Principal's Message
Dear High School Parents,
I can’t believe that, already, we are approaching the end of another calendar year. Be that as it may, we have covered a lot of ground since the start of the new school year in August. Much has happened since then and our students have continually been participants in a host of sports and fine arts activities. There have been memorable moments throughout the last 4 months many of which have been captured in my newsletters, including this most recent edition.
Our new assessment policy has been firmly put into place and I hope both our students and parents are now more familiar with the processes we have adopted. Parents will have had, no doubt, the opportunity to look at the summative tasks taken home last week by their children in folios for each subject. Shortly into the New Year, our teachers will be busy writing reports cards, and there have been changes here as well. I am sure the new style will be well embraced and appreciated.
Our calendar events, extra-curricular activities including both sports and fine arts, and all the other wonderful opportunities will continue in earnest in the New Year. It has been a very busy time and I am sure all of you are ready for a well-earned vacation and rest. Wherever you may be in the next three weeks, I’d like to take this opportunity in wishing you all happy holidays.
For those families who are leaving these shores, either repatriating or being transferred to a different part of the world, we wish you all the very best in the future and I hope the fond memories collected whilst here in Japan will be long-lasting. In particular, we say goodbye to one of our High School teachers; Mr. Dean Faught. He will be returning to Australia to take up an elevated position in a school in NSW. We thank him for his loyalty and dedication to his students and the school and we wish him every success in the future. To all our leavers, please keep in touch and do come back and visit. Happy New Year, the Year of the Tiger!!!
Sincerely,
Dennis Stanworth
High School Principal
Announcements and Upcoming Events
Tokyo International Honor Choir
Every year high school students from all over the Kanto Plain region compete to become members of the prestigious Tokyo International Honor Choir. This year six YIS High School students passed a rigorous audition process and will represent YIS as members of this choir. The Tokyo International Honor Choir concert will be held in March 2010. Congratulations to the following students:
Erika Kambayashi, Isabella Yamamoto, Marisa Jensen, Leina Saito, Alisa Yuasa-Schubert, Remi Yamazaki
Choral Director: Sheryl Bridgewater
Kanto Plain Association of Secondary School Principals (KPASSP) Honor Band
We are proud to announce that the following students have been accepted into the 2010 KPASSP Honor Band and Orchestra (will perform in March). Congratulations to the following students: Jain Son: Violin and Baritone Saxophone, Eddy Pearson: Percussion, Erika Trent: Violin, Tomohiro Miyawaki: Violin.
Band Director
Billy Ball
Key Reporting and Conference Dates
Please be reminded of the following dates:
Tuesday January 26th: End of semester one reports mailed to parents
Tuesday March 9th: Grades 10 & 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Thursday April 1st: Grades 9 & 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
(Please note: a recent broadcaster was sent to parents indicating the original date of March 11th for the Grades 9/11 conferences. April 1st is the correct date)
Week of Monday May 3rd: Folios taken home by students
Tuesday June 8th: End of semester two reports mailed to parents
Reminder:
If students are feeling unwell and need to go to see the nurse, and if not an emergency, they must first go to the subject teacher to let him/her know. The nurse will treat the student. It may be that the student will be sent back to class immediately, remain in the infirmary for a short while or may need to be sent home or see a doctor. The nurse will make the decision as to whether or not the student needs to go home. That be the case, the parent will be notified. The nurse will then inform the school office and the relevant Principal. Leaving school due to sickness should be done through the nurse on every occasion.
2010 APEC Junior Conference in Hiroshima February 20 -24
Theme: Our Future, the Earth's Future: Creating a Peaceful and Prosperous Society
Written by the conference organisers:
'Coinciding with the APEC Japan Senior officials' meeting in Hiroshima, the conference will serve to spark enthusiasm regarding issues such as the economy, peace, and nuclear armament among young people from participating APEC countries. Young people from participating APEC Economies will gather in Hiroshima , a symbol of peace and hope and hold discussions on common future problems. The results of the discussions will be announced as a message to the world.'
