Elementary Leaders Help Highlands Families

Two movie nights, a rice and noodle drive, and a special collaboration with the school store—all with a single goal: making a difference for underprivileged families in the Highlands through local charity Anh Chi Em.

First introduced to the elementary division last year by teacher Craig Armitt, the connection to Anh Chi Em, an organization dedicated to helping families in need in the Highlands of Vietnam, has truly flourished this school year. This initiative has inspired students and staff alike, weaving service and compassion into the fabric of the Elementary School.

Student-Driven Impact

One highly motivated and inspired group of students at the forefront of this work is the Elementary School Student Council (STUCO), which has embraced this initiative wholeheartedly. 

“The students are so motivated and excited; it’s been incredible to see how well they work together to realize their goal of supporting Anh Chi Em’s initiatives in the Highlands,” shares teacher Gretchen Dillon, one of two ES STUCO Advisors.

During their weekly Monday lunch meetings, ES STUCO members brainstormed ideas for how to help Anh Chi Em. Within just a couple of sessions the students, ranging from Grades 3-5 came up with several impactful activities. From organizing a food drive and collecting more than 1,100 kg of rice and noodles to hosting movie nights, and collaborating with the school store to sell promotional items for Anh Chi Em (cover image, at top, features students setting up promotional posters outside the school store), the students took charge. Proceeds from the movie night and the school store initiative spearheaded with the help of ES STUCO Advisor Nick Stonehouse, will go entirely to the organization. 

A behind-the-scenes glance at the promotional video ES STUCO members recorded to be shared with the community.

Strengthening the Partnership with Anh Chi Em

Anh Chi Em’s founder, Colin Dixon, has been instrumental in shaping this partnership. His visits to campus, including a recent session with Grade 4 students to discuss how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate, have provided valuable insight and inspiration. Over the coming year, SSIS will continue collaborating with Anh Chi Em, building on this foundation to deepen the impact of service programs across the school.

This year-long partnership not only supports Anh Chi Em’s work but also offers students a meaningful way to see the long-term effects of their contributions.

Small Actions, Big Impact

“It’s been incredible to see how the entire division has rallied around this,” said Mr. Stonehouse, “Each student sees how they become a part of something bigger than themselves and realizes that action of any size can have an impact.”

One ES STUCO member reflected, “It feels good to know that the things we are doing can help people. It makes me want to do more.” This sentiment of the initiative: students learning that their efforts—no matter how small—can create lasting change. 

A Legacy of Service and Collaboration 

The ES STUCO’s leadership has been central to these efforts, demonstrating the transformative power of student-driven service. As this year-long collaboration with Anh Chi Em unfolds, it will continue to embody SSIS’s mission to foster purpose-driven, compassionate individuals.

Through their work, ES STUCO is not only helping underprivileged families in the Highlands but also setting a powerful example for the entire school community. Their efforts reinforce the importance of empathy, teamwork, and sustained action—values that will carry forward long after this year’s collaboration ends.