MONTHLY
NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER
2023

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

VISIONWe are a school where exceptional personal character and strong
relationships provide opportunities to excel in our areas of interest
and affect change in our local and global communities. We are a

OUR MOTTO
MOTIVATE

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.

Learning is a life-long journey

VALUESBELIEVE

EXCELLENCE: Make excellence and quality a part of each day andTogether we can change the world

seek continuous improvement in all that we do.
PARTNERSHIPS: Build sustainable and meaningful partnerships,

INSPIRE
Follow our lead as we pursue our dreams

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

SUCCEED
From Japan to the rest of the world

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

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Shawn Hutchinson

It has been a wonderfully busy and productive month of September. Students are wholeheartedly engaged in the learning
experience, teachers are embracing new technology and exploring IB resources, and families are receiving regularcommunication via Seesaw and Managebac.
Our first Marist Alumni Mentor Program was held on Monday, 11 September and it was wonderful to hear from Marist alumni
and learn more about how Marist influenced their path and shaped who they are today. Please view the link below to the firstsession: Marist Alumni Mentorship Program – Session 1
As we move forward with IB PYP and MYP candidacy, we
also focus on our Programme Development Plans, which
include a Mentor Program for students in grades 11 and 12
and curriculum review and collaboration. Recently, we took
steps towards further developing our collaborative learning
environment where we promote and share professional
development aimed at improving teacher effectiveness andexpertise. Active collaboration requires a shift from managing
the learning of a single class to taking collective responsibility
for the success and wellbeing of all learners.

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Our Athletics Program and Marist Athletic Association have had a busy time over the past month in getting the athletic season
up and running tournaments. The management of schedules, coaches, referees, facilities, equipment, finances, and of course
SchoolsBuddy can present some challenges, but our program leaders (Mr. Jason Mejia and Mr. Tom Stang) have approachedthe last month with a great deal of patience, resilience, and care.
Recently, the Marist Brothers Provincial Council was held in Kobe, and we had the pleasure of welcoming Br. Allan de Castro(Brother Provincial of Marist East Asia Province), Br. Rommel Ocasiones (Provincial Councilor - Philippines), and Br. Anthony
Tay, (Provincial Councilor - Malaysia). Our visitors had the opportunity to visit classrooms and receive an update on the campus
redevelopment work.
Our Parents as Learners workshop series kicked off on Tuesday, 19 September and special thanks to our 40 parents who
attended the session. All MBIS parents are welcome to attend any of the workshop sessions throughout the year, even thoughsessions will focus on specific topics. The aim of the Parents as Learners workshops is to support our parents by providing
learning opportunities about a range of relevant topics throughout the year.

Our Service-Learning Program is growing from strength to strength with the introduction of the Junior MHS this year involving
students in grades 7 and 8 as well as over 70 new students involve in NHS/MHS activities in the Upper School. Our students
are active in school and around the community and have engaged in activities including community farming, beach clean-up,
Student Ambassador Program, soup kitchen, casual days, and various student-led service projects.
Our After School Activities Program started on Tuesday, 19 September with a range of activities including ‘basketball before
school,’ bookworms, drone programming, kung fu, cooking, and tennis. We look forward to seeing the program growthroughout the year and provide further opportunities for our youngest students.

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

Assessment is a critical aspect of your child's education, and we believe that involving parents in the assessment process
is vital for your child's success. In this edition of the school newsletter, I explain some common assessment practices, theirsignificance, and how you can play an active role in supporting your child's learning journey.
Assessment is important as it:•

Measure Progress: Assessments help us gauge yourchild's academic progress and identify areas where
they excel or need extra support.

•

Informs Instruction: Teachers use assessment results
to tailor their teaching methods and materials to suit
individual student needs.

•

Helps motivate learning:Regular assessments provide
students with goals to strive for, encouraging a growthmindset and a commitment to improvement.

Types of Assessment:
With a change from PowerSchool to ManageBac you will see two main types of assessment, formative and summative:•

Formative Assessment: These are ongoing assessments, like class discussions and quizzes, that provide real-time
feedback to help guide instruction and check for understanding.

