Chateau School diplomats (left to right) Kitty Kondo, Maya Menikoff, Callia Koshiba, Luna Kim, Apple Hutt. RINA BOVRISSE
The Chateau School diplomats always enjoy their monthly field trip — in April it was to Tokyo Mosque (Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center), the largest mosque in Tokyo.
Spring term activities have focused on the Middle East and Africa. In maths, the diplomats were introduced to a wide range of geometric shapes. In language, they converted their names from English to Egyptian hieroglyphs and traced the strokes of Arabic letters. In art, they were introduced to a colour palette specific to the Middle East, and the earth colours of Africa.
At Tokyo Mosque, diplomats covered their heads with scarves and were welcomed at the reception by the mosque’s committee, who were bearing Turkish delights. Diplomats were able to touch and learn about the mosaic details on the marble tiles. They also stayed for prayers and listened to the songs of the mosque.
In May, classes focused on Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Turkey. Diplomats’ families attended the Jewish Community of Japan centre in Tokyo for their first Shabbat dinner. During the summer term, the journey will continue to the United Nations, Oceania, and Central America, offering more outdoor activities such as swimming, cycling, rock climbing, ceramics, embassy visits, and a trip to the beach. The summer term is available in weekly and termly packages. A detailed calendar is available on Facebook: Chateau Bon Bon.
The Chateau School expects diplomats to be able to comprehend two languages at three years old, and three languages upon graduation. Diplomats are currently taking Chinese and French every week, and from this autumn, Arabic and Spanish will be available after school. The Saturday School offers English (World Diplomacy) and French. — RINA BOVRISSE
