MARIST BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLMONTHLY
NEWSLETTERVALUES
EXCELLENCE
Make excellence and quality a partof each day and seek continuous
improvement in all that we do.

AUGUST 2024

PARTNERSHIPS
Build sustainable and meaningful
partnerships, embrace diversity, andconnect with the community.

INNOVATION
Seek innovative and creative
approaches to problem-solving.

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

MOTIVATE

BELIEVE

INSPIRE

SUCCEEDHEAD OF SCHOOLSHAWN HUTCHINSONMESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year! It is with great joy that we welcome both our new and returning families to our vibrantMarist community. The beginning of a new school year always brings a sense of excitement and anticipation, and it has been
wonderful to see our new students settling into school life so smoothly. From joining student organizations, sports teams, andvarious activities, they are already forging friendships and becoming integral members of our school family.
We encourage all parents to actively connect with our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) through the Marist PTA Group on
Managebac. Engaging with the PTA is a fantastic way to stay informed and involved in our school community. For any inquiries or
to get involved, please feel free to reach out to our PTA President, Mr. David Polen, at pta@marist.ac.jp
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our new and returning faculty and staff members who participated in the induction
and orientation programs before the start of the school year. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been instrumental inensuring a smooth transition for all our students. With several changes taking place this academic year, our staff and faculty havedemonstrated the flexibility, creativity, and compassion that are very much in line with the Marist traditions and values.
One of the most exciting developments this year is the opening of the new West Building, which has quickly come alive withstudents and teachers setting up collaborative learning spaces. This new facility enhances our capacity to provide an environment
where inquiry-based learning can flourish, especially as we continue to embrace the IB PYP and MYP frameworks that encouragea social constructivist approach to education. It has also been wonderful to see how all our classrooms and learning spaces havetaken shape, promoting a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for all our learners.
Our Athletics Program, Service-Learning Programs, and Leadership experiences are already in full swing, with student
organizations growing across the school. These programs are vital in helping our students develop into well-rounded individuals
who are prepared to make positive contributions to the world.
I would also like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our Operations Staff who worked tirelessly over the summer holiday
period to ensure that the campus was ready for the start of the new school year. The amount of work that goes into preparing thecampus is immense—property and campus maintenance and upgrades, IT infrastructure enhancements, deep cleaning, school bus
arrangements, cafeteria preparations, and securing resources and overseas orders all contribute to the successful operation of ourschool.
At the heart of our school are the people—our students, parents, staff, and faculty. We deeply value the Marist traditions and arecommitted to living out our Marist Expectations, which align closely with the IB Learner Profile attributes, through our actions eachand every day.
As we embark on this new academic year, I wish everyone a successful and fulfilling journey ahead. Together, we will continue tobuild a strong, supportive, and thriving Marist community.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

BOARD CHAIRPERSONJun Yamaguchi

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON

As we embark on the 2024-2025 academic year, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all members of our schoolcommunity. This year, we are particularly delighted to welcome our new staff and faculty members. We have recruited a diverseand dedicated group of educators, now representing 13 different countries. Their wealth of experience and commitment toexcellence will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience for all our students.
We also extend a heartfelt welcome to the new families and students who have joined us this year. The Marist community is
growing stronger, and we are thrilled to see our student roll reach 450 students. This milestone reflects our commitment toproviding a high-quality, values-driven education that attracts families from around the world.
Our campus redevelopment project continues to progress well. The recent completion of the West Building marks a significant
achievement in our journey to enhance our educational facilities. This project involved a substantial capital investment, not only inthe construction itself but also in quality furniture, fixtures, security measures, and IT infrastructure upgrades. These improvements
are vital to creating an environment that supports innovative teaching and learning.
With the official opening of the West Building and the successful groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Building and therefurbishment of the Central Building, our focus now shifts to the next phase of the project. This phase will bring about significant
changes to our campus, and we anticipate disruptions to campus access over the next 12 months. I ask all members of ourcommunity to exercise caution and understanding during this period. Our field area has been significantly reduced to allow heavy
vehicles to access the construction site, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work through this important phase.
Our goal is to establish Marist Brothers International School as an exceptional values-driven international school, and ourcommitment to this vision is unwavering. We continue to adhere to the highest standards as set by the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). These accreditations reflect our dedication to providing arigorous and holistic education that prepares our students for success in an ever-changing world.
While we have made significant progress in recent years, there is still much work ahead of us. Our financial commitment tocompleting the campus redevelopment project requires us to remain disciplined in our school operations. We must continue toseek efficiencies and focus on the development and refinement of policies and processes that will support the long-term successof our school.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Trustees, I would like to wish everyone a successful and fulfilling 2024-2025 academic
year. Together, we will continue to build a strong and vibrant community where each member can thrive.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Derek Lipp