•Summative Assessment: These are assessments that are a measure of overall learning and are used for grading.

How You Help Support your Child:•

Open Communication: Stay in regular contact with your child's teacher to understand their assessment schedule andresults. Ask questions and seek clarification when needed. Formative and summative assessment tasks should be visible
on MangeBac.

•

Review Assignments: Take time to review your child's assignments and homework. Encourage them to explain their work,
which can help reinforce their understanding.

•Create a Learning-Friendly Environment: Provide a quiet, well-lit space for studying, and establish a daily routine topromote consistency.

•

Support Self-Assessment: Teach your child to assess their own work critically, helping them develop valuable selfregulation skills.

•

Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's successes, no matter how small. Positive
reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivation.

By actively participating in your child's education and understanding the assessment process, you become a valuable partnerin their learning journey. Together, we can ensure that each student reaches their full potential.
I will be providing more information regarding assessment and grading over the coming months. Please take the time to readthrough any communication around assessment and grading to gain a better understanding of the process. With the change
from PowerSchool to ManageBac, information and feedback connected to assessment, and the way in which grades arecalculated (particularly in Grade 6-10) are somewhat different and it is important that everyone learns more about the process
as we move forward.

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Stephanie Hanamura

The commencement of the new school year is in full swing, and I am thrilled
to share some exciting news with you. Throughout this month, our focus
has been on the establishment and growth of our Student Council (StuCo),
and it has been truly remarkable to witness the enthusiasm and participationfrom students in Grades 1-6 as they ran for both existing and newly createdpositions within the StuCo.
The dedication and effort that our students put into organizing their ideas,
crafting speeches, and creating attention-grabbing posters, all while
meeting the necessary requirements for the election process, were truly
commendable. Taking the stage in front of the entire Lower School to deliver
their speeches was a valuable experience that allowed our students to honetheir communication skills. This entire process was guided by the Marist
Expectation of the month: Knowledgeable.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our student body for theirsupport of one another throughout this endeavor. I also want to acknowledge
the invaluable contribution of our teachers, particularly Mrs. Annabelle
Staack, our StuCo Moderator, who played a pivotal role in guiding andsupporting our students every step of the way.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the numerous opportunities that our now-expanded Student Council will create to bring ourstudents together and foster their growth as a cohesive community.
Thank you parents, and students for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community.

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

5MESSAGE FROM THE IBDP COORDINATOR
Gunseli YukselMore information about the IB Diploma Programme at MBIS can be found here.
A big thank you from the other part of the world.
A generous contribution from the Turkish ice cream sale at Marist Food Fair and tireless fundraising efforts organized by MHS/NHS has reached Turkiye to contribute to a meaningful project. The organizers of the project, @birliktegelecegizdestekprojesi,
went to the region to meet women and children whose lives were devastated by the earthquake in February 2023.
On behalf of my Turkish colleagues, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire MBIS community.

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MESSAGE FROM GRADE 1
Mrs. Ito & Mrs. Yoon

Grade One: “Apple Smiles” Activity by Mrs. Ito and Mrs. Yoon
Our Grade 1 students had a special “Caring and Kindness” activity
in class, where they learned about the importance of a “smile”. They
created a very special snack called 'Apple Smiles', using real apples
and tiny marshmallows. It was a wonderful learning experience and a lotof fun, too!
We learned that smiling can have a positive impact on ourselves andothers. When we smile at someone, we very often receive a smile backin return. Smiling brightens up everyone's day.
We also learned that smiling is the universal language of kindness andcaring. A smile is a symbol that shows you care about the other person.
Smiles have the remarkable power to light up a room and create a warm
and welcoming atmosphere. Our Grade 1 students wish to spread thiswelcoming spirit around Marist and the world. The beauty of a smile isthat it's contagious, spreading positivity to those around us. Moreover,smiling is a fantastic way to maintain a positive and healthy outlook onlife.
After our Kindness and Caring activity, each of our 22 first graders
walked through the halls at Marist smiling at 5 students, bringing smiles
to the faces of 110 Marist students!!!
They also shared our apple snacks with Mrs. Hanamura, the secretaries, and several teachers here at Marist. The apple snack
brought a smile to everyone’s face and made their day more enjoyable.

