Penultimate Procession

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as we enter into the penultimate week of this American International School year.

At your American International School, the autumn leaves have nearly all dropped and met their fate in the maws of the new outdoor vacuum cleaner. (Strange - it seems that only I get to enjoy the dusty pleasures of self-propelled outdoor domesticity, courtesy of International Mothers day…).

Students have returned from camp, and we have met with teachers on a number of occasions in the planning lead up to the new school year. Curriculum, policies and resourcing are all under review for update in the New Year. We also met with Board of Governors last week in a joint preparation for the advertisement and selection process for the new Principal. A good collaborative process, that involves objective selection and involvement by the Parent and Teacher community. More updates will follow as we progress together.

Many people ask me about our northern hemisphere calendar and how it works in Sydney - and with the Southern hemisphere climate. Surprisingly well, is the answer that I reply. The American International School calendar is synchronised with NSW school holidays, and students share part of each break with their neighbours and Australian school friends. Vacation periods are obviously good for northern hemisphere travel, but also for travel within Australia. The June-July period is ideal for heading North in Australia, as the tropics are warm yet dry during this time of year. Great for sitting on the beach, trekking the rainforest, climbing Uluru, swimming with dolphins at Monkey Mia, or exploring the Kakadu wetlands. We still get to enjoy the Christmas vacation time, and can experience the rest of the world, or that part of the world that is right here in our Australian backyard. In addition, snow sports are available in the mountains, or a short flight away in New Zealand.

Exam revision, graduation preparation and holiday expectations are all part of that madcap mayhem that precedes the final school week. Its all part pressure, crescendo and peak as we close out all that is good about the last school year. Make sure that you reward yourself and applaud others by attending the Graduation night on Thursday-31-May at the American Club, 131 Macquarie Street in the city. Over 75 people have confirmed and we are able to share with more of you in this year’s celebration of our graduates. It will be a great night, so make the effort and reward yourselves and your family with a night out overlooking the harbour and city lights. A night amongst friends, family and community of your American International School. A school where international education does not just make the difference, it’s an inspiration for everyone.

See you there.

Regards,
Charles