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL

Students returned to school on Monday, 19 August with great excitement to meet theirfriends and also over 100 new students. 16 new faculty and staff and the recently opened
West Building added to the sense of excitement and a new chapter in the history of ourschool.
The West Building is being used to hold a variety of classes but mainly Design and Art
classes. Students are happy to be in the new environment and have already started using
their creative abilities to solve problems and start producing their own unique art pieces.
We finished the week with an assembly for all our Grade 1-12 students in which theleaders of the Student organizations introduced themselves to the student body. The
Presidents of the student organization for the 2024-2025 school year are:Student Council
Amritha Kamath

National Honors Society
Kouki Mogami

Marist Athletic Association
Riko Noda

Student organization leaders, along with their organization's members, help build asense of community and belonging among the student body by organizing a numberof events throughout the year. The Student Council are jumping right into the swing ofthings by holding a welcome back dance for upper school students on 30 August in the
Gymnasium. The students should have a great time and we hope that this provides our
new students with an opportunity to make new friends.
We look forward to working with the student organizations this year to not only makeschool a better place for our students but also support members of the wider schoolcommunity in any way possible.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

Welcome back! It's been a wonderful first two weeks of the school year, and we are thrilled to see our returning students once again
while also meeting so many new faces and families. The energy in the building is contagious as students settle into their new daily
routines, filling our halls with the cheerful sound of laughter and excitement as they reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

The positive atmosphere is palpable. Our students are genuinely happy, enthusiastic about their new teachers and classmates, andalready engaged in their learning, signaling a great start to the year.

I’ve been particularly excited to witness some of our students enthusiastically participating in the ‘Tower of Cups’ challenge. This
activity, which was a hit during our PYP Parent Afternoon and initially tackled by our teachers during their inset days, encourages
teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration. It has been inspiring to see students work together to overcome this challenge,
demonstrating creativity, persistence, and cooperation. This early enthusiasm for collaborative learning sets a wonderful tone forthe year ahead.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Walking through the classrooms, it's clear that ourstudents' ideas and creativity are highly valued. The walls
are decorated with their thoughts, pictures, and artwork,
creating an environment where learning is visible andstudent thinking is celebrated. This helps build a sense ofownership and pride in their learning journey.

Walking through the classrooms, it's clear that our students' ideas and creativity are highly valued. The walls are decorated with
their thoughts, pictures, and artwork, creating an environment where learning is visible and student thinking is celebrated. This
helps build a sense of ownership and pride in their learning journey.
As we move forward in these initial weeks of school, it’s important to remember that transitioning into a new school year can bringa mix of emotions for students. There will be days when they are eager to get to school and other days when they may feel lessexcited. Adjusting to change takes time, and it’s crucial for students to have support both at school and at home. I encourage
parents to engage with your children about their day-to-day experiences, celebrate their successes, and help them navigate any
challenges. Discussing the new connections they’re making and adapting to a different class environment can significantly aid in
their adjustment.
Additionally, please make sure you have access to Seesaw, our communication platform, to stay connected with your child’s
learning. Teachers frequently post updates about classroom activities and learning experiences, providing a wonderful opportunity
for parents to engage with and support their children’s educational journey.
We are also looking forward to our PYP Meet the Teacher Afternoon on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. This will
be a great opportunity for you to connect with your child's teachers and learn more about the exciting year ahead.
Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a fantastic school year filled with growth, discovery, and learning!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

IB DP COORDINATOR
Gunseli Yuksel

MESSAGE FROM THE IB DP COORDINATOR

As we begin the 2024-2025 academic year, there's noticeable energy throughout the school. Our Grade 12 students areengaged in their studies, ensuring that they balance the requirements of their second year in the programme with the busy
process of university applications. Meanwhile, our Grade 11 students have been extensively involved in sessions to learn about the
expectations of the subjects and the core elements in the IB Diploma Programme, aiming to frame their journey in this rigorous
academic path.
Our teachers, too, are continuing their hard work, picking up right where they left off in their preparations for the MYP
authorization. We are proud of the results from the May 2024 IB exams, as our students achieved scores above the world averagein most subjects. The MBIS Diploma pass rate stands at 96%, compared to the world average of 80%. The average points obtainedby the Class of 2024 is 32 out of 45, surpassing the world average of 30.32. Even so, we remain dedicated to further elevating
our standards.