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The best part of a smile is that it’s free, eco-friendly, and incredibly easy to do. It's a gift that keeps on
giving, making everyone feel good. We have a challenge for you. Please challenge yourself to shareyour smile with five people today!

Marist Brothers International School | Newsletter

9MESSAGE FROM GRADE 2
Julie Sugiuchi

In Ms Sugiuchi’s Grade 2 math class, we are learning different strategies for addition and subtraction. Grade 2 uses
manipulatives like base ten bricks or ten frames. We use benchmark numbers to skip-count. We represent our thinking withnumber lines and drawings. We play speed counting games with partners. We take turns coming up to the board to show ourmath knowledge to the class.
One fun math activity we did this month was a bundling activity with popsicle sticks. First, we tried to count hundreds ofpopsicle sticks one by one. Oh my goodness! It took a very long time, and we lost count quite often! Then, we tried bundlingthem into tens with rubber bands and counting them by tens. Which do you think was easier to count? Of course, it waswhen we skip-counted by tens. We learned that using benchmark numbers like ten or hundred help us add quickly and moreaccurately.
It is exciting to learn so many ways to arrive at the correct answer, to check our work, to make mental math faster, or to explain
our thinking to a partner. Grade 2 has number sense!

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MESSAGE FROM THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Jason Mejia

Hands-on Science at MBISAt MBIS, our young scientists are at the forefront of
formulating hypotheses, conducting rigorous data collection,and methodically assessing outcomes within our PYP, MYP
and DP Science programs.
In our Grade 8 curriculum, students delve into the art ofdetermining density as an integral component of their'Introduction to Laboratory Techniques' unit. In Grade 9, ourbudding engineers engage in constructing bottle rockets,
skillfully designed to launch a ping pong ball into the skies
with maximum airtime – a testament to their scientificingenuity. Stepping up their scientific journey, Grade 10
students extend their comprehension by undertaking the'Hooke's Law' experiment, involving the interaction of springsand masses. Meanwhile, in Grade 11, our physics enthusiasts
undertake an in-depth exploration of forces through the lensof vector analysis.
A study conducted by the University of Chicago has underscored the significance of hands-on scientific learning experiences.
This research found that students who actively engage in physically manipulating scientific concepts during their studies
exhibited heightened activation in sensory and motor-related regions of the brain. As a result, these students achieved superior
scores on science assessments when compared to their peers who did not engage in hands-on learning activities.
MBIS is committed to fostering a holistic and effective learning environment that empowers our students to excel in theirscientific and other academic pursuits.

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MESSAGE FROM THE WHOLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Taeko Sakurai

Understand and Support Children's Mental Well-being
Hello, Marist community! As mentioned in our previous newsletter, Marist is introducing a new well-being platform called"KOMODO" starting in October. This platform is designed to monitor various aspects of our children's lives, including theiracademic performance, learning, emotional well-being, physical health, and overall sense of fulfillment. Maintaining goodmental well-being in children is essential for their holistic development, and understanding and supporting it are of utmost
importance.
To understand and foster the mental well-being of our children, we need to focus on the following key points:
1. Observation: Please carefully observe the daily lives and behaviors of our children. It's essential to notice changes andsigns, not only in their emotional state but also in their physical well-being.
2. Communication: Parents should encourage open and supportive dialogues with their children to monitor their emotions.
When parents show empathy, children learn to express their feelings and acquire the necessary communication skills to build
relationships with others.
3. Creating a Positive Environment: The mental well-being of children is significantly influenced by their surroundings. By
establishing a positive environment, children can develop a strong sense of self-esteem.
4. Love and Support: Showing affection and providing support to children contribute to their sense of security and greatly
impact their mental well-being. Nurturing strong connections within the family and with friends is also crucial.
5. Self-awareness and Skills Development:Children often face various challenges inacademics, friendships, and family life, leading
to stress. It's important to enhance children's
self-awareness and offer support to develop
essential skills such as stress management andproblem-solving.
Understanding and supporting the mental
well-being of our children have a profound
impact on their future. By collaborating between
schools and parents, we can jointly create anenvironment where children can grow up ingood health.
In our Parents as Learners Session in October,we will discuss specific ways to actively support
your child's mental health at home. Looking
forward to seeing you all there!

