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Student Support Services

Saigon South International School recognizes the diverse needs of children and adolescents. SSIS employs counselors in all school divisions, a schoolwide Psychologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist/Academic Resources Specialist in the elementary school.  These specialists all hold North American certification.

The Student Support Services department is able to provide the following services to enhance student achievement and adjustment.

Counseling Services:

The Elementary Counselor supports the academic, social and emotional needs of elementary students at SSIS. The Counselor offers support services for students and families as they manage issues of studying and living in an international environment. The goal is to promote personal well-being, healthy relationships and the successful balance of academic, extracurricular and community involvement for SSIS students.

Middle and high school guidance and counseling services support students in the development of their unique learning styles and personal growth. Classroom and parent programs are designed to help students and families in adjusting to overseas life. An organized and systematic approach to academic counseling supports students in the development of a four-year plan to attain entry to the desired post-academic program. Individual and family presentations help with preparation of excellent college admissions applications and career planning.

SSIS is a College Board Testing Center. Both SAT I and SAT II are offered at SSIS up to six times per year, SAT results are used by many universities around the world when making entry decisions, and all students are encouraged to initially take the SAT I in May of their eleventh grade year. (See school calendar for testing dates). All grade 10 and 11 students take the PSAT in October.

School Psychological Services:

The SSIS Psychologist’s primary role is that of a consultant to the SSIS administration, faculty and parent community. The Psychologist meets with teachers, staff and parents regarding student performance and personal adjustment. The Psychologist provides assessments to determine student learning styles and needs, and assists in the development of differentiation strategies. The Psychologist also liaises with local and regional medical/mental health professionals and provides periodic presentations to the SSIS community.

Academic Resource Services (ES):

The SSIS Speech / Language Pathologist is assigned to the elementary school division. The Academic Resource Specialist consults with teachers, parents, and other school personnel in order to maximize student achievement. Short-term enrichment support may be available to students referred to the Elementary Student Services Team (SST). Extended support may be available for students who are identified as having mild learning needs.

Speech/Language Services (ES/MS):

The SSIS Speech / Language Pathologist is assigned primarily in the elementary school division, while providing consultative services in the middle/high school divisions. The Speech / Language Pathologist consults with teachers, parents, and other school personnel on matters related to communication skills. Services may be available for support with speech articulation, as well as expressive/receptive skills for students who are identified as having mild speech/language needs.

Students admitted to SSIS should be able to function successfully within the regular classroom program while receiving minimal assistance from Support Services personnel and within the parameters of the support SSIS is able to provide.

Parents of students with identified speech/language or learning needs are advised to share assessment reports with the Admissions department during the application process. Parents who suspect that their children may have unidentified special needs should arrange for comprehensive physical, academic, speech/language and/or psychological evaluations of their children prior to making an application for enrollment.