MONTHLY
NEWSLETTEROUR MOTTO
MOTIVATE
Learning is a life-long journey

MARCH
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

BELIEVE

programs that aim to prepare students for life’s opportunities.

Together we can change the world

VISIONINSPIREWe are a school where exceptional personal character and strong

Follow our lead as we pursue our dreams

relationships provide opportunities to excel in our areas of interest
and affect change in our local and global communities. We are aschool where personal, social, and emotional support help build

SUCCEED
From Japan to the rest of the world

global perspectives. We are a school that embraces diversity,
encourages leadership, and respects the values and unifying
traditions of the Marist Brothers.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT
AND POLICY COMMITTEEThe MBIS Board would like to announce the recruitment of candidates to the Board. We are looking for applicants who are interested injoining the Board as Trustees, Directors, and Auditors for 2023-2024.

For the Auditor position the ideal candidate would have some experience in law or accounting. Applicants do not need to live in close
proximity to the school, but they should be available to attend meetings either by Zoom or on campus. An understanding of Japanese andEnglish is desirable but not essential. We encourage all interested individuals to apply.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Auditors attend regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. These happen approximately eleven times
a year, and attendance duties can be shared between the two auditors. Auditors observe and oversee the procedures and activities of the

Shawn Hutchinson

members, and help explain Japanese law by becoming familiar with the rules and regulations given by Hyogo Prefecture and the Education
Ministry of Japan. They participate in the FY audit with assistance from an external consultant to approve the financial actions of the School.

We have had an incredibly positive and busy month with the entire community involved in the WASC accreditation visit and the IB Virtual
Evaluation. Faculty and students have continued to engage in a variety of learning experiences in and outside of the classroom. It has

been pleasing to see wonderful opportunities for students to build strong character, leadership, global competencies, and creative and criticalproblem-solving skills.

The Board of Directors and Trustees welcomes applicants who possess a variety of skills or expertise in fields such as management, business,organization development, or fundraising. Applicants do not need to live in close proximity to the School, but should be available to attend
meetings either on Zoom or on campus. There are approximately five meetings per year for Trustees, while Directors meet monthly. All Board
meetings are held in English; however Japanese or speakers of other languages with a good command of English are encouraged to apply
also.

Our mission statement tells us who we are and what we stand for. We are a nurturing community where students feel a strong sense of
belonging. Our students build strong connections, exceptional character, and become global citizens. We demonstrate respect for others,
ourselves, and our environment every day as we aspire to make a positive difference.

The Board of Trustees comprises thirteen members who are part of an advisory team who influence the future development of MBIS bothacademically and financially. The Board of Directors comprises six members including the Head of School. The Board is responsible forapproving the annual budget of the school; suggesting and making policy decisions; and developing and overseeing the school’s strategic

Our core values are Excellence, Partnerships, Innovation and Care. We should strive to demonstrate these core values each day through ouractions and interactions with each other and our environment. Excellence is not about being the best, but at our school, it is about getting theplanning. All Board members are members of a committee focused on a more specific area of school management such as finance, strategicplanning, engagement, or board policy and development.

best version of yourself. Partnerships are about authentic and real relationships that enable all of us to have critical and open conversations
about how we can best work together and achieve our collective goals. Innovation is about developing creative approaches to problemsolving. And finally, care is about placing yourself in the shoes of others, treating people with respect, dignity, and kindness.

With potential growth in student numbers and building development on the horizon, it is a particularly exciting time to be an Auditor or amember of the Board. If you would like to nominate a member of the community, please do not hesitate to contact us should you require
further information or clarification. We are very happy to take self nominations too. Please contact Mr. Sachin Bennur sachinbennur@marist.

It is expected that we will all follow our school wide Marist Expectations to act responsibly, care for each other and give respect. Our schoolac.jp or Ms. Healy healys@marist.ac.jp. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

has no place for bullying or harassment and negative behaviors will not be tolerated. We can all make mistakes, but our intentions and actions
must always be focused on doing what is good for the best interests of all, rather than the select few.

