MONTHLY
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MISSION

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S M T W T F S
We educate students in a nurturing community where relationships
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and meaningful connections are valued and celebrated. Our
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gain knowledge, communicate effectively, develop exceptional
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SundayMondaycharacter, and become
WednesdayThursdayresponsible citizens
Fridayof a global society.
SaturdayWe inquire into the world around us through rigorous academic

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

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9 G9-11 Semester 2 Exams 10 G7-11 Class Excursions

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OUR MOTTO
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MOTIVATE

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BELIEVE

Together we can change the world30

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relationships provide opportunities to excel in our areas of interestchangein our local
globalWe are a
Day for Students
Teacher’s
Last Daycommunities.
11 G6 Graduation and affect
12 Last13 and14(Half Day)
Summer School Prep
Upper School
personal,
Early Years
Farewell social, and emotional support help build
Academic Awardsschool where

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Follow our lead as we pursue our dreams

End-of-Year Assembly

encourages leadership, and respects the values and unifying

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traditions
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From Japan to the rest of the world

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VALUES
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EXCELLENCE: Make excellence and quality a part of each day andseek continuous improvement in all that we do.

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

SUCCEED

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global perspectives. We are a school that embraces diversity,

PARTNERSHIPS: Build sustainable and meaningful partnerships,

INSPIRE8

We are a school where exceptional personal character and strong

Learning is a life-long journey
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VISION
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CARE: Be a person of good character who is responsible,
respectful, reflective, and acts to make the world a better place.

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Shawn Hutchinson

As we approach the end of another enriching school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the activities and achievementsthat have taken place during the month of May. This month has been filled with opportunities for our students to engage, learn,
and celebrate their successes as they prepare for a well-deserved summer vacation.
May provided our students with a range of exciting activities, including the Lower School Beach Excursions. These outings allowed
our younger students to explore and enjoy nature while fostering a sense of community and adventure. Additionally, our studentathletes showcased their talents and teamwork in the End of Season Baseball and Softball Tournaments. Their dedication andsportsmanship were truly inspiring, and we are proud of their efforts and achievements.
This month also marked a significant milestone for our Grade 12 students as they completed their IB Diploma Programme external
examinations. This rigorous academic journey has prepared them well for the future, and we commend them for their hard work,
perseverance, and commitment to excellence.
In May, we also had the privilege of celebrating Founder’s Day, a time to honor the legacy of the Marist Brothers. The Marist
Brothers’ dedication to faith, love, and service has been the foundation of our school’s values and mission. During the Founder’sDay assembly, we renewed our commitment to the principles our founders held dear—humility, simplicity, and family spirit.
Reflecting on the stories of our founders reminded us of the enduring power of compassion, perseverance, and community.
These values continue to shape our school’s identity and guide our path forward.
The month of May was also a time to acknowledge and celebrate the academic, sporting, leadership, and service-learningachievements of our students. The Marist Honor Society Awards Ceremony recognized students who have excelled in theiracademic pursuits. Special thanks to Ms. Mio Ranni for her leadership and dedication in moderating and guiding these
exceptional students.
Our sporting events were supported throughout the year under the diligent efforts of the Marist Athletics Association. We extend
our gratitude to Mr. Jason Mejia and Mr. Tom Stang for their unwavering commitment to fostering athletic excellence and teamwork
among our students. The culmination of these efforts was celebrated in the Marist Athletics Association Awards, where theachievements of our student-athletes were recognized.
The Senior Graduation Ceremony was a memorable occasion where our senior students officially graduated from high school.
This milestone event, led by Mr. Derek Lipp, was a testament to the hard work and determination of our students and the supportof our dedicated faculty and supportive parents.
As we approach the final weeks of this school year, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire Marist Brothers International
School community—students, parents, teachers, and staff. Your support, dedication, and passion for education have made thisyear a memorable and successful one.
As we prepare for the upcoming summer break, I wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable time. We look forward towelcoming you back for another exciting school year filled with new opportunities and continued growth.

2Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Jun Yamaguchi

We would like to thank the entire Marist school community for responding to the School Climate Surveys as feedback andresponses from you provide us with additional information and insights to assist with the process of continuous school-wide
improvement.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY
HEAD OF SCHOOL / HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Derek LippThank you to all students, parents, staff and faculty who celebrated the Class of 2024 at the Graduation Ceremony on 25 May. It
was a wonderful afternoon and made better by your attendance. We wish the Senior Class of 2024 all the best for what lies ahead
for them and look forward to seeing you all at school some time again in the future.
In early April we received a lovely message from a runner in the Kobe Marathon which was held in November last year. The
runner explained that the Kobe Marathon was his 134th marathon. A number of our students wrote messages of support to therunners and do so every year. The runner was very appreciative of the message he received and still has the card. Thank you toHaruhi Hayashi for taking the time to write the message and all our other students who wrote messages of support to the runners.
Semester Two examinations will be held for Grade 9-11 students from June 6 - 10. Students should prepare for the examinations
by:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Following the study guide they have received from teachers
Prepare a study schedule
Ask teachers for help if they are unsure of something
Get enough sleep, eat healthily and continue to exercise.

