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".

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.

Class of 2001 - "The Fab Five"

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

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

Term 3-Week 1 - American International School - Welcome Back

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as we start the new Calendar year, and Term 3 for all our students.

Last year was a great year of change, challenges and support from all our community. This year presents us with even more opportunity as we continue moving forward with our academic programs, step up our marketing to spread the word for an International Education, and purchase our premises outright for longer term security. Last term we farewelled some families, but this term we welcome more as our numbers increase. So I extend a warm welcome to all our new community members, families, friends and supporters.

This newsletter will continue to come out weekly, and give a quick update on what is happening “around” the school. Principal Cheetham and the teachers will continue to keep you informed of what happens “within” school, the Parent Volunteers Group(PVG) will continue to provide the family fabric of support and feedback, and the Board of Governors is the vehicle whereby Parents interests are directly represented in the governing of all our school activities. And, if that’s not enough, give me a call or an email at anytime, and we will address “any” issue that you may have.

It was good to meet most of the new parents at Orientation. The PVG provided a great function to welcome parents, with Principal Cheetham keeping it informal with a short address, and the teachers present to talk with new families about their specific concerns and requirements. We dispensed with the formality of the Hall this year, (a Parent suggestion), using the Washington (main) foyer. I think it gave a more informal and personal feel with more opportunity to meet people. New parents - let me know what you thought, as we can always change for next time.

The Board of Governors meets again this Thursday evening at school. Mr. Nalin Miglani is the Chairman, and they can be contacted through Tom in Public Relations (front desk). As mentioned earlier, they are the conduit for families’ representation to the School, as well as representatives of the Parent body in the governance and direction of American International School. The Board holds regular meetings with Principal Cheetham and the Administration, and provides updates to families throughout the year. So any issues that you may not wish to bring up directly with Principal Cheetham, teachers (or myself), feel free to contact your Board for support, feedback or answers.

Communication is so important, and though we may not have all the answers, I give you my personal commitment that we will always listen. To this end, I am converting these newsletters into a Weblog (BLOG), http://www.amschoolsydney.blogspot.com/ . Logon for a quick look, and another chance to give feedback and your thoughts.

Next week, more on the maintenance and upgrade plan to our heritage buildings, and news from our first graduates in Class of 2000.

That’s enough for a start, so I look forward to meeting you around the school, on the web, or at functions throughout the year. And again Happy New Year at American International School, where International Education for Everyone – if not a right, is surely an aspiration.

Regards,
Charles

Update Term 2-Week 8 - American International School - Christmas, community and classmates

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as we enter the final school week before Christmas.

It was great to see the article in the Sydney Morning Herald on Eunice Cheng, one of our talented pre-schoolers, playing at the Sydney Opera House with the Babies Prom orchestra. Our children and students are our reason for being, and it’s great to see them doing well in the community. One of the defining factors of our American International School is that we seek to develop the individual within the community, not confine them with conformity. And that goes for all sizes of student. Congratulations to Eunice, and proud parents Dora and Joseph – all credit to you and your family.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/little-bow-peep-has-lost-her-music-class/2006/12/10/1165685550816.html

Seeing our students (and parents) doing well is something that all our community can share. It’s the international diversity and individual opportunity that attracts many of us to American International School. Our students arrive individuals, retain that individuality, yet leave as global citizens. That bit of magic in between is your community, your aspirations and, most of all, your involvement. We develop this school and community together, so the greater the mix, the greater the result – for the process is the same. The co-education, culture, curriculum, content and class sizes define us as a community, not an institution. And we get to see the results in our own families for the rest of our lives.

Our own family is heading in to Christmas with an international flavour. Patrick is off to China with a school friend, to spend the Christmas five hours north of Beijing (at thirty below!). The friends our children make at American International School are spread throughout the world, and this sharing of home and holiday is one small example of the benefits of our global school community. This extends beyond their time at school. I see the names of past students continually appearing on the computer MSN screen, or faces laughing on camera, from islands and continents far away - in our home each day. The global village is here now, and our school, students and children are our own link together. Get on that internet chat yourselves, so that you too can keep connected for a lifetime of international community, that your American International School brings but a small part of the world picture.

