MONTHLY
NEWSLETTEROCTOBER
2022

OUR MOTTOMISSION

MOTIVATE

We educate students in a nurturing environment based on Catholic

Learning is a life-long journeyvalues and the traditions of the Marist Brothers. We provide arigorous program of study that prepares our students for higher
education, internationally and in Japan. Our students will gain

BELIEVE
Together we can change the world

INSPIRE
Follow our lead as we pursue our dreams

knowledge, communicate effectively, develop good character andbecome responsible citizens of a global society.

VISION
Marist Brothers International School will make students our utmost
priority and encourage them to achieve their full potential by
fostering spiritual growth, appreciating cultural diversity and

SUCCEED
From Japan to the rest of the world

developing a life-long love of learning. We will provide theopportunity for all stakeholders to develop a sense of community,
spirit and pride in our school.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Shawn HutchinsonI

hope that our October Newsletter finds all members of our community safe, healthy, and relaxed after the Fall Holiday break. The first quarterof the 2022-2023 academic year was busy and productive, I would like to thank the entire Marist community for their support, patience, andcommitment to demonstrating our important values daily. Showing humility, building community, caring for others, setting clear standards ofhonesty, and being inclusive are all pillars of Marist.
Global citizenship is at the heart of IB education and in line with our Marist values. We recognize that the world is connected andinterdependent and aim to develop intercultural understanding and respect. Establishing an awareness and understanding of the importanceand value of critical thinking and self-management is fundamental in helping people participate in shaping modern society.
This month, we have not to artificially create or impose the concept of global citizenship on our community. Authentically, we alreadycelebrate the rich, diverse, and different cultures in our community through looking at local identity and its relationship nationally and globally.
Many nationalities are represented at Marist and many languages are spoken daily. The World Culture Week provided an opportunity forthe community to acknowledge and celebrate diversity as we aim to strengthen our collective understanding of international mindedness andglobal competencies. The week started with a wonderful Open House event where parents were able to visit classrooms to experience studentled activities and presentations. It was great to see many of our parents dressed for the occasion in their home traditional attire.
The IB curriculum encourages a deliberate approach to global citizenship education that goes beyond topics traditionally taught in schools.
We aim to promote tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity by emphasizing our sense of belonging to common humanity. We aim toempower learners to engage in action that will contribute positively to global challenges. We encourage sustainable development andrecognise that we have a responsibility to those that come after us.

Shawn Hutchinson
Head of School2

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

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

All of the learning and activities our students engaged in this moth will help
them work towards the attributes and dispositions embedded in our Marist
Expectations. Whether it be through learning in the classroom or volunteeringin one of our many service activities, students have daily opportunities todevelop communication skills, show their knowledge and simply care forothers. A snapshot of these opportunities can be seen in the following
paragraphs.
Our Model United Nations (MUN) students have been busy preparing forthis year’s MUN since the end of the last school year. During the MUN
Conference, students' public speaking skills are put to the test as they discuss
issues such as fast fashion and young caregivers. This year’s MUN will be held
on 23-24 February, 2023. Students held a mini MUN on October 17 as thefirst major step in getting some necessary experience and practice in following
similar procedures as those that will be used in February next year.
Thank you to the Upper School Student Council for preparing and organizing
the cultural dance routine which was performed last week to commence
Cultural Week. This was a great way to celebrate the large number of nations
represented at our school.
Our Grade 12 Geography students traveled to the Okuyama River inArima last week. The students conducted research that investigated thefluvial characteristics of the Okuyama River using a variety of measurement
techniques. The research was necessary in order for students to gather datafor completion of their Internal Assessments as part of the Diploma Programme
Geography course.
Finally, we would like to congratulate Shione Inui who participated at the All
Japan Novice Figure Skating Championships which were held in Sapporo,
Hokkaido over the Fall Break. Well done, Shione!