News from the IB:
The IB is proud to announce that the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends that colleges anduniversities award at least 3 credits for IB scores of 4 or higher for all the SL subjects reviewed. This external
review validates the rigor and high standards of IB qualifications.
HL versus SL courses (240/150 teaching hours): SL courses are not simplified versions of the course, but
HL courses offer a greater body of knowledge and include more assessment components. HL courses allow
students to spend more time studying subjects they are more interested in.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MYP COORDINATOR

Marybeth Kamibeppu

New Additions
to Marist Brothers
International
School in the MYP
Exploring
the ATLs
visually

Welcome to the new school year! As the new MYP Coordinator, I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with you as ourschool introduces the full Middle Years Programme (MYP).
It has been a wonderful and action-packed start for the new school year for MYP students, families, and teachers. Along with newteachers,and newly re-named classes like Individuals and Societies (I&S) formerly known as Social Studies, the MYP includes newclasses like Design, the Personal Project for the students in Grade 10, and Language Acquisition in English and Japanese forstudents who are concentrating on learning language through language learning. There are new students in the Upper School aswell with Grade 6 students officially joining the MYP.
The MYP is designed to foster a challenging and enriching educational experience for students. It emphasizes the developmentof critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective, while also nurturing students' personal and academic
growth. This year, we are committed to ensuring that every student thrives in an environment that promotes inquiry, reflection, andactive learning.
We are excited to collaborate with you—parents and guardians—throughout this journey. Your support and involvement are crucial
as we work together to make this year a memorable and impactful one for our students. Please feel free to reach out with anyquestions or to learn more about our MYP community. The first MYP Parent Session is on September 19. Everyone is welcome.
Here’s to a fantastic new school year!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

UNIVERSITY AND CAREERS COUNSELOR
Hülya ParkMESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSITY AND CAREERS COUNSELOR

It is with great pride that I share the remarkable achievements of our Class of 2024 with the Marist community. On our Marchnewsletter, I shared the acceptances our students secured from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, reflecting their
hard work, resilience, and academic excellence. It is now time to share their final destinations.
Canada remains a popular choice, with all our applicants receiving offers. Keila will attend the University of British Columbia(UBC), while Sanu, Samara, and Kaio will begin their studies at the University of Toronto, focusing on Industrial Engineering,Architecture, and Business, respectively.
The United Kingdom was a favored destination, with two students embarking on exciting journeys. Sivaranjani will study Biomedical
Science at the University of Manchester, and Momoe will explore Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University.
Within Japan, we have received numerous acceptances including Sophia University, International Christian University, andNagoya University. Three students are enrolled at Waseda University including Tsukika for International Liberal Studies and Rina
studying Political Science and Economics. Mahir is headed to University of Hyogo, Nanasei to Doshisha University, Rajiv to Hosei
University, and Maksym to Ritsumeikan University. We will be represented at Osaka University with one student as well.
Australia continues to attract our students. Richard will be pursuing Electrical Engineering at the University of Sydney and anotherstudent is joining the prestigious UNSW Business School. These institutions are ranked 18th and 19th respectively in the world on
the QS university rankings.
In the United States, our students have secured impressive placements. In addition to our salutatorian, Junwon’s (Alex) enrollment
at Cornell, we have Mrigank who will study Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We also havestudents heading to Purdue University and Cal Poly to pursue Mechanical Engineering.
These achievements highlight not only the diverse academic interests of our students but also the strength of their preparation
during their time here. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them and look forward to hearing about their future
successes as they embark on this next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

WHOLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Taeko Sakurai

Welcome to MBIS!
More than 100 new students joined our school this year. We held lunch gatherings for new students in each grade from G2
through G10. During these sessions, everyone got to know each other and was introduced to the counseling services at MBIS. I'dlike to share what we discussed to help them better adjust to their new environment.

Culture Shock and the Adjustment Process

Everyone experiences some level of culture shock when entering a new environment. Culture shock generally has four stages:

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Honeymoon Stage

Adjustment Stage

Everything is new - your school, friends,
surroundings, and classes. You feel excited,enthusiastic, and optimistic as you explore andadapt to your new environment.at home in yournew environment.

You begin to settle into your new life. You might
have made a few friends by now, which helps you
understand and feel more comfortable in your new
environment. You may still face challenges, but
you’re becoming better at handling them.

Culture Shock Stage

Adaptation Stage

You may start feeling frustrated, annoyed, or
anxious about everyday differences. It’s normal tofeel confused, homesick, and disconnected during
this stage.

You feel comfortable in your new environment.
The feelings of loneliness and isolation fade,and you get used to your new daily activities
and friends. While you may not feel the same
excitement as in the Honeymoon Stage, you start
to feel a strong sense of belonging and finally feelat home in your new environment.

