On November 3rd we held a successful PTA meeting with almost 50 people in attendance. At this meeting there was a proposal to have Co-Chairs run the PTA. One Chairperson will be a parent and the other a teacher or administrator at the school. Dan Reynolds will be the School Chair and we are looking for a volunteer from the parent community to take on the Parent Chair position. If the PTA is to be successful this is an essential position and we really need someone as soon as possible. The PTA is in also need of Steering Committee members so if you are interested in being on this committee or being the Parent Chair Person please contact Dan Reynolds at dreynolds@his.ac.jp

A “thank you” on behalf of the school to those parents who came out to visit the school and participate in one of the largest PTA meetings in recent memory. It was a good time to reflect.

Hokkaido International School is looking for parents who are willing to mentor new families who join the HIS community.

HIS, Niseko School will soon open. We would like to pair a family from HIS with another family at the Niseko school. This would allow the new family to ask information of those families who have a little more information on the school. HIS, Sapporo frequently welcomes new families into the school community. Having a parent to communicate with would be a wonderful way that we as a school can step out and continue to make HIS a warm and welcoming place and help others adjust to life at the school and in Sapporo. This role would only require families to answer e-mail or talk one the phone. We would appreciate your support.

If you would like to participate, please contact Mr. Ratzliff at bratzliff@his.ac.jp

The Bard will be visiting H.I.S.!

Also known as William Shakespeare, the Bard will visit H.I.S. on November 19th. Please join Secondary students in their investigation into Shakespeare and Elizabethan England. Food, Theater, Art and Music all for your ears and eyes delight.

Date: November 19th  Time: 2:00 and 5:00 tours Admission: free

Shannon Koga

The first week of basketball practice has been completed and a feature has been the high participation rates amongst the high school and middle school boys teams. Fantastic to see so many enthusiastic `husky hoopsters` on the court! The girls team numbers were not quite so high and they would welcome any new or old members to join in… especially high school girls. All 4 teams have been entered in WJAA tournaments so there is incentive there for a trip away from school. The high school  boys under new coaching and managerial regimes have already secured their first home game.

prepared by Rod Kelly

There are just 2 more weeks remaining in this block of activities. There will be some exciting new additions to the pre Winter break choices. Outside room 204 there are some candid pics of some students and instructors in action. The Australian Rules Football group have been very fortunate with the weather so far and will be hoping that this can continue for the next fortnight so that they can stay outside. Cheerleaders are lifting the pace in their routines and the Aikido group are developing very formidable skills. Spanish students always learn something new and the Indoor Games offer a relaxing environment to challenge the mind.

prepared by Rod Kelly

The winter AdHOC season starts early, with the first adventure on January 7-8, during winter break.

Here is the line-up so far:

7-8 JAN   Sapporo-dake Moonlit Shoe & Summit

10th Anniversary Trip Last year two alumni came on the trip.  Maybe for the tenth anniversary we can pack Heyamizu Hutte with multiple past and present students, past and present teachers, past and present community members!

13-15 JAN    Nukabira Ice Fishing & Ski/Board Trip

We travel to the backside of Diasetsuzan for fishing, down-hilling, onsenning, and a little sleeping  =]

11 FEB   Shoe to the Ruins Quietly becoming a favorite mid-winter shoe.

18-19 FEB   Furano Board & Ski Two-days of sending downy softness air borne by speed and adrenalin.

25 FEB    Luge at Fuzi Speak of adrenalin … try your first curve on a luge.

prepared by David Piazza

Hokkaido International School honors the life and memory of former
Headmaster, Dr. Richard “Dan” McClain who passed away at his home on
October 25. Mrs. McClain, a former kindergarten teacher at HIS was by his
side at the time.
Dr. McClain is remembered for his transformational leadership as Headmaster  from 1991 – 2000. This was a critical time in the school’s history and Dan oversaw the transition of the school from the old Fukuzumi Campus to the current campus and building, ensuring a healthy and vigorous future.
On a more personal level, Dr. McClain is remembered for his energy, his
commitment to education, his love of basketball and to his care and concern for individuals.
The gymnasium of Hokkaido International School is named after Dr. McClain in honor of his contribution to this school.

—– Sharing the HIS Story —–

10:00 to 12:00 Guests Only — Mr. Ratzliff and Mr. Reynolds to do guided
tours for those from the community who are interested in the school. LET YOUR FRIENDS KNOW!

12:00 to 3:00 HIS Parents — Family members are welcome to visit their
classrooms. Please remember to respect the fact that children and teachers will be in the middle of learning.

We would like as many HIS parents as possible to attend a meeting this Thursday, November 3rd at 3:45pm at
HIS. At this meeting we will talk about the success of this year’s Fall Festival and how we can make it even
better next year. We will also talk about the future of the PTA at HIS. For the school to function at its best there
is a need for a strong PTA. In order for this to happen we need the support of all HIS parents so please make
time to attend this very important meeting. Babysitting will be available.