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

3

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura

Throughout the month of October, our focus is on being a “Thinker”.
This approach to learning enables students to engage deeply in theprocess of thinking which is a precursor to learning. The ability to‘think about thinking’ is referred to as metacognition. When students
are guided to think about their own learning they are ‘learning how tolearn’, and this process involves higher-level thinking skills.
Students begin to be less concerned about a grade or score andmore focused on seeking knowledge. ‘Metacognition’ is “higher-order
thinking that enables understanding, analysis, and control of one’s
cognitive processes, especially when engaged in learning.” This is themost effective way to prompt learning at a time when information isjust a click away with the use of technology. When students learn how
to learn, learning starts to become a transferable skill that students canapply in real life contexts.
Students need to engage in learning opportunities where they canapply the information that they have and demonstrate their knowledge
in different situations and contexts. This is why our Marist Expectations
are at the crux of teaching and learning. Our teachers are helping totransform learning and prepare students for our ever changing world, to be thinkers, and then creators!
To learn more about ‘Metacognition’ read this article: How Metacognition Boosts Learning, by Youki Terada.
Next month our school focus will be on being effective ‘Communicators’. And, here is an additional article that is a good additional reference:
Levels of Understanding: Learning That Fits All

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

OUR DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
Mahitab el Ramlawy

Thank you, students and parents who joined us, in this month’s University Guidance sessions.
We have three information sessions coming up in November and we hope to see you all there!

1.

Temple University

3.

University of Hyogo

Annex Building—2nd Floor

Annex Building—2nd Floor

Wednesday, November 2, 2022 | 12:49PM—1:34PM

Wednesday, 30th of November 2022 | 12:49PM–1:34PM

Ms. Lisa Sugimori, Admission Counselor at Temple University, Japan,

Mr. Kenji Goto, International Student Coordinator at University ofwill be joining us at MBIS on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from

Hyogo, will be joining us at MBIS to provide us with an Information

12:49pm to 1:34 pm to provide us with an Information Session that

Session that covers:

covers:•Brief facts about TUJ population•

General Information about the University of Hyogo•

Admission steps and tuition/fees•

Admission Guidelines•

Scholarship Opportunity•

Application Requirements•

Life as a TUJ student•

Q&A Session

2.

Sophia University

Virtual4. The University of British Columbia
Annex Building—2nd Floor

Thursday, November 10th 2022 12:30 | pm to 1:34 pm

Tuesday, 15 November, 9:00 – 10:00 am

This presentation will be delivered by Ms. Nori Kaku, from the‘Find out more about what life is like at UBC, and what makes it one

Admissions Office at Sophia University. The session itself will start at
12:49 pm when the students join; however, Ms. Kaku will start theof the world’s top 40 universities. This session will help you learn
more about living and studying at UBC, deciding which degree iswebinar at 12:30 pm for parents who would like to ask questions.

right for you, and how to submit your application.’

The session will cover:

Please find more information about the sessions on our website.

•

An introduction about Sophia University•

Information about English-taught Undergraduate Degree
Programs (Faculty of Liberal Arts, SPSF, Green Science, andGreen Engineering)•

Guidelines for 2023 Admissions

Contact Andi O'Hearn if you are interested in studying at a university outside of Japan info@EnrollmentEdge.net
Contact Axivision if you plan to study at a university in Japan https://axivision.co.jp/

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

5MESSAGE FROM THE IBDP COORDINATOR
Gunseli YukselMarist Brothers International School has completed the first stage of the IB 5-year evaluation – the documents for the preliminary review havebeen submitted to the IB. Thanks to every member of the MBIS faculty for all their efforts. The second stage in the process is the completion of
the self-study questionnaire, which is due January 1, 2023.
Grade 10: An IB diploma programme information session was shared with Grade 10 students on Wednesday, October 19. The students had
the opportunity to learn about the benefits of the programme; they will be provided with more information at another session to learn more
about the IB subjects and requirements. A similar information session will be presented to Grade 10 parents on Wednesday, November 2.
Grade 11: Grade 11 students are now more confident about the
expectations of the programme. They have been informed about
the subject requirements in their classes and of the Extended Essay
expectations by the IB DP Coordinator. The internal and EE calendars
will be essential tools to succeed in the programme.
Grade 12: It has been another hectic month for Grade 12 students;
while trying to meet the internal deadlines, they are also trying togather documentation for the university application process. We
know that our students have received a unique education at MBIS; wewant to ensure that they explicitly and effectively present their highschool achievements in their university applications. How to makeyour IB credentials stand out in the university application process?
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/brochures-andinfographics/pdfs/parent-pack-ib-credentials-stand-out.pdf

