MONTHLY
NEWSLETTEROCTOBER
2023

MISSION
We educate students in a nurturing community where relationships
and meaningful connections are valued and celebrated. Our students
gain knowledge, communicate effectively, develop exceptional
character, and become responsible citizens of a global society.
We inquire into the world around us through rigorous academic
programs that aim to prepare students for life’s opportunities.

VISIONWe are a school where exceptional personal character and strong
relationships provide opportunities to excel in our areas of interest
and affect change in our local and global communities. We are a

OUR MOTTO
MOTIVATE

school where personal, social, and emotional support help build
global perspectives. We are a school that embraces diversity,
encourages leadership, and respects the values and unifying
traditions of the Marist Brothers.

Learning is a life-long journey

VALUESBELIEVE

EXCELLENCE: Make excellence and quality a part of each day andTogether we can change the world

seek continuous improvement in all that we do.
PARTNERSHIPS: Build sustainable and meaningful partnerships,

INSPIRE
Follow our lead as we pursue our dreams

embrace diversity, and connect with the community.
INNOVATION: Seek innovative and creative approaches toproblem-solving.

SUCCEED
From Japan to the rest of the world

CARE: Be a person of good character who is responsible,
respectful, reflective, and acts to make the world a better place.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Shawn Hutchinson

I hope everyone enjoyed the Fall Break and recharged their batteries ready for an action packed second quarter!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and contributions during the first quarter of the 20232024 academic year. We started the school year with an increased student roll (currently 384) and have introduced several
digital platforms including Managebac (across the whole school), SchoolsBuddy, and Komodo. We have also embarked on
the PYP and MYP candidacy journey. The level of engagement and collaboration from all members of the Marist staff andfaculty has been exceptional. The campus redevelopment work has continued with the detailed design process of the West
Building reaching its final stages. The West Building is on track for construction completion in July 2024. The North Building
schematic design work is also reaching the final stages with PCKK presenting the schematic design drawing package to thecommittee and board on 31 October.
However, the most important work will always be with our students in and outside of the classrooms with great learning
experiences taking place daily. Our Athletics Program continues to provide our students with opportunities to build teamwork,
maintain health and fitness, and have fun. Our Student Organizations (MHS/MHS, LS and US Stucon, and MUN) have beenvery active this year with increased membership and engagement in a range of leadership and service-learning experiences.
Our arts Department has also been very active this quarter with the Jazz Band working with our new coordinator – Mr. Ryo
Hatakeyama. Our visual arts students have presented their work in a variety of venues including the field and it has been great
to see student artwork on display throughout the campus.
We have introduced several new initiatives this academic year including the ‘Parents as Learners’ workshops, the ‘Marist
Alumni Mentorship Program – Alumni Insight Series’, and the ‘Tech Support Café.’ These initiatives are aimed at providing
additional support for students and parents. We thank everyone involved in making these early sessions a success. We
encourage all members of our community to attend these sessions. Please refer to our school calendar for future session
dates. Our school events have been a great success throughout the first quarter, and we have been fortunate to have Mrs.
Yuka Moon capture the highlights of these events through her wonderful photography. We make our digital albums accessible
to our parents and instructions about how to order photos can be found here. All photos are free to download, and all photos
can be ordered online to be delivered to your home.
A Message from the Head of School About the Marist Food Fair
The Marist Food Fair on Saturday, 21 October was a huge success, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank theentire Marist community for supporting this event. With over 1500 people enjoying the beautiful weather, delicious food, andfun-filled entertainment, the support of the food fair was tremendous.
While the food fair is designed to reinforce our ONE SCHOOL commitment, the event also provides opportunities forschool-based organizations to raise funds for future activities. The members of the PTA, Marist Alumni Association, Student

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Council, NHS/MHS, and the Marist Athletic Association all work incredibly hard to raise important funds to support student
initiatives. Additionally, this year’s food fair also provided an opportunity for the Philippines Booth to raise funds for the charity
organization, Ancop Global Japan, a group that supports poor students in the Philippines.
We would like to thank our Student Organizations and the dedicated moderators (Mio Ranni [NHS/MHS], Tom Stang [MAA],
Jim Ranni [Upper School Stucon], Annabelle Stack [Lower School Stucon], for their support of our students. Our Student
Organizations provide opportunities for our students to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and important life skills.

www.cfcancop.org
www.facebook.com/cfc.ancop
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) continues to play a central role in the leadership and coordination of the Marist Food
Fair and this year was no exception. Special thanks to Maki Yamamoto and Clara Kim for co-chairing the Food Fair Executive
Committee and providing tremendous support for the event. We would especially like to thank the PTA members who
volunteered to run a food booth or donate food items to support the food booths. We know that many of our PTA members
volunteer much of their time to support the event and we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation.
The Marist Alumni Association are proud supporters and contributors of the food fair, and we are so grateful for their generous
support. This year, we had the Alumni VIP tent set up on the field and it was great to see our alumni members enjoying thefood and entertainment.
The Garage Sale and Raffle Ticket donors and sponsors deserve a special mention because we were overwhelmed with thegenerous support of our community. We had some wonderful prizes to raffle off and some great bargains at the garage sale.
Please see the list of individual and company sponsors and donors HERE.

