Spring Carnival Thanks

What a wonderful event our annual Spring Carnival was on Sunday! The weather was beautiful with blue skies and sunshine all day and the event itself was a perfect match. On behalf of the whole school I would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone involved in the enormous task of putting together the carnival and all of our families and friends for participating and making it into such a special day. Seeing everyone working together as colleagues and members of the A-JIS community in the spirit of cooperation and for a positive cause was as rewarding as watching our students and their families have so much fun. Special thanks to Mrs. Miyata and the entire Family Community for all your hard work in making this year’s carnival another success.

Thank you to ALL for making this grand event once more a huge success. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed a lovely day together with colleagues, friends, and families. I would like to convey a special thank you to the Family Community for their tireless efforts on behalf of the school and children. Thank you also to the faculty, staff, and students for assisting before, during, and after the Carnival. The personal invitations by representatives from the Student Council, welcoming the community, made all the difference.

Music, A-JIS Spring Program

Middle School Students under the guidance of Mr. Remaly, Mr. Koike, and Ms. Finch are working diligently to get ready for this year’s Spring Program April 30^th, 2010 at the Yoyogi National Olympic Center. We hope everyone will be able to attend this special event.

Art

We are happy to announce that Ms. Yuka Asano, Middle School art teacher, is returning to work on a limited basis. Ms. Kyoko Sawada and teachers will continue to assist by covering the rest of her classes. Let’s extend a warm welcome to Ms. Asano.

Lost and Found Items

From Wednesday April 28^th – Thursday May 6th you will once again have an opportunity to retrieve your child’s missing items. As before, items will be displayed on tables in the entrance hall.

Survey – Parents & Students

In your opinion, what makes a great teacher, traits and characteristics?

We thank the parents and students who completed and turned in the form. Your feedback is valuable and much appreciated. Your answers will be taken into consideration when hiring new faculty.

Accreditation

Last week Mrs. Alvarez from CIS (Council of International Schools) confirmed that recommendations have been submitted to the accrediting organizations. I was informed that the school could expect results in the coming weeks.

Consultant Dr. John Littleford

This is to let you know that Dr. Littleford’s services, “Faculty Compensation” and “School Marketing,” have been postponed until spring 2011, a decision by the school board.

Barbara Beaufait

January Updates

Dear A-JIS Community,

January’s A-JIS Courier unfortunately did not make it to publication, as Mr. Tajima was taken ill early in the month. He has since recovered and returned to school. In the meantime please allow me to communicate the following.

Mrs. Rogers-Doi

About ten days ago Mrs. Doi Rogers was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital with a medical condition. She wishes to convey to everyone that she is feeling better, and recovering nicely. • The 2010-2011 School Calendar is almost complete, ready for board approval and subsequent distribution in February. I would like to take a moment to thank the administration, faculty, staff, and parents who attended several meetings, sharing ideas. Working collaboratively was a wonderful experience and we think you will like the results.

Haiti

The Haiti fundraising campaign is well under way. Thank you ALL for generously donating to assist a nation in the process of recovery from this devastating earthquake. Students are creating art projects to be sent, hopefully for display in hospitals and clinics. The children at A-JIS care. I am truly touched. Please view the work currently displayed in the lobby.

Staffing

Some of our faculty members will be leaving at the end of this school year in pursuit of new horizons. The administration is in the process of identifying needs for 2010-2011. Please rest assured we are recruiting and will hire the very best. The interviewing will take place by a team, and include administrator(s), faculty, staff, and parent(s). Please contact the Principals’ office if you wish to have your name placed on the list.

Accreditation

All school personnel are working diligently to get reports ready for submission to CIS January 31st.

Lost and Found

We are happy so many items have been picked up. The tables remain in the lobby until Thursday January 28th. Thereafter the Family Community has kindly offered to donate the rest. We are still holding a watch, an iPod, and a pair of prescription eyeglasses. Will the rightful owner(s) please stop by the Principals’ Office to describe and claim these lost item(s)?

We look forward to seeing you at this Friday’s Talent Show, a fundraiser for Haiti, sponsored by the Family Community.

Kind regards,

Barbara Beaufait

Head of School