August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Tips for Adjusting to a New Environment
Use Your Buddy: Your buddy is there to help you. If you feel like you and your buddy aren’t a good match, tell yourteacher. The teacher can find you a new buddy. It’s okay to ask to change your buddy!
Explore the School: Walk around the school with other students. Knowing where things are and which teachers are where
will help you feel more comfortable.
Talk to Others: Even if you’re shy, try talking to other students. You can say, "Hi, I’m new here. Can I join you?" Ask themwhere they live, their hobbies, or how long they’ve been at the school.
Meet Different Groups: You don’t have to stick with the first group you meet. Try getting to know different groups to findwhere you feel most comfortable.
Join Activities: Our school has many after-school activities. These are great opportunities to meet new people, so try tojoin in.
Take Your Time with Friendships: Don’t rush to find a new best friend. It’s okay to take your time. Friendships grow overtime, so take it slow and let them develop naturally.
Be Yourself: Don’t compare yourself to others. Even if it seems like others are fitting in faster, don’t worry. Everyone
adjusts at their own pace.
Ask for Help: Talk to your teachers, or other staff members if you ever feel confused or worried. Your homeroom teacher
is the first point of contact, but other teachers and staff, including the school counselor, are also here to help you.
We can help if you tell us. We are here to help you but can’t support you unless you tell us what’s wrong!
We hope you will soon feel at home at MBIS!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & MARKETING
Miki Kobayashi

Admissions and Marketing Update

This summer has been a busy and productive time for the Admissions and Marketing Teams at Marist. We ran a digital campaign
calling for applicants for August 2024 enrollment, and the response was overwhelming. Our school tour booking slots for July andAugust were completely filled up, and many families were excited to learn more about our school. We were thrilled to welcomea record number of new students to Marist - over 100 students from 16 different nationalities joined us for the 2024-2025 school
year. This brought our total student population to 450 from over 35 nationalities, further enriching the diversity and vibrancy of
our school community.
To help our new students and their families transition smoothly into life at Marist, we hosted a New Student Orientation on Friday,
August 16, in our gym. Despite the summer heat and humidity, the event was a great success. New families enjoyed a guided tour
led by our dedicated Student Ambassadors, met their homeroom teachers, and explored various subject classrooms. The ‘truth
about life at Marist’ that the Student Ambassadors provided brought smiles on the new students' faces, helping to ease anxieties
and making everyone feel welcome.
On the marketing front, we have been actively working to enhance the school's visibility and engagement. We have visited andconnected with several international corporations in Kobe, opening dialogues about enrolling their employees' children at Marist.
Additionally, we have strengthened our relationship with Kobe City officials, exploring opportunities for our students to participate
in internships and volunteer work, staying involved in the development of this beautiful city. They have shared their stock photos
file and Kobe cityscape graphics that we’re looking to use more frequently in our media designs.
The team has also focused on updating our school website and increasing our social media presence. Regular updates aboutschool activities and what’s happening in the classrooms are shared on Instagram and Facebook to keep our community wellinformed. The weekly schedule of campus events and sports competitions have been particularly appreciated by our community
members. We are aiming to have the polished-up MBIS website with a new look ready by our 2024 Food Fair in October.
With the arrival of many new families at Marist, we are committed to supporting their adjustment to life in Kobe and integrating into
our school community. At the same time, we are reaching out to Marist alumni through get-togethers and social media, cherishingour connections to the past and celebrating the ongoing Marist legacy. It is certainly an exciting time at Marist!

FOLLOW ME
INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKMARIST OFFICIAL SNS

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

EARLY YEARS 3 & 4
Tina Mathers

A Joyful Beginning: Embracing New Adventures in Early Years 3 & 4

What an amazing start to the new school year it has been! August has been abuzz with activity as the Early Years 3 & 4 students
embarked on their fantastic journey of learning and growth. It is with great joy that we welcomed the newest members of ourschool community, the youngest hearts and minds in our care!

The children have been hard at work adjusting to new routines, getting acquainted with classroom procedures, and forming
connections with their "specials" classes and teachers. It is wonderful to see how well they've acclimated.

At the end of the month, we successfully conducted the first of our monthly Fire and Earthquake Drills. These drills are an essential
part of our emergency preparedness efforts, and we encourage families to engage in open conversations with their children
about personal safety during emergencies.