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MESSAGE FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Hulya ParkWe are delighted to bring you a glimpse of the enrichingactivities the guidance office conducted this month for ourcommunity.
University Encounters: This month, we had the privilege of
hosting three prestigious universities: McGill University, The
University of Hong Kong, and Ritsumeikan University. During
lunchtimes, we set up tables where students engaged withrepresentatives from these institutions. These meetings are
golden opportunities for our students to ask questions, gather
information, and discover the endless possibilities theseschools offer. In addition, our upper-grade students attended
presentations by the representatives providing more insight
into their academic offerings and campus life.
University Fairs: Our students had a chance to attend theKansai Regional University Fair held at Ritsumeikan Uji
Junior & Senior High School in Kyoto. Our students had theopportunity to converse with representatives from a diverse
array of universities, including esteemed institutions like theUniversity of Toronto and the University of Melbourne. Having
exposure to a wide range of educational paths is a vital stepin helping our students make informed choices about their
future.
Alumni Insight Series: To further guide and motivate ourstudents, we introduced the Alumni Insight Series this month. Our inaugural online chat session with 'The Smarts’ provided
valuable information and inspiration to our students and parents in attendance. These sessions are set to become a monthly
fixture, so we encourage everyone to mark their calendars and join us for these enlightening conversations. It's a fantastic
opportunity for our students to learn from the experiences of our esteemed alumni.
We are committed to keeping both students and parents informed about all things college-related. For students in Grades
9 and up, we share all college guidance-related information through Managebac. Parents of students in lower grades areencouraged to reach out directly to Mrs. Park (hulya.park@marist.ac.jp) for any guidance-related inquiries.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to empower our students to reach for the stars and achieve their
dreams. Stay tuned for more exciting initiatives from the Guidance Office in the coming months!

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Mark Pilgrim

September has been a very active month for the Development office as we are finalizing our guest lists and event details for
our Marist Alumni 1951-1985 + (Marist Alumni Association Executive Committee) Reunion. The details of the event are as
follows:
October 13th, 2023
10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Marist Alumni are invited to the Marist campus and tour the facility,meet students and have lunch with teachers.
4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - India Club Reunion Event
We are excited for the evening as we are expecting over 100 guests comprised of alumni, senior teachers and board
members. If you are interested in obtaining more information on the event or know of alumni from 1951-1985 who may beinterested, please contact pilgrimm@marist.ac.jp
Food Fair-Alumni BoothThe Development Office will be hosting an Alumni Booth at the Food Fair. Marist Alumni are encouraged to register at thebooth to receive Marist merchandise and 1,000 yen in Food Fair tickets.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Jason Mejia

We have had an exciting month in Athletics with our Varsity and Junior Varsity teams participating in their respective MidSeason and JV tournaments. It was an exciting time at Marist in the Dogpound as we hosted the Women’s Varsity tournament,
which provided a lot of excitement. Congratulations go out to the High School Men on earning the first trophy of the year for
their 3rd place finish at the Varsity Mid-Season tournament. Also, shout outs to the tournament MVPs - Kaito Izumi, Riko Noda,
Kota Kasagi, and Kei Nakashima - well done in your respective competitions!

Our middle school teams have also been doing really well. With strong showings against Canadian Academy, Senri-Osaka,and Kyoto, our teams are riding some strong momentum heading into their end-of-the season tournaments. Excitement is
especially palpable around Marist for the MS Girl’s Volleyball tournament as we prepare to host Nagoya, Osaka YMCA, SOIS,
CA, and KIU. Good luck to all our Bulldogs!

