Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here, as leaves fall (and are swept up) at your American International School.
Sunday was Mothers Day, whereby we all celebrated the effect on our lives of mothers everywhere, and heralded the care that is part of that maternal bond in all our families. Some shared it with a phone call, some embarked on a visit, and others celebrated with a small gift. I spent Saturday on a quest, driving "the truck" to the Central Coast for Mary’s gift – something that combined her love of the seasons, gardening and the school.
So, you could imagine the sheer surprise on her face when, on Sunday, I presented her with a self-propelled, 5-horsepower, 4-stroke outdoor vacuum cleaner. Just the thing for picking up those troublesome leaves; cleaning that tennis court; grooming the grass and tidying all the driveways and paths around the school. She was so taken back, (with delight I think), that she was speechless – for the whole day! I of course had that feeling of great pleasure that comes with giving. I can’t wait to see her trundling around the school, in her breaks, sucking up that dirt and detritus. Go girl, and Happy Mothers Day every weekend from now on! Power machinery is the gift that just keeps on giving. And to think that some men used to give their partners household appliances as gifts. How chauvinistic!
Joking aside, as we end this year we are already planning on the "vacation" period as part of our school property upgrade and maintenance cycle. New rubber flooring for the pre-school, outdoor lighting, and more painting and wall boards around the school are all on the agenda. A new school sign has been ordered, after the artistic depredations of the local feral nightlife (graffiti), amongst marketing activities to coincide with the start of the new school year.
Middle and High School is off to Camp on the Gold Coast this week, and our graduating parents are putting the final touches on preparations for Graduation Night, Thursday-31-May, at the American Club. It will be a great night where we herald our latest leading lights, farewell those other families that are moving onwards, and celebrate our community through another great year. It’s always a great finale to the year, where we can share with the entire school community, and soak up the moonlit view of the harbour, bridge, Opera house and city lights. I have attached the invitation again for those that are still wavering – join in, and you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself. Every year we all graduate a little bit, and soak up some pride in our latest ambassadors for your American International School - where international education is for everyone, and the entire community is an inspiration.
Now if anyone knows when Mary should get over the shock of her Mothers Day extravaganza, just let me know. She’s still not talking to me ………….
Friday, May 18, 2007
Farewells, best wishes and new beginnings
Whilst we draw to a close the final pages on this year’s chapter, we are already now in the process of planning for the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. As our graduates move on to newer and better challenges, so do many of our families, and some of our teachers.
It is with some regret, and heartfelt wishes for their future, that I announce that Principal Lyn Cheetham, and our Librarian Harvey Cheetham, have been offered a new opportunity in education at the International School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Every farewell leaves us feeling the loss, but also a great pride that our students, parents and staff are valued and continuing members of our international community. You all are great ambassadors for your American International School here in Sydney, and will all remain part of our community almer mater, and our thoughts go with you all into the future.
We are excited to be conducting an international search, with the support and direction of Council of International Schools, for a new Principal over the vacation period. We will keep the community informed as we progress.
International Education really should be for everyone, and we will continue to provide this unique opportunity for the community, right here at your American International School - where International Education, if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
It is with some regret, and heartfelt wishes for their future, that I announce that Principal Lyn Cheetham, and our Librarian Harvey Cheetham, have been offered a new opportunity in education at the International School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Every farewell leaves us feeling the loss, but also a great pride that our students, parents and staff are valued and continuing members of our international community. You all are great ambassadors for your American International School here in Sydney, and will all remain part of our community almer mater, and our thoughts go with you all into the future.
We are excited to be conducting an international search, with the support and direction of Council of International Schools, for a new Principal over the vacation period. We will keep the community informed as we progress.
International Education really should be for everyone, and we will continue to provide this unique opportunity for the community, right here at your American International School - where International Education, if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
Hues and humility
Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here, in autumnal hues at your American International School.
It’s always a somewhat surreal time of the year, Fall/Autumn in Australia, as many families prepare for holidays in the northern summer. Our gardens are looking fresh thanks to the work Mary has been doing, amidst that last bloom of colour that presages the beginning of our (mild) winter season. We have two mowers now, so Patrick and Tom can be seen on weekends in tandem, striping the 5 acres of grounds, in their pursuit of hirstute ground fauna (long grass).
The autumnal allegory continues into the classrooms whereby teachers and students prepare for examinations, transcripts, yearbook, graduation and other activities. But rather than squirreling away before winter, this preparation culminates in that bitter sweet celebratory moment at the end of year. A moment whereby all the year’s endeavours come to fruition in celebration and then welcome vacation relief. You are all invited to join in the celebrations at the school, and then graduation night. Graduation night will be held at The American Club, (Level 15, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney), overlooking Sydney harbour, the Opera House and Botanical Gardens.
