MONTHLY
NEWSLETTERDECEMBER
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 extend my warmest wishes to each member of our school community during this holiday season. I hope Christmas brought
moments of warmth and love and you were surrounded by the laughter and joy of family and friends. As we reflect on theaccomplishments and challenges of 2023, we trust that 2024 is filled with hope, inspiration, and the promise of new beginnings.
Thank you for your commitment to our shared values and the spirit of learning that defines our community. Wishing you all a
Happy New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and the continued pursuit of knowledge.
As we look toward 2024, our school motto of "Motivate, Believe, Inspire, Succeed" takes on significance within the context of ourschool. In our diverse setting, the festive season becomes a time to celebrate not only cultural diversity but also the shared values
that unite our community.
Motivation serves as a guiding light during this festive season, encouraging students to reflect on their achievements and set
new goals. Our teachers strive to inspire a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm, motivating students to explore their potential andembrace the opportunities that the new year will bring.
Belief symbolizes the confidence instilled in students to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. In our school,
belief extends beyond academic capabilities to embrace the uniqueness of each individual. We celebrate the diversity thatmakes up our community, fostering a belief in the strength derived from understanding and respecting different cultures andperspectives.
Inspiration comes from shared stories and experiences. Teachers, parents, and students draw inspiration from the cultural tapestry
that makes our international school community vibrant and dynamic.
Success, in the context of our motto, is not merely measured by individual achievements but by the collective growth and positive
impact we make as a community.
Our school motto "Motivate, Believe, Inspire, Succeed" says a lot about the spirit of celebration, unity, and the shared commitment
to nurturing a community of learners. As we end 2023 and begin the new year, I hope that the values embedded in this mottoguide us towards a future filled with motivation, belief, inspiration, and success.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

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

I hope that everyone is having a relaxing Winter Break with their families and enjoying a well earned rest.
Keeping a focus on providing students with opportunities to build skills both in and outside the classroom, we were privileged towitness some wonderful musical performances just before the holidays.
St. Peters Lutheran College and the Anglican Church Grammar School from Brisbane, Australia performed for our students on
December 4 as part of their respective school tours of Japan. Both schools performed at an extremely high level and no doubt
inspired our students who performed later that week.
On December 8, the Gymnasium was transformed into a haven of melody as members of our Symphonic, Concert and Jazz bands
showcased their musical prowess. Our musicians showed their technical prowess and their ability to express emotion throughmusic.
A special thanks to Mr. Anthony Tay and Mr. Ryo Hatakeyama for all their hard work with the respective bands and working
tirelessly with the students to entertain us all at this event.
We finished school on December 15 with a special celebration which we have not been able to hold for a few years now - theChristmas Brunch.
Thank you to the Student Council and MHS/NHS for your hard work and putting this event back on the calendar. An enjoyable
time was had by all and it was a great way to finish up school before the break.
I wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you back at school on 9 January, 2024!

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura

As we approach the end of 2023, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has
been an incredible year of learning and growth at our school. It's heartening to see
the progress our students have made and the positive impact they've had on eachother.
I am thrilled to share that we concluded the year with a spectacular winter concert,
themed around international-mindedness. The Lower School experienced the joy oflistening to songs sung in different languages from around the world. Witnessing
our students embrace the challenge of learning songs in languages beyond theirown, yet perhaps familiar to their peers, was a truly wonderful way to conclude theschool year and usher in the holiday season.
The magic of the season was further amplified at our Early Years celebration as
students worked through crafts and games, and of course as Santa made a special
appearance, bringing delight to our Early Years and Grade 1 students. The joy on
their faces was nothing short of magnificent.
A heartfelt thank you to the parents who collaborated with our
teachers to decorate the halls and organize a delightful end-ofyear party filled with delicious treats and engaging activities.
Your support has added to the sense of community that makes
our school so special.
I express my gratitude to our dedicated teachers, staff,
students, and everyone who contributes to bringing ourcommunity closer together. It is your collective efforts thatcreate the unique atmosphere we cherish at Marist.

