A Grand Opening rooted in nearly 170 years of Shattuck St. Mary’s tradition

On the morning of August 7, 2026, the campus of Shattuck St. Mary’s International School Vietnam in Hai Phong came alive as students, parents, teachers, alumni, school leaders, partners, and distinguished guests gathered for the Grand Opening Ceremony and 2026–2027 Orientation Day

During the Grand Opening Ceremony of Shattuck St. Mary’s International School Vietnam, Mr. Matt Cavellier, Head of School at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota, reflected on the meaning of the Arch. That is an enduring symbol of belonging, connection, and shared history across the SSM community.

 

“Every student who enters our campus comes through the Arch… It means you have become a part of something special. Something bigger than each of us.”

 

Just as the Arch welcomes generations of students in Faribault, it now carries that same meaning here in Hai Phong, connecting two campuses through a shared legacy and a shared future.

 

As Mr. Cavellier shared:

 

“Today we officially celebrate the opening of our school in Haiphong, but in reality, today is one stone in the long arch of our relationship.”

 

The Grand Opening was more than a celebration of a campus. It was a powerful reminder that SSM Vietnam is part of a community whose story began nearly 170 years ago, and continues to grow across the world.