
Soccer
C
ongratulations to our girls
team who placed 2nd in the city
championships last Wednesday.
The girls did AIS proud and have shown
great improvement during the year.
Thank you to Neil for all of his hard work
with the team.
AIS HAS GOT
THAO DIEN CAMPUS
By Rachel Baldwin
“
Are you ready for AIS has talent? You’re in
for a real treat!!!” beamed our very proud
and charismatic host Ms Isabel Stanley
Literally ‘kicking off’ the show were gym
team Grace and Ali (Y3AAN), with their jaw
dropping acrobatic sequence performed to
‘Champion’ by Clark Beckham.
They were followed by another breathtaking
gymnastic routine by Maria and Caroline
(Y6MST), choreographed to ‘Chasing the
Sun’ by the Wanted.
Next to take the stage was the naturally
talented Grace (Y2FTH), with a very elegant
piano recital of ‘Brother John’.
Violinist Kotaro (Y2KMO), entertained the
crowd with his version of ‘Gavotte’ by FJ
Gossec
The audience then sat back to enjoy the
voice of an angel, the incredibly gifted Lissa
(Y2FTN), who sang ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie.
We were blown away by Geralyn’s (Y3AAN)
performance of ‘Indian Pony Race’, the
speed and precision of her piano playing was
astounding.
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The AIS Messenger | June 2015
Of course a talent show
wouldn’t be complete
without a rendition of ‘Let it Go’. This time
played on the violin by 8 year old Kohana
(Y4SBA). I’ve never heard such a beautiful
version of this piece of music.
Loc (Y4SBA) who has only been learning
the piano for just over a year, gave an
exceptional piano recital of ‘Spring Time’ by
Yiruma.
Self-taught singer Dona (Y4IST) was living
her dream. She mesmerized the audience by
singing the beautiful French song ‘Pas Toi’ by
Jean Jacques Goldman
Pianist Wendy (Y6MST) gave an extremely
soft and elegant recital of ‘Kiss the Rain’ by
Yiruma.
There was literally no place that I’d rather be
than AIS has talent. And so sang Katherine,
Jennifer and Linh (Y6 ABR) who performed
‘Rather be’ by Clean Bandit. The girls were
completely awesome and had every head
nodding and foot tapping.
The final act this year was Bich, Han,
Minh Tan, Holly, Michelle (Y6MST). Their
sensational acoustic version of ‘Price Tag’ by
Jessie J told us, ‘we want to make the world
dance, we want to make the world sing’…
The AIS Has Talent finalists make us all want
to dance, sing and do cartwheels!!
Whilst judges Alex, Kathryn and Julian left to
discuss the acts, the audience were treated
to an extremely entertaining dance video of
good sport teachers, TAs and students from
the Cherry Blossom campus. Although I think
Mr Madine may need to work on his chicken
dance for next year!
The judges returned, the wait was over.
Stand out students Grace and Ali, Geralyn,
Bich, Han, Minh, Tan, Holly and Dona were
awarded. And the overall supreme winner of
AIS Has Talent (CB) 2015 was… KOHANA!!!!
Well done Kohana and well done to all who
auditioned, to all our finalists, and to all who
gave their time, their hard work and their
commitment to make this one of the AIS
highlights of the year. See you next year!
AIS HAS GOT
THU THIEM CAMPUS
By Myco Doan-Tran
O
n Wednesday 10 June 2015, we got
to sit back and indulge in an hour of
live entertainment from 10 fantastic
acts in the Primary School at the AIS Has
Got Talent show at Thu Thiem Campus.
First in the contest was a charming
performance by Rinon, xxx and xxxx in
Year 6 with “the Show”. The performers
captivated the audience with their
confidence and stage presence. Keeping
up the momentum was an unforgettable
performance by Viona, a 6 year old student
in Year 2, with ‘Que Sera Sera’- I think I felt
tears welling up as Viona delivered my old
time favourite in the cutest voice.
A mesmerising act followed with Erica,
Kimmi and Kitty performing Taylor Swift’s
‘Blank Space’. The audience cheered and
wowed as the girls gave it some attitude.
Trong Khang, an 11 year old in Year 6,
stunned the audience with his incredible
performance on the piano. Anya, xxxx
and xxxx told a unique story with their
puppetry skills. It got the whole auditorium
in fits of laughter with the signature sound
‘eeeeeekkkkkkkk’…
Equally entertaining was charismatic Kim
as she unleashed her dancing and singing
skills with ‘xxxx’ (name of song), filling up
the stage with her energy and enthusiasm.
One of my favourite acts of the afternoon
was Pinky and Kailee with ‘xxxx’ (name of
song). I could not get enough of that soulful
voice from these two 10 year old girls!
The level of professionalism just kept on
rising as Alison took to the stage with her
acapella style rendition of ‘Happy’. Our 9th
act took us on a fairy tale story of ‘The Boy
Who Never Grew Up’ by Mackenzie and
Caitlin. And last but not least, I was moved
to tears again by Sunny and Nghi who
grabbed the audience with their touching
performance of ‘Unconditional Love’.
Then, the curtains were drawn and the
results were announced! Congratulations
to all the finalists of the 2015 AIS Has Got
Talent competition at Thu Thiem! And, this
year’s winner is… TRONG KHANG! Well
done Trong Khang and well done to all who
participated! Until next year, remember,
YOU’ve got talent!
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
11
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR
SUMMER...
A
By Rachel Baldwin
s the 2014/2015 academic year
comes to an end, our thoughts are
turned towards summer holidays.