We wish the students all the best for these examinations.
The Upper School Academic Awards Ceremony will be held on 10 June, 2024, not 12 June as originally advertised.
Although the last few weeks of school will be very busy it promises to be very rewarding and we look forward to celebrating all of
the students' successes.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura

Our most recent Founder's Day was a truly lovely occasion, highlighted by the presence of a very special guest, Ms. Agnes
Reyes, the East Asia Province Coordinator. During our assembly, Ms. Reyes delivered an inspiring speech on what it means to be
Marist, in her powerful message: "I am Marist, You are Marist, We are Marist." Her words planted the seed of Marist identity in allof us, prompting both students and teachers to reflect on this concept.
In response to Ms. Reyes' speech, our entire school community engaged in an activity to express their personal interpretations ofwhat it means to be Marist. As I read through these reflections, a clear picture emerged: our students feel supported, recognizingthat Marist students and staff are caring individuals who contribute to a family-like environment. This welcoming atmosphere issomething that everyone looks forward to each and every day.
Moreover, these reflections highlighted that embodying our school's values is not only a daily practice but also an honor. We
extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making Founder's Day special, especially to Agnes Reyes for her inspiring
words, and most importantly, to the founder of the Marist Brothers, Marcellin Champagnat.
Additionally, our Student Council (StuCo) had the unique opportunity to meet with Ms. Reyes. They asked insightful questions andlearned about how Marist students around the world engage with their local and global communities. The idea of connecting withother Marist students in the future is exciting and opens up new possibilities for our students to broaden their horizons.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

5MESSAGE FROM THE IBDP COORDINATOR
Gunseli Yuksel

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP)The MBIS MYP consultation visit took place on May 30th and 31st.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)IB DP Year 2 students celebrated the end of May 2024 exam session on May 17. We hope that the two years of hard work pay off
and that every one of our students receives the well-deserved results.

Many of you may have heard the speculations about the exam leakage. I would like to share with you the message that the IBcommunicated to the community.
04 May 2024
The IB is aware of speculation that aspects of May 2024 exam content have been shared online by students.
In response to the significant amount of misinformation currently circulating online, we would like to reassure our community thatstudents will receive valid, recognized and meaningful results.
To date, there is no evidence of widespread cheating and we are confident that this activity remains at the fringes of what isotherwise a standard exam session.
We have taken immediate action to investigate the claims and have discovered a very small number of students appear to haveengaged in online “time zone cheating”. Time zone cheating occurs when students who have completed their examinations sharewhat they can recall from memory about the exam questions on social media before other students take the examination.
We are acutely aware that IB students around the world have worked tirelessly to be ready to sit their exams and have held
themselves to the highest of academic standards, and we are taking active steps to ensure that the integrity of the remainder of theexam session remains intact.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM THE WHOLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Taeko Sakurai
Puberty Class Report
This month, we conducted puberty education classes for Grades 4 to 8. The school counselor assisted in supporting students'
mental health as part of these lessons. Here is a report on the activities.

Grade 4 & 5 Classes
In a 45-minute health class, we introduced physical and emotional changes during puberty using our health textbook "Harcourt
Health and Fitness" and some videos. We also covered important topics such as hygiene, emotional well-being, and self-care.
These lessons are crucial for developing self-management skills and confidence for students entering puberty.
Grade 6 Classes
For Grade 6 students, we organized more comprehensive health and puberty classes over two mornings. The sessions wereconducted separately for boys and girls. Mr. Pilgrim addressed the boys, and Ms. Sakurai addressed the girls, covering topics
like reproductive anatomy and physiology, sex and gender, changes during puberty, menstruation and hygiene, and conception.
The information provided was tailored to the developmental stage of Grade 6 students, explaining conception and pregnancy
in an age-appropriate manner. Each class included time for answering students' questions and opportunities for them to ask
anonymously.
We used the book "It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health" by Robie H. Harris. This
comprehensive textbook on puberty and health was given to students to take home. The book is also available in our library.
Additionally, we utilized the YouTube channel AMAZE Org as part of our classes, which can also be a useful resource for parents.
Grade 7 Classes
Grade 7 sexual health classes were conducted by Mr Stang and assisted by Ms Sakurai as part of health education. Although
there was some overlap with the Grade 6 content, these classes included more advanced topics like the reproductive system,
puberty changes, intercourse, conception, pregnancy and birth, gender and sexuality, decision-making, and hygiene. Considering
students' varied levels of prior knowledge, we provided a comprehensive program.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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Grade 8 Classes
Grade 8 sexual health classes were conducted by Mr Stang. They covered puberty changes, intercourse, conception, pregnancy
and birth, gender and sexuality, decision-making, hygiene, sexually transmitted illnesses, and how to prevent them.
Diversity and Acceptance
Another key theme of our lessons was understanding that everyone is different. We emphasized that there is no right or wrong
way to grow and that everyone has personal preferences, and we provided opportunities to think about diversity and acceptance.
Student Engagement and Future Implementation
Students participated enthusiastically, sometimes giggling with embarrassment but generally engaging seriously and asking
questions. Most of them seemed to understand the content well. We also distributed samples of sanitary products and Japanesebooklets on menstruation to Grade 5 and 6 girls. These booklets contain detailed explanations with photos of various types ofsanitary products available in Japan, which can be very helpful.
These puberty lessons are a first step in helping students understand themselves and build healthy lifestyles and relationships.
Puberty is a time of many changes, and it is important for children to have accurate knowledge and appropriate support in orderto make wise choices. We encourage parents to discuss these topics openly at home and create an environment where children
feel safe to express their questions and concerns.

8Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Hulya Park

Unlock Your Potential This Summer: Exploring Your Opportunities*Written by Momo Kihara (Grade 11) as part of her role as Guidance Office Assistant for her CAS work.
As the 2023-2024 academic year comes to a close, the excitement of summer break is building up. Many of us are thinking about
how to make the most of our extended break. This is the perfect moment to gain experiences that fit your academic or careergoals and boost your resume.
Internships are an incredible way to dive into the professional world and discover various career paths that might fit you. Virtualinternships, like those offered by Forage and Springpod, provide opportunities to experience day-to-day tasks in fields like
software engineering, marketing, and finance. These programs, offered by leading companies and institutions, allow you to tackle
real-world business challenges from the comfort of your home, providing a convenient way to enhance your resume.
If you're interested in getting a sneak peek into university life or specific courses before making any commitments, Springpod alsooffers online courses in collaboration with prestigious universities. Building connections with professors in advance could enhanceyour personal statements and university applications.
Those who learn best through hands-on experience can consider joining in-person internships available through platforms like
InvestIN. These internships offer you the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a doctor, engineer, or business leader for acouple of days. With this practical experience, you can test if a specific career is the right fit for you.
If you have a passion for volunteering, Volunteer HQ offers a variety of opportunities both locally and abroad. These opportunities
allow you to make a meaningful contribution to society and provide a platform to gain skills that will benefit your personal growth.
It's a win-win situation where you can make a difference for people while experiencing personal growth.
For those considering a medical career, Premed Projects offers placements in hospitals, where you can shadow doctors andimmerse yourself in the medical field firsthand.
This summer, take advantage of these incredible opportunities to grow, explore, and discover what you're truly passionate about!
There are more websites available that offer a variety of opportunities for high school students.
1. Uptree — This site focuses on bridging the gap in the UK by helping students (aged 16-21) engage with a free professional
networking platform designed to help you get started in the world of work to begin your dream career.
2. Pathways to Science — This site offers STEM opportunities, including a range of internships, summer programs, andresearch positions for high school students, including those at universities and research institutions.
3. TeenLife — This site provides a wide range of opportunities, including internships, summer programs, and volunteer
placements, specifically for the high school age group. It offers both local and overseas opportunities.
4. Global Leadership Adventures — This site recruits high school students for volunteer programs that provide service
learning and leadership training in countries around the world.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

9Links to previous events
Alumni Mentorship Program: Our last session of the academic year was with Micheal Ranni from the Class of 2022. Micheal is
studying Information Science at the International Christian University (ICU) in Japan.
You can access the recording here.
US College Applications Session: On May 29th, we had an online session on ‘US College Applications’. Our guest speaker,
experienced guidance counselor Mrs. Andi O’Hearn, provided us with more insight on ‘What US colleges are looking for’.
You can access the recording here.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MESSAGE FROM ADMISSIONS & MARKETING
Miki Kobayashi

Admissions Team at Open Apply Workshop
In our ongoing effort to enhance our admissions process, the Marist Admissions Team attended a workshop at The British Schoolin Tokyo, focused on utilizing the Open Apply platform. The use of OA, which Marist implemented in late 2022, has transformed
our admissions process by moving from a paper-based to a fully online system. Prospective families can book school tours,
which we offer twice daily, fill out applications, upload grade reports, send recommendation forms (Marist format) directly to theirteachers, and even have interviews online if they are not yet in the Kansai area. The workshop provided us with training on latest
features and techniques to improve data management and enhance communication with prospective families.
During the workshop, the team connected with admissions officers from over 30 international schools in Japan and around theworld. This networking opportunity allowed us to share and gather valuable information on various aspects of the admissions
process, including application requirements, the evaluation process, utilizing OA’s features for marketing, and general applicant
trends.
One notable trend many schools, including Marist, have observed is a growing interest from mainland China. We have so far
accepted 7 students from China to start with us in August 2024. We continue to attract diverse students from around the globe
and have currently accepted over 80 new students representing 18 different nationalities for the 2024-2025 school year.
We are excited about the positive changes OA allows us to bring and hope to implement new strategies gained from theworkshop. Thank you to all the faculty and staff who continually support Admissions, stopping to greet and chat with families
touring our campus and inviting them into the classrooms. Our community, care, and learning environment leave a lasting
impression, helping families feel confident about choosing Marist Brothers.
Marist Brothers featured in Open Apply Case Study: https://www.openapply.com/case-studies/marist-brothers-international-school

