Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here again, hoping all parents and students are enjoying your mid-term break.
At the Board-of-Governors Open Forum last week, one of the parents asked for some background on graduates, and the colleges and universities they attend. Better than that, this week I have an email from one of our first graduating class of 2001, plus an initial universities attended list, put together by our Guidance Counsellor, Dr. Joe Grube.
The school started with only 8 students in 2000, but finished close to 50, with a graduating class of five. Their picture is proudly displayed in Mary Nolan’s enrolments office, but we had not heard from them for a while – until a few short weeks ago. “Out of the blue”, we received an email from one of the graduates, Rory Lowe, and here are a few short excerpts:
“My name is Rory Lowe. I was part of the first class to graduate from AIS back in 2001. Randomly, I decided to take a peak at the school's website, and I thought I'd write to express just how impressed I am with the growth process that AIS has undergone; when I graduated, there were only 5 of us. Attending AIS made my transition back to the states seem almost effortless. Even though the founding principal Rob Leveillee is no longer there, I am glad to see that the school is still expanding at the rate it was when I left. It's so important for Americans living overseas to maintain some aspect of our educational system. Again, I just wanted to say hello and keep up the good work!”
I replied to Rory, asking him for information on his university and any postgraduate studies, and he replied:
“I am currently working for the investment management firm, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, in Providence, RI. Come the fall however, I will be returning to school to work on my MBA. I am still not 100% sure as to which school I will be attending for my masters, but as soon as I make my final decision, I will pass it along. I couldn't agree more with you regarding the notion of remaining a tight-knit community of expatriates regardless of our current nation of residence. I would love to stay informed of any news that AIS Sydney may have.
As far as other alumni, I will gather some contact information for you, and pass it along in the near future. I think it's great that Mrs. Nolan still hangs a photo of us on her wall. Again, it is good to hear from you and we should stay in touch”. – Rory Lowe, Graduate of 2000/2001
It’s so heartening to hear of our graduates, and their progression to university and working life beyond. Different to Australia, our American and International community does not place much stock in the High School you attended. It’s the University or College that is remembered as the Alma Mater, but fond memories remain of the school that placed them on that tertiary path,
Congratulations and best wishes to Rory and our other graduates as they move forward. We provide just a step on the road, but one in which we aim to provide a seamless path between American International School and Colleges and Universities in the US and internationally throughout the world. Although only in existence for six short years, our graduates have all attended the university of their choice. This list is not complete, so if you have any further knowledge on past graduates, let me know.
Our other graduates have moved on to the following universities:
Macquarie University Sydney
University of New South Wales
Sydney University
Rutgers University
Bathurst College Sydney
KVB Institute of Technology Sydney
University of Oklahoma
University of Texas
Texas A&M University
Western Illinois University
Michigan State University
Indiana University
American International College Massachusetts
Ball State University (Indiana)
Grand Valley State University (Michigan)
Carleton University - Canada
Trent University - Canada
Occidental University
Hampshire College
Bard College
Emerson College
Royal Holloway – United Kingdom
Nottingham University – United Kingdom
Colorado College
Stanford University
Brigham Young University – Provo
Brigham Young University – Hawaii
Brigham Young University – Utah
Sonoma State
University of California – Santa Cruz
California State University – Long Beach
Westmont
California State University – San Diego
Indiana University (Indiana)
Butler University (Indiana)
University of Bridgeport (Connecticut)
American International College (Massachusetts)
Rhode Island College (Rhode Island)
Michigan State University (Michigan)
Bathspa University (Bath, England)
Kingston University (London, England)
Boston University
Ithaca College (New York)
Bowling Green University
Purdue University (Indiana)
Regards,
Charles
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Update Term 3-Week 4 - American International School - Theft of Time
Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here again, slightly remiss for the delay in continuing this newsletter.
One of my elementary teachers used to say that “Procrastination is the theft of time”. I haven’t been putting it off - rather time has been full of other activities, as I’m sure your family calendar is too. (Our teachers will probably have heard this excuse before, so I’m not expecting much sympathy).