The year also concluded with a Grade 2 Market Place Activity where they werelooking closely at “needs and want” and “goods and services”

To our students embarking on new journeys beyond Marist, I
extend my best wishes for success and fulfillment in all yourfuture endeavors.
Recognizing the diversity of celebrations within our community,
I extend warm wishes for a time of love and joy with yourfamilies during this holiday season.
As we bid farewell to 2023, I wish you all happy holidays andlook forward to a 2024 filled with joy, growth, and continued
success.

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MESSAGE FROM THE IBDP COORDINATOR
Gunseli YukselCongratulations to the class of 2024!. They have successfully completed their Extended Essay journey. The Viva Voce meetings,
the concluding interviews, were held on December 6.

IB language courses and CEFRThe International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is recognized as one of the most rigorous academic programmesthat equips young people for higher education and life beyond. Research findings show that IB programmes provide students
with transferable and life-long skills that help them perform well at university. Consequently, many universities around the world
recognize the IB diploma.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the IB diploma in the university application process is the acceptance of the IB language
course grades as proof of language proficiency. However, some universities might still require additional language assessmentsfrom IB students. A recent study on IB language courses examined how IB grades are comparable to the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B2, the level most commonly required by universities.
The IB has compiled these research findings to further help universities understand IB grades better. The information in this table
may help our students while applying to universities.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

5MESSAGE FROM THE WHOLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Taeko Sakurai

Let’s Create a Cozy Study Environment through Winter Cleaning

As the cold weather intensifies and we spend more time in the comfortable warmth of our homes, it's time for winter cleaning.
In Japan, there's a tradition of thorough cleaning at the end of the year to welcome the new year with a fresh start. A tidy homebrings a sense of security and stability. When you organise and tidy up your entire house, your mood will refresh, and you'll beready to embrace the new year with a positive mindset. So, why not try this 'end-of-year cleaning' this winter break?
Moreover, doing the extensive cleaning as a family is an excellent opportunity for your children to develop a sense of
responsibility. Little ones can help their moms, and older kids can take charge themselves. Sorting out clothes, toys, and study
materials and organising their rooms or study spaces will teach responsibility and instil a desire to keep those spaces clean in the
future.
The new year is a great time to rearrange your home, too. If your younger child doesn't have their room yet, create a space forthem. For older children, ensure they have their own study space, whether in their room or a study nook. While it might be okay
for elementary schoolers to study in a common area where parents can keep an eye on them, having a designated study space is
crucial for developing good study habits.
Having a specific study space makes it easier to switch to study mode as soon as you sit down. Getting used to this environment
enhances concentration and allows for efficient learning. In other words, consistently studying in the same place increases
motivation to learn and makes establishing a continuous study routine easier.
Furthermore, specific space for study serves as a trigger to switch between study and relaxation modes. It makes balancing study
and relaxation easier, presenting an excellent opportunity to develop self-discipline. Creating rules for oneself and adhering tothem while studying contributes to improving future self-management skills.
An organized study space reduces stress and the anxiety that comes from being unable to find things. Learning in a tidy
environment provides a sense of control, feels pleasant, and enhances concentration, boosting motivation to study.
Cleaning and organising your home results in physical order and contributes to mental clarity. By setting up and cherishing yourown study space, you can build good study habits and improve your learning efficiency. Take advantage of this winter season tocreate a cozy living environment and establish a healthy study environment.
Wishing you a wonderful winter break.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Memories of the Kobe Marathon 2023
I decided to participate in the Kobe Marathon this year since I've moved to Kobe!
However, I couldn't train as much as I wanted due to the lingering summer heat. So,
this time, my goal was not to break my record time but to "complete the marathon
while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Kobe and the snacks available along theway." During the race, I indulged in delicious local treats provided at the aid stations,
including famous Kobe sweets and Japanese sweets, an-pan, oranges, and chikuwa. I
also received refreshing items like Coke and candies from private volunteers along theroute, which was a great help.
As for the scenery, I got close to the monument of Tetsujin 28, which I usually only
see from the train. I ran along the coastal road from Suma to Shioya. The uphill slope
to enter the final Port Island was very challenging. Despite its difficulty, I thoroughly
enjoyed the view of Kobe's harbour from places I wouldn't usually have access to.
The performances of taiko drums and bands lifted my spirits throughout the route.
Above all, being able to run the entire 42-kilometre course from start to finish withwarm cheers from the people of Kobe was genuinely moving. (Thank you so much tothe parents who spotted and cheered for me!)Our colleagues, Mrs Hanamura and Mr Akamatsu, also successfully completed theentire 42 kilometres. The joy at the finish line was truly inspiring as we shared theaccomplishment.
Including the supportive card I received from an elementary school student the day
before, the Kobe Marathon made me realise once again that it is a beautiful event that
fosters a sense of community in the local area. I am filled with gratitude for everyone
who supported me.
As you all know, the marathon course passes in front of MBIS. Therefore, wouldn't it bewonderful for our school to consider providing support along the route next year, suchas musical performances or cheerleaders?
Marist Students Support Marathon
Annually, Marist students write messages ofencouragement to support and motivate participantsof the Kobe Marathon. This year, we received a 'thankyou' message from the Marathon volunteers and acouple of photos of the volunteers preparing packs for
the Marathon participants.

