The Saint Maur Adult Enrichment Program, founded in 1992 by Miss Jeanette Thomas, Saint Maur Head of School, consists of various classes, tours, and excursions offered on a volunteer basis by parents who have children enrolled at Saint Maur, as well as by volunteers from the community outside Saint Maur. The program provides opportunities for parents to develop new friendships and a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural and religious differences. The shared experiences provided by the program help participants to recognize the role they play, as contributing members of a rapidly growing global community, while clearly demonstrating to the children that education should always remain an important life-long pursuit.
Parents who have children enrolled at Saint Maur are encouraged to freely join any of the many activities offered each year. Parents whose children do not attend Saint Maur, may participate in one-time-only classes, provided that there is space available after the sign-up deadline; however, if they wish to participate in classes on a regular/weekly basis (as opposed to on the “one-time-only” space available basis), they are welcomed to do so, provided that they are willing to reciprocate by contributing to our Adult Enrichment Program by offering an activity on a volunteer basis. Arrangements can be made by contacting the Adult Enrichment Program Director.
Adult Enrichment classes on offer this year range from computers and cooking to crafts and conversation (French, Spanish, English, Thai, and Japanese), as well as a Book Club, seminars on nutrition and faith, training and certification in first-aid, and classes introducing aspects of Japanese culture, such as aikido, ikebana, shodo, sumi-e, origami, washi doll-making, kimono-dressing, and tea ceremony. Other classes include music, fitness, volleyball, knitting, and porcelain painting, not to mention various half-day tours and excursions, which are offered throughout the year.
There is no charge to participate in any of the Adult Enrichment classes; however, where applicable, a small fee may be charged to cover the cost of materials, such as flowers for ikebana classes, paper for origami/craft classes, ingredients for cooking classes, and so on.
In addition to the Adult Enrichment Program, many parents and community members participate in the Toddlers’ Group, a venue for parents to bring their infants and under-school-age children to play together once a week on campus. The Toddlers’ Group, run by Saint Maur parents who volunteer to coordinate the program, offers an opportunity for parents to meet and discuss common concerns in a relaxing, friendly environment. The only requirement for parents who do not have children enrolled at Saint Maur is that they must be able to communicate fluently in a language other than Japanese, such as English or French. English or French are the main languages of communication between parents participating in the Toddlers’ Group.
For more information about Saint Maur’s Adult Enrichment Program please email [email protected] or telephone the school on 045-641-5751. — PHYLLIS ENGSTROM
