PTSA
CARE - CONNECT - CONTRIBUTE
Welcoming and supporting our diverse community
Nurturing relationships between home and school
Volunteering for initiatives that enrich school life
Welcome to the Parent Teacher Student Association of YIS!
The PTSA is a volunteer organization that supports the entire YIS community – parents, teachers, students, and the local community in which YIS is situated. YIS is known for its diverse, welcoming, and closely-knit community. In this spirit, parents of many nationalities work together to organize events, activities, classes, special outings and coffee mornings for our community throughout the year. Annually, the biggest event on the school calendar – the YIS Food Fair – is organised by the PTSA and raises funds for special projects and equipment that benefits all students.
In this historic 100th year of YIS, the PTSA team has more than 30 parents from 15 countries – a reflection of the deep diversity of YIS! Our activities this year will reflect the history of the school and celebrate its rich community. Our focus will be on creating opportunities for the community to come together, get to know each other, and have lots of fun!
Come join us! If you are able to contribute your time, skills, and ideas, let us know via this link.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email us. We are here to help!
Sincerely,
Sapna Masih Advani, PhD
YIS PTSA President 2024 - 2025
- Parent Activities
- PTSA Calendar
- Committee
- Class/Grade Parents
- Mentor Program
- PTSA Grants
- Food Fair
- Living in Yokohama
Parent Activities
YIS values and welcomes the involvement of parents and understands the significance of creating an active and friendly school environment for all members of our community. To achieve this, the PTSA Parent Activities team organizes a variety of events that serve as opportunities for building connections and promoting engagement. These activities facilitate lasting connections among YIS parents and strengthen ties with the local community. By sharing insights into Japanese culture, supporting local organizations, and contributing to the welfare of the local community, we aim to create a positive impact that extends beyond the school grounds.
Parent Activities offer abundant opportunities for YIS parents to participate in sports, wellness, social gatherings, art and cultural experiences with those who have similar interests through a variety of classes and workshops. These classes are led by parents or professional instructors with a wide range of experience and expertise.
Stay connected through the YIS Express, PTSA Monthly Message, and our social media channels for updates to our offerings and upcoming activities. For a full list of parents activities, contact information and registration, please visit our Parent Activities page in the PTSA section of the Parent Portal. If you are interested in leading a parent activity at YIS, please read the Guidelines for PTSA Parent Activities and the YIS Community Room Guidelines for more information.
For any questions or suggestions about our offerings, please email ptsapactivities@yis.ac.jp.
Parent Activities Calendar
Calendar & Category Legend:
- Parent Activities Calendar
- Parent Service Calendar
Please refer to our PTSA Calendar tab for a variety of creative, artistic and physical activities to choose from.
PTSA Calendar
Calendar & Category Legend:
- Parent Activities Calendar
- Parent Service Calendar
- PTSA Calendar
Committee
YIS is a wonderful community because of its extensive parental support and the volunteer contributions of people like you! The PTSA meets once a month to update parents on what’s going on in the school, that includes an update from our Head of School and student council representatives. The meeting is normally followed or preceded by a fun activity. In the past, these have included guest speakers, workshops, arts and crafts sessions, and outings. Everyone is welcome including your toddlers!
Meeting agendas, minutes, financial statements and the PTSA constitution are available through the PTSA section of the Parent Portal.
Would you like to join the PTSA team? Contact us! We are looking forward to getting to know you!
Click on the Committee Position to Read the Job Description
The PTSA Committee for the 2024-25 school year was elected at the PTSA AGM in May 2024.
Class/Grade Parents
PTSA Class/Grade Parents are an important link between teachers and parents and they also organize informal gatherings for parents. Please click on the links below to read our guidelines:
- ELC, Kindergarten and Elementary Class Parent Responsibilities and Guidelines
- Middle and High School Class Parent Responsibilities and Guidelines
- Middle School Parties Guidelines
- Grade 8 End of the Year Events (Middle School Graduation related events) Guidelines
For the list of Class/Grade Parents for the school year, please see the PTSA Section of the Parent Portal.