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MESSAGE FROM THE BASEBALL COACH
Thomas Stang

Congratulations to the Marist Bulldogs! Completing the perfect season! Going undefeated and winning Western Japan International Schools’
Baseball Championship! Also a very special thanks to Co-Coach, Marist Alumni Ryoji Sakai. Who, 25 years ago, was the winning pitcher ofanother Bulldog Championship team.....that coached by myself! His enthusiasm, love and knowledge of the game was absolutely contagious
for both the Marist Teams! Our teams were so immensely grateful for his presence at every practice and every game this year! Cannot say
enough about how much I enjoyed his company and baseball chats throughout the season! An amazingly enjoyable experience. Also, special
congratulations to both teams who had fantastic leadership from their captains. They are truly an amazing, hard working and respectful groupof boys!!! I will really miss those grade 8 boys! They will always be champions in my heart!!! Thanks for a fantastic Baseball season!!!

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MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM STUCONIn August, each homeroom class held their elections to votefor class representatives. We are proud to announce ourdedicated group of student council members for the 20232024 academic year:•

President: Junwon Alex Hur•Vice President: Sivaranjani Ganesan•

Secretary: Amritha Kamath•

Treasurer: Aaryan Bhasin•

Class Representatives: [7] Isabella Farleigh, Triston
Francsics, [8] Gautham Samy Senthil Kumar, Tylar
White, [9] Divit Bhojwani, Riku Hamano, [10] Aaditi
Bhasin, Minseo Eom, Yoonseo Eom, Haruhi Hayashi,[11] Sehej Chadha, Jay Muto, Hanan Nagase, [12] Yi
Xuan (Sunny) Cui, Nanasei Kyi, Mrigank Mookim, Rina
OkazakiThe Student Council representatives meet every Monday to focus on building a more vital student body, in which the classrepresentatives contribute by discussion of student issues in the school, brainstorming potential event ideas, organizing events,
and along with day-to-day practices that the student body can take part to emphasize our Marist qualities. Currently, we areplanning for the fast--approaching Food Fair and working on a survey to collect your opinion so we can represent your voice.
Once the survey is sent out, please complete it so we can better understand student issues and desires. Also, keep an eye on
our upcoming newsletter, social media updates, and events and help us work to make each academic year a more vibrant one
than the previous year.
Thank you,President of Student Council
Junwon Alex Hur

MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM THE PTA
The PTA is focused on supporting the Marist Food Fair as we head into October. Two PTA members are leading the Marist
Food Fair Executive Committee meetings with the support of Marist faculty and staff. The PTA refer to an old constitution andconduct meetings under a traditional structure:
PTA President – David Polen
PTA Vice President – Maki Yamamoto
PTA Secretary – Clara Kim
PTA Treasurer – Sean Laclef
The PTA are also looking at ways in which they support our other student organizations with a particular focus on concession
stands during tournaments. The major fundraising activities include the Food Fair and the Bingo Night and funds raised
support student organization activities. Annually, the PTA supports the MUN trips by providing additional funding.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MHS / NHS
Mio Ranni

National Honor Society (NHS):
In the month of September, the National Honor Society (NHS) organized a thought-provoking workshop titled "Safe School
Workshop" on September 13th. The event brought together students from grades 9 to 12, providing them with a platform
to discuss their experiences regarding the school environment and their overall well-being. A total of 35 students actively
participated in this workshop, openly sharing their concerns, both inside and outside the classrooms. The NHS students are
now in the process of scheduling meetings with school administrators and counselors to convey the students' voices andcollaboratively devise effective strategies to address these issues, with the ultimate goal of creating a safe and nurturing
learning environment for all.

International Soroptimist Kobe, our dedicated NHS sponsor since 2017, paid a visit to our school on September 28th. During
their visit, the executive members of the NHS had the privilege of meeting with three representatives from the Soroptimist
organization. Tsukika, our NHS president, provided an overview of how the sponsorship funds from the previous school year
were utilized and shared her ambitious plans for the new year. In a generous gesture, at the conclusion of the meeting, the
NHS members received a sponsorship grant of 50,000 JPY, which will be directed towards our service projects for the current
school year.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to International Soroptimist Kobe for their unwavering support, which has not only enabled
our students to make significant contributions to the local community through service projects but has also created a channel
for students to have their voices heard. The Soroptimist organization consistently offers positive feedback and compliments,
fostering a nurturing environment that encourages our students to excel and make a positive impact.