We are pleased to share the MBIS Strategic Plan 2022-2027 (in English and Japanese). By its nature, a strategic plan looks to the futureand establishes the goals and aspirations that allow an institution to continuously improve. A school’s Strategic Plan sets the priorities andidentifies the strategies that will help it provide the very best education for its students. While any strategic plan is a living document requiringcontinuous review and reflection, this plan provides a roadmap to move the school forward. Feedback from the MBIS community is welcome
via this link HERE.

For families celebrating Easter, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the awakening of nature in spring. We wish you a very happy Easterand trust that you will enjoy time with family and friends.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura

As we approach the end of the third quarter, we wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of beinga risk-taker and discuss how, but more importantly, why we should nurture this behavior in our children as one

Over the Spring break I was fortunate enough to attend the Internationalof our Marist Expectations.

Baccalaureate World Conference from 18-21 March in Adelaide,
Australia. The theme of the conference was Education for an Inclusive

Being a risk-taker means having the willingness to try new things and take on challenges, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone.

Future. Over 1200 educators from over 30 countries came together toThis can manifest in various forms, such as learning to trust oneself or engaging in new activities that may seem daunting at first. For instance,

listen and learn from experts and share their experiences with colleagues
from across the globe.

our Early Years students recently took a risk by making muffins, hoping they would turn out delicious and be enjoyed by others.

In the opening general session, participants heard from Dr. Helen Street.

Risk-taking can also mean standing up in front of peers to share knowledge and understanding of history, as two of our Grade 5 students did
when they spoke about the importance of the Civil Rights movement and why it needs to be taught to others and understood by all. This typeDr. Street spoke about the importance of building connections andof risk-taking is critical for personal growth and helps children develop essential skills such as public speaking and critical thinking.

creating a sense of belonging for students. By creating contextual wellbeing students develop a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging

As parents and educators, it is our role to create a safe and supportive

then allows students to not only learn well, but live well. Throughenvironment that encourages risk-taking while minimizing risk. We wantfocussing on people, policy and practice, the physical space, and social

our children to feel confident in trying new things, but also know that

norms, schools can build an environment that better supports true andthey can turn to us for support when things don't go as planned. In

comprehensive wellbeing. Dr. Street stated that, “Wellbeing needs to be

this regard, I found Denzel Washington's speech about risk-taking andnurtured in the spaces between us if it is to be found within us. When I"falling forward" quite motivational and thought it would be useful forsee a child who feels accepted, valued and connected within the context
of their lives, they thrive.”

you to watch and the message is what we should be sharing together.

Having worked at MBIS for almost 20 years, I often see students comeand children to become successful adults who make a difference in theDeveloping the capacity to be a risk-taker is essential for our students
world.

from other schools where they did not feel that they belonged. Thesestudents come to MBIS and quickly find that it is a place where they can

On another note, we look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Parent

be themselves and accepted for who they are. This sense of belonging

Teacher Conferences, where our teachers will share with you how

created in students at MBIS has always been, and will continue to be,
one of the greatest aspects of our school.

your child approaches learning and is developing towards the Marist

The IB Director General, Olli-Pekka Heinonen concluded the conference

to finish the school year with strength.

Expectations. We hope you had a fantastic Spring Break and are readythanking everyone who contributed to the event but also stating in his
speech, “that the best way to have good academic outcomes is to stopoveremphasizing academic outcomes, and to concentrate on holistic
student development and growth,” and emphasizing the importanceof the message from Dr.Street in her opening session. At MBIS we willcontinue to focus on holistic student development and growth which will
ultimately lead students to better academic outcomes.

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5MESSAGE FROM THE IBDP COORDINATOR

WHY IB

Gunseli Yuksel

Diploma ProgrammeInternational Baccalaureate® (IB) Programmes

UNIVERSITYEMPLOYABILITY

RECOGNITIONSKILLS

recognition by local

preparation for futureand national

employment and agovernments

rapidly - changing

TOK

EE

nature of knowledge

research and writingCAS
real-life connections

skils

world
Middle Years Programme

The Primary Years Programme (PYP): preparing students to be

The Middle Years Programme (MYP): preparing students to be

active participants in a lifelong journey of learning

successful in school and to be active, lifelong learners

The PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on

The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides athe development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in theframework of learning which encourages students to become

classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided bycreative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes

six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using

intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections

knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, as well as

between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world.

transdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.