The address to graduates will be delivered by the Consul-General of the United States of America, Stephen Smith, both a friend and supporter of the school community. Let Tom Nolan know at our reception if you wish to attend. Our "graduating" parents are organising the festivities in conjunction with the American Club, so look forward to a night of family friendly celebration and send off. The graduation dinner is set for the evening of Thursday-31-May, enabling departing and vacationing families a clear weekend to prepare their next steps.
I wrote to the Teachers this week, expressing my thanks and appreciation for their work over this past year. Starting an essentially new school in 2 July weeks to open in August, was an auspicious beginning for a renewed school community. Turning a near million dollar annual loss into a break-even result in 12 months was a brilliant effort. Taking a short term lease, extending it and turning that into a purchase option was no mean feat in itself. Delivering a professional and committed education program in a time of change was a thoroughly professional and admirable effort by all the school staff. And throughout all this time we received unwavering support from our committed school community.
I would like to thank you all, parents, students, staff, family and community, for your commitment, passion and support over this past year. Please give yourself and other school members the recognition and praise that you all so richly deserve. All have made this year an amazing result of toil, heart and human spirit. I am so proud to have partaken in this endeavour - it seems more like a work of spirit, that is in itself its own reward. At American International School, it really is about community and, you have all demonstrated to me that, an International Education if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
In our daily lives too, we continue to "See the difference at American International School, where international education is for everyone".
It’s always a somewhat surreal time of the year, Fall/Autumn in Australia, as many families prepare for holidays in the northern summer. Our gardens are looking fresh thanks to the work Mary has been doing, amidst that last bloom of colour that presages the beginning of our (mild) winter season. We have two mowers now, so Patrick and Tom can be seen on weekends in tandem, striping the 5 acres of grounds, in their pursuit of hirstute ground fauna (long grass).
The autumnal allegory continues into the classrooms whereby teachers and students prepare for examinations, transcripts, yearbook, graduation and other activities. But rather than squirreling away before winter, this preparation culminates in that bitter sweet celebratory moment at the end of year. A moment whereby all the year’s endeavours come to fruition in celebration and then welcome vacation relief. You are all invited to join in the celebrations at the school, and then graduation night. Graduation night will be held at The American Club, (Level 15, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney), overlooking Sydney harbour, the Opera House and Botanical Gardens.
The address to graduates will be delivered by the Consul-General of the United States of America, Stephen Smith, both a friend and supporter of the school community. Let Tom Nolan know at our reception if you wish to attend. Our "graduating" parents are organising the festivities in conjunction with the American Club, so look forward to a night of family friendly celebration and send off. The graduation dinner is set for the evening of Thursday-31-May, enabling departing and vacationing families a clear weekend to prepare their next steps.
I wrote to the Teachers this week, expressing my thanks and appreciation for their work over this past year. Starting an essentially new school in 2 July weeks to open in August, was an auspicious beginning for a renewed school community. Turning a near million dollar annual loss into a break-even result in 12 months was a brilliant effort. Taking a short term lease, extending it and turning that into a purchase option was no mean feat in itself. Delivering a professional and committed education program in a time of change was a thoroughly professional and admirable effort by all the school staff. And throughout all this time we received unwavering support from our committed school community.
I would like to thank you all, parents, students, staff, family and community, for your commitment, passion and support over this past year. Please give yourself and other school members the recognition and praise that you all so richly deserve. All have made this year an amazing result of toil, heart and human spirit. I am so proud to have partaken in this endeavour - it seems more like a work of spirit, that is in itself its own reward. At American International School, it really is about community and, you have all demonstrated to me that, an International Education if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
In our daily lives too, we continue to "See the difference at American International School, where international education is for everyone".
Graduation, Maintenance & Next Year - a continuing process of renewal
Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here again, and this time fighting (and winning) against that inherent urge to put off the newsletter deadline. As momentum builds to the graduation, our maintenance and property efforts move in a continuous cycle of renewal.
All that painting, gardening and future property activity has challenged my literary side to keep pace with the business and labour side of our service here at American International School. And education is a service, rather than a business or just a career like any other. It has no clear destination, rather just checkpoints along the way. However, like other services, there is an inherent satisfaction and feeling of selfless commitment to a greater cause than just turning up to work. It is both the motivation and the reward in one, whether it’s teaching a class, administering the school or moving the property forward for the security and benefit of future generations.