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Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS):In the month of September, the Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS) celebrated a significant milestone by welcoming its
100th member into the organization. As of September 30, our MHS family has grown to include 102 dedicated members. The
role and responsibility of our leadership team are instrumental in guiding this flourishing community and ensuring that every
member feels an integral part of it. Allow us to introduce you to the exceptional individuals who have been chosen to lead andempower this organization.
President
Tsukika Yoneda
Vice President
Momoe Ishibashi

Secretary
Kouki Mogami

Treasurer
Sehej Chadha
Charity Committee
Head
Sara Koda
Community Event
Committee Head
Haruhi Hayashi

Education Committee
Head
Yanchen Li
Entertainment
Committee Head
Mia Lipp
Fundraising Committee
Head
Michelle Ranni

In-School Committee
Head
Mirei Shi

For the coming school year, my goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment in which
all students are encouraged to express their creativity and ideas. As a leader, I want to inspireothers to achieve success and be someone everyone can rely on.
During this school year, my goal is to collaborate with all of the members of the NHS and MHS,
aiming to make school a safe environment—an insightful idea introduced by our president,
Tsukika. In my role as a leader, I would like to grow and become a trustable and dependable
leader who is easy to come talk to, especially when something does not go as planned.
During this school year the goal I’d like to achieve as the NHS secretary is write down key
information during the meetings which will make organization and planning of information moreconvenient for the other leaders. The type of leader I aspire to be is a passionate leader, where I
can motivate and move a lot of people.
For the school year ahead, my goal is to have a well-managed funding so that it helps future
leaders in the upcoming years. As a leader, I hope to create a warm and welcoming environment
as there are many new students who have joined Marist as well as the MHS.
The Charity Committee has a very important plan to create a donation for daily essential products
to organizations that provide aid for people who require help. Also, we are bringing back“Caring and Sharing” to raise money for charity and spread kindness. As a leader, I am hopingthat I will get to show how enjoyable and impactful MHS can be to my committee members.
In the Community Event Committee, I’m planning to focus on collaboration with the Re-ColabKobe. In the Re-Colab Kobe, they are focusing on service work similar to MHS. I would like totalk with my committee members and choose further service work to do this year. I want to be aleader who is mindful of everyone. My goal is to make sure to include everyone throughout theactivities and meetings.
The main goal for the Education Committee is to organize the CPR training well within all
MHS members. Moreover, the Education Committee will also come up with some projects like
Internet safety in order to educate students more. As a leader, I hope to create a comfortableenvironment for students to feel warm and become one of the members of this MHS big family.
For this school year, my main goal is to organize exciting events for our school with the help of
the other MHS members in order to build our school spirit and allow Marist students to create
fun memories. Not only do I want to become a leader that others can look up to, I want tobecome a person that allows others to feel comfortable in sharing their opinions with me.
The Fundraising committee is striving to host more events to not only raise money for the
MHS, but to allow students to have fun while doing so. As a committee leader, my number one
priority is to make the students’ donations worthwhile. I hope to become a leader that exceeds
expectations of what a fundraising committee head is supposed to do, and push the boundaries
of what has been done before. My committee members have helped me think of unique ideas tohelp sustain the MHS and entertain students in the process.
My goal for this academic year is to organize enjoyable in-school activities that will benefit bothstudents and faculty such as helping with school maintenance and initiating the onigiri project. I
want to grow as a leader who is engaging in activities and is easy to communicate with in orderto achieve my goals.

