Christmas again!

It has been a busy few weeks since my last post, and once again I am looking forward to a week of relaxation and family time here in Adelaide over Christmas. My brother and nieces certainly had fun at the beach today!

The trip to Shanghai was a very productive one school wise, as we visited a couple of schools and attended a conference to learn more about a global network of schools, called Round Square. We visited quite a few different parts of the city, and the conference was in an area called Thames Town. Bizarre is all I can really say, and I was glad to get downtown to the Bund - the one area of the city that I remember but boy how it has changed! It is spectactular and I was fascinated by all the automation and the surveillance cameras. It was also nice to wander through the French Quarter and a couple of parks to see the locals enjoying their Sunday.    Photos of the trip to Shanghai 

During the school Walkathon, we were lucky to come across the designer of the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, Kengo Kuma, being interviewed. He is quite an icon In Tokyo, so this felt like a special moment.

A weekend away in Karuizawa, was a welcome one for a dose of nature and relaxation and once again the winter illuminations in various areas of the city have been good to go and see.

     

    
School continues to provide its joys and challenges and after Michael resigned we have recently been through the time consuming process of selecting a new Head of School and this will be a big change come August 2019.

Last week, I again led the Grade 9 trip to Cambodia and it was another great success despite having a quite different vibe with 10 boys and 2 girls on the trip, plus a few upset stomachs. Let’s hope the impact of what they saw and experienced will be long-lasting!




Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas (it will be a hot one here - 35 degrees) and a Happy New Year.

It’s Term 2 already

 

How time flies. It’s November and we have had one week of Term 2 already!

So, what has happened since I lasted posted in July? I had a nice low key summer holiday: enjoying Australia in the winter, visiting Noosa, Melbourne and Sydney with most of my time being in Adelaide with family, and it was great to catch up with a number of good friends as well.

The school year has started well and the 13 new staff have added a good vibe and there is a real positive atmosphere around the campus - possibly a testament to our hard work!! We, however, have also begun the process of looking for a new Head of School, so that will add a new dimension for next year.


As usual, there has been quite a bit of fun amongst the work, with traditional summer festivals, trips to the nearby mountains and beaches, plus a weekend in Matsuomoto, in the mountains, where Mihoko and I enjoyed the craft beer festival in front of the castle and visiting a wasabi farm. I even went to the Mariah Carey concert! Who would have thought?!

Fall Break was spent in Malaysia with a few days of relaxation in Melaka where we enjoyed the fusion of the different cultural influences over time and then we headed back to Kuala Lumpur for a conference. Naturally, it was very stimulating from a professional standpoint but also a good chance to catch up with friends from the region. 

Next week, I jet off to Shanghai for a couple more school commitments,and as I last visited the city in 1992, I am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anything at all! It will be an interesting visit I am sure.

Two down in Tokyo

Well, another school year has come to an end and as usual it is a relief when it happens. There were many successes during the year and also many challenges and I can safely say that I am still learning a great deal about leadership. Our 13 Grade 9 graduates are a great group of students and it will be strange not to have them around next year. The rain settled in on the day of Graduation and so an inside photo had to suffice.

Highlights out of school included investigating new temples and
parks within the city as well as hiring a car with friends to drive up to the mountains. Driving in Tokyo was a little strange at first and it was certainly a little nerve wracking ensuring we were on the correct expressway, but all went smoothly until the trip home when a 3 hour trip turned into 4 plus because of the traffic.

I also had my first experince of Sumo wrestling and I must say I really enjoyed it. There is a lot of drama and carry on before each bout, but when they finally get going there sure is some skill and strength involved and their flexibility is quite incredible. I will be heading back for sure.

  

 
I continue to be fascinated by the obsession of many Japanese people with their dogs and the 'family' photo shoot that can be seen above was a highlight of my recent viewings.

A lovely spot on the balcony for lunch

Spring has Sprung

Time as usual is flying by. However, the warmer weather is certainly bringing a spring in my step and has provided an opportunity to get out and about. Spring break saw me make a visit to Osaka to spend time with family and enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom.                                     

Spring break photos

 

Other highlights of the last couple of months have included a snow day, a visit to Nikko and many a delicious meal.