It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural
understanding and global engagement, qualities that are essential forlife in the 21 st century.

MYP

MYP

CURRICULUMCURRICULUM

teaching and learning

personal understandingin context

sense of self and

PERSONAL/

INCLUSION AND

COMMUNITYLEARNING

PROJECT

DIVERSITY

self-directed learning

MYP
CURRICULUM

differentiation

STEM education

TRANSDISCIPLINARYPYP EXHIBITION

responsibility incommunity
Primary Years Programme

PYP

PYP

THE LEARNINGCURRICULUMCURRICULUMCOMMUNITY

development of thethemes of global

world as the broadestlearning across,celebration for students

whole childsignificancecontext for learning

between and beyond

learning in-depth,

inclusive approachdisciplines

collaborative inquiry

IB Diploma Programme (DP) - Class of 2023
IB DP World Exams will take place from April 28 to May 19. We know that our students have put a lot of effort into their preparation; we wish
them success in their exams and great accomplishments.

The Diploma Programme (P): preparing students for success in

The IB Career-related Programme (CP): preparing students tohigher education and life in a global society

follow their chosen pathways in life

The D is an academically challenging and balanced programme of

The CP incorporates the vision and educational principles of theeducation with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to

IB into a unique programme specifically developed for students

19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to

who wish to engage in career-related learning. The CP' flexible

address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of

educational framework allows schools to meet the needs, backgroundstudents. The programme has gained recognition and respect fromand contexts of students. Each school creates its own distinct version

the world's leading universities.

of the CP.

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LEARNING IN THE LOWER SCHOOLMESSAGE FROM EARLY YEARS
Tina Mathers & Teighyn Austin

Grade 5 and 6 students recently had the opportunity to participate in a special cultural exchange lesson with Yoneda Elementary School
students on March 6th. The aim of the lesson was to broaden their understanding of different cultures and foster new friendships.

This month, the Montessori students delved deeper into their phonics studies andDuring the online session, our students had the pleasure of meeting with Yoneda students during their Japanese class time. Seven students

showed great enthusiasm in learning about the letter "Pp". They came up with anfrom Yoneda presented in English, showcasing the unique characteristics of their city and their local Tatsuyama stone. Meanwhile, six of ourimpressive array of words, so much so that our whiteboard couldn't contain them

Marist students presented in Japanese, sharing insights about their mother countries and diverse lifestyles.

all! Our Show and Tell sessions provided an excellent platform for the children to
showcase their interests and gain confidence in public speaking. From "P..p..p..panda!" - see photo! - to other fascinating topics, the children
did a wonderful job. We are proud of their progress and eagerness to learn.

Following the presentations, the students engaged in an enriching exchange of questions and comments, deepening their understanding ofeach other's cultures. The experience was truly meaningful and provided valuable opportunities for students to expand their worldviews andbuild lasting connections.

All aboard! Children also took part in Grade 1’s White Day Caring
Project and focussed on the theme “kind”. As a class, we learned
about the meaning of kindness and discussed ways to show kindness
to our friends and family. After this, we glued our message cards tothe train - what fun! We would like to express our gratitude to Grade
1 for their thoughtfulness in providing us with marshmallows!

World Math(s) Day
At morning assembly on Friday March 17 we recognized our top performers in World Math(s) Day for the 2022 - 2023 school year.
Class World Rank (in Year Group)
7th

MBIS Grade 2

14th

MBIS Grade 1

18th

MBIS Grade 3

Student World Rank (in Year Group)
26th

Ryota Nakashima (Grade 3)

62nd

Seiryu Tanaka (Grade 1)

70th

Miyu Matsune (Grade 2)

78th

Rio Isshiki (Grade 5)

85th

Ryoma Isshiki (Grade 2)

Congratulations to all participants and high place getters and thank you to the teachers for their assistance in facilitating the competition.
- Brad Jones