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MESSAGE FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Hulya Park

Waiting for admission results
As the new year unfolds, many seniors eagerly await application results. While students applying to UK universities are concluding
their applications in January, those who applied to US colleges for Early Decision or Early Action will receive decisions in
December and January. Similarly, Japanese and Hong Kong universities will also start announcing their results in the first twomonths of the year.
If a student gets an offer to their preferred university, the first step should be to take a moment to celebrate this significant
achievement. Following the celebration, it is crucial to swiftly get moving again. Students must thoroughly review all offers andmake sure they understand all the terms and conditions before making a decision. Once they commit to enrolling at a university,
they should promptly fulfill any remaining admission requirements, such as submitting final transcripts. Committing to a university
may also mean that you need to explore housing options, prepare for visa processes, and join the official social media groups of
the university to connect with future classmates.
While getting deferred or denied admission can be disheartening, it is not the end of the path. If a student is deferred, theyneed to understand that their admission will be reconsidered. They should evaluate any feedback they receive and actively workon strengthening their application. Crafting a letter of continued interest is recommended for those eager to attend that specificuniversity.
In the case of a denied admission, it is encouraged to take a moment to process the news. While disappointment is natural, it isessential to understand that the decision is not a reflection of the student’s abilities but rather a result of the competitive nature ofadmissions. The next step for these students is going back to their university list and re-evaluating it. Establishing a good balanceof reach, target, and safe schools is recommended. If possible, students should work on strengthening the current application
packages by focusing on school subjects and improving grades. Keeping track of the different upcoming application periods andstaying positive is key. Your hard work and dedication will ultimately shine through.
Links to previous events
Alumni Mentorship Program: We recently had an insightful session with Mr. Bungo Shiotani, Ph.D. (Class of 2023). You canaccess the recording here.
The University of Sydney: Our online session with the University of Sydney was highly informative. Students had the opportunity to
ask questions and learn about a world-ranked institution. The recording can be accessed here.
Sophia University: In November, we held a session with Sophia University. You can watch the recording here.

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MESSAGE FROM EARLY YEARS

Tina Mathers / Amanda McWilliams
At the end of November, Early Years students went on their very first Field Trip of the school year to Sumadera Temple. What an
exciting day we had! Children carried their backpacks (filled with lunch and water bottles) as they observed turtles, koi fish, statues
and sculptures. The children marvelled at the changing of the seasons as they collected fallen leaves and acorns in the park. We
were blessed again this year with clear skies and sunny weather and so enjoyed a picnic lunch outdoors by the pond. The children
took responsibility for their own garbage, leaving the area in good, clean condition. Well done, children!