I am delighted to announce that Julie Sato and Ellie Sato have been chosen to represent their country Mexico, and Kogulan Sabaratnam to represent his country Australia at this conference. These seniors will travel to Hiroshima (all expenses paid) and participate in this event. This is a wonderful opportunity for these students and we look forward to their collective message to the world and hearing about their shared experiences.
Good luck and congratulations,
Mr. Stanworth
News
2009 Orphanage Christmas Party
 Thanks to the response of the entire YIS community, this year’s Orphanage Christmas party could take place successfully on December 5th. Prior to the event, the fundraising campaign was very well supported and a total of 276,545 yen was collected before the party. Mrs. Negishi, both vice president of the YIWC (Yokohama International Women’s Club) and the Christmas Party chairperson came to the school on December 3rd to receive the donations that were collected up until that time. Our thanks go to all those who helped with the money collection and most of all we are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed so generously.
The money was used to buy stocking fillers for the children of two homes: Kofu Kodomoen and Kodomonosono in Chigasaki and the remainder has been set aside to go towards the purchase of the much needed replacement of a van at one of the participating children’s homes.
We are also very proud of the Van der Poel group of middle school and high school students. This year, the group made up of over 30 students was also supported by the Peer Helpers in grades 4 and 5 led by Ms. Kumamoto and altogether they demonstrated outstanding commitment from beginning to end. They were all determined to ensure the event would be enjoyable for the children and to that end they were all involved in the purchase of the stocking fillers, the wrapping of presents and the decorations that transformed our YIS cafeteria into a festive setting for the party.
 Throughout the day the smiles from the children in response to our students' help with the food and games made it obvious that their effort had paid off. The children received a warm welcome, and at the end of the day our students sent them off knowing that they can meet up again at the spring events sponsored by the YIWC. This year’s Christmas party was a wonderful day where different parts of the community could get together for the enjoyment of all. Lastly, our thanks also go to Ms.Gadsby and our photographer Mr. Rayne.
Sylvie Maeda, Steven Hooker
Van der Poel Community Service Supervisors
IASAS Model United Nations Conference:
 Model United Nations is a high school activity, with the purpose of simulating the United Nations. Students represent countries as delegates and attempt to tackle world issues in the political, social, economic and environmental spheres. Every year, ten students in MUN are selected to attend the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools Model United Nations Conference, hosted in different countries in Southeast Asia. This year ten students headed to Bangkok to a conference held at the United Nations Conference Center.
 This year like every other, we represented Yokohama International School with dedication and confidence: our sophisticated debate style, poignant speaking as well as diplomatic manner reflected our passion and commitment towards MUN. The following students attended the conference: Bella Yamamoto (9th grade), Lena Asai (10th grade), Jit Basu (11th grade), Sophie Donszelman (11th grade), Remi Yamazaki (12th grade), Nanoko Ueda (12th grade), Ankit Bardwaj (12th grade), Andrew McOmie (12th grade), Kogulan Sabaratnam (12th grade) and Vanessa Vyvial (12th grade).
When asked what were the highlights of this trip, everyone had plenty to share. Jit, always a fervent delegate who completely engrosses himself in playing out the country he represents, was the delegate of Benin this year. Jit remarked, “the quality of debate this year was the highest I've seen”. Of course, Jit was one of the first delegates to make a speech at the podium in the GA. He concludes that the experiences gained from the three days were "surreal.”
 First time IASAS delegates further proved that they were just as capable and feisty as other veteran delegates. Kogulan explained the rewarding feeling of speaking for the first time: “I was very nervous, not knowing what to say, if what I was going to say would make sense, or whether people would laugh at me when I got up to speak. But I spoke anyways. This was the right move, as suddenly, adrenaline pumped through my veins and this urge to argue came spurting out. It was possibly one of the most exhilarating experiences in my life.” Lena added that she was “worried [she] would be sitting in the conference room confused about what was going on and not be able to say a single thing.” However, Lena proved her self-doubt wrong and on more than one occasion stood up to speak. Although she claims she did not “say as much as [she] hoped” she feels as if she has learned essential lessons, which are not learned in school. Meanwhile, Andrew expressed his regret that this IASAS conference was the first and the last for him: “Looking back, the IASAS experience was so different than any experience previously in my life, and when I talked and made a good point, it was a great feeling like no other.”