Mentor Program
The aim of the Mentor Program is to help families new to YIS, and perhaps new to Japan, settle smoothly into school and the local community. We try to match new
families with mentors who have children in the same or similar grades as your children, live close to your new home or come from the same home country. Mentors can provide support and introductions to other parents and students, as well as offer guidance about adjusting to your new life here. If you are new to the school and are interested in having a mentor family help you settle into life in Japan and at YIS, please email our Mentor Coordinator, Jessie.
The program relies on parent volunteers. The more volunteers we have, from a cross selection of nationalities and year levels, the more successful the program can be. We have over 50 nationalities represented at our school and we are always looking for non-English native speakers to be mentors. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill in this form or email Jessie.
PTSA Grants
Each year, the PTSA uses proceeds from Food Fair and other fundraising activities to fund projects and activities that benefit our students and community projects that are not (fully) financed by the school. These grants contribute that little extra which makes YIS unique and more interesting for all our students, teachers and parents alike.
Grants proposals are submitted by teachers and students and are voted on by the parents at the PTSA Grants meeting in the second half of the school year. Grant details are made available through the PTSA section of the Parent Portal.
Special thanks to our sponsors for their generous donations and continuous support of our Food Fair.
2022/23 PTSA Grants
Shine On! Kids Service Learning Partnership |
Performing Arts Tech Team Headset-Intercom System ES Gymnastics Equipment Visiting Presenters Program Gardening Equipment for Service Learning Clubs Sukui No Te Service Team Investment Project Grant for the Homeless |
Food Fair
An annual school tradition for over 50 years, Food Fair is a full-day celebration of our multi-cultural community that includes food stalls from many nations, games, musical entertainment, raffle, vendors and much more. We are proud to play host to a wonderful, energetic crowd of attendees from our school community.
Organized by the PTSA, and supported by our sponsors, it is also the major fundraising event of the year, with proceeds helping to support a broad range of programs that significantly enhance the academic, service and social experience of our students. For more information, please see PTSA Grants tab.
Living in Yokohama
Welcome to Japan & the YIS community!
We know moving to a new country is challenging and getting started in a new society and surroundings is often difficult and tiresome. Where will I meet new people? Where is the nearest doctor or hair salon? How do I sort the trash? What do I do if there's an earthquake? You'll be happy to know that you are not alone, and that the families in the YIS community have been through the experience, and are here to help.
Here are a few useful links for starting your new life in Japan. If you do have more questions, see how our Mentor Program can help your family settle in to your new life here.
Getting connected
Yokohama Mommas - A facebook group that has tips and answers for almost everything! From mothers for mothers.
Minami Circle - A group of international and japanese women dedicated to cultural exchange.
Official websites
Good to Know
Yokohama Mommas - Garage Sale and Tokyo Garage Sale -
Check out these two helpful facebook groups if you are looking for some great bargains or want to sell a few things before moving.
Ken corp & Zee Brothers
Real estate agents for Tokyo and Yokohama
Takkyubin (Black Cat) Delivery Service - They will transport almost anything to almost anywhere.
Travel & Sightseeing
Lifestyle
Savvy Tokyo - All things Tokyo!
Weekender - Lifestyle Magazine for Tokyo
Help & Advice
Wanavi Japan - Be prepared for natural disasters but live comfortably and confidently in Japan. Wanavi empowers international families with critical information and support. Here are some links for your reference:
1) Youtube video on how to use 171
How to record a message https://youtu.be/RNseooUnlVY
How to listen to a message https://www.youtube.com/watch?
2) Tsunami evacuation shelter map (Japanese only)
http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp
3) List of evacuation shelters
http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp
4) Earthquake Preparedness Handbook
Tell Lifeline - An organization that provides support and counseling services to Japan's international community.