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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
In 2021, the MBIS Board of Directors worked with Carney Sandoe & Associates (a global recruitment firm) to search for a
Head of School to guide our school through the challenging and exciting next phase of development. Since January 2022,
Mr. Hutchinson started working with the Board on the strategic planning process (while in Indonesia) and officially joined theschool in August 2022 as our new Head of School.
Since then, the Board has continued to work closely with Mr. Hutchinson to safeguard and promote the mission and ensure
the long-term health and sustainability of the school. The Board of Directors have evaluated the school community feedback
collected at the end of the previous academic year from the Head of School survey and whole school climate survey andrecently met with Mr. Hutchinson to discuss his contract extension.
The MBIS Board of Directors unanimously voted to extend Mr. Hutchinson’s contract and we are delighted to announce that hehas agreed to continue to lead the school through until August 2027. With Mr. Hutchinson’s strong leadership, experience,and tireless work ethic, we believe that the school will continue to make significant progress as we implement our strategicplan, work towards becoming a three-programme IB world school and develop our campus to accommodate current and future
students.

MEET THE MBIS BOARD

JUN YAMAGUCHIPADMA GOENKAMICHAEL SETTSU

TARO BHASINSACHIN BENNURSHAWN HUTCHINSON

Board Director

Board Director

Board Director

Board Director

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Board Director

Board Director

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MARK SELZERJENNIFER UCHIDASHIGEO OTSU

Board Trustee

Board Trustee

Board Trustee

AKIRA IKEMI

SANDRA HEALYGENTARO MATSUMOTO

Board Trustee

Board Trustee

Board Trustee

PALAK CHUDGAR

PAELO NOCENTMARK PILGRIM

Board Trustee

Board Trustee

Board Trustee

HARRY DAUERKENJI TOYOSHIMA

Board Trustee

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5MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY
HEAD OF SCHOOL / HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Derek Lipp

In the heart of Japan, a serene and picturesque destination awaits those who seek to connect with nature and forge lasting
bonds. Recently, our school embarked on a memorable trip to Lake Biwa, an excursion that not only offered students a
refreshing break from their routines but also provided a platform for building connections and a profound sense of belonging.
Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, served as the backdrop for our adventure. Surrounded by lush greenery andadorned with pristine waters, it was the ideal setting for students to embrace the wonders of the natural world. Our trip offered
us the chance to explore the lake's serene shores, test our creativity with the creation of wakasa lacquered chopsticks andmagatama necklaces and spend time together outside the four walls of the classroom. We were also blessed with beautiful
weather for our 2 day stay.
What made this trip truly special though was the camaraderie it fostered among our students. Being away from the familiar
confines of school, students had the opportunity to interact in a more relaxed and open environment. Students worked
together on tasks like canoeing and rowing, cooking meals, and organizing group activities, which encouraged teamwork
and collaboration. Bonds were strengthened through shared experiences and resilience and problem-solving tested when ourcanoes would not go where students wanted them to! In addition to building connections within our group, the trip also helped
our students connect with the natural world. Many of them had never experienced the peace and beauty of Lake Biwa and its
surrounding landscapes.
Most importantly, our trip to Lake Biwa nurtured a sense of belonging. Student surveys showed that a majority of them felt moreconnected to their classmates after the trip. The memories created during this time away will serve as a lasting reminder of theshared experiences that bind us together. Although there were some aspects of the trip that could be improved in the future, I
believe the experiences gained, and the challenges overcome, for both students and teachers alike, were extremely valuable.
The trip to Lake Biwa was more than just a school trip; it was an opportunity for our students to explore nature, connect with
their peers, and nurture a strong sense of belonging. Hopefully, the memories created during the adventure to Lake Biwa willcontinue to resonate in the hearts of our students, reminding them of the importance of forging connections and embracing
the natural world.