GRADE 8 ENGLISH - THE HERO’S JOURNEY
Throughout the first unit of the year, our 8th grade English students have been studying The Hero’s Journey through a range of model texts. The
word "hero" is frequently and freely used in culture, both in TV shows and everyday speech. Through the unit, we read, and write to develop
a more complex understanding of this societal and cultural concept by studying a variety of texts from The Odyssey to Big Hero 6. In small
group presentations, the students showed their knowledge by developing their own character with visuals and creating a unique narrative
following the model set by Joeseph Campbell.

6

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

GRADE 1 “SMALL MOMENT” STORIES
During Writers Workshop the Grade 1 students have been engaged in writing“Small Moment” stories telling about important real events that happened in theirlife. Writing about their personal lives helps the students shine a light on their own
life experiences. The children have learned to “zoom in” on particular experiences
and write each story with great detail. The students enjoyed working independently
and with their peers. Writing with great purpose and sharing these stories with theirfriends has been a lot of fun. The Grade 1 students have demonstrated the Marist
Expectation of consistently thinking critically and creatively.`

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter78Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Junya Kobo

And in the blink of an eye, we have successfully completed our firstseason of sport. One so familiarly filled with the great excitementof tournament competition with full participation of all teams in our
league, just as we did in our pre-COVID days. Since the mid-season
newsletter report, our Bulldogs have continued to proudly represent
Marist and our school community.
Our middle school boys baseball team and coaches did a rock solid
job this year keeping up with the big guns, despite the logisticalobstacles they had to overcome. Our boys proudly brought home afinalist trophy in the ‘B’ division.
A tough battle for our middle school girls volleyball team who were
just barely squeezed out in the semi-finals but went on to defeat
Nagoya for a third place result in the ‘A’ division. In an unusual
match up, our B and C teams found themselves in the semi-finals
battling for a position in the ‘B’ division finals, with our B teameventually taking the title of ‘B’ division champions while our C teamdefeated Osaka for a respectable third place finish in the samedivision.
This middle school girls tournament of 6 schools, 12 teams and over
120 players, was again hosted by the MAA, but this time by a young
crew of freshmen and sophomores, led by an older crew of sempais,
exemplifying our strong tradition of peer mentoring to successfully
set-up, organize and run this monstrous interscholastic event, animpressive undertaking by our students to show off and promote theirwork and our school.
Our high school boys who were favored to be one of the top
contenders in the final tournament were inundated by injuries andhealth issues. However, they still made a valiant effort to finish theseason on a high note by courageously putting forth everything they
had in their final games, despite the lack of training during the last
two weeks prior to the tournament.
The varsity girls battled through the ranks in a “Super WJAA”
tournament of 12 schools from across Japan, and were finally knocked
off their wave of winning championship trophies, however still
proudly winning second place overall.
A small school with a big heart, our athletes and coaches have
exemplified what we strive for in all of our students and staff commitment to hard work, dedication to our teams, enthusiasm
to compete and pride to represent. We thank them for theircontributions to the sports program and for putting Marist on themap!

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

9MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL REPORT
Thomas Sang & Coach Mark Pilgrim
Friday, September 30th and Saturday October 1st, had the MS Boys
Baseball teams in their final tournaments at Canadian Academy. The
A Team, despite losing their starting pitcher and catcher, played up
to their potential. In the semifinals, they pushed Canadian Academy
until the late innings before losing a tough game. They went on
to finish 3rd by winning a seesaw battle against Nagoya that went
into two extra innings. The B Team went into the finals by winning aspectacular extra inning semifinal game. They would eventually finish
2nd. But a great showing by our depleted squads. I congratulate
the lads on great team spirit and great improvements in skills andknowledge of the game.