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9MESSAGE FROM GRADE 1
Mrs. Ito & Mrs. Yoon

“All Aboard”!!! Marist’s Caring Train Has Arrived!!!
The Grade 1 “Care Bears” had a special “Caring Train and White Day Project” for all of
the students from Montessori through Grades 1-6!!!
Every class was given a different “Kindness" theme for the project. They discussed what their theme means to them, and how they can put it
into action for the remainder of the school year. Everyone’s goal is to work together as a team to help make Marist a kinder place for all.
The class themes were: <Montessori> Kindness, <Kindergarten> Loving, <Grade 1> Caring, <Grade 2> Friendly, <Grade 3> Thoughtfulness,<Grade 4> Acceptance, <Grade 5> Encouragement, <Grade 6B> Courteous and <Grade 6K> Compassionate.

Grade 1 Care Bears delivering the “Caring Train” and explaining
bout the project to the Kindergarten class

The head conductors: Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Lipp and Mrs. Hanamura

Mrs. Lauralee Garson-Okamoto with Mrs. Ito and Mrs. Yoon by the “Caring Train”

Grade 1 Care Bears delivering the marshmallows to Grade 3

The Grade 1 students visited each class and delivered message cards to every student. All of the students from Montessori through Grades 1-6,
wrote on special message cards specific ways they show or do the kindness theme that they were given.
(Grade 1 Care Bears delivering the “Caring Train” and explaining about the project to the Kindergarten class)
The Grade 1 “Care Bears” made a super long “Caring Train” with 139 caring card messages glued on it. The “Caring Train” was hung in theelementary hallway for all to enjoy!! Our “Caring Train” is very special, because we can see everyone’s way of showing kindness and caring
here at Marist. We learned that there are many different ways to show caring!!!
The conductors of the train are the teachers of each classroom, with Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Lipp, and Mrs. Hanamura being the head conductors
who make sure the “Caring Train” is following the train track of caring and love in a timely manner and with safety.
On March 14, White Day, everyone was thrilled to receive a giant free marshmallow in a cutely decorated bag by the Grade 1 “Care Bears”.
The children and adults alike were smiling from ear to ear as they savored the marshmallow’s sweet flavor in every bite.
At Marist, all of the students will continue to work together to build kindness throughout our school and community! A BIG thank you to all for
their kindness and support!

Grade 1 Care Bears decorating 200 bags of giant marshmallows

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Marshmallows in cutely decorated bags by Grade 1

11LEARNING IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

Grade 1 Care Bears delivering the marshmallows to Montessori

Grade 1 Care Bears delivering the marshmallows to Grade 6B

Over the past few weeks, our class has been studying dystopian literature through the popular book, Divergent. We have been exploring thedifferent ideas and systems societies can be built on as well as comparing fictional societies to our own.
But learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom walls! We took the class outside with a fun game of capture the flag that emulated a scenefrom the novel. This game allowed students to work together and put into practice some of the lessons learned from Divergent. It was great tosee the students use teamwork and unique strategies all while having fun!
In addition to playing capture the flag, we asked students to exercise their creativity and create their own utopia. By thinking about what makesa perfect society, we aim for students to gain a deeper understanding of the themes explored in Divergent and other dystopian literature.We
were thrilled to see how our students expressed their ideas and creativity through these activities.

Mrs. Hanamura receiving her special marshmallow

Rion and Rin from Grade 2 enjoying the marshmallows

Mr. Whitney took a giant bite from his marshmallow
given by Tory.

Mr. Morioka is proud to receive his giant marshmallow from Grade 1 Care Bears.

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American Mathematics Competition (AMC)

ARTS DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER

At morning assembly on Friday March 17 we recognized our top in school performers in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) for
the 2022 - 2023 school year.

Spring has arrived, and with it comes a flurry of exciting events and accomplishments from ouramazing arts students! We are thrilled to report that February and March have been busy forour arts department, starting with the Jazz Band making a splash at the Hyogo Foreign Schools
Association Cultural Exchange on February 25th. Our Marist students performed brilliantly
alongside peers from 10 other local schools, showcasing their passion and skill in a truly
remarkable cultural exchange.
In addition, our Film classes have been hard at work creating captivating short films, withstudents utilizing their creativity and technical skills to tell engaging stories. Meanwhile, ourLower School Visual Art students have been getting their hands messy with clay and pastels,
exploring the endless possibilities of these tactile mediums and creating unique works of art.
We are also extremely proud of our Grade 12 IB students, who recently completed their Senior Showcase Exhibition at the beginning of

AMC8
Riko Nakashima

AMC10
1st

Minseo Eom

March. The opening reception held on March 4th was a great success, with students' hard work and dedication on display for all to see. Every

AMC12
1st

Yuma Ariga

piece on exhibition showed the impressive growth and creativity of these artists, and we congratulate them on their achievements.
1st

Riku Hamano
Komei Nagase

We encourage all members of our community to visit the February/March Arts Department Newsletter to read more about these and otherexciting events in our department. As always, we remain committed to providing a nurturing and creative environment for our students to

2nd

Akihiko Hirase

2nd

Sanay Bennur

2ndflourish, and we look forward to continued success in the months to come.
Best regards, The Arts Department - Link to the Arts Newsletter

Yuta Ueki

3rd

Jay Muto

3rd

Koki Tanaka

3rd

Momo Kihara

EP

Naoya Kitamura

EP

Kokomi Oshima
Hiro Hajinikitas
Avraham Grummer
Hidemoto Sato
Bo BaoSpruha Chudgar
Tylar WhiteEP

Rushi ShahMUN UPDATEMrigank Mookim

On February 23-24, Marist was delighted to hold their 36th annual Model United Nations. This was the first time in three years that theSanu Kawauchi

conference was able to invite guest schools and we were pleased to host seven schools from across Japan.

Kain Tazumi
EP = excellent performance

Congratulations to all participants and high place getters and thank you to the teachers for their assistance in facilitating the competition.
- Brad Jones

It was also the first time in Marist MUN history that the conference was held off campus. This year’s conference focused on a number ofimportant global issues including factory farming, militarization of space, young caregivers and “fast fashion”.
A strong Marist MUN leadership team headed by grade 12 student Sanay Bennur did an incredible job of organizing a smooth conference.
Marist delegates performed well and Marist’s very own Tomo Masutani was once again recognized for his strong diplomatic skills with an“Outstanding Delegate” award.
In the weeks to come, Marist students will attend the Yale Model United Nations in Taiwan followed by the WJMUN hosted by Fukuoka
International School.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & MAA
Junya Kobo

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaches, I am rarely at a loss for words to share with
our school community, as our teams consistently provide many stories of continuing success of our program.
Over the past 2 seasons our teams have brought home 14 trophies and now at the end of our 3rd season, ourteams have added to our current dilemma of our overflowing trophy cases!
Varsity Girls Soccer

Our high school boys placed 1st in the Silver Division of the Perry Cup held on the US Marine Base in Iwakuni, with Rui Shimono and Jin Ushio
receiving MVP awards, followed by a 3rd place finish at the WJAA Season Tournament in Nagoya the following weekend.
A heart breaking loss for our high school girls soccer team in the final seconds of the championship match at the WJAA Tournament inIwakuni, resulting in a 2nd place finish. MVP award winners were Juri Kubota and Sakurako Yamamoto.

A few weeks ago we were honored by a surprise visit by a number of alumni, and in particular some “athletes of the year” and also membersof the softball team throughout the years. We are blessed to all be part of a community with a strong sense of family and belonging, and as aresult we have a wonderful tradition of graduates who fly back to the nest to check in. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!

The middle school boys soccer teams showed great skill over many of their competitors and proudly represented our school with 3rd placefinishes for both A and B teams at the WJAA Tournament at Canadian Academy.
Our middle school girls won the 3rd place trophy at the WJAA Tournament hosted at home by our very own Marist Athletic Association.
Special mention to the B team who also participated in this tournament, having given the other A teams a run for their money with their very
aggressive and passionate style of play!