Our annual Christmas Party was held in the Early Years classrooms on
14 December. This year marked a significant milestone as we welcomed
all parents to join in the festivities for the first time since Covid
restrictions. It was a reminder of the warmth of the Marist spirit. The
event was organised by our four Room Parents who were in attendance
throughout the morning in order to guide the children through special
games and crafts as well as serve up a special Christmas lunch.
After lunch, the children performed Christmas songs and the roombuzzed with excitement as Santa made a grand entrance, bringing
smiles and gifts for each child. What a heart-warming, magical moment
to see the children’s faces light up when Santa entered the room! Ho!
Ho! Ho! A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible Room Parents
for their unwavering dedication in making this event a highlight of ourschool year. Your hard work and creativity truly make a difference,leaving a lasting impact on our school community. Here's to many more
magical moments ahead!

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

9MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Jason Mejia

December rounded out Season 2 for the Middle School Athletics, which showcased some stellar tournament play by both the
Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ teams.
The Boys’ Basketball team entered two squads into the WJAA Tournament. The Pitbulls (B-team) competed with a mix of 6th, 7th,
and 8th graders, and even won their first game against FIS in a nail-biter, 31-30, victory. NIS and SOIS were too much for the
Pitbulls as these two teams ended up battling in the championship game. They ended up in 6th place overall, eventually losing to
Canadian Academy during the battle for fifth place, in the consolation round.
The Bulldogs (A-team) rode dominant performances from the 7th and 8th graders, swept through Pool ‘A’ unbeaten against
CA, OYIS, and KIUA, claiming the #1 seed with efficient ball possession and a stingy defense. Their hard work paid off with anautomatic spot in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, with a clear target on their back, the Nagoya International School planned for ouroffense and found ways to halt our previously stifling defense. The Bulldogs kept it close in both their semi-final game and thesubsequent consolation game, ending up in the 4th place. Let us applaud them for their grit, tenacity, and sportsmanship. Welldone, boys! And a special shout-out to all who watched the games. With your support, we performed with a much-needed morale
boost, especially during the crunch time. Thanks for being the “sixth player” of our games!

Over at Canadian Academy, the Girls’ soccer teams (A and B) began their own WJAA Tournaments.
The B-team, composed of mostly 6th graders, held off a fierce SOIS B-team and CA’s C-team to claim the 2nd-seed with a 2-1
record. They beat SOIS again in the semi-finals and moved on to the Championship game against CA’s B-team. The Bulldogs
played tough and relentlessly attacked the CA goal and earned a dominating 2-0 victory to claim their first championship in over a
decade.

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Not to be outdone, the A-team also made it through the preliminary pool play with a record of 2-1, earning a 2nd-seed andfacing off against SOIS in the semi-finals. Though they fell behind on a free-kick goal, the Bulldogs kept their composure andquickly tied the game. From the second half on they dominated possession and earned a place in the championship against an
undefeated, and overpowering, CA team. Through a gritty first-half, the Lady Bulldogs managed to earn a 1-0 lead on a free kickgoal. Resolved and determined, and with the Falcons throwing everything they had, the Bulldogs held fast. A scramble in frontof our goal late in the second half proved unfortunate, as it led to a handball and a PK, knotting the game at 1. As the game drew
to a close, CA managed to get off a final shot that just barely evaded our keeper. Though the game ended, 2-1, the Lady Bulldogs
fought hard and left their all on the field, walking off the pitch to cheers of admiration from the CA faithful. They continued toprove time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with.

When we return from Winter Break, the High School teams will wrap up their seasons with the Small Schools’ Tournaments.
Be sure to come visit on January 19th and 20th in the new year as Marist will be hosting the WJAA Varsity Men’s Basketball
Tournament.
Finally, sign-ups are open for Season 3 Athletics. Please head on over to SchoolsBuddy and register for the upcoming season.
Go Bulldogs!

