Why Yokohama?

ーCompany Interview SeriesーSaint Maur International School
We are proud to support ourcommunity by offering not
only world-class education toour students, but also offeringparents a platform to learn
and share their culture,knowledge andexperienceswith each other.

Saint Maur International School is the oldest international school inJapan, and offers education based on the values of embracing
diversity and giving back to the community.
Saint Maur International School was founded in 1872 when Yokohama was one of
the few areas of Japan open to foreigners. We were established only 4 years after
the Meiji Restoration, and one year before Christianity officially became legal inJapan.
We are the first school in Japan to introduce the Montessori method in Japan, andour French School allows younger francophone students to continue their studies
in the French system while also preparing them for the international system. Our
curriculum culminates with students entering the International Baccalaureate
program, one of the most widely recognized curriculum in the world.
As a Catholic school, we promote the values of openness and accepting each other’sreligion, and we have a diverse student base, with students of many different
religions, from over 40 nationalities.

Yokohama is a hub for domestic and international travel with agrowing potential.
As the historical entry point for foreign trade and activity in Japan, Yokohama hasdeveloped a great transportation network—international flights at Haneda Airport,bullet train at Shin-Yokohama Station and Shuto and Tomei expressways—while
avoiding the congestion common to Tokyo.
There is still considerable land available for companies to acquire; new buildings
are still being built in the Minato Mirai area where companies such as Nissan,
Lenovo and Fuji Xerox have headquarters or R&D centers.

The Parent Support Group gives parents a platform through which
they can create a community, share their talents and support eachother and their children.
The Parent Support Group was created by Saint Maur International School topromote smooth interactions between parents, students, teachers and the school.

Gilles Gaury
Public Relations Director
Saint Maur International School

We act as a support network for both parents who live in Japan permanently andthose coming for short periods of time, and offer help and advice about living inJapan. We also offer parents a platform where they can share their talents,experience, skills and culture with each other. Any parent can participate orvolunteer to give a class.
We organize a variety of social events throughout the year for both parents andstudents, as well as a variety of fund-raising activities. The funds we gather areused to provide grants to parents, students or teachers for projects such ascommunity activities, purchase new equipment or renovation of facilities.
I think we are very fortunate to live in Yokohama. The city feels less frantic andmore relaxed than other large cities I have lived in, and I feel my children are safe
even when out of the school. Also, living near the sea makes me feel like I am onvacation! (Renata Jaroscakova)

Renata Jaroscakova (Left) & Caroline Piggott (Right)
Saint Maur Parent Support Group
Chair and Vice Chair

For expatriates, our group offers a unique safe zone from which parents new toJapan can learn about life in the country while being part of a very rich and active
community.

Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas | www.BusinessYokohama.com

Interviewed 11/10/2018