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura
Dear Families,
As the season turns, your unwavering commitment, both from parents and students, is greatly appreciated.
Our recent Food Drive, led by our MHS students and overseen by Mio Ranni, our IB Diploma Program CAS Coordinator,
showcased the boundless generosity and enthusiasm within our school community. Your contributions made this initiative an
immense success, reaching those in need and imparting valuable lessons of empathy, kindness, and the power of collective
action to our students.
Likewise, the collaborative efforts from parents and students in decorating our school for Halloween and preparing for theupcoming Food Fair were nothing short of magical. We extend our gratitude to the parents who dedicated their time andcreativity, bringing contagious excitement to our students' faces and making learning more memorable.
Last week's 'Understanding Children's Well-being' workshop was also a success. It emphasized the profound importance ofchildren's well-being, introduced our new well-being platform, Komodo Wellbeing, and explored strategies for parents inorder to nurture well-being at home.
We'd like to acknowledge the Student Council (StuCo) for their dedicated support during our Pumpkin Festival andparticipation in the Soup Kitchen. The students returned after the break with smiles and enthusiasm for learning, a testament totheir involvement.
In celebrating these accomplishments, we express our heartfelt appreciation. Your continued support is integral to our success,and we eagerly look forward to more collaborative endeavors in the future.
The upcoming month promises more exciting events and activities, including Parent-Teacher Conferences. We anticipate yourpresence on campus.

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MESSAGE FROM THE IBDP COORDINATOR
Gunseli YukselSupporting DP Students
IB Diploma Programme is a globally recognized 2-year
high school curriculum known for its rigorous academic
standards and reliable assessment methods. The main
reason that the DP is recognized by most of the respected
universities is its emphasis on open-mindedness and holistic
education. DP students are involved in a variety of in-classand extracurricular activities, as well as community service
projects in which they engage with the wider communityand share activities. Additionally, they take opportunities todevelop research, social, and leadership skills.
Evidently, such a design also presents challenges.
Marist Brothers International School has developed systems
and structures to support the DP students in this unique
journey.
Here are the tools we utilize to support our DP students:• Internal Calendar: Grade 11 and Grade 12 students are provided with a calendar of internal deadlines that helps themeffectively manage their time and commitments.
• Extended Essay supervision: The extended essay is a research paper that leads to developing writing and communication
skills. Every student in the Diploma Programme works with a supervisor who is one of the faculty members.
• Mentorship Program: This program aims to provide individual support for time management, task prioritization, andreflection. Each student has a mentor teacher whom they meet every Wednesday; during these meetings, the students
have the opportunity to review the requirements and expectations of the IB programme, which helps them keep on
track.
• Guidance Counselor: MBIS students work closely with a counselor to plan their future educational path.
• Whole School Counselor (Komodo): Student well-being is our priority at MBIS. Through the use of the Komodo tool, wewant to ensure that the students are given a voice to be heard.
Supporting DP students at home involves the following suggestions:• Help with self-management, which will include balancing academic work with personal life, developing effective
learning strategies, understanding sense of well-being.
• Help with university applications, understanding program-specific requirements, and understanding country-specificrequirements, are crucial.
• Encourage reading and utilizing IB resources.
• Offer emotional support.
• Contact us whenever you need further support or have any questions or concerns.
We will be offering an information session about the IB Diploma Programme to grade 10 parents on Thursday,
November 9.

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GRADE 10 HOMEROOM REFLECTIONS
Elizabeth Neill & David Neill
Remembering Reflections
Reflections have been a long-standing tradition of the MBIS student experience. Previously, the entire upper school would
squeeze into the cafeteria to listen and engage with fellow students and teachers. These reflections served as one of the tenets
for building the “Marist Spirit” in our learning community. With this tradition in mind, we decided to start a homeroom versionof student reflections with our grade 10.
So far, our students have focused on the valuable insights about they've gained from the Lake Biwa trip. As the seniorclassmates on the trip, the grade 10 students gained an understanding of the responsibilities that come with being role models
for younger students and the importance of practicing patience. They also noted the differences they've observed between thisschool year's experience and the previous year's allowing the students to reflect and analyze how to move forward this year
effectively. It's been truly exciting to witness the unique perspectives each student brings to their weekly presentations and thewealth of knowledge we are able to gather from each other.

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MESSAGE FROM THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Jay Inman

IB DP Internal Assessments
All MBIS Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems and Societies, and Physics International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
seniors are required to complete a data-based Internal Assessment (IA). The IA is worth 20% of the final grade in the subject
and is assessed through an individual investigation. The IA Investigation usually uses a hands-on approach, but it may use
modelling, databases, simulations or a combination of any of these approaches. Each student’s work is internally assessed by
the teacher and externally moderated by the IB. For the Class of 2024, there are five criteria the Science IA is assessed on:
Personal Engagement, Exploration, Analysis, Evaluation and Communication.
The purpose of the Science IA is to explore ideas, not to write a formal, groundbreaking research paper. Students are given
10 hours of in-class dedication time to work on their IA investigation. Based on our experience at MBIS, it usually takes about
20 hours of focused work to produce a high-quality Science IA.
A few examples of the 2024 cohort’s IA research questions include:• Mrigank Mookim determining how the impurities in different types of aluminum foil affects the foil’s specific heat
capacity• Niina Nishihara examining how the rate of fermentation of sucrose and yeast varies with change in temperature• Yanchen (Richard) Li observing how various pH environments affect the rate of aspirin hydrolysis using ultraviolet
spectrometric analysis.
Following the rough draft submission, teachers provide feedback during individual meetings with the seniors. This allows thestudents to reflect on, and refine, their background research, evaluation of their investigation, and presentation of their work.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Elizabeth Neil

