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

This Week at A-JIS

Welcome back to a new week at A-JIS, an important one for the school, with the arrival of Ms Margaret Alvarez from the Council of International Schools and Dr. William McIntyre of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, both joining us this week for an accreditation follow-up visit. We’re looking forward to a productive series of meetings between the visiting accreditation team and a broad cross-section of the school community, an important step in our ongoing growth and advancement as a school.

On the weekend, I had the great pleasure of attending the Meguro Kindergarten 1, Tree Class Spring Concert titled “Let’s Sing and Learn”. The performance was hosted at the Suginami Campus, and it was a very special experience. It was such fun to see the little ones perform and enjoy themselves. On behalf of everyone who attended and enjoyed the show, I would like to extend thanks to the Meguro Campus Principal Ms. Liz de Souza and the team that put together the performance, Ms. Berkness, Ms. Inoue, Ms. Fujimoto and Ms. Piamonte, along with all the children who put on their very best for a delighted audience of parents and the A-JIS community. You all did a wonderful job!

Wishing everyone an enjoyable and productive week,

Barbara Beaufait