For our graduates, Friday-1-June- 2007 had begun as a destination, but will continue as another step on the journey. American International School holds as a cornerstone that our education is based upon "Teaching Lifelong Learning". I spoke at last year’s graduation that many students see it as just a relief to have made it – to have completed the sentence. However it is not only a milestone, but perhaps also a renewal. A renewal whereby our graduates step up to further challenges, with the continuing support of not only their immediate family, but also the wider school family and community. I specifically mentioned the community and family that is your American International School at last year’s graduation, and to this end I would like to invite the whole American International School family to share and celebrate in that cycle of renewal that is the Graduation of the Year of 2007.
2008 looks like being a fine year too, with plenty of action, but none of the tumult that heralded the beginning of this year. Parents have asked me how the school is financially, and I am happy to report that we are breaking even, (neither making nor losing money). The Nolan family continues to provide additional financial services and support for IT, maintenance and administration at no cost to the school, and we stand as security for financial commitments in both the current and the New School Year. This commitment in time, security and funds is not insignificant, however we remain personally committed and able to fulfil our part of that service - that journey of Lifelong Learning that is begun for many at your American International School.
So financially the school is sound and committed to the next year and the ongoing future. Next year will only see a small fee rise to cover salary increases for teachers and rise in costs generally, as fees have been static for the past two years. The very modest rise will only be to cover the costs, and no return to the Nolan family, (sorry no wages for you Mary). In fact the Nolan family is going to be raising money to finance the purchase and redevelopment of the school property, which although more hard work, will give further security and stability for future generations at your American International School.
With this school year coming to a close, another parent has suggested that we hold another "Open House" for parents to question and get updates on the future for the school, before they leave on Holiday. I think that is a great idea, and we will schedule an evening at school in the next few weeks before it gets too hectic at the end. Tell me your preference for a day (weekday or weekend) and time, and I will arrange a "get together" where it is most suitable to you. Happy to hold the session in the evening, or even the middle of the day on the weekend. Let me know.
And, make sure you make a date for Graduation on Friday-1-June-2007 at The American Club overlooking Sydney harbour, and celebrating success with our Graduates of 2007. Graduates from your American International School, where You Can See the Difference, where International Education is for Everyone, and International Education - if not right, is surely an inspiration.
All that painting, gardening and future property activity has challenged my literary side to keep pace with the business and labour side of our service here at American International School. And education is a service, rather than a business or just a career like any other. It has no clear destination, rather just checkpoints along the way. However, like other services, there is an inherent satisfaction and feeling of selfless commitment to a greater cause than just turning up to work. It is both the motivation and the reward in one, whether it’s teaching a class, administering the school or moving the property forward for the security and benefit of future generations.
For our graduates, Friday-1-June- 2007 had begun as a destination, but will continue as another step on the journey. American International School holds as a cornerstone that our education is based upon "Teaching Lifelong Learning". I spoke at last year’s graduation that many students see it as just a relief to have made it – to have completed the sentence. However it is not only a milestone, but perhaps also a renewal. A renewal whereby our graduates step up to further challenges, with the continuing support of not only their immediate family, but also the wider school family and community. I specifically mentioned the community and family that is your American International School at last year’s graduation, and to this end I would like to invite the whole American International School family to share and celebrate in that cycle of renewal that is the Graduation of the Year of 2007.
2008 looks like being a fine year too, with plenty of action, but none of the tumult that heralded the beginning of this year. Parents have asked me how the school is financially, and I am happy to report that we are breaking even, (neither making nor losing money). The Nolan family continues to provide additional financial services and support for IT, maintenance and administration at no cost to the school, and we stand as security for financial commitments in both the current and the New School Year. This commitment in time, security and funds is not insignificant, however we remain personally committed and able to fulfil our part of that service - that journey of Lifelong Learning that is begun for many at your American International School.
So financially the school is sound and committed to the next year and the ongoing future. Next year will only see a small fee rise to cover salary increases for teachers and rise in costs generally, as fees have been static for the past two years. The very modest rise will only be to cover the costs, and no return to the Nolan family, (sorry no wages for you Mary). In fact the Nolan family is going to be raising money to finance the purchase and redevelopment of the school property, which although more hard work, will give further security and stability for future generations at your American International School.
With this school year coming to a close, another parent has suggested that we hold another "Open House" for parents to question and get updates on the future for the school, before they leave on Holiday. I think that is a great idea, and we will schedule an evening at school in the next few weeks before it gets too hectic at the end. Tell me your preference for a day (weekday or weekend) and time, and I will arrange a "get together" where it is most suitable to you. Happy to hold the session in the evening, or even the middle of the day on the weekend. Let me know.