Athletes of the Year2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008

Varsity Boys Soccer

Middle School Boys B Team Soccer

Middle School Boys A Team Soccer

Middle School Girls Basketball

Varsity Girls Softball(back row) class of: 2020, 2013, 1988, 2020, 2015
(front row) class of: 2013, 2011, 2009, 2011, 2011

It is hard to believe that season 4 is already upon us. Good luck to all the teams and coaches!

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In addition to these events, MHS students also demonstrated their commitment to service by planting 400 baby eggplant trees on March 18 &MESSAGE FROM THE MHS / NHS

19. The students not only gained agricultural knowledge and skills but also supported the local farm in the process. This activity allowed them

Mio Ranni

to build relationships with their community and make a positive impact on the environment.

The month of March was an exciting time for the National Honor Society (NHS) and the Marist Brothers Honor
Society (MHS). Both societies took part in various activities that demonstrated their commitment to scholarship,leadership, character, and service.

These activities demonstrate the commitment of both the NHS and MHS students to scholarship, leadership, character, and service. We
would like to thank all the members of the Marist community who contributed to these events, making them successful and meaningful for the
students.

National Honor Society (NHS)
NHS candidates had the opportunity to share their experiences andreflections on the NHS pillars during a series of reflection speeches
held in Upper School homerooms throughout the month. This project
allowed students to showcase their leadership skills and share theirpersonal journeys with their peers.
Another significant event that took place in March was the Soroptimist
Charity Bazaar, organized by our sponsor, the International
Soroptimist Kobe. 26 G10 & 11 NHS students took part in the event,helping to run the bazaar and sell food and other items to raisemoney to support the empowerment of women around the world.
This event not only provided students with the opportunity to make apositive impact on their community but also allowed them to networkand build relationships with the Soroptimist staff and students fromother high schools.
Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS)The Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS) students also had a busy month of service and leadership activities. Throughout March, MHS
students worked together to clean all student desks after school, demonstrating their commitment to character and service.
On March 17, MHS students organized a farewell party for the senior students before they headed into the IB World Examinations. The event
was filled with fun activities, including dodgeball, tail tags, and a ball on a spoon race. The students also took the time to thank and appreciate
the seniors' contributions with a speech by Grade 11 Tsukika, while Grade 12 Yusei represented the senior students and thanked the younger
students. The event also included a surprise birthday celebration for Mr. Kobo, who has been a great supporter of MHS activities. A total of 24
graduates also came to support this surprise birthday celebration.

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIESMESSAGE FROM THE LIBRARY
Elbert Shitamoto
Block #2 of the After School Activities Program at Marist kicked off
on Monday, 27 March and it is fantastic to see students engaged
in a range of enrichment activities. Registration for ASAs is now
closed, but we will be planning an ASA Program for the 2023-2024
academic year, so check our website for updates.
marist.ac.jp/activities/

From the CultureGrams “About Us” page:
Since its beginnings in 1974, the aim of CultureGrams has been to foster understanding and appreciation of theworld's countries and peoples by creating and publishing concise, reliable, and up-to-date cultural content. Today the CultureGrams series is
one of the most trusted and widely used cultural reference and curriculum products in the education, government, and non-profit arenas.
The impetus for acquiring CultureGrams was my realization of how rapidly print information about countries and cultures becomes dated–
especially during this era of digital technology. In addition, a significant number of library books about countries were not being checked out,
and when they finally did get checked out, the information was often embarrassingly dated. In order to save library resources for more heavily
circulated items, we decided to acquire a reliable, regularly updated online subscription database that focuses upon countries and cultures. If
students/parents/teachers would like to request specific print books about countries/cultures, the library is prepared to add those books to thecollection. The library catalog (accessible through MBIS website’s “My Portal”) can be used to search for library resources about countries. If
you would like the library to add any book to the collection, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Shitamoto at shitamotoe@marist.ac.jp.
To access CultureGrams, please visit:
http://online.culturegrams.com/
Username: library1
Password: Marist1!
The link, username, and a password hint are available on the MBIS Library Catalog homepage.
After logging into CultureGrams, you will see this homepage:

World Edition is for middle school-age students and older.
Kids, U.S. States, and Canadian Provinces editions are for upper elementary school students.