If you can spare the time, this Thursday-15-February is the Board of Governors open meeting. An opportunity to meet your representatives, hear their direction and proffer your opinions on the governance of the school. Communication and Governance are key items that we hold dear, not only in our vision for the school, but also in our compliance to our international bodies - Council of International Schools (CIS), North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). So, not only do we wish to hear your opinion and representation, but also we are required by our affiliation to demonstrate compliant governance process. So come on in to participate in the direction of your American International School.
The year’s maintenance program has begun anew with Washington Building getting a bright corridor and noticeboard facelift upstairs, and a new infirmary downstairs. This will be continued into the Jefferson over the next month or so. It’s a fine line between heritage and old. We treasure our heritage buildings as they provide our youth with a visible link to the past, and an example that age is not without depth and beauty. However, the architectural designs of the past often need a lift in brightness. We are looking to extend this approach to raise the sombre hues without affecting our heritage aspects (and regulatory requirements). Let us know your thoughts and ideas.
Further on property matters, we have secured a further lease extension and an option to purchase the property. We are pursuing this major financial undertaking, which should secure the security of the school at the current location for the short to medium term. With property ownership comes the opportunity to further develop and expand the facilities and services offered at the school. We really look forward to this purchase, for we are committed to this school for the long haul. Longer term options for school locations are still varied, but nothing offers the immediate stability of our current location. I will keep you all informed as matters progress.
On my own immediate work front, my own business activities (IT) are taking on a more academic hue with a move next month to the University of New South Wales, on contract as their Director of IT Infrastructure. I am looking forward to the opportunity, and further exposure for the school in the Sydney academic world. Expect to hear reports of a crazy guy regaling the hallowed halls of academia with tales of your American International School, where international education is for everyone and, if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
Next week, I will tell you that story of our first graduate class of 2000 that I promised earlier. Just need to find that email ….. Sounds a bit like the dog ate my homework! (Please teacher, please believe me..)
Hope to see you at the Board of Governors meeting or around the school. Give me a call or drop me a line by email. I want to hear your opinions, and always value your support..
Regards,
Charles
One of my elementary teachers used to say that “Procrastination is the theft of time”. I haven’t been putting it off - rather time has been full of other activities, as I’m sure your family calendar is too. (Our teachers will probably have heard this excuse before, so I’m not expecting much sympathy).
If you can spare the time, this Thursday-15-February is the Board of Governors open meeting. An opportunity to meet your representatives, hear their direction and proffer your opinions on the governance of the school. Communication and Governance are key items that we hold dear, not only in our vision for the school, but also in our compliance to our international bodies - Council of International Schools (CIS), North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). So, not only do we wish to hear your opinion and representation, but also we are required by our affiliation to demonstrate compliant governance process. So come on in to participate in the direction of your American International School.
The year’s maintenance program has begun anew with Washington Building getting a bright corridor and noticeboard facelift upstairs, and a new infirmary downstairs. This will be continued into the Jefferson over the next month or so. It’s a fine line between heritage and old. We treasure our heritage buildings as they provide our youth with a visible link to the past, and an example that age is not without depth and beauty. However, the architectural designs of the past often need a lift in brightness. We are looking to extend this approach to raise the sombre hues without affecting our heritage aspects (and regulatory requirements). Let us know your thoughts and ideas.
Further on property matters, we have secured a further lease extension and an option to purchase the property. We are pursuing this major financial undertaking, which should secure the security of the school at the current location for the short to medium term. With property ownership comes the opportunity to further develop and expand the facilities and services offered at the school. We really look forward to this purchase, for we are committed to this school for the long haul. Longer term options for school locations are still varied, but nothing offers the immediate stability of our current location. I will keep you all informed as matters progress.
On my own immediate work front, my own business activities (IT) are taking on a more academic hue with a move next month to the University of New South Wales, on contract as their Director of IT Infrastructure. I am looking forward to the opportunity, and further exposure for the school in the Sydney academic world. Expect to hear reports of a crazy guy regaling the hallowed halls of academia with tales of your American International School, where international education is for everyone and, if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
Next week, I will tell you that story of our first graduate class of 2000 that I promised earlier. Just need to find that email ….. Sounds a bit like the dog ate my homework! (Please teacher, please believe me..)
Hope to see you at the Board of Governors meeting or around the school. Give me a call or drop me a line by email. I want to hear your opinions, and always value your support..
Regards,
Charles
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