And, make sure you make a date for Graduation on Friday-1-June-2007 at The American Club overlooking Sydney harbour, and celebrating success with our Graduates of 2007. Graduates from your American International School, where You Can See the Difference, where International Education is for Everyone, and International Education - if not right, is surely an inspiration.
Hard work, Heritage and Home making
Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here again, after the Easter break and heading into the final straight before Graduation. There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, primarily in making your American International School into a better home for students, parents, community – our families both current and into the future.
You may have noticed the newly painted walls and wall boards up in the Jefferson (middle) building. The Easter bunnies (Mary, brother-in-law Dean, and Charles), spent the Break spraying, sawing, fixing and painting – with more to come this weekend. The somewhat inclement weather, Church services, hardware shop holiday closure and a recalcitrant spray gun added a variable function to the process (read Charles railing at the universe as he tries to get three days work into two). However, there is nothing that a trip to the hardware shop cannot fix – all together guys, "It’s tool time!" One new high volume Wagner (brands are important, ladies) airless spray gun, and we are back in business - with only a minor hiccup, whereby Charles sprays his shoes and arms, when a hose isn’t tightly secured! The Jefferson building will look even better once we get the boards up the stairs and onto the first floor – wait for next week.
And we have heard more of the history of the premises from the family of the man who built the Jefferson building.
William Henry Gibbons built "Minden Hall" in the late 1800s, and it is after him that Gibbons Street is named. We have an early picture of the building with wide verandahs on 3 sides covering both storeys, and ornate metalwork decorating the poles and verandah roofline. The mansion was part of a larger property including a commercial orchard having apples, pears and oranges, next to a chicken farm. As the area became more urbanised, Gibbons sold the property to the Church of England in 1920 as an orphanage, and the newer addition on the right of the building was built in the 1930s. We will continue to dig up the history of the school grounds, not only as our link to the past, but also our path to the future as custodians for future generations.
Graduation is coming up shortly, and I would like to invite all the school community to join us to celebrate our graduates, and another successful school year. Whilst the school is relatively small, it is an opportunity for us all to attend the celebration and wish our graduates "bon voyage" as they enter into the next stage of their lives. It’s not so much of an ending of school but more a beginning of the rest of their lives – one in which all our school family can share. So, think about it, and make the end of May a date in which you and your family can celebrate the school and its most recent success stories – our graduates of 2007.
Renewal is also on our mind as we renew our lease for another year on the Carlingford property, and have been given an option to purchase the property from the current owners. It’s a major undertaking to finance and purchase a property of this size and location – 5.8 acres in total, with the current school covering around 2 ½ acres that we use daily. So the upcoming year will be one of high finance, further commitment and investment by our family as we seek to continue at this location for the short term. Longer term we have been in talks with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority to construct a purpose-built school at Homebush Bay, between the Swimming Complex and Telstra Stadium, beside the Athletics track. This is a very exciting option, with incredible facilities available throughout the area, a more central location, better public transport, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a truly international complex.
Our journey to Sydney Olympic Park will be through another few years at our current home in Carlingford, which we do love – but what an exciting destination! Lots of hard work, high finance and property development in between, but then what else would we do with our time. Looking forward to keeping you further updated as the journey unfolds, because it’s your American International School, where "International Education is for Everyone, and if not a right, is surely an aspiration".
You may have noticed the newly painted walls and wall boards up in the Jefferson (middle) building. The Easter bunnies (Mary, brother-in-law Dean, and Charles), spent the Break spraying, sawing, fixing and painting – with more to come this weekend. The somewhat inclement weather, Church services, hardware shop holiday closure and a recalcitrant spray gun added a variable function to the process (read Charles railing at the universe as he tries to get three days work into two). However, there is nothing that a trip to the hardware shop cannot fix – all together guys, "It’s tool time!" One new high volume Wagner (brands are important, ladies) airless spray gun, and we are back in business - with only a minor hiccup, whereby Charles sprays his shoes and arms, when a hose isn’t tightly secured! The Jefferson building will look even better once we get the boards up the stairs and onto the first floor – wait for next week.
And we have heard more of the history of the premises from the family of the man who built the Jefferson building.
William Henry Gibbons built "Minden Hall" in the late 1800s, and it is after him that Gibbons Street is named. We have an early picture of the building with wide verandahs on 3 sides covering both storeys, and ornate metalwork decorating the poles and verandah roofline. The mansion was part of a larger property including a commercial orchard having apples, pears and oranges, next to a chicken farm. As the area became more urbanised, Gibbons sold the property to the Church of England in 1920 as an orphanage, and the newer addition on the right of the building was built in the 1930s. We will continue to dig up the history of the school grounds, not only as our link to the past, but also our path to the future as custodians for future generations.