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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MESSAGE FROM THE MHS / NHS
Mio Ranni

National Honor Society (NHS)
To advance the NHS Four Pillars project and impart lessons on helping others to younger students, the NHS service project teamorganized a Frog Ornament Workshop on December 5 and 6. This workshop aimed to create frog-stuffed animal ornaments for
Christmas trees, destined for children battling cancer at the Child Chemo House in Kobe. NHS students engaged 26 Grade 8
MHS Junior students, sharing insights into the roles of the Child Chemo House and how they support children and families facing
cancer. Following the presentation, each Grade 8 student sewed at least one frog ornament, relishing the opportunity to craft theirunique frogs. We extend our gratitude to the Grade 8 MHS Junior students for actively participating in this meaningful service
activity.

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Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS)MHS students observed a consistent presence of trash and playing equipment left unattended in the school field. To address thisissue, the In-School Service Committee orchestrated a field clean-up event on December 1 after school. Over 20 MHS students
gathered to collect pet bottles, snack wrappers, papers, and other debris, ensuring balls and equipment found their rightfulplaces. We anticipate that this event will encourage all students to clean up after recess, fostering a collective effort to enhance theschool environment.

The Fundraising and Charity Committee visited a farm in Nishi-ku on December 3 to harvest potatoes planted in early September.
Despite challenges due to the prolonged hot weather in the summer, approximately 60% of the potatoes did not survive, but theremaining 50 kg were donated to the school cafeteria, Kobe Central Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, for their weekly soup
kitchen, and Child Chemo House.

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On December 8, MHS/NHS/CAS students visited Child Chemo House to deliver Christmas presents. Accompanied by a
Christmas tree adorned with 34 frog ornaments created by Grade 8 to 12 students, the team also brought bags of harvested
potatoes and sweet potatoes, life necessities, a 20,000 JPY cash donation fundraised by Marist students and teachers, and 25
candy leis crafted by NHS students. The House staff expressed great excitement upon receiving these Christmas presents.

On December 13, a group of Grade 11 CAS / MHS students
undertook a compassionate mission to Kobe Central Catholic
Church of the Holy Spirit. Their purpose was to deliver
essential items they had collected, including winter clothes,blankets, towels, soap, masks, and dry food. These vital
resources will be distributed to those in need during thechurch's weekly soup kitchens. In a heartfelt gesture, thestudents also presented 20kg of newly harvested potatoes.
These potatoes will be thoughtfully prepared and served as partof the nourishing meals provided at the soup kitchen. A special
note of appreciation goes to Mrs. Noda, whose generous
efforts included driving the boxes of items to the church on thissignificant day. We express our sincere gratitude to all involved
for contributing to the well-being of those in our community.
Your kindness truly makes a positive impact, and we commend
your dedication to serving others.

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Throughout December, MHS hosted the "Caring and Sharing Project," with each Upper School class organizing fundraising
events and activities. On December 15, at the conclusion of the Christmas brunch, MHS conducted a Christmas Charity Raffle
to celebrate the spirit of caring and sharing. The leadership team members received raffle prizes from teachers and externalorganizations, with many students and teachers winning special prizes, including an acoustic guitar, hot chocolate set, LUSH giftboxes, Starbucks gift cards, and a lunch for two at Kobe Club. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to these
gifts (list shown below). The project raised a total of 82,235 JPY. Half of the profit will be donated to the NPO Family and Friends
Project to aid children facing poverty in Nepal, and the other half will be donated to Child Chemo House to support children andtheir families battling cancer. We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in the Caring and Sharing Project.