Coach Stang & Coach Pilgrim

VIVEK REPRESENTING MARIST WITH PRIDE
After a family trip in Mumbai with his parents and grandparents in 2016, Vivek Rohera stumbled across a sport in a place better known forworld class cricket. Encouraged by his grandfather and after playing for 10 - 15 minutes, Vivek was instantly hooked on the sport that he now
loves. In June 2017, he started playing with his first coach Gurmit Singh at the Indian Club and later joined a table tennis club in Kobe topractice regularly. Vivek won his first junior and senior tournaments at the India Club where he was ranked number 1 in Kobe between 2018
- 2021. He also qualified to play in the All Japan Tournaments during that time. Since then, he has committed to regular practice and on 16
October he participated in the Suma School Tournament representing MBIS. Unfortunately, he was defeated (a very close game that went to
the fifth set) in the finals by one of Hyogo’s top players. We wish Vivek all the best as he represents MBIS on 16 November at the Kobe City
Tournament.

10Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM THE MHS / NHS
Mio Ranni, MHS/NHS

While the NHS new plan is progressing, the four groups that designate each of thepillars independently have proposed their semester project for the first semester ofthe school year. The scholarship group intends to offer an exam study session for
9th and 10th graders who will be taking the first semester exams. The leadershipteam plans to hold a leadership workshop. The character group intends to conduct
mentoring for middle school students. Finally, the service group intends to organize
a beach clean-up collaboration with 8th graders to provide an overview of MHS.
Regardless of what the NHS does, the MHS has been working hard throughout
October. Mrs. Ranni and the MHS continue to work hard on the safe guiding projectto ensure that all children are safe and may walk to school without concern. Eachweek, a new committee is set up to safeguard these children while also working
on their welcoming skills. Various events were also held in October. The MHS
in-school and entertainment committee went pumpkin harvesting on October 2nd.
The entertainment committee also planned to hold a pumpkin decorating contest on
October 5th, utilizing pumpkins gathered the day before.
Also, from October 10th to 14th, the Charity Committee and several members of MHS helped collect money for the Red Feather Charity near
the JR and Sanyo Suma station. Altogether, they were able to collect a total of 45,917JPY to be used for welfare of elderly and handicappedpeople in the Suma community. Furthermore, on October 15th, many MHS members participated in the Red Cross Hyogo disastermanagement drills. Students pretended to be earthquake victims and were treatedby Red Cross staff as if they were truly injured. The disaster management practiceprovided an excellent opportunity for MHS students to connect with others while also
learning how to behave if injured in an earthquake. Not only that, but MHS's final
event of October was a forest conservation on October 24th. As an MHS, we havestarted cutting down trees in the Shioya mountain forest to enable sunlight to comethrough.Cutting trees would also help to avoid landslides. Students may learn how tochop down trees in a safe way while also learning the value of forests and why MHS ishere to make the Kobe Community better one step at a time. We are looking forward
to the upcoming service events held in November!

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

11

MESSAGE FROM THE LIBRARY

Elbert Shitamoto / Cameron Caldwell
THE MBIS LIBRARY CORNER
Elbert Shitamoto
READ TO YOUR CHILDREN!
READ TO YOUR CHILDREN!
READ TO YOUR CHILDREN!
I can’t emphasize it enough.
And when your kids are much older…
READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
Want to read something sad–really, really sad?
“The number of children who read for fun is at a historic low. Why?”
The Kids and Family Reading Report referred to in the article is an EYE-OPENER too!
It was not the references to research confirming the intellectual/emotional benefits of reading to one’s children that caught my eye, it was thatall parents were not reading to their kids.
Those parents are missing out on so many beautiful, bonding moments with their children. Missing out on warm memories that will last alifetime and have lasting effects upon their children’s academic abilities. When our children are adults, they will not remember we boughtthem the latest iPhones, but they will remember the times we spent together reading, laughing, and discussing books.
LIBRARIES ARE YOUR FRIENDS! The MBIS Library welcomes you with open arms. Now is the time to visit the MBIS Library with yourchildren or on your own to select wonderful books to read to your children and recommend to your children. We have print books, eBooks,
audiobooks, magazines, etc., all waiting to be enjoyed in your homes.
We recommend visiting in the mornings from 8:00 am or afternoons after 3:10 pm. For other time periods, please email me at shitamotoe@
marist.ac.jp to schedule a visit. Books can be checked out for a period of two weeks and renewed afterwards. Mr. Caldwell and I are looking
forward to meeting and serving you in the library.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

