The HYIS kids and teachers cool off from the summer heat with a lively group dance and a delectable treat of Halo Halo. HITOKOE YOKOHAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Staff and students at the newly established HYIS have been reflecting upon a successful start to their first school year. Spring term events and the “Summer Extravaganza” saw the children absorbed in science and maths discoveries as they explored water, bubbles, summer fruits, plants, transportation, edible volcanoes, insects, treasure hunting, and the sun and the planets.
HYIS parents and their children participated in the Sports Festival, with organized games and endless cheering. The children gave their best as they danced to the beat of the Cha Cha Slide Dance, while welcoming their parents to join in.
Also during the first term, students performed “The Little Red Hen” while learning about the importance of helping others. The kindergartners continue along this theme as they raise money for the Tohoku disaster relief and recovery program — such activities are integral to the HYIS curriculum.
There was further involvement in the performance arts, with students learning “Old McDonald had a Farm” on steel drums, a piano rendition of “Fishing,” and “Under the Sea” body percussion; just a few of the assembly performances that the HYIS community enjoyed as the children developed their self-confidence and skills.
The school year has also so far included food fun, water play, EcoArts and crafts, and vegetable harvesting. There have been field trips to Zoorasia, the Kids’ Planetarium, and Miracle Dinosaur World, all of which were incredibly fun as well as being educational. On site, the children were engaged in interactive whiteboard puzzles and memory games; playing in the schoolyard’s mist, sand pits, and park; and dancing at the bon odori.
After four weeks of the exciting HYIS summer school program, everyone is looking forward to the cooler autumn and winter months, and plenty more memorable activities. There will be an array of thematic-based child-centred activities and jaunty events starting with Grandparents’ Day through to winter revel. HYIS activities are always designed with the school’s motto in mind: “Learning is a path cultivated with pride, uniqueness, and discovery.”
Fall term applications are being accepted. Email [email protected] or see http://www.hyis.org. — PATRICIA ALDANA