Bella Yamamoto, the only 9th grader this year proved that age is not a factor in MUN. Despite only joining MUN this year, she had a successful three days in which seeing her up on the podium was of the norm. When asked about her thoughts on the conference she said, “although my knowledge was somewhat limited, I can surely say with confidence that I have learned and grown from this experience.”
Bella was very optimistic about her performance. She expressed that she “soaked in the language and learned the definition of numerous terms, while learning the new formats of writing. Part of what made the debating in our separate committees so enjoyable was the support that I received from other delegates,” she adds. Senior, Vanessa Vyvial was fortunate enough to be a part of Security Council this year. Following the legacy that Dexter Thompson-Pomeroy and Ankit Bardwaj had left behind in the SC years before, Vanessa felt she had to live up to high expectations. Despite the fear, SC proved to be educational and inspirational. She adds, “I will definitely miss MUN next year because I cannot stress enough how empowering it is to be part of an activity that can mould people into the next leaders of tomorrow. “ Vanessa has now represented YIS at the MUN conference for 4 years in a row and received a special 4 year delegate award - a real honour and rare achievement. Well done!!
 This year, Nanoko Ueda was chosen to take up the honourable position of a chair. A chair’s role is to maintain order in the committees by ensuring that all delegates remain diplomatic in nature and focused. When asked to reflect upon her experience as a chair, Nanoko asserted that, “One of the reasons why I am attracted to MUN is its diplomatic and serious atmosphere. Prior to the conference, I had practiced sustaining a diplomatic tone at all times.” And she did this very well: Nanoko proved herself to be an outstanding chair especially after overcoming the hurdle of losing her co-chair. Nonetheless, she had handled herself extremely well and showed that she earned the sought-after position of a chair.
Sophie, an 11th grade veteran expressed her appreciation of MUN: “Not only was I lucky enough to experience another culture in Thailand while enjoying Thai food, experiencing the city of Bangkok and staying with a host family, but I also consider myself lucky to have participated in such a international event. I believe the YIS team was accurately able to represent the interests of their delegations and I look forward to the opportunity of attending another IASAS MUN conference next year.”
Remi represented Iran along with Andrew. She said that representing an Islamic republic such as Iran with complicated relations with Western powers was a great experience but a challenge at the same time. She felt that she had to “reinterpret history and logic in [her] mind” in order to represent Iran correctly. But despite the setbacks that she was subjected to, Remi had conquered: she “mustered the courage to speak several times and even gave a speech in front of the General Assembly of about 200 delegates.” She concluded that her “favourite thing about MUN is how, by representing different countries, we delegates expand our own understanding and tolerance of people and cultures, and we learn to see things from different perspectives.” This is one of the main reasons why MUN is such an essential activity that often goes unnoticed at school. Ankit adds that he feels, “indebted to MUN as it has both educated [him] and made [him] confident in the arena of public speaking.” Ankit speaks for all delegates who cannot participate in next year’s conference when he says that he “will miss IASAS MUN.” Of course, it has been hard and intimidating work, as he explains, but just like it was integral to his high school life, it has been an equally integral part of all our lives.
We believe that the true joy of MUN is being surrounded by like-minded people who possess compassion, something needed in our leaders of today. We delegates want our voices to be heard. We seek answers and understanding beyond our familiar borders. The IASAS conference is such a unique and amazing experience that is like no other that helps strengthen this understanding. We URGE other students to join MUN, as it is, the best activity offered at YIS. Lastly, we would like to thank on behalf of the team, Ms. Wilson and Mr. Ames, for their extreme patience, constant support in MUN and especially at this year’s conference. Without their guidance, we would not have come this far.
Bella Yamamoto and Vanessa Vyvial
Link up with the University of Vermont
 The YIS Music Department and the YIS Grade 10 music students started a new round of musical exchange with the University of Vermont's Music Department in November. Lessons are taught over the internet in real time using video conferencing software. Students and teachers on both sides are able to hear and see the others. The next best thing to being there!
YIS students are discovering how to play African djembe and in the spring the YIS grade 10 students will teach the University of Vermont music students lessons on how to play the Japanese Koto.