The Hero's Journey: A Path to Unleashing Creativity and Confidence

In the grade 8 English class, students are exploring their creative potential and building confidence through the Hero's Journeyarchetype. This narrative structure, identified by Joseph Campbell, allows students to craft their unique heroes and share theirjourneys. The journey begins with the call to adventure, where students have the freedom to create their protagonists, worlds,
and challenges, fostering creativity without bounds. This process encourages students to exercise their creative potential to thefullest extent. Furthermore, the educational merit extends beyond the act of storytelling itself to the presentation of their heroes.
At first, the students felt a bit nervous, but as they shared their narratives, they became more confident storytellers who could
hold their classmates' attention. Furthermore, this storytelling exercise is a team effort. The students supported each other,offering feedback and learning how to listen actively.
Ultimately, the Hero's Journey empowers students to see themselves as the heroes of their own lives. They realize they canovercome challenges, achieve goals, and become more confident when presenting their ideas to others not only in storytelling
but in facing real-life obstacles with resilience and belief in their abilities. This approach enriches the classroom experience,
nurturing both creativity and confidence for students on their journeys of self-discovery.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ARTS DEPARTMENT
Becky Carter

This first quarter has been a bustle of creativity and exploration in the Arts Department! Our artists have embarked on colorfuljourneys through various mediums ranging from paint to clay to cardboard creations, joyfully explored the world of melody
and rhythm, wowed us all with a spectacular performance at this year’s Food Fair, and prepared for this year’s first Marist
Monthly (premiering on October 31).
This month, the Arts Department would love to highlight the Grade 9 & 10 Visual Arts students’ hard work as they embarked
on a unique and eco-conscious challenge, where they transformed recycled packaging materials into stunning wearable/
functional sculptures! This innovative endeavor not only promoted sustainability, but also allowed students to explore theircreativity and fashion design skills while practicing creating works in the round. The four day project concluded with an
exciting runway walk, where these young designers showcased their creations, turning the field into a glamorous catwalk!
From vibrant art to harmonious melodies to thrilling film endeavors, the first quarter has definitely showcased our students’commitment to artistic growth and exploration across all levels.

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MESSAGE FROM THE WHOLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Taeko Sakurai

On 19 October, we hosted a session as part of our ‘Parents as Learners’
workshop series, titled "Understanding Students' Wellbeing." During
this session, we introduced our new wellbeing platform, KOMODO,
and explored how it can be used to enhance students' well-being at
MBIS. We also emphasised the importance of monitoring our students'
well-being. In this article, I'll share the "Three Key Elements for Effective
Communication with Your Children" that were discussed during thissession.
Three Key Elements for Effective Communication with Your Children
1. Building Positive Relationships:
Humans are social beings, and we thrive within communities. Effective communication within our communities isessential for fostering a sense of belonging and security. Families are the smallest units of these communities, and strong
communication within families is crucial in providing children with that sense of belonging and security.
Your home serves as the foundation for your children. It's not just a place for survival, with food and shelter; it's also a safe
space where children can open up and be themselves. So, remember to create an environment at home where your children
can truly relax and feel at ease.
2. Show Genuine Interest:
When communicating with your children, attentive listening is of utmost importance. In our busy daily lives, giving our full
attention to our children's stories can be challenging. We've all had moments when we've checked our phones, thinking, "I
have things to do; can you finish quickly?"
Here's a tip for listening with genuine interest: imagine you're watching a movie. Just as you get immersed in a film's
characters and their emotions, immerse yourself in your children's stories. Step into their shoes and experience their
moments with them. This approach can turn everyday conversations into engaging narratives, making the conversation moreenjoyable for both you and your child.
3. Communicate Mindfully:
Effective communication involves speaking not solely from your head or emotions but by paying attention to your own
feelings. Let me illustrate this with an example from my own experience:
As a mother, I often worry when my son, a university student, doesn't return home until late at night. If I send messages like,"Where are you?" and get no response, I start to feel upset. When he finally arrives home, and I express my frustration with,"Why didn't you come back until this late? You didn't even reply to my message!" in anger, communication breaks down.
However, if I express my true feelings, saying, "I felt relieved when you came back safely, but I was worried because you
didn't get in touch. Please make sure to let me know next time," he is more likely to respond with, "I'm sorry for making
you worry," and open up. You can connect with your child's emotions by communicating while being mindful of your own
feelings. Therefore, it's essential to understand your own feelings first.
By implementing these techniques, you can enhance communication with your children at home, making it easier to monitor
their well-being.