We look forward to the upcoming months as we continue to guide and support each child's unique journey. Thank you for
entrusting us with your children's education and growth. Here's to a year filled with discovery, growth, and endless possibilities!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

GRADE 1

Sharon Ito and Jennifer Northey
to Know
The Start
Storyof theWho
We Are!
GettingGettingto
Know
Ourselves:
The Storyof WhoWeYearAre!
Building
Community:
AOurselves:
Collaborativeto

In our Grade 1 classes, we’ve begun an exciting journey into learning about ourselves and each other as we build our classroom
community. We’ve been exploring the big question: “Who are we?” through fun and creative activities. We are discovering thateach of us has unique talents, interests, and stories that make us who we are.
The children created rainbows out of colorful strips of paper, and we learned that each of us is special, just like a rainbow. Every
rainbow has its own mix of colors, and every person has their own mix of experiences, feelings, and qualities that make each of
us one-of-a-kind. Just as no two rainbows are the same, no two people are alike and this uniqueness makes life interesting andcolorful.
As part of our exploration of the transdisciplinary theme “Who We Are” our class created an “All About Me” book, where weshared our favorite things, some of our hobbies, foods we like, and parts of us that make us unique. We also created a Grade
1 Family wall in our classroom, where students brought in pictures of their families to share with their classmates. Another activity
we did was pair up with a buddy to have an interview with them. The students asked each other questions about their interests,
families, and other unique things that make us who we are.
Through these activities, we’ve discovered that everyone has special talents, interests, and stories to share. These stories andinterests help us to discover who we are and what makes us unique. We have learned that even though we have different interests,
we can still be great friends and support each other, and exemplify the Marist Expectations of being caring citizens. By reflecting
on who we are and what makes us unique, we’ve come to appreciate our differences and understand that these differences makeour class a wonderful place to learn and grow.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

GRADE 2

Julie Sugiuchi & Venus Yoon
Building Foundations: Friendships and Skills

Grade Two is full of new friends, new challenges, and newopportunities for creativity and learning. In the first two weeks,
we have focused on strengthening social skills and bonds
between students. We have done a lot of group and pairwork. Students have engaged in a lot of collaborative activities
and stations. All new students have received special buddies
to show them around the school and help them adjust to life
at MBIS. Students have begun building the foundation for
language acquisition using Magnetic Reading and phonics
groups.Students are also loving all the new lunchtime and rainy
day resources every class received this year.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Also Our Grade two students have been actively engaging in teamwork to build
strong friendships and bonds. Through these collaborative activities, they arelearning essential life skills such as sharing, listening, and showing kindness andcare toward others.

Teamwork activities play a crucial role in students' learning and development. By
working together in groups, students become better communicators and more
open-minded. They learn to express their ideas clearly and listen to different
perspectives, which fosters a sense of respect and empathy for their peers.

This month of Marist Expectation is inquirer. Teamwork encourages students to be“inquirers” by asking questions, showing curiosity, and discovering new things
together. This collaborative approach not only enhances their academic skills but
also helps them develop confidence and independence as learners.

We are very excited to see everyone so happy to be back at school, eager to learn
a lot of new things this school year!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

GRADE 3

Amanda McWilliams & Annabelle Staack
Building
Community:
A Collaborative
to the Year
Building
Community:
A Collaborative
Start toStart
the Year

The start of the school year for Grade 3 has been an engaging journey as our two classes begin their first unit of inquiry, "WhoWe Are." Throughout the year, we aim to cultivate a strong sense of community and collaborative skills. One of the initial activities
involved building our classroom library through a scavenger hunt, where students searched for books across various themes andcategories. This activity was an excellent opportunity for them to be inquirers and thinkers, exploring and selecting books thatreflect diverse perspectives.

Additionally, the students tackled a collaborative cup challenge in their individual classes, where they had to work together in small
groups to stack cups without touching them. This task highlighted the importance of being communicators as students needed toshare ideas and work harmoniously to achieve their goal. As they navigated this, they demonstrated resilience and creativity. They
learned to value each other's contributions and adapt their strategies, setting a strong foundation for effective teamwork.

