News 

June 10, 2010

Dear Parents,

The end of the school year always seems to appear suddenly with the final words of this year's story punctuated with the traditional ceremonial events. For some of you summer will mean a holiday, for others it will mean a move. If you are in the latter category, I wish you all the best in your preparations and for the transition. I hope you will take fond memories of your time at YIS with you and stay in touch with the school and your friends here.

I too fall into the latter group as I will be moving to Germany in the next few weeks to take up the position of Head of School at Munich International School. As this is my last newsletter, I would like to say a few words about my three years here.

First, my family and I much appreciate the opportunity we have had to live in Japan and to be part of the greater YIS community. It has been a wonderful experience. There is much to admire in this fascinating country and much that we will take with us.

With respect to YIS, I am very happy to have had the chance to be a part of and to contribute to the development of a great school. I am aware that there is still much to do if it is to maintain its reputation as a leading school however we have certainly worked hard over the last few years to ensure our status. I hope that this will be confirmed with the school's reaccreditation in a year or so.

As you know, James MacDonald will be taking over from me next year and I am sure he will take the school further in a number of ways. The staff will continue to reflect on good practice as well as develop further the programmes and the learning opportunities that go with them. They will also look carefully at the mission, values and aims to create policies and implement systems that are needed for such an organization. Innovation will also guarantee that the school offers a contemporary education to our students, one that will not only be appropriate for the present but also the future.

The spirit in the school is often spoken of and all at YIS are keen to see this strengthened further. It is recognized that we still need to improve information exchange with parents and to encourage more involvement. From the students's perspective, I believe the school environment will continue to be warm, supportive and enjoyable, one where each student can fulfil his or her potential.

In our recent survey 93% of you felt that you would recommend the school to others; a very pleasing figure. Your support is much appreciated. The results of the survey that many of you kindly completed, will soon be posted on the parent portal. Your normal log in will give you access.

As ever, in an international school, a number of our teachers will also be leaving us this year. Each one of them has contributed something special to the school and for all those good things, I would like to thank them sincerely.

Though difficult to say good-bye to good teachers, I am confident that those whom James has hired for next year will fit in well and do a terrific job for YIS.

So, with that, it just leaves me to wish you all the very best for a safe and happy summer. I will miss you.

Best regards,

Simon Taylor
Headmaster

Yokohama International School
258 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231 0862 Japan
Tel: + 81 (0)45-622-0084
Email: yis@yis.ac.jp

Copyright (C) *2009-10 Yokohama International School*