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MESSAGE FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Hulya Park

While October is often associated with pumpkins and ghost stories, it's also the month when our senior students are in the
final stretch of their college application journey. These two months, October and November, are perhaps the most hectic in
the entire process.
For our senior students, it's the critical time for adding those final touches to their applications before they hit 'submit.' If
their application deadlines fall in November, this is also their last opportunity to sit for mandatory exams like SAT, TOEFL,
and IELTS. Meanwhile, our junior students might think the college application process is still in the distant future, but it's themoment to start getting serious about their college planning.
It's essential to remember that application timelines vary by country. For those applying to English-taught programs in Japanese
universities, applications usually open around October to November. Conversely, students aiming for Early Decision at US
universities must ensure their applications are submitted by November 1st. Given the long winter break that follows, it's
strongly recommended that students aim to complete at least 80% of their applications by the end of the second quarter.
At Marist, we understand that our students apply to a diverse range of universities worldwide. Effective time and information
management are crucial. Our students need to stay on top of their application deadlines while efficiently balancing theiracademic responsibilities. To facilitate this, we encourage students to utilize the Uniforg portal, which allows them to track theirprogress in university guidance. From university searches to application tracking, the portal is a valuable resource that keeps
all university-related matters neatly organized in one place.
In the upcoming weeks, we have three significant events to look forward to:
British University Fair: On November 1st, we'll host representatives from 15 UK universities on our campus. This is a fantastic
opportunity to ask questions and gather valuable information. The fair will take place in the MBIS Gym from 12:00 to 13:30.
Parents are encouraged to attend.
Alumni Mentorship Program: In our third session in November 13th, we will be honored to welcome Gentaro Matsumoto
from the Class of 2001. Mr. Matsumoto is not only a member of the Marist Board of Trustees but also works as a Program
Manager at Microsoft. The session will be conducted online and the details will be shared through ManageBac.
Parents as Learners: Join us on November 20th to discover how you can support your child's university journey. Learn
about effective information gathering, financial planning, and open communication. We'll share practical strategies for yourimmediate involvement. After this session, you can attend the Japanese University Fair.
Japanese University Fair: Following the 'Parents as Learners' session on November 20th, we will host a mini Japanese
University Fair. This will be an excellent chance to meet representatives from various Japanese universities.
Please keep an eye on ManageBac for all guidance event announcements. We're here to support our students and theirfamilies throughout this busy application season. Your active engagement in the process makes all the difference in ensuring asmooth transition to higher education.
Wishing all our students the best of luck on their college journeys.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Jason Mejia

October brings to a close our first season of sport, with the Bulldogs’ teams
representing Marist with grit and determination at their respective tournaments.
The Volleyball (HS Men, Women, and MS Girls’) teams all played their bestvolleyball of the season, taking their opponents to the brink in each and every
set. The performances given filled the community with a sense of pride aseven opposing coaches complimented their ferocious fighting spirit. A special
congratulations to the MSG B-team for a 2nd place finish in their division!
Our middle school boys’ baseball team also had stellar performances at their
tournament, matching their opponents run-for-run and pitch-for-pitch; bothteams fought hard to represent Marist in their division championships. A
special congratulations to the MSB B-team for their undefeated season and achampionship!
Now, the Bulldogs turn their attention to basketball, where Coach Hutchinson
and Coach Hoshiyama take center stage for the HSM and HSW Varsity teams
respectively. Both coaches are eager to etch their names in the books as the
Bulldogs aim to compete for another championship. On the middle school side,both Coach Timola (MSB Basketball) and Coach Mejia (MSG Soccer) will be incharge of loaded MS teams as well, and hope to build off the successes they hadlast year.
As a general reminder, please make sure that you’ve signed your child up forathletics via SchoolsBuddy, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact
me at: mejiaj@marist.ac.jp.

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MESSAGE FROM THE TENNIS CLUBMrs. Yoon and Ms. Takagi

Marist Tennis Club ran a Food Fair booth named "Blast Off" out on the field with the Japanese department. We offered aunique opportunity to introduce tennis to individuals ranging from 2 years old to over 80 years old. More than 300 people
actively participated in our tennis games!

We hosted two exciting games. The first game required participants to use a tennis racket to run to a designated area while
keeping the ball bouncing on the racket without letting it drop. They were then given five chances to aim for buckets andaccumulate points. Exceeding a specified point threshold resulted in a prize!!

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The second game involved throwing a tennis ball at a speed meter to determine the fastest player. Marist students, alumni,
and members of the wider community enthusiastically joined in. Among the men, Mr. Josiah Trim secured the top spot,
followed by Shuri Yoshioka (Grade 7) in second place. Among the women, Rio Isshiki (Grade 6) claimed first place, with
Mrs. Venus Yoon taking second.