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MHS Junior Committee
Head
Rina Okazaki

Promotion Committee
Head
Ooki Nakaguchi

S.E.E.D Committee
Head
Angela Shitamoto

The Junior MHS committee is a new committee in the MHS that is dedicated to promoting andsupporting community service experiences for Grade 7 and 8 students. The service projects
include creating accessories from plastic waste collected during the clean-ups to combat
plastic pollution and creating a school farm on the second-floor balcony, where we can harvest
strawberries. I hope these service works will be a great learning opportunity and experience forthe seventh and eighth graders. To ensure this I aspire to be a leader who has an open-minded
approach and fosters a welcoming environment for sharing ideas.
This year, my goal as promotion committee head is to promote MHS/MBIS to the audiences suchas volunteer organizations, who are interested in Marist. Some students hesitate to join MHS
because it seems like a fully dedicated community but in reality, it's not. So I want to show to theaudiences how fun MHS is fun and the deep satisfaction that comes with volunteering in various
services. This year, I seek to be a confident leader who thinks positively and is always honest withmembers which establishes a sense of trust between me and everyone.
As the head of the S.E.E.D committee, my goal is to collaborate with my committee members
and come up with new and creative ways to advocate sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
To achieve this goal, I want to be an inclusive and open-minded leader who attentively listens toothers’ opinions.

In addition, we are excited to introduce the newly formed"MHS Junior Committee," comprising enthusiastic Grade
7 and 8 students with a passion for service learning. An
impressive total of 45 students have eagerly joined thisservice learning group. Their journey commenced withservice learning sessions held during lunchtime every Friday,
where they creatively crafted accessories using microplastics
collected from Suma Beach, effectively raising awarenessabout ocean plastic pollution. These handmade accessories
will be available for purchase at the upcoming Food Fair next
month. We encourage everyone to explore and support these
remarkable student achievements.

On September 20, MHS extended an invitation to junior students and teachers for a beach clean-up event at Suma Beach. An
inspiring turnout of approximately 150 students and teachers actively participated in cleaning up cans, pet bottles, cigarettes,
and snack wrappers from the beach. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Spaulding and Ramona, Ms. Yuksel, and Brother
Allen, Ms. Kuhl and Grade 6 students for their valuable contributions to this service endeavor. Special appreciation goes to
Ms. Moon for capturing memorable group photos at the beach.

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While our commitment to caring for the beach and water is unwavering, MHS is equally dedicated to land stewardship. On
September 3, MHS students planted a remarkable 60 kg of baby potatoes in our farm located in Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku.
Committees take turns nurturing these potatoes every other week, with plans to harvest them in January and donate them toorganizations supporting those in need. Furthermore, on September 17, our students harvested sweet potatoes and pumpkins,
destined for a "sweet potato sale" at the Food Fair and to be used in our upcoming Halloween event. We extend our deepest
gratitude to Mr. Yoshihisa Tsuruda from Tsuruda Farm for imparting valuable agricultural skills and instilling a sense of
responsibility towards food and people in our students. We would like to thank two graduates who came to support our workat the farm.

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The pinnacle of our September service learning initiatives was the collaboration with Kobe Union Church to host a soup kitchen
in Sannomiya on the 30th. MHS students tirelessly peeled and cut potatoes, onions, and carrots starting at 10:00 a.m. They
also expertly prepared a large pot of curry and rice. By 12:00, a long line of people had gathered, and our students served
the hot, nourishing meal to 75 individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kobe Union Church for their continuous warm
partnership. A special acknowledgement goes to Brother Allen for their unwavering support of the students and the soup
kitchen.

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We are delighted to share that Marist Brothers Honor Society (MHS) has received a Certificate of Appreciation from Change
Action Nepal, an organization dedicated to supporting children in slum areas who face a high risk of human trafficking.
During the previous school year, MHS embarked on a fundraising campaign and successfully raised funds to assist this noble
cause. We are deeply honored to receive this recognition and are committed to continuing our efforts to make a positive
impact in the lives of these vulnerable children. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our shared mission.

Lastly, please mark your calendars for our casual days on
October 6 when you can dress comfortably and express yourpersonal style.

