The Crane, 26th June 2013

“…the will to achieve excellence, demonstrate integrity, and behave in socially and environmentally responsible ways …”
Dates to note
Please make a note of the forthcoming dates/events.
Monday, 26 th August – 2013-14 school year begins
Have a Great Summer Break!
It was great to see so many parents at both the whole-school
assembly and the end-of-year ‘picnic’ last Thursday: despite the
miserable weather, and the need to relocate the picnic to the
school gym, the picnic was a great way to say goodbye to those
we won’t see again until August and also to those who won’t be
returning to HIS.
From the school we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy
holiday, whatever you are doing and wherever you are traveling:
we look forward to seeing you in August or hearing of your
new adventures beyond HIS.
The Crane
The newsletter of Hiroshima International School
26 th June 2013
IBPYP Evaluation Visit Report
As you might recall, last March HIS was visited by two experienced Primary Years Program educators as
part of our 5-yearly PYP Evaluation: this was the culmination of a process of self-reflection by the school’s
Primary teaching staff through which we assessed just how well we are doing against the standards and
practices for the PYP published by the international Baccalaureate. Aside from the fact that HIS is committed
to a philosophical approach to learning in line with the programs of the IB, one of the reasons we are
committed to the PYP is that the evaluation process supports us in becoming an even better school over
time.
The PYP Evaluation Report arising from the visit by Rebecca Clements and John Harper has arrived in school
quite recently and was considered by the Board of Directors at their last meeting. It is very much as we expected
and the report contains both commendations and suggestions for areas of school life where we can
work to develop even better learning for your children.
The commendations included community understanding of the PYP, communications between school and
other community stakeholders and the development of a learning environment based on understanding
and respect throughout the school community. Perhaps the most rewarding for both the teaching staff -
and you as parents, board members, etc. – was the commendation stating:
“The school uses a range and variety of engaging teaching and learning strategies.”

Of course, there were suggestions for areas to be still further developed, including in pastoral care and assessment,
but almost all of the areas highlighted had already been identified by the school’s PYP staff and
included in the action developed as part of the evaluation process: thus, we are in good shape for continuing
to improve learning in the Primary Years Program at HIS.
Our attention is now turning to the whole-school re-accreditation visit by the CIS/NEASC team in November,
when not only the curriculum school-wide but also all areas of school operations will come under scrutiny.
Again, this is part of our investment in improving learning at HIS.
Ready, Set, Been ...Camping!
The Grades 6-10 students all returned safely
from their 3-day camp at Etajima Youth Friendship
Center and by all accounts it was an interesting
and educational time: it certainly took
students outside of their comfort zones a little.
Rowing cutters, sports, hiking, a camp fire – and
a little illicit swimming on the center’s beach –
were all part of a program that focused on
teamwork and team-building.
Thanks go to Mr B, Junko-sensei, Ms Kirby and
Mr E for accompanying the students and also to
Ryoko-sensei who helped with the planning.
Terry Fox Foundation
In 2010 and 2011 the Grade 11 students organised sponsored runs in support of the Terry Fox Foundation:
for legal reasons it has taken some considerable time to find a way of donating the proceeds to either the
Foundation or a similar, cancer-related, charity but the good news is that last week we were finally able to
donate more than 2150 Canadian dollars to the Terry Fox Foundation. We look forward to next year’s
Grade 11 students organising another run for this very deserving cause.
Summer Slide
We have set up a Summer Learning page on the school website where parents and children can access both
summer homework requirements from teachers and other resources for making the coming break a productive
time for students: it is slowly filling with useful information, so bookmark it now. Edutopia, my favourite
learning website, has also put together some ideas for parents about some learning activities that
can help children avoid the ‘slide’ – take a look at http://goo.gl/oqVbk.
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Yearbook Orders
The yearbook has sold out but we are arranging for more to be sent
to us: for those who want to make sure of obtaining a copy please
come into school or send in the order form (available from the
newsletter page of the website) electronically to reserve one. The
cost is ¥4500 and delivery will be in 4-8 weeks. Orders must be received
by Friday, 5 th July.
Hiroshima International School tel. (082) 843 4111
3-49-1, Kurakake, Asakita-ku fax. (082) 843 6399
Hiroshima 739-1743 www.hiroshima-is.ac.jp
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