Hearty congratulations to both the winners and allparticipants!
The dedicated students from the Marist tennis club not
only crafted eye-catching posters for the Food Fair but alsoplanned out the games. On the day of the event, they eagerly
volunteered, warmly welcoming attendees, explaining game
rules, and representing our school with pride. We would
like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Gribben and Mrs.
Isshiki for their unwavering support at the booth throughout
the day!!

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We engaged with a diverse crowd and engaged in meaningful conversations with people from the Suma community andvarious other areas, as well as parents and students from different international schools. Conversations flowed, Marist spirit
was shared, and the Food Fair was thoroughly enjoyed. It provided a splendid opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrantMarist community, reinforcing our pride in being Marist students. This event also allowed us to showcase Marist to a wider
audience, underlining the essence of what Marist stands for.

As we move forward, we remain committed to upholding the Marist Mission, which emphasizes the nurturing of a community
where relationships and meaningful connections are both valued and celebrated.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MHS / NHS
Mio Ranni

National Honor Society (NHS):This October, NHS members have been preparing to launch their "4 Pillars Project" once again. Following last year's
successful initiative, NHS students have been organized into four groups, each dedicated to promoting the four core values of
the NHS: scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
After a series of extensive discussions, on October 18th, each group presented their project outlines. The Scholarship teamplans to impart etiquette lessons to younger students. The Leadership team aims to conduct a workshop, focusing on nurturing
the leadership potential of aspiring younger students. The Character team is organizing a mentorship program, inviting
students from grades 6 to 8 to seek guidance from NHS students on navigating high school life and achieving academic
success. Lastly, the Service team intends to host a craft workshop for grade 7 and 8 students, where they will create small frog
stuffed animals to support the Child Chemo House and children battling cancer.
On this eventful day, students, teachers, and a PTA member from Kobe High School paid a visit and joined our NHS meeting.
Following the productive session, students from both schools introduced themselves and engaged in enthusiastic discussions
about their respective schools and the potential for future collaborations to foster lasting friendships.

Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS)
Throughout the month, MHS students were deeply engaged
in various acts of service and charity. On October 8, theEducation and Fundraising committees visited a local farm,where they enthusiastically weeded the pumpkin patch,harvested sweet potatoes, and participated in pumpkin
carving. The day culminated in a small Halloween celebration
at the farm, attended by both the farmers and members of thecommunity.
Following their farm visit, the Fundraising committeeorganized a Halloween party on October 10, generously
stocked with donated treats like cupcakes, brownies, andother snacks contributed by our dedicated teachers. The
event featured a captivating Halloween movie, pumpkin

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carving, and spirited games in the gym. We extend our heartfelt
gratitude to Mr. Hutchinson for his unwavering support throughout
the entire event, and to Mr. Pilgrim for guiding the students in their
pumpkin carving efforts. Our sincere thanks also go out to Mr. Lipp,
Mrs. Carter, Ms. Buchanan, Mr. Ranni, and Mr. Shitamoto for theirgenerous food donations. The diligent efforts of the Fundraisingcommittee resulted in a remarkable profit of 30,723 JPY, which will
be dedicated to future service and charity endeavors.
During the second week of October (October 9-13), the Charity
committee led the "Red Feather Charity Act," a fundraising initiative
conducted in collaboration with the social welfare council of
Suma ward. Students dedicated their time after school, actively
engaging with passersby at the JR station, collecting donations to
aid the elderly and handicapped residents of the Suma area. Their
compassionate outreach garnered significant contributions, withnumerous individuals stopping to contribute coins to the donationbox.
From October 18-20, our committed students, including Grade
11's Sara and Grade 10's Michelle and Cocona, hosted a charity
snack vendor on the second floor during lunchtime. The fundraiser
was organized with the aim of supporting Child Chemo Houseand children undergoing cancer treatment. Over the three days, avariety of snacks, noodles, and cupcakes were sold, resulting in acommendable collection of approximately 20,000 yen, slated for
donation to the Child Chemo House in December. We express our
gratitude to all the students and teachers who actively supported thisnoble cause through their purchases.
On October 15, the Community Event committee had anenriching collaborative farming experience with Re.colab KOBE,
an organization comprising university students from the Kansaiarea, dedicated to supporting rural areas and fostering theirrevitalization. Our students visited their farm in Kita-ku, where
they actively participated in preparing bamboo stick hangers forthe upcoming buckwheat harvest in November. The exchange
provided an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about
different farming techniques, alongside the joy of exploring
the diverse wildlife on the farm, including frogs, crickets, andgrasshoppers. A warm note of appreciation goes out to themembers of Re.colab KOBE for their gracious hospitality.