DonorsMr. Taro Bhasin

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

PrizesBose soundlink revolve II
bluetooth speaker
JVC Victor HA-FX150T-NA
bluetooth earphones

Mr. Hutchinson

10,000 yen gift card

Mr. Lipp

5000 yen Starbucks gift
card

Kobe Club

Lunch for 2 people

長興 Dental clinic

3000 yen Amazon gift card

Mrs. Osawa

LUSH gift box x 6

Mr. Mogami

Shampoo & Conditioner set
x2
Cosmetic set x 2

Mr. Okazaki

Bath Set x 4

Mr. Ishibashi

Hair products

Mr. & Mrs. Ushio

3000 yen Starbucks giftcard

Mr. & Mrs. Neill

Holiday Hot Chocolate Set

Mr. & Mrs. Ranni

5000 yen Starbucks gift
card

Mr. Shitamoto

3000 yen Starbucks gift
card

Mrs. Yuksel

Snacks and Stationary set
LUSH bath bombs

Mr. Kobo

An Acoustic Guitar

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Additionally on December 15, Mr. Hutchinson went above and beyond by preparing and bringing in a delightful dish,"Shepherd's Pie," for the Upper School Christmas Brunch. What made this culinary treat even more special was that it was craftedfrom the MHS organic potatoes recently harvested at our farm in Nishi-ku. The Shepherd's Pie became an instant hit, disappearing
rapidly as students savored its delicious flavors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hutchinson for his generosity inproviding this rewarding experience for our students. Thank you, Mr. Hutchinson, for contributing to the joy and warmth of theholiday season!

During the winter holiday, MHS students ventured to Rokko mountain in the Shioya area to contribute to forest conservation. In
a collaborative effort, 12 students carefully selected and cut down small trees obstructing sunlight in the forest. Despite the coldmorning, everyone worked together to ensure a safe and productive operation.

On December 22, Grade 11 students Sara Koda and Mirei
Shi, along with Grade 10 student Michelle Ranni, delivered
Christmas presents to Sanno Kodomo Center. This facility
supports children in Nishinari, Osaka. The students broughtlife necessities such as soap, towels, and masks, collectedfrom fellow students and teachers, along with 10 kg of sweet
potatoes and 150 homemade Christmas cookies. We extend
our gratitude to the students from Canadian Academy who
accompanied them and to all students and teachers who
donated life necessities.

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Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club (KKBC)
To inaugurate the Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club (KKBC), an organization for Grade 7 & 8 students to engage in service activities
with the local community, a founding preparation meeting was held on December 10 at GREEN HOUSE Wald in Sannomiya.
Students and advisors from MBIS, Canadian Academy, and Kansai International Academy, along with Kobe Kiwanis Club
members, gathered to introduce themselves and learn about the mission of the Kiwanis Builders Club, the purpose of collaborative
community service, and the yearly schedule of the club. Representing our school from MBIS, Grade 8 students Shion Hayashi,
Shione Inui, Anna Ishii, and Yuta Ueki participated in the meeting. During the meeting, executive officers were elected, with Anna
selected as the first president and Yuta as the Treasurer. The KKBC plans to engage in various activities this school year, including
planting cherry trees (January 27), a preparation meeting for the Induction Ceremony at KIA (March 10), KKBC Induction Ceremonyand Microplastic accessories workshop at MBIS (April 7), a Lemonade Stand at Rokko Island to support Child Chemo House(April 20 & 21), and a Rokko Island Environmental Workshop for local elementary students (May 19). These KKBC leaders will not
only organize these events with students from other schools but also promote them within our MHS Junior members at MBIS. We
express our gratitude to Kobe Kiwanis Club members for providing our students with an opportunity to collaborate on service
projects with students from other schools.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

17Personal Project
Wise Meets Wild Project (written by Grade 11 Aannya Javeri)
Loneliness is a serious issue in Japan, especially for single people who live alone
and have no one to talk to or spend time with. Japanese elderly people are still
active and healthy however they don’t have anybody to be with. To address
this problem, I am developing an app called “Wise Meets Wild”. The app willserve as a platform for young teens and elderly individuals to connect and bond
My logowith one another. Once they connect, they can meet up and engage in various
activities such as playing games, chatting, and having fun. The elderly individuals can share their life experiences and offer
valuable advice to the younger generation. The young people are not taking care of the elderly, they are just spending quality
time with them to give them company. With the rise of AI and technology, there is a growing disconnect between young and oldpeople, and I believe that my app can help bridge this gap and foster meaningful connections.
I have started coding app development classes, to learn how to create an app from scratch.