Last Saturday saw us socialising, (some say proselytising when they see me in action with our school cards and message), at the American Consul General’s residence, for American Society Christmas cocktails. It was good to see groups of parents there, as well as other members of the community that support your American International School. Expatriates and their families are a very supportive and inclusive group, with individuals from many different countries. Very much like your American International School – not just American, not just International, not just a School.

Tuesday night will see us at the school tuning up the new remote access technology, ready for next semester. We are looking to bring the entire school computer desktop into your homes for your students use after school. We are just tuning the “friendliness” and security ready for the launch next year. And Friday will see me at school all day, to talk with parents, wish all families Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and to celebrate a great year’s efforts with your American International School teachers. It will be a great day for me. One in which I can share in your American International School, where “International Education is for Everyone”, and if not a right, is surely an aspiration.

Please feel free to pass this email on to friends and colleagues, and let me know if anyone is missing out. It may be the opportunity for their family to join our American International Community, and see the difference that an international education, and an international community, can bring to their family and their lives.

See you on Friday, see you in the holidays or on the world-wide web.

Regards,

Charles

Update Term 2-Week 7 - American International School - Lightly towards Christmas

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here as our American International School community heads towards Christmas, and the New Year.

We celebrated together last weekend, with Christmas Lights, food, company and lots of Christmas cheer. Although the day started inauspiciously, with humidity and then torrential rain, the evening was kind to us with fine but not clear weather all through our festivities together. We had a great turnout with a number of families, teachers and staff braving the weather forecast. Some may have cancelled because they thought we might defer to the weather. But they must have not known us well, for I would still be there for this school community whatever the weather, whatever the challenge. It is satisfaction enough for me to provide an opportunity, and up to others satisfaction to attend and enjoy themselves.

But the New Year is fast approaching and pressures mounting on families and friends. It is also time to be thankful for what we have achieved together in our American International School. Last weekend was one small indication of that, the school concert was another. It was great to see the numbers at the concert, a full house in our own Lincoln Hall, suitably entertained and supporting another great production. All part of the sharing that sees parents, teachers, students and community doing their bit to build and add their piece to that international puzzle – to make a difference, for the families and friends that make up our American International School.

I say community, as we do have supporters outside our immediate student body. Thanks to Eric Pozorski and the people from Compro and Array Technologies who spent last Tuesday evening at school, preparing the next version of remote computing access. I took the time to walk Eric around the school, filling the vacant night time spaces with my hands where laughing and smiling students would be during the day. I take the opportunity to tell everyone of what we are doing at this American International School – that’s not just American, not just International, and more than just a School.

It’s so much shell at night, compared to the bustle of the day, even though it’s like the walls have memories of all those students through the past years. Mary met a former student from the “old days” when the school was an orphanage in the thirties and forties. I talked to some old people on the bus about the school, and a young lady approached me for our card and information on the school. We welcome all with connection and compassion for our school. We feel like caretakers, and are careful to preserve the history as well as prepare the future. We now have more Australian enquiries turning into enrolments as the message gets out. The message that there is a place in Sydney where International Education is for Everyone, and where you can see the difference it makes in the lives of all those involved.

This Saturday will see a number of parents and staff attending cocktails at the Double Bay residence of the American Consul General, Steven Smith and his wife Monica McKnight. Many of us won’t be American, but we will be enjoying ourselves, and promoting community and school. We are about to undertake a tripartite marketing campaign with American Club, Society and School providing support to expatriate families in business networking, social events and education. Let me know how we can get involved and support your communities, for we aim to be The International School, for everyone.

I would like to take the opportunity to meet some more of you before Christmas, so I will be out at School for all the last day of term, Friday-15-December. I will be there to listen and take on board your ideas for the new Calendar year. See you there, call me or just pop in over the holidays. Patrick will be with school friends in China, but Tom, Mary and I will be there to share the holiday spirit with our friends and community from American International School.

Remember: American International School – not just American - not just International - not just a School.

Help others to see the difference, where international education is for everyone, and although not a right, is surely an inspiration.

Regards,

Charles