Graduation is coming up shortly, and I would like to invite all the school community to join us to celebrate our graduates, and another successful school year. Whilst the school is relatively small, it is an opportunity for us all to attend the celebration and wish our graduates "bon voyage" as they enter into the next stage of their lives. It’s not so much of an ending of school but more a beginning of the rest of their lives – one in which all our school family can share. So, think about it, and make the end of May a date in which you and your family can celebrate the school and its most recent success stories – our graduates of 2007.
Renewal is also on our mind as we renew our lease for another year on the Carlingford property, and have been given an option to purchase the property from the current owners. It’s a major undertaking to finance and purchase a property of this size and location – 5.8 acres in total, with the current school covering around 2 ½ acres that we use daily. So the upcoming year will be one of high finance, further commitment and investment by our family as we seek to continue at this location for the short term. Longer term we have been in talks with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority to construct a purpose-built school at Homebush Bay, between the Swimming Complex and Telstra Stadium, beside the Athletics track. This is a very exciting option, with incredible facilities available throughout the area, a more central location, better public transport, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a truly international complex.
Our journey to Sydney Olympic Park will be through another few years at our current home in Carlingford, which we do love – but what an exciting destination! Lots of hard work, high finance and property development in between, but then what else would we do with our time. Looking forward to keeping you further updated as the journey unfolds, because it’s your American International School, where "International Education is for Everyone, and if not a right, is surely an aspiration".
Welcoming newcomers and watching TV
Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here again, this time from early(first week) at my new job at University of New South Wales. It feels different, refreshing and challenging to be a new starter again, and gives me pause to reflect on the new entrants to our community at American International School.
My new office overlooks Botany Bay, where Captain James Cook landed, and the airport where most of us first land when we arrive from overseas. Those first few months are critical to a new arrival’s happy stay in this country, and this where American International School does its part as a member of the community to support and welcome newcomers and returnees.
We welcome expatriate students, arriving or returning, with an education system that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the world, offering High School Diploma and/or the International Baccalaureate. We welcome new parents with an education system that offers structure and challenge enabling their students to access universities and colleges worldwide. We welcome families with a school community structure that links them in with a group of friends to assist them in those early weeks. We welcome business people with an opportunity to network through our Corporate membership to the American Club, and an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals through other social functions.
Last week, (Monday night), we were in the audience of the ABC TV studios in Ultimo, participating in a series called "Difference of Opinion". The particular show was on Education, and Principal Lyn Cheetham had been invited, and Mary and I came for support and promotion of the school. The video clips are on their website, http://www.abc.net.au/tv/differenceofopinion/episodes/episode_03.htm, and covered topics from funding through attracting teachers to government involvement. It was educational for us as well, and Mary got to direct the proposal that class sizes were an important part of teacher satisfaction that was not being adequately addressed. Lyn, Mary and I met members of the panel, the audience, and the presenter Jeff McMullen – another opportunity to let them see the difference that an international education makes, rather than just the standard Australian system dressed in a private and public mix.
Next week, we will be hosting the "Today Tonight" team from Channel Seven with an exclusive on international education. All part of publicising and growing your American International School. One question from last week’s note on graduates and universities attended, was one parent’s specific request for details on universities offered for our recent graduates. I don’t have the 2005/6 figures to hand, but I do have the figures for Principal Cheetham’s first year in 2004/5. I have altered them to remove the names, yet still retain the individual options. I will have the 2005/6 figures shortly and get them out to you.
2004/5 Graduates – University Offerings
Ball State University (Indiana)
Indiana University (Indiana)
Butler University (Indiana) University of Bridgeport (Connecticut)
American International College (Massachusetts)
Rhode Island College (Rhode Island)
Purdue (Indiana) TAFE or community college in Vancouver
Michigan State University (Michigan)
Grand Valley State University (Michigan) Ball State University (Indiana)
Michigan State University (Michigan)
Community college in US Sydney University
Bathspa University (Bath, England)
Kingston University (London, England) Boston University
Ithaca College (New York)
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Bowling Green University Undecided
Macquarie University St. John’s College in NY
Manhattanville College (New York)
Basketball scholarship – various Colleges
So, this newsletter ends the way it began, with new beginnings. New beginnings for our graduate students, and new beginnings for me in the educational sector. As I walk around the university this week, I see the next step in our American International School students’ academic lives – university. There are over 40,000 students here at UNSW, so it’s not the same level of small class sizes and individual attention, but the hope and aspirations are there for all to see. I feel new again (at least for a week), and positive about the future for your students, your school and your international community. Especially your American International School, where international education for everyone, if not a right, is surely an aspiration.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