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Student Council - Christmas Matsuri
In December, the upper school students had a busy two weeks preparing for the final exams and other assignments, and the best
way to celebrate the last day of school was through the Marist Christmas Matsuri. The Christmas Matsuri started with Marist houseteams competing in a morning of futsal organized by Ooki Nakaguchi and Ryota Tsutsushima as part of their CAS project. The
victorious Sohei won the privilege of being the first to eat in the Student Council Christmas brunch. In this festive upper school
pot-luck feast, students from grade 7-12 brought a large variety of dishes, desserts, and beverages to share with one another in a
Christmas celebration. The MHS hosted a raffle with fantastic prizes to culminate the brunch, adding to the fun and excitement of
the event.
The Student Council would like to thank the parents who prepared and donated the food and drinks that helped make this event a
success. Also we would like to thank Ooki, Ryota, the MHS, NHS, and the MAA for their invaluable contributions in helping to set
up, run, and clean up after the event. This was truly a Marist community effort!
The Student Council wishes everyone a joyful holiday season and a promising continuation of the school year!
Sivaranjani GanesanVice President
Student Council

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MARIST TENNIS CLUB

Venus Yoon / Yumiko Takagi
Marist Tennis Club concluded Block #1 with a festive touch.
Our Christmas event saw all players sporting Santa hats fora unique and joyous tennis session—an unprecedented
experience for us all. The added festive flair brought extra
smiles and laughter to the court, creating a memorable
atmosphere. Following the tennis session, we gathered for adelightful Christmas party with our parents.
During the party, each grade showcased their musical talents
by performing Christmas carols for parents and friends. Having
Christ gifts and the excitement of a piñata added to the joy ofthe occasion. It was a wonderful opportunity to create lasting
memories and strengthen our bond as a team. Looking ahead,
we are committed to continued growth and camaraderie.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! May the upcoming year be filled with brightness and hope, much like asunrise!!
Warm regards,
Marist Tennis Club

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MARIST ENGLISH SCHOOLMark Deyss

Marist English School students have been busy! Recently, students in the weekday program conducted inquiry-based
investigations. To discover “what happens at Marist after school”, several students interviewed multiple staff members as well
as students that were found on campus after hours. Read the essay below to learn more about what one Marist English School
student learned about Marist “After School”.

Marist English School is proud to provide opportunities
for authentic learning where students engage inmeaningful work they can feel good about. In addition
to conducting interviews as a means to learn English,
students have also been combining their English skills
with their creativity to create some wonderful board
games. In the Saturday School program, students havebeen working hard on making their own six-sided
question cubes as a fun way to learn conversational
English.

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is
Mar t Brot

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heMARIST BROTHERSINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLJanuary 2024

December 2023
S M T W T F S
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31

5

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8

S
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SundayMondayTuesday

WednesdayThursdayFriday1 Alumni on Campus

2

3

7 Coming of Age Day

8 School Resumes

9

10 Marist Alumni

11 HS JV

14

15

16

17 Parents as Learners

18 Q2 Ends

24

25

New Years Reunion andCelebrations

No School3

21 Q3 Begins

Semester 2 Begins
MYP Evening #1

2

28 PYP Evening #2

1

5

22

29

OPEN-MINDED

26

February
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4

4
3
2

23

30

6
5
4
3

4

Mentorship Program

1

6

5

Saturday5

Basketball Tournament

2

HS End-of-Season
Basketball Tournament

1

6

6

12 HS JV

13

19 HS End-of-Season

20

26

27

Basketball Tournament

Basketball Tournament

Grades 11-12 Ski Trip31

we seek to broaden our understanding andappreciation of other cultures and perspectives

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter27