2008_9

September 2008

Welcome to the first edition of the 2008-2009 AIS Elementary newsletter!
We are preparing for an exciting and challenging year!

Our Elementary theme for the year is:
Hold on to what is good.

The verse for our theme is from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 21.

The elementary teachers this year include:

Ms. Myrna - department head, E div 1 (grade 1), writing, reading program
Mr. Robert - E div 1 (grade 2/3), language, science, pe
Mr. Dave - E div 2 (grade 4/5), mathematics, art
Ms. Yayoi - Japanese 1, Japanese 2, Japanese culture
Ms. Claire and Ms. Ayako - music, music theory
Mr. Vincent - bible
Mr. Tanabe - abacus (1st and 3rd Tuesdays)

This months events and announcements:

• Birthdays -
  Saaya on September 13th!
  Yutei on September 26th!
  Haru on September 27th!
  yay!
• Things to bring:
  Students may want to bring a hand towel, indoor shoes, and a pencil case. If you have an abacus from last year, please bring it by Tuesday, September 2nd. Div 2 students may want to bring a notebook or planner to record daily homework and assignments.
• Things not to bring:
  Calligraphy (shuji) is not part of the Japanese program this year so do not bring your set to school.
• Schedule and Internet:
  As part of our long-term plan to equip the students with computer and technology skills, the elementary newsletter will continue to be posted online. The 2008-2009 class schedule will be online this year as well, feel free to print a custom copy and if there are any changes we will let you know in the newsletter. http://aischool.ed.jp/ai/schedule/
  The division two students (grade 4 and 5) will also have their own class homepage this year named <div2>. http://aischool.ed.jp/ai/div2/
• Homework program:
  For now, the daily homework is to read from the reading program books (approx 10 minutes/grade level) and study spelling. Students may also have assigned homework from specific classes. More information on the homework program will be given at the parent information session. Div 2 students may want to bring a calendar or planner to record daily homework and assignments.
• Repeated Reading Program:
  Please remember to use home reading books and practice reading every night if possible. This is very important for vocabulary and reading fluency. When you need a new reading log sheet, please ask Ms. Myrna. Remember to complete your daily homework: read and practice spelling.

Dates:

• Tuesday, September 2nd - the first day of abacus class.
  Tanabe Sensei, an abacus expert/national champion will come on the first and third Tuesday of each month to teach. Abacus math is very useful for creating different thinking and calculation connections in the brain, this will improve arithmetic, calculating, and all around math skills. Students please remember to bring your abacus from last year's class. Beginners will start in abacus 1 until they have mastered the basics and can move up to their grade level.
• Monday, September 15th - no school.
• Friday, September 12th, - div 2 beach trip.
  The grade 4/5 class is planning to go to Ashiya beach park in the afternoon if the weather cooperates. Students please remember extra tea/water, your water play/swimming clothes and a towel/bag. We will leave after lunch and return before clean up/study hall.
  **Div 1 (grade 1 and 2/3) will follow the regular class schedule for Friday the 12th.
• Thursday, September 18th - the first day of skateclub.
  AIS students ages 7 and older may sign up for skateboarding. Mr. dave will supervise and instruct, all levels from first time beginners to intermediate/advanced riders are welcome. The mini-ramp will be open each Thursday of the first and second term, weather permitting, and following skateclub there is an open drop-in skate for parents or staff as well. Eligible riders must have their permission form in before they can participate. Please visit the homepage or see mr.dave for more information. http://aischool.ed.jp/core/
• Tuesday, September 23rd - no school.
• Thursday, September 25th - elementary parents' information session.
  Parents are invited to attend a parents' information session in the evening from 6:30-7:30pm. Teachers will present some information on the homework program, the reading program, and other helpful topics. Come and learn how to help your student learn and grow this year. Sessions will be in english, we will meet in the hall.