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Newsletter | Marist Brothers International SchoolPotato Project (Grade 10 Michelle Ranni)
In September, Michelle Ranni persisted in her commitment to nurture and care for her potato and sweet potato crops on her
farm. Her aim, as always, is to contribute to those in need through her harvest. The highlight of the month was the successful
harvest of approximately 50 kg of sweet potatoes, planted back in May. Michelle has ambitious plans to yield around 100 kg
of sweet potatoes this season, with half of this bountiful harvest earmarked for donations to the soup kitchen and Child Chemo
House.
The remaining half will be made available for purchase at the upcoming Food Fair, ensuring the sustainability of her project
for the next season. To optimize the flavor of the sweet potatoes, they will be stored on the farm to dry for approximately
three weeks before being ready for sale. If you would like to support Michelle's project and savor the fruits of her labor, we
encourage you to visit the potato sale booth at the Food Fair. Your contribution will not only aid in her mission but also provide
you with delicious, homegrown sweet potatoes.

Grade 12, Yi Xuan Xui (Sunny) and Sangmo An are lighting up our schoolwith their creative venture - the "Business Marketing Development Project."
As budding entrepreneurs, they wanted to dive into the world of real-lifebusiness, and what better way to do it than at our upcoming Food Fair.
Incorporating their learnings from the IB Business class, Sunny and Sangmo
recognized the value of practical experience. To make this dream a reality,
they decided to channel their energy into creating a small but vibrantbusiness project.
Through this exciting endeavor, Sunny and Sangmo aim to simulate agenuine business environment, offering an opportunity for both students andadults to create lasting memories at the event. Attendees can step into theirphoto booth, adorned with unique Marist Food Fair designs, and walk awaywith tangible keepsakes in the form of hard copy photos.
But this project goes beyond just capturing moments; it's a learning
experience. Sunny and Sangmo are taking on the roles of business
managers, applying their knowledge and concepts from their Business classto demonstrate their understanding and ensure the project's success.
So far, they've accomplished the planning stage, meticulously selecting thesoftware, camera, and printer processes to ensure a seamless operation. But
their journey is far from over. With action as the next step, they are eager toacquire the camera and begin setting up the photo booth.
As a community, let's rally behind Sunny and Sangmo as they embark on thisexciting venture. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress and makesure to visit their "Business Marketing Development Project" at the Food
Fair to create cherished memories while supporting these two industrious
students in their entrepreneurial journey.

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MARIST BROTHERS EAST ASIA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL
MEMBERS VISIT MBISOn September 15, we welcomed three members of the Marist East Asia Provincial Council. In the morning, they visited thelower school classes. Together with Br. Allen Timola and Mr. Mark Pilgrim, the three members entered the classrooms of
Grades 1 to 5 and the students asked them curious questions like “Who started the Marist Brothers?” or “What’s your favorite
country?” In the afternoon, they visited the PTA meeting and introduced themselves to the parents. Thank you Grades 1 to 5
students and homeroom teachers for welcoming them to your classrooms!
They were here to witness the Diamond Jubilee anniversary celebration of Br. Joseph Yoshida, an elderly Japanese Marist
Brother who is celebrating his 60th year as a Brother.
The Provincial Council members who visited MBIS are the following: Br. Allan de Castro (Brother Provincial Superior,Philippines), Br. Rommel Ocasiones (Council Member, Philippines), and Br. Anthony Tay (Council Member, Malaysia).
Thank you, Brothers, for visiting MBIS!

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MBIS TECH SUPPORT CAFE
Coming into the school year, we have introduced new platforms such as Seesaw, SchoolsBuddy, and ManageBac. It has cometo our attention that many parents are still learning and getting used to these apps, so we have decided to create a MBIS Tech
Support Cafe. Here, the IT team will answer all of your questions and go through all the steps to prevent any future issues.
Please feel free to join us.

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

MARIST PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

ACCREDITATION AND AUTHORISATION

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UPCOMING EVENTS
1 - 2 October - Grade 7 - 10 Trip
9 October - Elementry Mini Sports Day
11 October - Marist Alumni Mentorship Program
13 - 14 October - HS End-of-Season Volleyball Tournament
13 October - 1956 - 1985 Alumni Reunion
19 October - Parents as Learners
19 October - PTA Meetings
21 October - Marist Food Fair
22 October - 1951-2023 Alumni Reunion and Food Fair After Party
23 - 27 October - Fall Break				
31 October - Pumpkin Festival

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