UPCOMING EVENTS - NOVEMBER

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Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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Quarter 2 Begins

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Temple University Japan Campus

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Culture Day

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American Math Competition and Sophia
university Information Session
University of British Columbia Information
Session17

Parent Teacher Conferences

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Parent Teacher Conferences

21

School Closed

22
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Professional Development Day for Teachers(No School for Students)
Thanksgiving Day - School in Session

13

MARIST SUPPORTERS
The MBIS community has a long tradition of giving. Every year, through events such as Marist Cafe, students, parents, faculty, and friends, cometogether to raise funds for those in need in Japan and around the world. Our school has also greatly benefitted from the generous support of others.
It was that support that enabled us to grow and, after the 1995 earthquake, rebuild. We are forever grateful for these generous contributions offunds, resources, and time. As a non-profit educational institution, every donation is reinvested into the growth of our students.
The gift of your time can be even more valuable than financial support. MBIS celebrates extensive volunteer involvement of its parents in the schoolcommunity. Their time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm bring vibrancy to every event, whether for a class outing, a holiday festivity, a library task,
coaching, or fundraising on behalf of the school. We also encourage parents to become actively involved in our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA),
or perhaps consider applying for a role on the Board of Trustees.
Please contact the Head of School, Mr. Shawn Hutchinson (hutchinsons@marist.ac.jp) if you are interested in volunteering at MBIS.
When you make an outright cash donation to MBIS, your contribution can be put to work immediately – either providing funding for current
programs or creating a reliable source of future income by expanding the school’s endowment. You are welcome to give a restricted donation(towards a specific resource or fundraising campaign) or an unrestricted donation (allowing the school to use the funds where they are most neededat the time).
Cash gifts are the simplest and easiest gifts you can make. Vist our website for more information.

MARIST PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

ACCREDITATION AND AUTHORISATION

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2022-2023
Semester One

August 2022
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25

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September 2022

9 - 10

New Teacher Orientation

11

Mountain Day

13 - 16

Obon Holiday

15 - 19

Faculty In-Service

22

First Day of School

26

27
30

Intro to IB Day(Grade 11s)
Elementary Meet the
Teachers

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World Culture Week
Sports Day

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PSAT Exam(Grades 10 & 11
Pumpkin Festival

24 - 28

Fall BreakFood Fair Holiday

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Spirit Week
Montessori XMAS Party
Christmas Concert
Early Dismissal:- Lower School: 12:00PM- Upper School: 1:30PM

Jan 9

24

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19

Winter BreakSchool Holiday

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

Upper School Course
Change Deadline
PTA Meeting - 2:30PM
Intro to Upper School
Respect for the Aged Day(School Closed)
Elementary Mini-Sports Day

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Autumnal Equinox(School in Session)

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Quarter 2 Begins

5

Culture Day

10

American Math Competition

17-18

Parent Teacher Conferences

21

School Closed
Professional Development

22

Day for Teachers (NoSchool for Students)

23

Thanksgiving Day - Schoolin Session

January 2023

15

19 -

3

5

(School Closed)

12 - 1616

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6(School in Session)

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December 2022
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November 2022

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October 2022
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New Years Day

9Coming of Age Day

710School Resumes

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17 - 19

End of Semester 1

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Marking Day (No Classes

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Term Starts and Ends

Japanese Public Holiday

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ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2022-2023
Semester Two

February 2023
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National Foundation Day
Founders Day Holiday

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Emperor’s Birthday Holiday(School in Session)
MUN Conference

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Good Friday Holiday

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IB Exams Begin(IB Exams are from April
27–May19)
Shower Day

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Constitution Memorial Day

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Grennery Day

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NHS Induction Ceremony

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(School Closed)

Founder’s Day(School in Session

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Senior Graduation

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Athletic Awards Ceremony
MHS Induction &25

June 2023

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Golden Week Holiday

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Conferences

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May 2023

Montessori to Grade 12
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Spring Break

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July 2023

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12 - 14Upper School Final Exams

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Montessori Graduation
Elementary Awards and143

Closing Ceremony
End of Second Semester(Dismissal at 12pm)

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Summer School Begins

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Marine Day

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School Holiday

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Term Starts and Ends

Japanese Public Holiday

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School