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

What’s happening in March

Dear A-JIS Community,

This week I sent a letter home with studnets to all families, updating you on some important upcoming events in the school. To continue to keep you informed I plan to start sending communication such as this home two times per month.This week’s update included the following items:

New space allocation

To better serve the community the former EEO office is now an additional conference room and available for larger group meetings. The space will be used for regular board and other administrative meetings. The school’s leadership team is able to reserve the room on a space available basis and when the small room in the Principals’ Office is busy. Mr. Gomez’ office has been relocated to “Admissions.”

Safety at school

General checks of the school and outdoor areas are being conducted regularly to assure safety. The Facilities and Maintenance Department is doing some sanding and repainting of the Jungle Gym. The school nurse and I met to review first aid procedures and guidelines in case of emergencies. Many school personnel hold updated First Aid/CPR certificates. An evacuation drill is planned this month.

Partners in Health, Haiti Relief Fundraiser

Thank you all for making this a successful event. The school raised a grand total of Y1,342,390 surpassing expectations of Y1,000,000. The Family Community contributed Y152,971 from the Halloween Bake, and Y122,410 from the food and book sale. Thank you all for making this a success. Students have completed 1,000 paper cranes and several posters to be mailed and displayed in clinics and hospitals to raise children’s’ spirits while being treated for injuries.

Accreditation

Dr. McIntyre (NEASC) and Ms. Alvarez (CIS) will be working with the school March 9-11. They are here for us to share improvements. Their focus will be on the two special issues, School Governance, Philosophy and Objectives.

French

Thank you for submitting surveys. Valuable information was gained, and was taken into consideration. The board voted unanimously to offer French as an “After School Club” this coming school year. Additional programs will be explored in the future.

Parent Survey

The school will send out a survey to parents in early May to provide an opportunity for constructive feedback. The staff will then study the results and use them for making improvements. Annual surveys will be forthcoming. Allow me to share a statement once made by a colleague: “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Dr. Richard E. Smith Professor of Educational Administration, Seattle Pacific University.

Consultant John Littleford

April 24-May 5; We look forward to working with Mr. Littleford who has been hired to help the school evaluate teacher salaries and benefit packages, and how to internally promote the school. Mr. Littleford will meet with staff, faculty, parents, and students through small focus groups. He is looking forward to attending the Spring Carnival. Following is some background information.

Littleford & Associates was founded by John C. Littleford in 1994. Mr. Littleford has served as head of school for 18 years, a teacher for 25 years, and a board member and chair of schools and nonprofit agencies.

He has written and spoken extensively worldwide on each area of the firm’s consulting expertise. John Littleford is the co-author, with Valerie Lee, of the book, “Faculty Salary Systems in Independent Schools“. This landmark publication on this topic was published by NAIS from 1983-94. His articles on the career ladder concept of faculty compensation are found in Larry Frase’s book, entitled “Teacher Motivation and Compensation”, published in 1992 by the Technomic Press.

Mr. Littleford has his B.A. degree from Dickinson College, Critical Language Degree from Princeton University, M.A. from Harvard University and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Harvard University.

As senior partner, Mr. Littleford conducts all workshops, on-site visits and evaluations of contracts for Heads and nonprofit CEO’s.

Having earned a reputation for excellence, Littleford & Associates has over 2,000 clients worldwide, including Canada, Southern and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Littleford & Associates has a corporate membership in the National Association of Independent Schools. The firm is listed on the NAIS website under the following service categories: Board services: board development, board/head relations, compensation and benefits, board evaluation, strategic planning, and training and retreats; Administration: head mentoring; Management: executive leadership, organizational and general consulting; Teaching: teacher compensation and evaluation.

Thank you for sharing your children with us.

Kind regards,

Barbara Beaufait

Head of School