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.