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