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Additionally, the Community Event committee led a successful Food Drive this month, collecting a variety of food ingredientsfrom the Lower School, and accepting cash donations from the Upper School. These contributions were instrumental in hostinga soup kitchen event on October 28, where the committee, in collaboration with the S.E.E.D. committee and the Charity
committee, served nourishing curry and rice to approximately 120 people in Sannomiya. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to
all the students, teachers, and parents for their generous donations, and a special mention to Mr. Ranni, Brother Allen, Mrs.
Staack, and Grade 6's Soma for their valuable assistance at the soup kitchen.
Lastly, our involvement in the Food Fair on October 21 was highly successful. MHS/NHS students actively participated inselling farm-fresh vegetables and cotton candy. Furthermore, our MHS Junior members organized a unique booth, showcasing
and selling microplastic accessories, while also offering an engaging experience for children to create their own accessories.
The event attracted numerous visitors, who not only enjoyed interacting with our students but also actively contributed to thesmooth running of our booth. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the farmers, Kobe high school students and teachers,
and Re.colab KOBE members for their valuable support and collaboration.

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Business Marketing Development Project (SangMo An and Yi Xuan Cui)
Two high school students, SangMo and Sunny, hit it big at the 2023 Food Fair with their Photo Booth project. They raked in acool ¥14,100 in profit and had a diverse crowd, including fellow students, teachers, and parents, flocking to their booth. The
project not only taught them about business but also brought them a lot of joy and excitement.
Sunny and Sangmo extend their heartfelt thanks to their teachers, the Food Fair organizers, and their supportive friends. They
reserve a special shout-out for their classmate Maksym, whose hard work and creativity were key to the sleek functioning andattractive design of the Photo Booth.
Their smart marketing tactics played a significant role in making their booth a hit. They were quick to put up eye-catching
posters and signs, offering a sneak peek of what the Photo Booth had to offer. Leveraging the power of social media, they
spread the word about their project on Instagram and encouraged their friends to do the same.
Moreover, they made sure everyone could join the fun by keeping the price flexible. Even though the standard price was twotickets, they allowed some people to pay just one, ensuring that more people could be a part of the excitement.
Sunny and Sangmo's hard work paid off, leaving everyone at the Food Fair with an unforgettable experience at their Photo
Booth.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MUNMark Deyss

The Model United Nations Program is pleased to announce the launching of its new website which was created by Marist
students Alex Hur and Miu Nogami. The website contains the latest information about the Marist MUN program and theconference we will be hosting on February 22-23 at the Sannomiya Convention Center in downtown Kobe. A huge thanks toAlex and Miyu for all their hard work!
In addition to preparing to host our own MUN conference, a number of Marist students have been hard at work getting readyto attend the SEOMUN conference from November 3-5 in Seoul, South Korea. The conference, which will be attended bydozens of schools from around the world, will be hosted by Seoul International School at the COEX Convention Center.
Finally, Marist MUN would like to express its sincere appreciation to the PTA for their continued generous financial support
without which such trips would be difficult.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PTADavid Polen

Since we`ve come back to school from summer break, the PTA has been busy planning for the annual MBIS Food Fair. All of
the weekly meetings and planning behind the scenes by each of our amazing Food Fair Executive Committee Leaders finallypaid off on October 21! The Food Fair was a huge success!!
The PTA would like to thank all of the volunteers who took the time to help make the Food Fair a great success! I would like to
say a special thank you to each individual who took on lead roles. A HUGE thank you to:Marist Food Fair Executive Committee Members:• Maki Yamamoto White(Co Chairperson)• Kumar Chugani• Clara Kim (Co
Chairperson)• Charlotte Franco• Mark Pilgrim• Miyuki Asai
• David Polen• Tomoko Kumano• Budhikka Ranasinghe• Jon Scrivano• Shawn Hutchinson• Megumi Polen• Kae Nishimura• Yuka Moon
• Janet Zhang• Rika Osawa• Mishio Hayashi• Miharu Hajinikitas• Masa Hanamura
PIZZA PARTY CONTEST:The PTA held a contest for the classes with the most parent volunteers for the Food Fair (by hour) to win a class PIZZA PARTY!
The winners of the contest were Grade 6 and Grade 8! Congratulations!!!
We would also like to thank all of the people who donated prizes and/or money to help us with our fundraising. Without yourdonations, the Food Fair would not have been the great success it turned out to be.
A special thanks to:2023 Food Fair Donors List
• Ms. Risa Ikeda (Nippon Travel
Agency Kobe Sales office)• Ms. Rika Osawa• Ms. Linda Stevenson• Mr. Taro Bhasin• Ms. Mami Hayashi• Ms. Uiko Miller• Mr. Harry Dauer• Mr. Jagdish Bhojwani• Mr. Wolfgang S. Forster (Estate
Wines Japan)• Mr. Thomas Childers• Mr. Fritz Leonhardt• Mr. Xin Hu• Mr. Ken Yamazaki (Hotel Grand
Nikko)• Mr. Paolo Nocent (New Japan
Aviation Co, LTD)
• Mr. Deepak Mogami• Ms. Matsuda Chiyo (Caterpillar
Japan)• Mr. Hartmann Didier