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL
May has been a transitionary month for the student council. We recently bid farewell to our senior members Alex Hur, Sivaranjani
Ganesan, Aaryan Bhasin, Rina Okazaki, Mrigank Mookim, Yi Xuan Cui, and Nanasei Kyi and wished them the best of luck as they
graduate and move forward in their lives. Additionally, at the end of last month, we held executive elections and the upper school
voted on their executive team for 2024-2025, resulting in Amritha Kamath as President, Minseo Eom as Vice President, Kousei
Mogami as secretary and Yoonseo Eom as treasurer. The class representatives for the next year were also chosen in elections thatwere held in their respective homerooms.
Student Council Executive

Amritha Kamath
President

Minseo Eom
Vice-president

Kousei Mogami
Secretary

Yoonseo EomTreasurer

Class of 2029 Representatives are:Isabella FarleighAiri Inada

Class of 2028 representatives are:Spruha Chudgar

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Shione Inui

Jooahn Moon

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Class of 2027 representatives are:Giuliano Tempesta

Riku Hamano

Jazz Clarey

Tim Selzer

Kota Kasagi

Kosei Tei

Jay Muto

Class of 2026 representatives are:Haruhi Hayashi

Class of 2025 representatives are:Sehej Chadha

The student council hopes to create an exciting and enjoyable year for the students full of fun events and campaigns with the goalof improving the overall marist experience. We hope to act as a bridge between the students and the faculty and increasing bonds
between the different grade levels and we look forward to the upcoming year.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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UPPER SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES(GRADES 7 – 12) SCIENCEJay Inman

In the bustling corridors of MBIS, vibrant displays of scientific inquiry and creativity have taken shape. Students in grades 7
through 9 have embarked on an educational journey, transforming blank canvases into colorful, informative wall posters that delve
into complex scientific concepts.
Grade 7 students have focused their artistic and scientific prowess on creating detailed posters about Earthquake Sensors. These
young scientists have not only explored the technological mechanisms behind these sensors but have also examined their crucialrole in disaster preparedness and mitigation. The detailed diagrams and interactive elements included in these posters help makethe intricate technology understandable at a glance, demonstrating the students' deep engagement with the topic.
Moving up to Grade 8, the students tackled the profound and perennial question of the Origins of Life on Earth. Their posters
are a patchwork of scientific theories, each illustrating different hypotheses about how life might have begun. From the primordialsoup theory to the latest advancements in astrobiology, these presentations offer a comprehensive overview of the scientificcommunity's quest to understand our very beginnings.
Grade 9 students, under the guidance of their peers Touma Miller, Kokomi Oshima, and Tomoko Senda, have reached evenfurther into the cosmos with their exploration of The Big Bang and the origins of our universe. Their infographics are not only
visually striking but packed with data that captures the immensity and mystery of the universe's first moments. These posters serve
as a gateway to understanding the fundamental aspects of cosmology, engaging viewers with timelines, celestial images, andexplanations of cosmic background radiation.
At MBIS, our MYP Science approach is to make learning a dynamic and interactive experience, encouraging students to engage
deeply with subject matter and present their understanding in creative ways. These projects not only help students learn about
scientific facts and theories but also aids them in developing crucial skills such as research, teamwork, and communication.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

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MESSAGE FROM THE GRADE 2
Julie Sugiuchi and Venus Yoon
The Guest Speaker Week
In Grade 2, some of our parents volunteered to be our guest speakers to discuss their jobs, share their experiences, and leadactivities that students could participate in to better understand their professions. We had three different guest speakers this weekof May 27: a Japanese dessert artisan, a photographer, and a dentist.
We heard about their lives, why they chose their careers, learned some basic information about their jobs, and got hands-on
experience.
On the first day, Mrs. Chung taught us how to make Warabi Mochi, a traditional Japanese dessert.

On the second day, Mr. Kanagawa showed us how to take photos with intention.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolOn the last day, Mr. Ushijima taught us how to brush well to keep our teeth clean and healthy, the importance of oral hygiene andhealthy eating habits.

Inviting parents to be guest speakers in our Grade 2 class offered invaluable benefits. Not only does it establish a directconnection between classroom learning and the real world, but it also inspires students by showcasing the diverse array of careersavailable to them. Parents serving as role models demonstrate the rewards of hard work and dedication, instilling in students thebelief that they too can achieve their dreams.

Moreover, the personal connection students have with the speakers
encourages open dialogue and deeper understanding. Through this exposure
to various professions, students begin to explore their own interests andaspirations, laying the groundwork for future career exploration. This initiative
not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a sense ofcommunity and partnership between home and school, enhancing student
engagement and learning outcomes.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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MESSAGE FROM THE ARTS DEPARTMENT
Rebecca Carter