"Science Club" - Slideshow

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“The World” page in Kids Edition:

Detailed information about the country can be accessed by clicking on topics in the left-hand column (for example, “Pharaohs and Their
Pyramids”):

Clicking on a continent opens up access to a map with links to those countries:

Every country article also includes an Infographic:
To learn more about CultureGrams, please visit the
CultureGrams FAQ page:https://online.culturegrams.com/main/openpdf.
php?filename=CultureGrams_FAQ

Clicking on a country opens up an article about the country:

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MESSAGE FROM THE PTA

STAFFING UPDATESMr. Jay Inman Joins the Team
Jay's life has been a journey of exploration and education, spanning across continents
and cultures. Born in the state of Indiana, USA, Jay's thirst for adventure led him to servein the US Air Force in the United Kingdom after completing high school. During his timein the military, Jay's love for science and teaching began to blossom, and he started
working on his Bachelor's Degree in Science Education, which he later received from
Indiana University upon returning to the U.S.
Jay's passion for physics and education continued to grow, and he spent six years
teaching Physics and Science in a local high school before embarking on his Master's
Degree in Physics, also from Indiana University. With over 25 years of teachingexperience under his belt, Jay has taught Physics in various countries, including theUnited States, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Mozambique. His teachingrepertoire includes the IB Diploma Program Physics, IB Middle Years Program in
Science, Advanced Placement, National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NZ),
and the U.S. Common Core.
Jay's dedication to STEM education extends beyond the classroom, as he has coached several STEM teams, including Science Olympiad,
SeaPerch/NZ AquaBots, and award winning students in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. He also served as Development Director for
WonderLab, a hands-on science center he helped develop in Bloomington, Indiana, showcasing his commitment to spreading the joy ofscience education beyond the confines of the classroom.
Jay's love for teaching and exploration is rivaled only by his love for his family. He has two children who live in New Zealand, with hisdaughter Molly serving as a NZ Police Constable in Nelson and his son Og working as a graphic designer in Wellington. Along with his wife
Maryanne and their cat Mr. Meowgi, Jay is thrilled to be moving to Kobe and eager to become a part of the vibrant MBIS community.
Athletic Director Appointment
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jason Mejia will be our new Athletic Director startingin August 2023. Mr. Mejia is beginning his 11th year at Marist and has been highly
involved in student athletics over his tenure, coaching a wide variety of sports - MS Soccer(Boys and Girls), HS Women's Soccer, HS Men's Volleyball, and HS Baseball.
He is a self confessed fanatic with a large passion for baseball (Go Angels!), andthoroughly enjoys watching, learning, and playing all kinds of sports. He also believes
that athletics plays a large role in developing our youth through social interactions,
physical expression, and team-building. As Marist moves into the future, he is looking
forward to developing new and exciting opportunities for the students while maintaining

The next PTA meeting will be held on Friday, 28 April from 15.15pm on the second floor of the annex building.

the legacy of his hard-working predecessor, Mr. Junya Kobo.

Before the PTA meeting (14.30pm - 15.15pm), the Academic Leadership Team will hold a coffee afternoon for all parents to attend.

He is excited to begin shaping the future of Bulldog Athletics! Go Bulldogs!

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The New Marist Athletic Association Moderator

MARIST SUPPORTERS

Thomas Stang has been teaching at Marist Brothers for the past 25 years. In that time,
he has taught Grade 3 and mostly Grade 5. Four years ago, he moved to the Upper

The MBIS community has a long tradition of giving. Every year, through events such as Marist Cafe, students, parents, faculty, and friends, comeSchool where he has been teaching Physical Education, Grade 7 Math, Grade 7 and 8

together 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.

