Update Term 2-Week 6 - American International School - Thankful, thoughtful, listening and LIGHTS

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here with more from your community school – American International School.

I say your community, because I believe that this school of ours, belongs to the entire community. I would be only too happy if every international group in Sydney chose this as their International School. I think that we can also support these groups by providing a unique international education, unavailable anywhere in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia. Let me know how you came to choose American International School for your families’ education.

I said once before that this school owns me rather than the other way around. It was six years ago that we came to the start of American International School, in its previous location. Mary, Patrick and I had just been to “standard” Private School interview, where we had been separated and interviewed separately from Patrick. We were grilled on what we could bring to the school, in exchange for the prestigious education, whilst Patrick was examined in great detail. Later we had been taken on a parade through the grounds where we saw big boys in short pants, with great manners behaving themselves quietly in class.

On the contrary, when we came to American International School, it was the new student (Patrick) who was the centre of attention. We followed the Principal and Patrick through the school, and it was the student’s interests that were at the heart of the interview. Not the facilities and social standing of his predecessors. Not the historical linkages with a colonial English past. Not the anachronistic quaint aspects of the uniforms and culture. But the students, their education, their interests and their community. Coming from the old English style of schooling myself, I was impressed with American International School at its beginning. I remain to this day a great fan of our modern, student focussed education, international culture, curriculum and teaching methods. Patrick was too. On the way home, he said, before we could even start the car, “Mum and dad, can I go to this school?”. And so, as they say, the rest was history.

Last Wednesday, I met a parent that was moving their child to another school. Not everyone agrees with me in my belief in our school, and other opportunities do beckon. I listened to their concerns, about their own specific requests and the fact that they felt they had not been heard. I resolved to take their issues back into the school, and that although we may not always agree, we will always listen. At the end of the day, I said, your own decisions will become self fulfilling prophecies in your own lives. We can only take the steps forward hoping that the outcomes will be what we wish for. Our families’ lives will become testament to those decisions, and we will always feel justified that we made the right choices at the time.

However, whilst I might understand the reasons for those decisions, and often slip a somewhat envious glance at the facilities, I will always see the light that is at the centre of our American International School. Not the facilities, not the tradition, not the pomp or circumstance that often beguiles. Rather the service, the international understanding, the community, the class sizes, the international curriculum that is our American International School. Your American International School where you can surely “See the Difference”, and “Where International Education is for Everyone”.

That Principal that took Patrick (aged 10yrs) around that school knew those differences were with the community, the teachers and the students. He listened to that little boy’s questions and concerns, and showed him around his school that would soon become part of his life. Six short years ago, there were only 8 students starting that American International School. Yet, that culture of caring and community was already well established.

If you ever have any issues or concerns about your school, please discuss this with your teachers and Principal. Your Board of Governors is there to represent your community and the schools interests – feel free to contact them with issues that you feel are important to you and your family. And I am only ever a phone call or email away. As I said, we may not always agree, but it is my promise to you that we will always listen.

Thursday night saw the Nolan Family and many other American International School families partaking in Thanksgiving Dinner at the American Club. It was a great night, with no speeches (in the ballroom at least), just friendship and community. A new parent (for January start), shared Thanksgiving with us at our table. He was ”Home Alone” as his family is yet to join him in Sydney, and it was great to make him part of our school family for the evening. During the evening, he told me of his experience reviewing the school, visiting the class for his son, and hearing directly from the students of their interests, national backgrounds, and languages they could speak. It was this diversity and international fraternity that, coupled with the teachers and curriculum, made his choice. The international gathering at the American Club rounded out his experience of a community that truly understood the aspects of international living and international education. I really enjoyed myself, and took the night off from dropping cards and promoting the school. Well not quite true -Mary had to drag me away at the end, saving some poor soul from understanding the merits of an international education.

Saturday saw us at School at 7AM to fit new air-conditioning, paint awnings and attach the Christmas LIGHTS!! In typical fashion I tried to fit too much into one day, and 7PM saw us with ½ the lights outstanding. We had hired a cherry picker that would allow us to work up to 10M (30ft) high, but it was slow work going up and down the buildings staying clear of electrical wires, roofs, trees and other hazards. I got a touch of sun-stroke and had to go to bed early, but we resolved to finish on Sunday. And we did. We now have new additional air-conditioning in the Pre-School, and more powerful units in the Library and Computer Room. Another full day in the cherry picker saw us test out the lights that evening – and yes, all 5,000 of them work.

So, let Tom know at school whether you will be there for a barbecue (“sausage sizzle”) this Saturday-2-December at 7:30PM, and LIGHT show extravaganza at 8:30. We can then order the sausages and make preparations. We would love to see you and your families there at school for a social hour if you can spare it and share it from your busy schedules. I will bring my little dog, Priscilla, along next day to clean up.

Remember: American International School – not just American - not just International - not just a School.

Help others to see the difference, where international education is for everyone, and although not a right, is surely an inspiration.

Regards,

Charles