The Lion – 9th March 2018
School news
Primary
Secondary
PTA
Community
MESSAGE FROM BRIAN CHRISTIAN – PRINCIPAL Dear Parents, Last week, in recognition of World Book Day, I devoted the entirety of my Lion message to the topic of reading and the important role played by our School Librarians. Perhaps you will forgive me if I pick up on the same theme at the start of today’s letter. This coming Sunday’s anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami will bring into sharp perspective my most memorable reading experience of the past twelve months. If you too have read Richard Lloyd Parry’s haunting account of the events of 11th March 2011, Ghosts of the Tsunami, you will understand exactly what I mean. Almost 16,000 people lost their lives that day and, seven years later, two and a half thousand people remain unaccounted for, while the recovered remains of 60 victims have yet to be identified. This was tragedy on a horribly grand scale. No story of the events of that day is more harrowing than that of Okawa Elementary School, and it is this story that is at the heart of Richard Lloyd Parry’s remarkable account. Many of our teachers and older students have already read Ghosts of the Tsunami and I cannot recommend it highly enough – it’s subject matter could not be darker but the resilience and fortitude of so many of the people we encounter in the book also give us cause to celebrate the strength of the human spirit.
SECONDARY LANGUAGES WEEK On a very different and much brighter note, this week’s focus in the Secondary School has been a wholehearted celebration of language and cultural diversity. This may be the British School and the language of instruction may be almost entirely English, but we are delighted to count more than sixty different nationalities across our student body, and we firmly believe that our diversity exemplifies one of the real strengths of an international education: the opportunity it affords our young people to stand in the shoes of others. Thank you to Mr Fraser and his team for all their hard work in putting together such a busy and enjoyable week of language-based activities. Continuing on the theme of diversity, yesterday was International Women’s Day and I hope that here at BST we are doing all that we can to ensure that our students can grow up in an environment where equal opportunity is the norm rather than the exception. In the classroom, in sport and extra-curricular activity, in terms of leadership and influence – our aim is to ensure that boys and girls can grow and develop together on a level playing field. Please don’t be afraid to let us know if you think we can do more. Page 2 of 20
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PRINCIPAL CONT’D
Finally, for the past three days we have been delighted to welcome Ms Fiona Read to BST. As you know, Fiona will be stepping into Ms O’Connor’s shoes in September when she takes over as Head of the Primary School, and this week she is here on a quick orientation/handover visit to further develop her understanding of the way in which the school works. I hope that she has found the rather chilly, damp weather a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Singapore. At least it looks as if the sun might shine tomorrow – enjoy your weekend! Brian Christian PS: Just one week to go to the Spring Fair. I’ve got my raffle tickets – have you got yours yet? There are some brilliant prizes on offer! Brian Christian https://twitter.com/BST_Principal
http://www.bst.ac.jp/our-community/spring-fair-2018/
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SECONDARY NEWS Dear Students and Parents, Languages, Art and Music have been prominent this week. Our Language Ambassadors and the MFL Faculty have worked hard putting on a variety of events for Languages Week. We have had quizzes, 'lyp-sync' challenges, international movies, an International Cafe and a Year 7 exchange with the Lycee in Tokyo whom we welcomed into school on Tuesday. We also had an entertaining Assembly on Thursday, focusing on the huge benefits of learning a language and a House Competition, which was won by Amaterasu. We have been busy running a Self-Review of our Art/Photography and Music departments. It has been wonderful to see how many students are engaged with these important subjects, which help students develop the skills, that many employers are now demanding of incoming graduates. The curriculum and co-curricular provision in these areas is increasingly expanding at BST and I would urge all students to find something within these which interests them. Last Saturday the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from BST had their first joint outing. There were 20 students in total who went hiking to Todoroki Park and along Tama River. This was only the third meeting of the new 1st Tokyo Scouts group and it was great to see seven Scouts grab the opportunity to participate and develop their leadership skills as they looked after younger Cubs and Beavers. During the hike, students had the chance to develop their observation skills and team building skills not to mention being outdoors and having fun. Thank you to Mr. Whybro and Dr. Reilly as well as our other parent volunteers for providing this great opportunity for our students. Congratulations to our MS boys’ basketball team who were victorious at the ISTAA Finals held here at Showa on Tuesday. Good luck to all of our swimmers that will be competing at St. Mary's this weekend, and our Robotics team who will be competing in Yokota. We look forward to Science Week in school next week and welcoming Year 9 students and parents to Options Evening on Wednesday; if we could meet at 5:30 pm in the Administration Building, there will be a short presentation before moving back to the reception area and library.
