Welcome from James Steward
This week we were completely focused on Bonfire Night. Mr Chris’ class helped put us in a great mood with their hilarious assembly mid-week and an after-school hike into the hills behind HIS. The Festive Eve Costume Team was also sizing our younger cast members for FAME, as well.
But back to the main feature of the week, Bonfire Night.
Yumiko san and Nigel sensei led a complete team effort. The action was non-stop in the HIS Kitchen. Vegetables were chopped, meat and fish cooked, and desserts prepared in preparation for the big event. Meanwhile wood was collected as Guy Fawkes awaited his fiery fate. When the fire was finally lit, the audience of almost 300 cheered and observed in awe. The bands began to play in the background, fine tuning the atmosphere. Finally, fireworks were lit in celebration of an extraordinary evening.
Thank you to all people that supported this exceptionally enjoyable event.
We now move full speed ahead to Festive Eve!
Please read further for more information and be sure to check our HIS Photo Gallery for all the latest pictures.
James Steward
HIS Principal
HIS Principal Search Update from Director General, Peter Skaer
As most of you know, James will be leaving us at the end of July, 2024. As a result, we have conducted a search for a new principal. We received 21 applications, and conducted four rounds of review. Reviewers and interviewers included representatives of all major HIS “stakeholder” groups, including members of the BOD, the BOT, the teaching staff, the office staff, the PTA and the students. A final interview session with the top three candidates was conducted online by 13 different interviewers representing these stakeholder groups. All three were found to be viable candidates. The BOD discussed contract terms with all three candidates and reached agreement with one, Ms. Kristen Dickhaut, who we are excited to introduce to you here.
Ms. Kristen Dickhaut comes from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, is a career educator, and has lots of great domestic and international teaching and leadership experience. She has a Masters of Education degree from George Mason University (USA), several Educational Leadership certificates from Harvard University, was a Fulbright Scholar, and has had both IB Administrative and MYP training. She has twenty years USA middle school teaching and leadership experience followed by extensive international leadership experience, as assistant director, assistant principal and principal, in such diverse locations as South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, China and Jordan. We think she will be a great addition to our community, and hope you will extend her a warm welcome when she arrives here next August (2024).
Yours,
Peter Skaer
Director General, Board of Directors
HIS Photo Gallery
Follow the link for this week’s photos from around HIS:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zA5haaetMnMmjRFE7
From the PTA Wolfpack
Thank you to everyone who helped and attended the Bonfire on Friday.
Remember Wolfpack Shop will be on Nov. 13 & 14th. During morning break and lunch time we will be selling snacks. Examples of snacks that will be sold are cheese & crackers, assorted breads, and onigiri ranging from 100-200¥. Please remember to send your children with money if you would like them to purchase snacks. Limit is 500¥ for students and all profits will go to the PTA fund.
We need two volunteers to help run the shop from 10:00-13:00 on both days. If you would like to volunteer please email us at pta@hiroshima-is.as.jp or contact Nami.
Hot Lunch will be on Nov. 21st. This time we are offering a German meal of Potato Casserole and salad.
The Casserole has beef, potatoes, cream, cheese and delicious seasonings. The small portion has 180g of casserole, salad and a small orange. The medium portion has 300g of casserole, salad and a banana.
We are changing how we are taking orders this time. Order forms should come home on Monday. If you would like to order the Hot Lunch please fill it out and put your money in the envelope provided by NOV 17. If you need a replacement envelope they will be in the office.
Winter break is rapidly approaching and that means that Santa will be visiting the school! We are asking families to donate snacks and treats for the students. The treats will be given out at the assembly on Dec. 15. We will have a box in the Genken from Nov. 20 through Dec. 12 for the donations. Please, no snacks or treats with nuts due to allergies of students.
Upcoming Events:
- Nov. 13 & 14 Wolfpack Shop
- Nov. 20 Donation for Santa Visit starts
- Nov. 21st Hot Lunch
- Nov. 30 Let’s Bake
- Dec. 1 Bake Sale
The PTA Wolfpack