Through these activities, students have embraced the values of the Marist Expectations by showing respect for different viewpoints
and reflecting on their own learning processes. Their ability to listen, adapt, and collaborate is fostering a positive and supportiveclassroom environment. As we move forward with the unit, the focus remains on building these essential skills, ensuring thatstudents are well-prepared for the collaborative learning experiences that lie ahead.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

HEAD OF SCIENCEJay Inman

The Hands-On Approach to Science
In the bustling laboratories and classrooms of MBIS, students in the International Baccalaureate(IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP) are not just learning science;
they're living it. Through hands-on project-based learning and experimentation, these young
scientists are developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of scientific concepts
that will serve them well beyond their academic careers.
The MYP science curriculum at MBIS emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students
to explore complex questions and develop their own hypotheses. This approach aligns perfectlywith the IB's focus on fostering creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. This interdisciplinary
approach not only deepens their understanding of scientific principles but also helps them see
the real-world applications of their studies.
As students progress to the DP, the emphasis on hands-on learning intensifies. DP science
courses at MBIS feature extensive laboratory work and independent research projects,
preparing students for their Internal Assessments and university-level scientific inquiry. Project
Based Learning not only enhances their scientific skills but also instills a sense of global
responsibility, a key tenet of the IB philosophy. Through these immersive experiences, MBIS
is nurturing the next generation of scientists, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, andpassion to tackle the world's most pressing challenges.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

MYP DESIGN

Christopher Spaulding
Exciting Start to the Year in Our New Design Program at MBIS

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Design program at Marist Brothers International School, open to students
in grades 6 through 10. This course marks an exciting step forward in our curriculum, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, andpractical problem-solving skills.
In the first few days of class, our students dove headfirst into the world of design with a series of engaging and hands-on
challenges. One of the highlights was the "Cable Car Challenge," where students were tasked with designing and building acable car that could travel across the room on a wire. Using a set of materials, they demonstrated their ingenuity and teamwork,with each group presenting unique and innovative solutions.
In another thrilling activity, students took on the challenge of designing a flying device that could travel the furthest distance.
This task encouraged them to think critically about aerodynamics, materials, and structure while testing and refining their designs
through trial and error.

These mini design challenges have not only sparked students' interest in the design process but have also laid a strong foundation
for the collaborative and creative work that will be central to this course. We're excited to see how these budding designers willcontinue to develop their skills throughout the year.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the exciting world of design!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

VISUAL ARTS TEACHER
Brian Petersen

Exploring thevisually
Exploring
theATLs
ATLs
visually

To start off the year, the grade 7 art class has been challenged
to work together to develop a better understanding of the MYPApproaches to Learning.
They were tasked in groups to discuss and better understandthe ideas behind the 5 categories (Communication, Social,
Research, Self-Management, Thinking), plan a visual
representation of the ATLs as a group, and divide the work
to make a cohesive artwork representing the 5 categories
collectively.
From the planning stages through to completion, the grade 7s
worked well together, overcame differences of opinion, anddemonstrated creative thinking in developing ways to express
their understanding. A great start to a new year of MYPlearning in Art!

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Jason Mejía

Welcome back,Exploringthe Marist
ATLs Bulldogs!
visually
Welcome back, Marist Bulldogs! Season 1 has gotten underway, with some new changes being implemented.
As always, the weekend game schedule can be located on the Marist website and is also accessible via Drive.

HS WOMENS VOLLEYBALLDavid Cooney

First, a warm welcome to Mr. Cooney, who is taking over the high school
women’s volleyball program. His experience in athletic development
will bring out the best in our players; coupled with the leadership of the
Seniors, we are looking forward to much success.

HS MENS VOLLEYBALL
Taylor Hill

Mr. Hill has returned for a third year to guide the men back toprominence.
Looking to build upon the successes of last year, he isputting faith in his Seniors to mentor a young, talented cropof Freshmen. A top finish is not out of the question for thistalented team.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

HS MENS BASEBALL
Jason Mejía

Rounding out Varsity sport will be the addition of baseball to Season 1, led by Mr.
Mejia. Back for his 11th guiding the team, he’s been tasked with striking a balance
between a large Senior and Freshmen group. Talented, to be sure, this team has
aspirations to return to the WJAA final they just missed out on last year.

MS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Miki Kobayashi

At the Middle School, Ms. Kobayashi will be joined by Ms. Inada for the girls’
volleyball team. Their goal? To take another crack at the championship.
With an eager batch of players, they are sure to give it all they got.

MS BOYS BASEBALL
Thomas Stang

As for our boys’ baseball team, Mr. Stang will be joined, once again, by Mr. Sakaewith their eyes set on a championship run and prove their mettle. We wish them all
the best as they begin their journeys.
Lastly, we have begun cross-country, which is being overseen by the trio of Ms. Flett,Ms. Sakurai, and Ms. Hanamura. A number of middle-schoolers and a smattering ofhigh schoolers have joined up and are enjoying the bi-weekly runs along Suma Beach.
A message regarding SchoolsBuddy: Registration for Season 1 has closed and fees
generated. If you would still like to register, please reach out at mejiaj@marist.ac.jp