During February and March, the Grade 4 and Grade 7 & 8 Visual Arts classes explored the fascinating realms of photography
and digital art. Throughout our lessons, students explored various techniques and concepts relating to photography, learning toharness and express their unique perspectives and creativity through this medium. The Arts Department was thrilled to submit acollection of student photos from these classes to the 7th Annual Kyotographie Student Photography Competition.
Kyotographie, known for its long-standing annual photography art festival held in Kyoto, has an annual student competition
dedicated to supporting Arts Education, particularly in exploring photography as an art form. This competition offered students
in the Hyogo, Kyoto, and Osaka areas a platform to showcase their artistic insights and photography skills. Mr. Petersen and Ms.
Carter were delighted to witness the creativity and skill displayed in each submission, reflecting the dedication and passion of ouramazing student artists.
With permission, we submitted around 30 pieces of artwork from our Marist students. We are proud to announce that threeof our students, Hiyori Hemmi (G4), Rikka Onodera (G4), and Mira Bacchilega (G8) were selected as one of the 50 finalists,
an exceptional achievement celebrated at the awards ceremony held in Kyoto on May 5. Their works, alongside those of othertalented student artists from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, contributed to the dynamic showcase of artistic diversity at the Kyotographie
festival.
Thank you for continuing to support our students' creative journeys at Marist!

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MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Jason Mejia

The final events of the 23-24 athletic season drew to a close this month with our Varsity WJAA Tournaments; the Bulldogs looked
to, once again, leave their marks as they contended for the top spots.
The men headed to Nagoya, where they had to reach deep to pull out a come-from-behind win against the Dolphins. They
followed that up with a tantalizingly close loss to Osaka. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs needed help to earn the spot in theChampionship game, which they didn’t get, setting up a rematch against Nagoya for 3rd place.
A tough game ensued, one which found the Bulldogs constantly within striking distance heading into the bottom of the final inning.
Though they threatened, the men were unable to push across the tying run, but not for a lack of effort. Congratulations to theVarsity Men on their 4th place finish!

The Lady Bulldogs matched up well throughout their pool play,earning a second-seed for the elimination rounds on Saturday.
They were pitted against a tenacious Sabers team, and thegame did not disappoint. A back-and-forth contest ensued,
but eventually the Bulldogs took the lead heading into the final
inning, 6 - 4. They valiantly fended off Osaka, earning a return
trip to the championship game against the CA Falcons.

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In a rematch of last year’s championship, the Falcons struck
first, hoping to put the Bulldogs on their heels and the wind outof their sails.
However, the ladies recognized a bark with no bite, remaining
focused and determined through the middle of the game.
Eventually the Bulldogs strung together a series of hits, making
it rain heavily on the Falcon defense, and took a 7-3 lead.
Staving off a relentless assault from the Falcons, the ladies put
on a defensive clinic, showcasing near perfect softball on their
way to repeat as WJAA Softball Champions! Congratulations to
the Varsity Women and Coach Ranni!

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolAs we head into summer, I wanted to give my sincerest thanks to everyone who made my first year as Athletic Director memorable.
Thank you first to Administration - Mr. Derek Lipp and Mr. Shawn Hutchinson - for the guidance and support from the beginning.
Thank you also to the administrative staff who handled all of the phone calls, ordering, catering, reservations, etc. - Ms. Yo
Ikenishi, Ms. Miho Tempesta, and Ms. Fujiko Kobayashi.
A very sincere thank you to all of our coaches this year, Mr. Stang, Mr. Sakae, Ms. Kuhl, Ms. Kobayashi (the Miki version),
Mr. Hill, Ms. Park, Mr. Hutchinson, Brother Allen, Mr. Fujiyama, Ms. Hill, Ms. Hoshiyama, Mr. Geddes, Mr. Pilgrim, Mr.
Ranni, and Mr. Whitney. Without your tireless efforts and dedication, we would not have had as wonderful a year as we did.
Congratulations on your successes, both individually and as a team - they would not have been possible without you.
And a special thank you to all of the students who participated throughout the year. With 400 participants throughout the year, it
truly shows how important the program is to each of you and your daily humor, quirky demeanor, and enthusiasm makes the days
extremely enjoyable.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

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MARIST TENNIS CLUB

Venus Yoon and Yumiko Takagi
Our Marist Tennis Club had its final session on May 30th before the summer break. All 23 students completed a fantastic
year. We've grown so much together, not only physically, but we've also built a strong sense of team spirit, friendship, andcamaraderie.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolWe are very proud to have been part of the tennis club since January 2023.
As the tennis club is only for elementary students, we had to say goodbye to our Grade 6 students: Kate, Hana, Una, Rio, Kisato
and Marisa. As sixth graders, they always helped the younger students and became leaders in our club. We are very sad to seethem go, but we know we will continue to see them at school and strengthen our friendships.

After the session, we had an end-of-year and farewell party. It was truly special because many parents came to show their support
for our club. We are building the tennis club together. We will have some openings next school year and look forward to seeing
you there!

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Goal
• The goal of Marist Tennis Club is to connect the students in different grades and strengthen the school community through thelove of tennis!
• Also as our Marist mission, in the Marist Tennis Club, we focus on our students gaining knowledge, communicating effectively,
developing good character and becoming responsible citizens of a global society with our core values such as caring!
• We believe that we are helping to prepare them to be responsible, confident and caring citizens in the world!
• Marist Tennis Club offers professional tennis lessons on the tennis court, along with other tennis fitness training including
strength and conditioning exercises to develop aerobic and anaerobic capacity, strength, flexibility and speed.

24Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolSERVICE LEARNING ACHIEVEMENTS
Mio Ranni

National Honor Society (NHS)The Marist Brothers International School Chapter of the National Honor Society held its Induction Ceremony on Wednesday,
May 15th, in the gym. Ten candidates from Grades 10 to 12—Kokona Kuroda, Momo Kihara, Minseo Eom, Yoonseo Eom,
Haruhi Hayashi, Jaanya Javeri, Amritha Kamath, Michelle Ranni, Rushi Shah, and Karen Tamayama—demonstrated their dedication
by meeting the rigorous requirements of academic excellence and completing a minimum of 25 hours of community service
throughout the year. In front of Upper School students, parents, and faculty members, they pledged to uphold the values ofscholarship, leadership, character, and service to the community. Congratulations to the newly inducted members of the NHS!

Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS)
After harvesting onions from the farm in Nishi-ku, MHS students donated a total of 30 kg to our school cafeteria and the Kobe
Central Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Sannomiya on May 2. We hope everyone enjoyed the freshness of these locallygrown onions in their school lunches! The Catholic church plans to use these onions for their upcoming soup kitchen, which they
host three times a week in Sannomiya.

Our MHS Charity Committee organized a shaved ice stand during the first week back from Golden Week, from May 1 to 3. Thisinitiative was aimed at supporting an organization called Peace Wanko in Hiroshima, which rescues, feeds, and trains stray andabandoned dogs, facilitating their adoption into new homes. Thanks to this organization, no dogs have been euthanized in gas
chambers in Hiroshima for over 2,957 days (information taken from their website, as of May 6, 2024). To raise awareness ofanimal rights and support the dog rescue efforts, the charity committee members set up a shaved ice stand during lunchtime andafter school to raise funds. In total, 14,300 JPY was raised, and this profit will soon be sent to the organization. We extend our
gratitude to all the students and teachers who purchased shaved ice to support this charitable cause.

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To celebrate the end of the school year and recognize the outstanding service work both within the school and in the local
community, MHS hosted an award ceremony on May 15th. The ceremony commenced with the recognition of MHS Juniorstudents, followed by the introduction of Grade 7 and 8 Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club members, who were presented withcertificates of membership.

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Subsequently, over 100 members of MHS gathered before parents and faculty as Tsukika Yoneda, MHS/NHS president, delivereda welcoming address. Senior students were then acknowledged, with Treasurer Sehej Chadha expressing gratitude in a heartfelt
speech. The ceremony proceeded with the presentation of outstanding service awards by the nine committee heads, with thefollowing students receiving certificates. Congratulations to all!
Outstanding Service Award:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Promotion Committee Award - Rajiv Khemaney
Education Committee Award - Tomoko Senda
Fundraising Committee Award - Divit Bhojwani
Entertainment Committee Award - SeongJun Shin
In-School Service Committee Award - Jazz Clarey
Community Event Committee Award - Kaito Osawa
S.E.E.D. Committee Award - Risako Miyawaki
Charity Committee Award - Shin Murasaki
MHS Junior Committee Award - Rushi Shah

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Momoe Ishibashi, MHS vice president, delivered a speech on the Teacher of the Year Award for the current school year, anhonor determined by votes from the entire Upper School student body. This year, Mr. Mark Deyss received the trophy and wascelebrated for his exceptional dedication.
the ceremony drew to a close, the newly selected leadershipteam consisting of 13 members (students list shown below) for
the upcoming year was announced. Kouki Mogami, the current
Secretary of MHS and incoming President, shared his vision for
the upcoming year in a speech.
MHS extends sincere gratitude to all students, parents, faculty
members, administrators, and supporters from the local
community who kindly helped our service activities throughout
the year. We remain committed to making meaningful
contributions to society through continued service activities in
the upcoming year.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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Charity Committee - Shin Murasaki
Community Event Committee - Rinne Kobayashi
Entertainment Committee - Jazz Clarey
Education Committee - SeongJun Shin
Fundraising Committee - Jin Ushio
In-School Service Committee - Taiho Yoneda
MHS Junior Committee - Michelle Ranni
Promotion Committee - Lisa Tempesta
SEED Committee - Rushi Shah

Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

On May 29, the new leadership team participated in the "MHS Leadership Orientation" after school to prepare for the upcoming
year. The orientation began with a discussion on three key words essential for successful leadership: "Presence," "Ownership,"and "Recognition." The leaders reflected on the past year and emphasized the importance of not only attending all service
activities but also being actively involved in other school events. They recognized the need to support the entire school community
as leaders and to take ownership of the school's well-being. Additionally, they discussed the importance of recognizing others'
contributions, expressing gratitude, and carefully observing situations to offer help when needed. After the discussion, theteam engaged in various activities, including team-building exercises, reviewing handbooks, organizing their yearly calendar,
understanding each member's roles and responsibilities, understanding how to write polite emails, and setting committee goals.
Each committee then presented their goals to the group.
At the end of the orientation, the team set their goal for the upcoming school year: "We will build strong connections throughour passion for helping others and enjoying service, feeling fulfilled in our school environment, being acknowledged for ourcontributions, and ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all members of the MHS and the wider community.” The leadership team is
now ready for the new school year and looks forward to welcoming everyone into the organization. They are committed to making
the world a better place and are excited about another successful year ahead.

Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club (KKBC)On May 12th, members of the Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club gathered in Rokko Island for a Lemonade Stand event, aiming to raise
funds in support of Child Chemo House. The newly formed Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club, comprising middle school students from
MBIS, CA, and KIA, collaborated to make a positive impact on the community. Our students had fun collaborating and working
together with students from other schools. To aid Child Chemo House, a facility that provides accommodation for children
and their families undergoing cancer treatment, our students diligently prepared and sold lemonade for 100 yen per glass.
Additionally, they distributed flyers to raise awareness and garner support for this worthy cause. Through their efforts, a totalof 135,450 JPY was raised during the event. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals from Marist who purchased
lemonade and supported this important initiative. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those in need.

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The Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club members are diligently preparing for an upcoming event scheduled to take place in Rokko Islandon Sunday, June 23rd. The event aims to educate younger students about plastic pollution in the ocean by teaching them how tomake microplastic accessories. It will be held at the RIC Gallery on the third floor of Rokko Island Kobe Fashion Mart.
Students ranging from 5 years old to Grade 6 are welcome to participate in the event, with each session priced at 500 yen.
Members of the Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club will guide participants through the process of crafting accessories while also
providing valuable education on beach and ocean cleanup efforts. In preparation for the event, members of the MBIS Kiwanis
Club are busy creating promotional materials, going to Lower School morning homerooms to advertise the event, organizing craft
supplies, and developing dioramas and posters to raise awareness about plastic pollution on a global scale. Online sign-up isavailable via the poster provided. We look forward to welcoming many attendees to this important event as we work together tocombat plastic pollution and protect our oceans.

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CAS Projects
Congratulations to the Grade 11 and 12 students who have completed their CAS Project this month. Below shows a summary andreflection of their completed project.
House Team Uniform Project (written by Mrigank Mookim)
Five grade 12 students Richard Li, Mahir Modi, Mrigank Mookim, Maksym Sydorov, and Kaio Tamayama finished their CAS
Project. After 18 months of meeting, surveying, designing, creating, and advertising, we were finally able to conclude our aimof revamping the school's athletic uniforms, especially the house shirts and other sports uniforms. We started off the project bysketching and creating sample designs for the house shirts, P.E. uniform, and the Marist Cap. Then, we sent out surveys to mostof the students to gather information about design improvements and preferences. After meeting with the administration andfinalizing designs, we moved on to contacting the school's uniform manufacturer and other apparel companies. With the help of
our HR and Finance Manager, Mrs. Fujiko Kobayashi, we were able to obtain excellent samples for the house shirts; however, due
to the companies' constant supply of mediocre samples of the P.E. tracksuit and house caps, we were unable to finalize a sample
for these two products.
In conclusion, the house shirts were successfully produced and the samples were worn by the house captains on Sports Day. We
heard positive feedback and inquiries from people regarding how and where to buy these house shirts. We are glad that we wereable to contribute to Marist's culture by creating these uniforms. We especially appreciate the help of Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Lipp,and Mrs. Ranni for their guidance during this project.

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Prom Project (written by Hanan Nagase)For our CAS project, Rinne Kobayashi, Sara Koda and Hanan Nagase from Grade 11 hosted the school prom at Marcus Square
Kobe on May 18. Prom is a big dance party hosted for high school students from Grades 10 to 12, where students dress
beautifully in suits and dresses and enjoy the night. This year’s prom was “Beauty and the Beast” themed, where the venue was
nicely decorated with roses, candles, clocks, and books. The purpose of the prom was to entertain students from their busy school
work, and to celebrate the end of the senior’s final ib world exams and their farewell.
Our journey of this prom project began in September, first by preparing a proposal to get our project approved by the school inorder to be able to host the school prom. This included looking for possible venues we could use, and coming up with possible
dates we could host the prom without interference with other activities. After the prom project was approved, we contacted andactually went to several venues until we found a venue that was open on the day, affordable, and was a good fit for our big event.
To raise funds, we did frequent bake sales and snack sales during lunch time. Frequent data collection such as food allergies,
song requests, and data of who will come was done to make the prom successful. On the day, we were very glad to see everyonecome nicely dressed and dancing to the music with bright faces.
With hosting the event, we would like to raise special thanks to certain people. Thank you to Mr.Hutchinson and Mr.Lipp for
approval for our challenging and risky project. Thank you to Mrs. Neill, Ms. Buchanan, and Mrs.Carter for donating nice treats tosell at the bake sale. It was the greatest contribution to our sales. Thank you for the MAA, MHS, and the Student Council for yourdonations of funds. Thank you to the two chaperones, Mr. Ranni and Mr. Stang who came to support on the day of the prom.
Thank you to Mr.Matsumoto from Marcus Square Kobe who helped us and gave advice to us consistently in order to host andprepare for such a beautiful event, and also the staff who offered help and advice on the day. Without all of their help our promwould not have been possible. Thank you Mr. Imamura and Ms. Fujiko Kobayashi for taking care of final financial payments for us.
Thank you to our photographer, Ms.Moon for offering her time to come take pictures for students. Thank you to the 9th graders
who donated their time to volunteer to help decorate the venue and navigate students. Finally, a big thank you to Mrs.Ranni, ourCAS coordinator as we could not have possibly hosted this event without her help and advice. But most of all, thank you for the
students who came to the prom, and who bought products from our lunch sales to contribute to our prom.