Many of us will be travelling home to see
loved ones, others will stay and explore
Vietnam and the wonders of South East
Asia. Some will welcome the break to
simply relax, read and rejuvenate. I went
in search of what was on the
AIS teacher’s bucket list this summer...
“ski-ing down the slopes of Coronet
Peak, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Relaxing by the log fire reading books
in the evenings while the snow falls
outside!” – Isabel Stanley. Year 4 Teacher
“riding the North-South trail from
Hanoi to HCMC” – Ben Armstrong. Head
of House Phoenix, Yr 13 Tutor. Middle
School Maths, IGCSE Physics and IB DP
Maths, Physics and TOK
Congratulations to
Tú Hoang (Tony) &
Anthony Ha who
were selected from
over 700 players in
HCMC to join the
National Basketball
Association. The
pair will represent
the country
in basketball
tournaments.
“traveling around Spain and trying to
find the best tapas bar in the country”
– Carmen Fitzpatrick. Psychology/Business
Management Teacher
“for the first time EVER, will go to
Newfoundland for a reunion with
friends” – Emily Huckson. Junior
Kindergarten Teacher
“going back to Australia for two weeks
for a live sports festival” – Jason Russell.
Yr 5 teacher, Assistant PYP Coordinator’
“taking my new born son Ethan to
visit his mother’s hometown in He Bei
Province, China” – Jake Yong Zhang.
Chinese Mandarin Teacher (Secondary)
“climbing Mt Vesuvius, walking the
“Path of the Gods” hiking trail, and
swimming in the Blue – Grotto, Capri”
– Nicki Tapara. Year 4 Teacher
“touring around the Philippines,
spending time with my family at the
beach and countryside, swimming
in the cold and hot spring as well as
under the waterfalls. I will also be
eating lots of my favourite Filipino
delicacies that I missed so much,
yummy...hhhmmmm...” – Julie Estacion.
Senior Kindergarten Teacher
Whatever your summer plans are, we
wish you a very happy holiday.
“taking my family to Alton Towers,
the biggest theme park in the UK”
– David Benton. Assistant Middle Years
Coordinator, Middle School Science, IGCSE
Biology and ESS IB DP
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The AIS Messenger | June 2015
Lounge like a Lizard at Amano’i
Calotes Mystaceus, the Indo-Chinese Forest Lizard, Indo-Chinese Bloodsucker or Blue-Crested Lizard.
C
alotes is a lizard genus of the
Agamidae family. Some species
are known as forest lizards, others
as “bloodsuckers” due to their red heads
during courtship, and others, such as Calotes
Versicolor (right) as garden lizards.
Sun-lovers
Often confused with chameleons, these
beautiful lizards are right at home at Amano’i.
Seen sunning themselves on rocky outcrops
or on the roads around the property, the
bright blue heads of the Calotes Mystaceus
(above) are easily visible.
Why do lizards love lying in the sun?
A cold blooded animal or ectotherm, such as
a lizard, does not have an internal mechanism
for regulating its body temperature. Instead,
cold blooded animals rely on solar energy
captured by the environment. Reptiles,
amphibians and fish are examples of cold
blooded animals.
How lizards and chameleons change colour
Most lizards and chameleons change between
green, brown and gray - their surroundings
are usually the same colors. Each species has
its own color range, they can’t just turn any
color. Chameleons and lizards can change their
color because of a very complex cell system.
Beneath the transparent skin are several cell
layers which contain pigments. Human skin
also has pigments which cause our skin to
darken in the sun. By opening and closing cells
called melanophores, chameleons and lizards
change their skin color. The cells direct sun to
specific pigments which reflects the light back in
different colors.
With chamleon-like abilities,
the Calotes Versicolor
(above) camouflages itself
perfectly against the bark
of the tree and the green
bush in the background.
Commonly known as
Oriental Garden Lizard,
Eastern Garden Lizard or
Changeable Lizard.
Why do they do it?
During the mating process, when it feels
threatened and when it’s protecting its territory,
a lizard or chameleon will change colors. A sick
lizard or chameleon will stay pale because they
don’t have the energy to change color. Light,
temperature, mood and health are all reasons
these lizards change colors.
Come and lounge like a lizard in the natural, unspoilt wilderness that is home to Amano’i.
Your sunbed and an endless summer is waiting for you.
June 2015 | The AIS Messenger
13
AUSTRALIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
TO EMPLOYMENT FAIR
Hanoi:
13:30 - 18:00
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Hotel Nikko Hanoi
84 Tran Nhan Tong
Hai Ba Trung District
Ho Chi Minh City:
13:30 - 18:00
Thursday, 16 July 2015
Liberty Central Saigon
Citypoint Hotel
59 Pasteur, District 1
Direct access to representatives of leading Australian Universities and Colleges
Opportunity to talk with successful Australian graduates currently working in leading international organisations
Networking with your future global “Employers of Choice”
Main Sponsor:
Royal Ascot Garden Party
Date: Friday, 19th June 2015; Time: 06:30PM - 10:30PM
Venue: British Consulate Gardens, 25 Le Duan, Dist.1, HCMC
Royal Ascot is the most famous and prestigious race meeting in the
UK. Come join us for some fine dining then watch the Coronation Cup
and take part in the best dressed competition or lucky draw to win
some flights to London.
In-kind Sponsors:
Fees including dinner and
free flow drinks:
- BBGV Members: 1,200,000 VND
- Non-members: 1,600,000 VND
Racegoers must register in advance
RSVP to Phung at phung.banh@bbgv.org
or call 08 3829 8430 Ext 107