This is an extension of last year’s pilot lessons that were set up between Mr. Johnston's Grade 7 Music Technology class and the University of Vermont. Mr. Johnston has been working with the U of V to build an ongoing relationship that will broaden the YIS music curriculum and open doors to the world of music by using the internet and Web 2.0 software.
Another new music exchange will start with this year’s music technology grade 7's and the music technology department Nessacus Regional Middle School in Dalton, Massachusetts. The goal is to align with music departments around the world to exchange world music.
Mr. Johnston
Teacher of Music Technology and IB Music
The Renaissance Man
 In November we had special guest Ed Durbrow who came to YIS to share his knowledge about Renaissance and Baroque music. Mr. Durbrow performed on his lute and Baroque guitar and led an insightful exchange between grade 8 HKC students (currently studying the Renaissance) in the morning before answering more questions from the grade 11 and 12 IB Music students in the afternoon. He even found time to play a short concert for the grade 7 music students. This is the third time Mr. Durbrow has shared his talents and knowledge with the YIS students and it was made possible by the PTSA and their generous grant to pay for guest artists. Thank you to all of the PTSA members.
Mr. Johnston
Teacher of Music Technology and IB Music
Spirit Day and Studentainment
What a wonderful way to finish off the calendar year - seeing the students having fun during their Spirit Day and entertainment. On December 14th, the penultimate day before the winter recess, each of the grades 6-12 dressed up in their chosen class themes including ‘twins’, ‘gangsters’, ‘H1N1 extermination team’, ‘smurfs’, ‘pirates’, and ‘old aged seniors’. The students enjoyed the late part of the morning playing games in the gym organised by the High School Student Council. It was a fun time for all including the teachers who participated as best they could certainly in the dodge ball! In the afternoon, ‘Studentainment’ took centre stage with a variety of performers and performances. The talent on display, again, was unbelievable. Special thanks should go to the High School Student Council members for all their hard work ably assisted by Mr. Clark, the Student Council Advisor and to all the others who helped out including the MS Student Council and its advisor Ms. Cowan. Thank you again. Much appreciated!
Sports Roundup
Varsity Boys Soccer
It has been a mixed start for the Varsity Boys Soccer team this season. Having lost 8 seniors from last year, this season was always going to be difficult and a case of getting back to basics and introducing new players. The early signs were very promising. The team trained extremely well and managed to come out 4-3 winners against the reigning Kanto champions DSTY in their first game, with goals from Yusuke, Mirai, Simon and Kimi. The next game against ASIJ proved to be much more difficult. A terribly cold and windy night up at YCAC led to difficult conditions for football and YIS soon found itself chasing a lost cause trailing 5-1 at half time. However, the boys did produce a better second half performance and managed to score 2 more goals, but ASIJ ran out convincing winners in the end. This game was a tough introduction to Varsity soccer for some of the boys and hopefully they can learn a lesson from this encounter. The next game doesn’t get any easier, when YIS face strong favorites for the Kanto title, St Mary’s, on the 15th January.
David Noon
MS/HS Dance and Gymnastics
Every year the spirit day and studentainment provides the opportunity for some amazing talents to surface. In the studio space a couple days per week, students gather with a love for dance, music and acrobatics to share ideas and inspirations and develop their own projects. This year the club has grown along with the talent.
What I love most about watching these kids collaborate is how beautifully they combine personalities, styles, genre, culture and talent in their process of composition. I feel like our school’s mission is met when I see the older kids at work. The high school dance group includes members from all grades running from grade 8 through 12 in their performance piece. They have mixed their own music to combine songs to suit the many styles that they want to demonstrate. The “Angels”, made up of Emi, Isabel and Resa will perform for their third year now and this year have choreographed their own dance performance in just a few short weeks. They are incredibly adaptable to space and time allotted and this year will exhibit some of the tumbling that they play around with on Sunday’s in the gym. There are always new members coming out of the works, with potential in this year’s grade six, I am sure that there will be great years ahead.
In the New Year, we hope to get some new ideas from professional choreographer Gow Hunter. Some kids have discussed the possibility of working on some rally dances to support some of our sport teams. If new members are interested they are always welcome to come down to the dance studio on Thursdays or see Mrs. Cowan.
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