Health, as well as an assortment of computer and religion classes. But what stirred his

It was that support that enabled us to grow and, after the 1995 earthquake, rebuild. We are forever grateful for these generous contributions ofinterest in taking over the role of the Marist Athletic Association Moderator (MAA) was his

funds, resources, and time. As a non-profit educational institution, every donation is reinvested into the growth of our students.

experiences working as the Elementary Activities Coordinator for the past 20 years. This
position included organizing school futsal tournaments that included as many as 6 other

The gift of your time can be even more valuable than financial support. MBIS celebrates extensive volunteer involvement of its parents in the schoolinternational schools. As well as a long running Elementary Intramural Program. These

community. Their time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm bring vibrancy to every event, whether for a class outing, a holiday festivity, a library task,

experiences helped him realize that having students involved in the planning and runningcoaching, or fundraising on behalf of the school. We also encourage parents to become actively involved in our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA),of these tournaments is both a great asset to the overall success of the tournaments and aor perhaps consider applying for a role on the Board of Trustees.

valuable and rewarding experience for all the students involved, including the players.
Please contact the Head of School, Mr. Shawn Hutchinson (hutchinsons@marist.ac.jp) if you are interested in volunteering at MBIS.
In addition, he has watched with respect and oftentimes awe, the work that Mr. Junya Kobo
has done with the MAA. He is a firm believer in the value of the program in assisting

When you make an outright cash donation to MBIS, your contribution can be put to work immediately – either providing funding for current

students in becoming well-rounded responsible citizens. He feels that their experiences inprograms or creating a reliable source of future income by expanding the school’s endowment. You are welcome to give a restricted donation

the MAA have been invaluable in helping students feel included, forming their sense of(towards a specific resource or fundraising campaign) or an unrestricted donation (allowing the school to use the funds where they are most needed

responsibility, and creating an enjoyable overall school experience, not just for themselvesat the time).

but for all of the students and faculty they serve. Although filling the large shoes of Mr.
Kobo is a daunting task, Mr. Stang hopes to guide the students to continue their great

Cash gifts are the simplest and easiest gifts you can make. Vist our website for more information.

work, dance, leadership and respect of their leaders for the coming years.

MARIST PROUDLY SUPPORTED BYUPCOMING EVENTS - APRIL
S

M

T

W

T

F

S

Good Friday Holiday

7(School Closed)

1
2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

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25

26

27

28

29

Montessori to Grade 12

13 - 14

Parent/Teacher
Conferences
IB Exams Begin

27(IB Exams are from April
27–May19)

ACCREDITATION AND AUTHORISATION

Drop off and Pick Up (North East side of the campus along Chimorigawa dori)This is a gentle reminder to parents who have been dropping off and picking up their children from school by car. The police have informed
us that the area in front of the Mission Building is a ‘No Parking’ area and drivers should not be parked for more than a couple of minutes.
This is particularly difficult during afternoon pick up, but we ask parents to cooperate with authorities and use this area as a brief drop off andpick up point.

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ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2022-2023
Semester Two

February 2023
S

M

T

W
1

5

6

7

8

T

F

2

3

9

10

S
4
11

11
13
14

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

23

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

23 - 24

26

27

28

March 2023

National Foundation Day
Founders Day Holiday

S

M

T

(School Closed)
Professional Development(No Classes)
Emperor’s Birthday Holiday(School in Session)
MUN Conference

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

April 2023
S

M

T

W

T

F

S
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1
7

Food Fair
Good Friday Holiday

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

27

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

29

S

14 - 16

IB Visit

20 - 24
21

Spring Equinox

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

Golden Week Holiday

W

T

F

S

3-5

1

2

3

4

5

6

3

Constitution Memorial Day

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

4

Grennery Day

5Children’s Day

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

17

NHS Induction Ceremony

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

19

28

29

30

31

(School Closed)

Founder’s Day(School in Session

20

Senior Graduation

24

Athletic Awards Ceremony
MHS Induction &25

June 2023

4(School Closed)

T

30

S

Spring BreakM(School Closed)

Conferences

9

WASC Visit

May 2023

Montessori to Grade 12
13 - 14

5-9

M

5

T

6

W

7

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

July 2023

2

MAA BBQ

12 - 14Upper School Final Exams

13

Montessori Graduation
Elementary Awards and143

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

20

Summer School Begins

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

Academic Awards
Ceremony

14

Summer School Ends

17

Marine Day

1
2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

School Holiday

30

Term Starts and Ends

Japanese Public Holiday

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School