Welcoming Families for 100 Years!

by Craig Coutts, Head of School

Welcome and welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful break and took advantage of the time to take a breath and reconnect with people that are important to you. Talking with many families already, connecting with friends and family has been the overwhelming theme and there is a strong recognition of the energy it gives to be with people you love.

We are of course entering our 100th year for this school and there is much excitement within our community, both here in Japan and around the world as people are making plans to come together and celebrate what it means to be a Dragon! I have received many messages from past students, teachers and families who are making the journey to join us in October and take part in the many events that will take place over our anniversary weekend and beyond. Please visit our 100th Anniversary website for details of all the different events and keep an eye out for the second release of tickets for our key events. We are ensuring that celebrations pay tribute to our rich history and the people who contributed to the fabric of our school, as well as celebrating the present and the incredible school we are lucky to be part of today.

We have over 120 new students joining us for the start of the year and already our community has reached out and helped our new families feel welcome. The PTSA have been instrumental in connecting new and returning families through our mentor program and I want to thank all who are involved for making our new families feel welcome. There are a number of events being run by different school divisions and the PTSA to bring people together and get to know each other, and also to better understand the school and our learning programs. Please take advantage of the opportunities to visit the school and have your questions answered, as well as getting to meet new people and old friends.

Over the next few weeks as students get into their new routines, they will also have opportunities to learn about service, sports, arts and activities opportunities that will be available to them. Please take the time to chat through these with your children as their involvement in the differing and unique programs across the school will give them opportunities to grow as learners and to meet new people and grow their friendship circles across the school.

It is always an exciting time to be in school with everyone coming together with renewed energy and anticipation for the year ahead and I look forward to talking with our students around the campus, but also to getting the chance to meet many of you parents at upcoming events or just at the cafe if you are enjoying a coffee.

Here's to a great year ahead.

Regards,
Craig