Term 3-Week 1 - American International School - Welcome Back

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as we start the new Calendar year, and Term 3 for all our students.

Last year was a great year of change, challenges and support from all our community. This year presents us with even more opportunity as we continue moving forward with our academic programs, step up our marketing to spread the word for an International Education, and purchase our premises outright for longer term security. Last term we farewelled some families, but this term we welcome more as our numbers increase. So I extend a warm welcome to all our new community members, families, friends and supporters.

This newsletter will continue to come out weekly, and give a quick update on what is happening “around” the school. Principal Cheetham and the teachers will continue to keep you informed of what happens “within” school, the Parent Volunteers Group(PVG) will continue to provide the family fabric of support and feedback, and the Board of Governors is the vehicle whereby Parents interests are directly represented in the governing of all our school activities. And, if that’s not enough, give me a call or an email at anytime, and we will address “any” issue that you may have.

It was good to meet most of the new parents at Orientation. The PVG provided a great function to welcome parents, with Principal Cheetham keeping it informal with a short address, and the teachers present to talk with new families about their specific concerns and requirements. We dispensed with the formality of the Hall this year, (a Parent suggestion), using the Washington (main) foyer. I think it gave a more informal and personal feel with more opportunity to meet people. New parents - let me know what you thought, as we can always change for next time.

The Board of Governors meets again this Thursday evening at school. Mr. Nalin Miglani is the Chairman, and they can be contacted through Tom in Public Relations (front desk). As mentioned earlier, they are the conduit for families’ representation to the School, as well as representatives of the Parent body in the governance and direction of American International School. The Board holds regular meetings with Principal Cheetham and the Administration, and provides updates to families throughout the year. So any issues that you may not wish to bring up directly with Principal Cheetham, teachers (or myself), feel free to contact your Board for support, feedback or answers.

Communication is so important, and though we may not have all the answers, I give you my personal commitment that we will always listen. To this end, I am converting these newsletters into a Weblog (BLOG), http://www.amschoolsydney.blogspot.com/ . Logon for a quick look, and another chance to give feedback and your thoughts.

Next week, more on the maintenance and upgrade plan to our heritage buildings, and news from our first graduates in Class of 2000.

That’s enough for a start, so I look forward to meeting you around the school, on the web, or at functions throughout the year. And again Happy New Year at American International School, where International Education for Everyone – if not a right, is surely an aspiration.

Regards,
Charles