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Yearbook Project (written by Akihiko Hirase and Demian Kuchkov)
This year, as part of our IBDP CAS project, our Grade 11 team—Akihiko Hirase, Demian Kuchkov, Skye Stevenson, and Risako
Miyawaki—took on an exciting task: collecting comments for the school yearbook. This project was a great way for us to connect
with different people in our school and capture their experiences from this year. Every Friday during lunchtime, our team met to
discuss our progress and plan our next steps. These regular meetings helped us stay organized and keep on track while juggling
our other school responsibilities. We reached out to a variety of people for their thoughts and reflections. We collected commentsfrom homeroom teachers, athletic coaches, team captains, student organization executives, teachers in charge of different
activities, and administrators. Each group shared unique insights that added a lot of depth to the yearbook.Homeroom teachers
talked about how their students have grown and memorable moments in the classroom. Athletic coaches and team captains
shared the highs and lows of their seasons, including moments of triumph and lessons learned. Student organization leadersgave us a glimpse into the busy extracurricular life at our school. Teachers in charge of various clubs and activities highlighted
student involvement and achievements. Finally, administrators provided an overall perspective on the school year, satisfying bothchallenges and successes.
All these comments were carefully compiled and included in the yearbook. Our goal was to make sure that every voice was heard
and every contribution was recognized. This project wasn't just about documenting the year; it was also about building a sense ofcommunity and appreciation among students, teachers, and staff. Working on this CAS project was a rewarding experience forall of us. It allowed us to engage with many different members of our school community and contribute to something meaningful.
We hope that the yearbook will serve as a lasting memory of this school year for everyone. We are grateful to everyone whoshared their thoughts and made this project possible. We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, coaches,
students, and administration who took the time to provide us with comments for the yearbook. We would also like to give special
thanks to our CAS Coordinator, Mrs. Ranni, our school photographer, Mrs. Moon, and our Project supervisor, Mr. Lipp, who havebeen with us throughout this journey, guiding and supporting us every step of the way. We could not have completed this project
without your invaluable help. Thank you very much.

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FOUNDERS DAY

Br. Allen Timola, FMS
Last May 17, the school celebrated Founders Day. Happy
235th birthday, Saint Marcellin Champagnat! It was a day ofcelebrating our Marist heritage, with messages from Ms. Agnes
Reyes (Laity Desk Coordinator of the Marist East Asia Province),class of ‘71 MBIS Alumni Sanjay Rajpopat, and a video
message from Br. John Byrd (former MBIS English teacher andguidance counselor). Ms. Agnes focused on the four qualities
of being a Marist, 1) Simplicity, 2) Love of Work, 3) Presence,and 4) Family Spirit. She even made it stick to the lips of ourstudents when she taught the spontaneous tagline of “I am
Marist, you are Marist, we are Marist”. Mr. Sanjay shared his
experience of being a young Marist student and encounteringsome Marist Brothers teaching during the 60s, his encounter
with the homeless of Nishinari Osaka, and his willingness tostep out of his comfort zone and reach out to different kinds ofpeople because of his Marist upbringing. Br. John Byrd shared
about his being moved by students who are willing to set aside
their differences and be friends, a parent’s comment on theimportance of what happens inside the classroom is way more
important than the school building itself and even invited theMBIS Alumni to reach out to the school and be of service.
To further deepen the significance of the Founders Day to
our students, Grades 1 to 10 were invited to write about what
“Marist” means for them during their RE classes. The responses
varied from their love of PE class to their affection towards theirteachers and classmates.
A bit of Marist history: the Marist Brothers arrived in Japan on
July 21, 1951, and opened the school to students on September
17, 1951. That means MBIS is now 73 years old.
Happy 73rd Foundation Year, MBIS!

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MBIS Summer School Program 2024!
MBIS Summer School Program 2024!
The Marist Summer School Program aims to provide students with opportunities to participate in learning experiences that focus
on language development (English and Japanese), extended learning opportunities, academic challenges, and life skills. Students
engage in focused classes with an emphasis on skills development, inquiry and critical and creative thinking. Students in the Early
Years and Elementary School engage in field trips and physical and creative experiences as much as possible.
Please pencil our Summer School dates in your calendar!
••••

Week 1 (Monday, 17 June - Friday, 21 June)
Week 2 (Monday, 24 June - Friday, 28 June)
Week 3 (Monday, 1 July - Friday, 5 July)
Week 4 (Monday, 8 July - Friday, 12 July)

We will have more information available for families soon.
Pre-DP summer School Diploma ProgramThis year, we will be partnering with Lanterna Education who will be offering an intensive 3-Day workshop for students in Grades
9, 10 and 11. Spaces are limited SO REGISTER NOW!

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