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SECONDARY CONT’D
Can I also highlight two events coming up in the near future, one (of course) is the Spring Fair which will be taking place in a week's time and the second, a Mental Health & Wellbeing Presentation, which will take place on Tuesday April 17th at 7:00pm at Showa: Dick Moore will be visiting us from the UK to provide mental health and wellbeing training for our teachers and will be working with our students. Finally, can I appeal to anyone who may be able to provide some Work Experience for our Year 12 students, from the week beginning 27th August. There are already so many companies that provide some great experiences for our students, but with an ever expanding Sixth Form, we are looking for more opportunities. If you think you could help, please contact Mr. Warburton directly (
[email protected]). Have a lovely weekend. Brian Platts https://twitter.com/BST_Secondary
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WORK EXPERIENCE HELP
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SECONDARY EVENTS Term 2.2 (2017-2018) Friday 9th March Y11 Physics Olympiad challenge Saturday 10th March Robotics Competition at Yokota MS 06:45 – 16:00 Primary and Secondary Swim Team March Age Group Championships Day 1 @ St. Mary’s Sunday 11th March 06:45 – 16:00 Primary and Secondary Swim Team March Age Group Championships Day 2 @ St. Mary’s Monday 12th March Science Week (Official British Science Week) Biology challenge Y10 15:30 – 19:00 HS Girls Football v YIS (YCAC) Tuesday 13th March Biology challenge Y9 Advanced Musicians' Recital L'Atelier
Wednesday 14th March 17:30 – 19:30 Y9 Options Evening Thursday 15th March Intermediate Maths Olympiad & Intermediate Kangeroo 15:30 – 19:30 HS Girls Football v CAJ Saturday 17th March Spring Fair Page 7 of 20
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PUZZLE OF THE WEEK
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FANTASY FOOTBALL
BST Fantasy Premier League round up: Paul Raudkepp capitalised on a pretty dismal week for the rest of the top scoring players, rising 5 places to break the Norton/Peedle/Martin stronghold. Claire Martin drops out of the top 3 for the first time since week 7. That’s some run of form. Elsewhere, we had solid performances from Kazuki Romeijn and Mr Pye. Mr Norton has the champagne on ice. At the wrong end, a quick shout out for Kevin Elliott, who has spent 14 consecutive weeks in 44th position. Remarkable!
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PRIMARY NEWS Dear Primary Parents, We have welcomed two visitors to Primary this week. On Monday and Tuesday ‘Circle Time and Playtime’ consultant Jenny Mosley worked with staff and pupils on these two focus areas. Jenny challenged us to expand our ideas of what playtimes and circle times can be. She led us through workshops designed to make the most of our play spaces here at BST. I know the students have already enjoyed trying out the game ideas she had for them during their break times. I am sure if you ask your children the games you will recognise some of them from your own school days. Clapping games are good for brain development & so are staging a comeback! We are looking forward to seeing her suggestions put to good use as the weather warms up for our outdoor play time. From Wednesday we have been hosting Mrs Fiona Read, the incoming Head of Primary. Fiona has spent the three days in school working & preparing for her move to BST in August. We have taken the opportunity to show off all the great aspects of BST primary as well as plan for the next stages in development. Fiona has had the chance to meet staff, pupils and some parents today at the coffee morning. I know Fiona would want me to pass on how much she has enjoyed this flying visit and is very excited to be joining our wonderful BST community in a few months’ time. A few school uniform reminders: -
BST fleeces and swim team hoodies should not be substituted for school sweaters/cardigans. Shoes should be black leather; a number of children are now coming to school in black trainers which are not uniform. Coats should be black or navy blue Children with hair at or longer than shoulder length must tie it back fully (boys and girls) Hair clips and bands should be black or navy blue
Next week we have some Parent Maths Workshops for Year 1-6. Ms. Brown has an excellent presentation to share on our teaching of maths and how you can support. Please do sign up with relevant year group if you would like to attend. The email invite was sent on Mon 26th Feb 2018. Email
[email protected] if you cannot find the email invite to sign up. Page 10 of 20
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PRIMARY CONT’D Our Year 6s will head off to Ashigara on the BST Outdoors residential trip next week. Lots of exciting activities are planned and the weather even looks promising. Don’t be late for departure on Tuesday Y6!