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

NEW MBIS CROSS COUNTRY CLUB

Stephanie Hanamura, Yasmin Flett, and Taeko Sakurai
Are you interested in running? Do you want to get fit, have fun, and make new friends? Join our Cross Country Club! Whether
you're a beginner or an experienced runner, everyone is welcome. All middle and high school students are invited. No
experience is needed!
Already in another club? No problem - you can join us on days when you don’t have sports practice.
Meeting Days: Mondays and Thursdays (Students can join on either Monday or Thursday, or both days - choose the day that works best for you.)
Meeting Time: 4:00 PM
Meeting Location: Gymnasium
Dismissal: From Suma Beach (around 5:00 PM)
Attire: Wear comfortable running shoes, a T-shirt, and running
shorts or leggings, depending on the weather. Don’t forget a hat
for sun protection and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. You
may want to bring 200 yen for an extra drink.
Events: Two events will be held at Canadian Academy on 9/14
and 09/28.

Please register through SchoolsBuddy or contact Mr Mejia (mejiaj@marist.ac.jp).

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

DIRECTOR OF SERVICE LEARNING
Mio Ranni

Service
Learning
Exploring
the Achievements
ATLs visually
National Honor Society (NHS)
As the new school year began, the NHS faculty council met to select our new NHS candidates. We are pleased toannounce that the following students have been chosen: Phoenix Martin (Grade 11), Kokomi Oshima, Tomoko Senda,
Narumi Koda, and Kei Nakashima (all Grade 10). These students were warmly welcomed during their first NHS meetingand have visited Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Lipp, and NHS faculty councils. During the meeting, they made a commitment to
uphold the four pillars of the NHS: scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
Additionally, this year, five faculty council members were appointed by Mr. Lipp: Mr. James Ranni, Mr. Mark Deyss, Mr.
David Neill, Ms. Hulya Park, and Ms. Gunseli Yuksel. Thank you to all of these teachers for their warm support towards our
NHS students and their service activities.

Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS)
To welcome new students for the new school year, our Student Ambassadors from Grades 9 to 12 participated in
the New Year Orientation. They guided 110 new students around the campus, answered questions, and helped themadjust smoothly to their new school environment. With the opening of the new west building, it was also the first time
our Student Ambassadors entered the brand-new facility, bringing smiles to everyone. A big thank you to our Student
Ambassadors for representing our school and showing such care to our new students.To welcome new students forthe new school year, our Student Ambassadors from Grades 9 to 12 participated in the New Year Orientation. They
guided 110 new students around the campus, answered questions, and helped them adjust smoothly to their new school
environment. With the opening of the new west building, it was also the first time our Student Ambassadors entered thebrand-new facility, bringing smiles to everyone. A big thank you to our Student Ambassadors for representing our schooland showing such care to our new students.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolTo promote participation in service activities, the MHS executive officers gave a presentation to the entire faculty on “The Cultureof Service Learning” on August 16. The students introduced both MHS and NHS, led small group discussions with faculty togather childhood service experiences, and shared their vision and service plans for the upcoming year. It was a wonderful
opportunity for students and teachers to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities to enhance our service
program.

In preparation for the new school year, Grade 12 MHS
students gathered in the lab on August 16 to packstationery supplies for Lower School classrooms. The
task involved unpacking and organizing a large numberof supplies, and the students dedicated approximately 8hours to completing the job. A big thank you to all thestudents for their hard work and dedication!

MHS held a general meeting on August 21 in the gym, where we reviewed the rules and structure of the organization. Leadershipteam members introduced themselves and shared their vision for the new year. Afterward, we enjoyed a tug of war between
committee teams, followed by some fun socializing over ice cream.
With the addition of new students, our organization has grown to 116 members. These students are divided into nine committees,
each of which will plan events and projects aimed at contributing to society.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Marist Brothers Honor Society Junior (MHSJ)
To provide a fun and engaging service-learning
experience for Grade 6-8 students, the Marist Brothers
Honor Society Junior (MHSJ) began its journey on August
30. During lunchtime, Grade 9-12 MHS members held
an orientation for the MHS Junior students, explaining
the purpose, rules, and procedures of the organization,
as well as introducing the goals and a brief timeline ofactivities for the school year. A total of 50 students signed
up to join the organization. As part of their service-learning
experience, they will participate in a charity project
selling Malawi coffee to help feed children in Africa.
Through this project, they will learn about social enterprise
while gaining skills and techniques in marketing andproduct promotion. Thank you to the MHS students formentoring the younger students and helping them become
responsible and caring members of the community.

Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club (KKBC)

On August 28, Grade 7-9 students gathered during lunchtime for the New
Year Orientation of the Kobe Kiwanis Builders Club (KKBC). During theorientation, students were introduced to the history and accomplishmentsof the Kiwanis Builders Club as a global organization, as well as the rules,
procedures, vision, and schedule for the upcoming school year for the
KKBC. Grade 9 leaders shared what they learned and achieved last year
through collaborations with students from other schools, encouraging
more students to join the club. As a result, 64 students signed up to
become members. We are excited to begin the year with a group ofenthusiastic students eager to make a difference in the local communityand beyond.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Amritha Kamath

A Message
from the Student
CouncilPresident
Exploring
the ATLs
visually

Prior to the start of the school year, the Student Council held its official Student Council orientation where they discussed thedifferent aspects and expectations of being a Stu-Con Representative. They delved deep into topics such as "The Ideal Leader",
Various Leadership Styles, Holding Productive Meetings, and Hosting effective events. Additionally, as an icebreaker and to get
the members to feel more comfortable around each other, they hosted a cooking competition; four teams had to create a pasta
dish with no recipe, determining "The Greatest Chef". Overall both the orientation and the cook-off were great successes; aperfect way to kick off the new school year.

As the students complete their first few weeks of school, the Student Council is hosting a Back to School Dance on Friday, August
30th to celebrate new beginnings and let the new students ease into the Marist life a little more smoothly. Nothing like fresh pizza,
games, and music to get the students to make new friends and feel the school spirit!

The Student Council is extremely excited for this school year and plans on hosting a multitude of events including large-scale
functions like the Prom and the Christmas Brunch. Additionally, we also plan on making small improvements to MBIS Life; all ofwhich will be reported in the monthly newsletter. We hope the students have been adjusting comfortably into their regular routines
and we look forward to seeing what this academic year will bring.

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

Marist Food Fair 2024
We are delighted to announce that the Marist Food Fair 2024 will take place on

Saturday, 19 October
10:00 - 15:00
Please save the date and look out for further information about theevent and how you can contribute on the day.

Sun’s Gym is now accepting
new members at a special
price until the end of
September. Registration fees
and first month's fees are half
price, starting from 10,000
yen.

080-7006-8504

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August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolAugustS M T W T F
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September 2024

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18 19 20 21 22 23 24

October
S M T W T F
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SundayMonday1

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8 Student Health Screening

4

Tuesday
2 PYP Meet the Teacher

Wednesday
3 Course Change Deadline

4910 Parents as Learners

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17 Alumni Mentorship

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Afternoon

15 Respect for the Aged Day 16
No School

22 Autumn Equinox Day

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18 MYP Parent Session #1

19 World Clean-Up Day

20 HS Junior Varsity

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26 MS End-of-Season Baseball 27 MS End-of-Season Baseball 28153Volleyball Tournament

2

6

HS Junior Varsity
Volleyball Tournament& Volleyball Tournament

4Volleyball Tournament

Volleyball Tournament& Volleyball Tournament

KNOWLEDGEABLE we strive to develop intellectually, physically, and artistically29

August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School

OUR MISSION STATEMENTOUR VISION STATEMENT

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

We are a school where exceptional personal character and strong
relationships provide opportunities to excel in our areas of interest andaffect change in our local and global communities. We are a school
where personal, social, and emotional support help build global
perspectives. We are a school that embraces diversity, encourages
leadership, and respects the values and unifying traditions of the Marist
Brothers.

OUR VALUESEXCELLENCEINNOVATION

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

Seek innovative and creative approaches to problem-solving.

PARTNERSHIPSCARE

Build sustainable and meaningful relationships,
embrace diversity, and connect with the community.

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

MARIST EXPECTATIONS
Open-Minded:

Risk-Takers:

Balanced:

Caring:We seek to broaden our understanding
and appreciation of other cultures andperspectives.

We take on challenges as active
participants and dare to push beyond
our comfort zones.

We show compassion within our schoolcommunity and beyond.

We strive for balance of mind, body andspirit, to develop as well-rounded
individuals.

Communicators:

Knowledgeable:

We strive to develop intellectually,physically and artistically.

We collaborate in a multilingual
environment, with confidence andcourtesy.

Principled:

Inquirers:

Thinkers:

Reflective:
We use past experiences as a guide for
Reflective:

We engage in research andinvestigation, becoming self-directed,
lifelong learners.

We take responsibility for our own actions,building trust through integrity, honesty,
and humility.

future actions.
We use past experiences as a guide for
future actions.

We consistently think critically, ethically,
and creatively.

MOTIVATE

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BELIEVE

INSPIRE

SUCCEED

August Newsletter | Marist Brothers International School