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter• Ms. Lauralee Garson- Okamoto(Rashomon)• Mr. Naoto Takahashi (Shioya
Country Club)• Mr. Kouei Yoshida (HDL)• Mr. Shigeki Noda
• Ms.Chenli Tang
• Ms. Maki Yamamoto• Mr. Kazuhiko Tanaka• Ms. Shully Tsou

29• Mr. Choong Park

• Mrs. Yoko Matsubara• Ms. Sakura Matsumoto• Mr. Keisuke Ueki

• Mr. Do-Kyung Eom• Mr. Katsumi Nomura• Mr. Shinsaku Kashimoto• Mr. Victor Almengor• Mr. Kiichiro Fukui• Mr. Adnan Karoevich Arutyunov• Mr. Eisuke Hongo• Mr. Koji Suzuki• Mr. David Polen• Mr. Paul Joyce• Ms. Takum Terrillon• Mr. Kazuyuki Morimoto• Mr. Koichi Nishimura• Ms. Kyoko Yamamoto

MUN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:In other news, the PTA has been working to aid the MUN with financial assistance to ensure the kids, who have worked sohard, will be able to attend the MUN conference in Korea this November, as well as another domestic MUN conference. The
MUN program provides a very formative educational and life-shaping experience, and the PTA is proud to help make that areality.
WORLD CULTURE DAY EVENT SPONSOR:
The Japanese Department has invited a traditional Japanese drum performance team to celebrate the culmination of culture dayon November 3rd. The PTA has offered to fund this as we believe it to be wonderful cultural exposure and a fun event for thewhole school to enjoy.
Now that all school activities have reverted to a level of normalcy we haven't seen in 4 years, we are excited to be able toincrease our level of support for many different initiatives that will undoubtedly make the school a better place. We lookforward to sharing more PTA initiatives in the coming months.
If you are interested in learning more about the PTA and how you can be involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at
pta@marist.ac.jp.
Best Regards,
David PolenPTA President
PTA会長

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MESSAGE FROM THE LIBRARY

Elbert Shitamoto

On the Road to All-Japan Sakura Medal Book Bowl 2024
Preparations have begun at MBIS for the All-Japan Sakura Medal Book Bowl 2024 competition. Book Bowl 2024 will be heldon Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo. Teams made up of 4th and 5th graders fromthirteen international schools in Japan will be battling it out for the honor of bringing home the All-Japan Book Bowl trophy.
1.

Aoba-Japan International School

2.

International School of the Sacred Heart3.

Makuhari International School

4.

Malvern College Tokyo

5.

Marist Brothers International School

6.

The Montessori School of Tokyo

7.

Nishimachi International School

8.

Osaka International School (Senri & Osaka International School)9.

Seisen International School

10. St. Mary's International School
11. Tokyo YMCA International School
12. UIA International School of Tokyo
13. Yokohama International School
By the time you read this, the twelve members (10 core members and 2 alternate members) of the MBIS Book Bowl Team will
have been selected and begun preparing for the competition.
This year’s team goal is for every member to read as many of the nominated Sakura Medal English Chapter Books as possible(hopefully all sixteen!). All questions in the Book Bowl are related to these sixteen nominated chapter books.
To learn more about the Sakura Medal program, please visit:https://sites.google.com/view/sakuramedal/home
To view previous Book Bowls, please check out the following YouTube videos:
All-Japan Sakura Medal Book Bowl 2023:
https://youtube.com/live/T2DexfhG0Uk?feature=share
All-Japan Sakura Medal Book Bowl 2022:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8h2FBrvGAA&pp=ygUYYWxsIGphcGFuIGJvb2sgYm93bCAyMDIz•

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MESSAGE FROM THE MARIST ENGLISH SCHOOLMark Deyss

Marist English School students in both Saturday and Weekday classes
have been enjoying themselves while studying English. During the
October 14 lesson, Saturday School students practiced their English
writing using pumpkins and on November 11, we will take a Fallthemed field trip to Suma Dera. Over the past two months, Marist
English School has seen an uptick in student enrollment, specificallyin the Saturday School program. We are always looking to welcome
new students to the Saturday School and the Weekday program. We
encourage members of the community to spread the word about ourquality program to friends and associates who may be interested in afree trial lesson for their children.
https://marist.ac.jp/marist-english-school/

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UPCOMING EVENTS
3 November - World Culture Day
4 November - Middle School Girls Soccer Tournament
9 November - Grade 10 Parent and Student course planning session
10 November - PTA Meeting
13 November - Marist Alumni Mentorship Program
15 November - Class of 1971 Reunion
16 - 17 November - Parent Teacher Confrences
20 November - Parents as Learners
22 - 23 November - PD Day			
24 November - Thanksgiving
27 November - PYP Evening #1

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School