Finally, I would like to wish our amazing BST Taiko teacher, Moko-sensei, good luck with her 21st Anniversary Celebration concert which takes place this Sunday 11th from 1.20pm at Yamana Hall, Yoyogi. I know lots of BST players are excited to be performing; entrance is free so do go along to watch. Congratulations Moko-sensei on 21 years of passing on your love of drumming to children and adults alike here in Tokyo! Have a good weekend. Kirsten O’Connor https://twitter.com/BST_Primary
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1ST TOKYO SCOUTS NEEDS HELP
1st Tokyo Scouts are urgently needing leaders to help run their Cub and Beaver Pack due to their leader returning back to the U.K. If you’re interested, please get in touch as the pack will have to close at the end of this term if we can’t find anyone.
[email protected]
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PRIMARY NEWSLETTERS
Year 3P Class Exhibition PRIMARY NEWSLETTERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE JUST YET THESE WILL BE SENT SEPARATELY THIS WEEKEND APOLOGIES FOR INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
RE & PHILOSOPHY
RE and Philosophy at BST This time of year is particularly important for those of Christian faith... Lent continues, once more! 17th March - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration of the patron saint of Ireland. A new philosophical question, coming your way! Where is your favourite place to be? Why? Page 13 of 20
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PTA
CALL FOR PARENT AND SECONDARY STUDENT VOLUNTEERS! The Spring Fair committee is asking for volunteers from the BST community to help out with games, toys & cake stalls on Saturday 17th March 2018. Simple to use electronic sign-up forms have been sent to the BST community. These sign up forms sheets will explain where volunteers are needed and what they will be required to do. You can sign up for as many timeslots as you would like but even one hour of your time will be invaluable and much appreciated. Many hands make light work! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact the Spring Fair committee at
[email protected] As always, thank you very much for your continued support.
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SPRING FAIR DETAILS
SPRING FAIR FACTS Saturday 17th March 2018 11am to 3pm at the BST Shibuya Campus
WHAT TO EXPECT o International Food Stalls o Art Café and Cake Stall o 80’s Era Bubble Economy Themed Bar o Game Stalls & Activities o Adult Raffle Draw ¥500/ticket or ¥2,000 for a book of 5 (full prize list released next week) o Student Raffle Draw ¥500/ticket o Parent, Teacher and Student stalls (please bring cash to buy your Y100 tickets) SPECIAL REMINDERS o Please be respectful of SKG property – Consume food and drink before entering SKG Gym, Memorial Hall and New Gym (you will be asked to throw away food and drink before entering) No high heeled shoes please! Observe all “Do Not Enter” signs o Please pick up after yourselves – bins are sign posted throughout o Please be safe – Follow Enter and Exit signs in Memorial Hall and New Gym (each space has two staircases in use) Leave push chairs and prams at home Watch your children o DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!! Page 15 of 20
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SPRING FAIR THANK YOU to all of the BST parents, students, teachers and administrative staff that have worked tirelessly over the last few months to plan this event. Please thank them for all of their hard work when you see them at the Fair! Our Fair would not be possible without their commitment to furthering the development of our children and making it a fun day out for all in the BST community. Thank you to our very generous GOLD sponsors
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PTA TOURS
The 5th March PTA Tour around Shibuya
BST PTA is sponsored by Azabu Gardens, a Pembroke property. https://www.azabugardens.com/
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UPCOMING PTA TOURS
Sanae & Riko PTA Tours will be leading a tour Please email your attendance to: PTA Tours
[email protected]
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
ROYAL WEDDING PARTY
SAVE THE DATE
May 19 | Evening | Royal Wedding Party MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON Page 19 of 20
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INVITATION
Dear Friends of AUW Japan, Please join us on March 22nd at 6:15 p.m. at the Tokyo American Club with Ms. Sung-Joo Kim (Founder, Chairperson, and Chief Visionary Officer of Sung-Joo Group and MCM Holding AG) and Ms. Rimu Byadya (AUW Class of 2014). In addition to our speakers and raffle, we will hold a special live auction of two special items: a private sake-making tour including brew-your-own sake, and an exclusive All Blacks vs. Australia rugby Bledisloe Cup package. Please RSVP at https://auwjapan2018.peatix.com/ by March 16. Best regards, AUW Japan Support Committee
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