2022-2023

May 31st, 2023 15:45- in Room 206 and via Zoom

Attendance:

Mr. Cooke

Megumi Ando

Beau Miller

Chika Miyahara

Chloe

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Ami Uchida

Recent events:

Spring Bazaar & End of the Year Concert

-The sales of Spring Bazaar were about 70,000 yen.

-Feedbacks from parents

• hoping more events like this will be held next year.

• each event should be apart.

School lunch

-Offer more plant based options.

-Meat free Monday

-¥50000 to kick start more plant based meal options.

-Approved 

Grant requests

"T shirt for all" project

-Needed 250 shirts.

-Goal: Builds school culture, provides color team apparel, improves community awareness through branding.

-They have 5 sponsors so far: ¥100000

-Increase school budget for this project from ¥1000 to ¥2000 per shirt

-suggestions from PTA 

- choose Dry-tech shirt (Feedback from Mr. Rankin that it is better for PE purpose)

- shop around for better deal

-Approved PTA donations ¥211250 maximum 

Sand table from EY

-Request 175000 yen to purchase sand and water table. -> asked to propose better deal or idea

-Approved to use ¥70000 (40,000 for the table plus shipping) from PTA budget and the rest should be paid rom EY class budget.

Teacher and Staff appreciation day

-Tuesday, June 13th 

-Lunch will be back to potluck style.

May 10th, 2023 15:45- in room 206 and Zoom

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Koko Tsukamoto 

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Bhabana Thapa

Chika Miyahara

Ami Uchida

Ada Kwok

Grant request

-Mr. Rankin requested ¥115000 to purchase training equipments for athletic department.

-Voted and approved by meeting members.

-Ms. Anne requested ¥175000 to purchase the sand water table.

-Meeting members had discussed and decided to return this request back to Ms.Anne for research about different ideas.

Examples: cheaper item, renewing old item, and fundraising by EY parents.

Presentation from Mr. Pangier and students 

9th Annual HIS Reads

-They are looking for judges beginning on May 23rd and concluding on June 2nd.

HIS Publication Team

-Yearbook is currently ¥6000 and they think the yearbook is too expensive and should be available for all.

In order to offset the cost of yearbook, they have two following plans.

•Advertising on yearbook

-Looking for four sponsors

-A 1/2-page advertisement.

-Promote it on their website and social media.

-Cost: ¥20000

•Official T-Shirt

-Looking for ten sponsors.

-Place your logo on the shirt.

-Promote it on their website and social media.

-Cost: ¥20000

(If you would like to be a sponsor, contact Mr. Schlosser or Mr. Pangier.)

Spring bazaar

-Volunteers are still needed.

-Meeting member discussed and decided to change few plans.

•Time 14:00-17:30

•BBQ

•Event will be outside on the back filed.

(If it’s rains, BBQ will be held at the entrance and booth and activities will move inside.)

•Car wash by Ms. Harmon's Husky Week Trip group

Next meeting: May 31, 2023

April 5th, 2023 15:45- in room 206 and Zoom

Attendance:

Tim Schlosser

Neil Cooke

Dan Stern

Jenna Watson

Laura Harmon

Megumi Ando

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Koko Tsukamoto

Leo Yu

Ami Uchida

Ada Kwok (Zoom)

Student presentations on upcoming service learning trips.

They requested ¥500000 for funding.

Organic Farming in Kyoto

-Learning about organic farming and its benefits.

-Midori farm

-Explanation of the current fundraising situation.

Okinawa trip

-Three major SDG activities

-Visit non profit organization called Momoyama Shokudo.

-Activities with OCSI (Okinawa Christian School International).

-Beach clean up.

Grant request for library from Mr. Stern

-He requested ¥100000 to purchase whole set of books named “Little people big dream” which is very popular for elementary students.

-Voted and accepted.

Spring events

-The spring bazaar will be held on Friday, May 19.

-14:00-18:00

-Preparation 

 •Look for the vendors

 •Collect donations from parents

March 8th, 2023 15:45- in Room 206 and via Zoom

Attendance:

(in person)

Tim Schlosser

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Junko Mori

Ada Ng

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Ami Uchida

(online)

Terry Kimura

Maiko Horimoto

Aoi 

Leo Yu

Spring events 

-No spring bazaar on Saturday this year?

-Music festival 

 •May 24th.

 •A one hour concert will be held in the gym from 18:00

 •Food will be served.

 •Dancing

New plans for Parents and Teacher Conference 

-Having  PTC after school on weekdays, instead of having it on holidays. By doing so, families and teachers can spend full holidays.

Date for next year fall festival and spring bazaar

-Fall festival : November 3rd. 2023 (11/6 school holiday)

-Spring bazaar : April 13th. 2024 (4/15 school holiday)

Question and suggestion from  parents

-Parent wants school to let them know in advance when the substitute teacher comes and also when teacher changes.

-Is there any emotional supporter for the students, including Elementary School?

•Yes, Ms. Harmon

•Mr. Cooke informed parents when school started, but the parents will be reminded again.

WASC feedback/input on criteria

-Parent / community involvement criterion 

PTA Grant request for Service learning trips

-Mr. Schlosser requested ¥500000.

-Students have raised money through fundraising at Fall Festival, but there is not enough money for all students to participate in this trip.

The idea that came out at the meeting

-Schools should inform parents about service learning and current situation, as students are not aware of the financial situation of their families.

-Having students present to their parents why they need funds for the trips.

-Give students a chance to do fundraise

Teachers and staff appreciation day

-Friday March 17th.

-Store-bought, individually packed sweets, snacks, fruits, drinks, or flowers.

-Lunch will be ordered.

Food rules

No sugary food to share. (Ex: no snacks and candies for birthday goody bags.)

-Proposed from elementary teachers

Reason:

-Some parents don’t want students to have a lot of sugar.

-Allergy problem

-Food poisoning 

-Parents will be informed about this.

February 8th, 2023 15:45- in Room 206

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Leo Yu

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Junko Mori

Megumi Ando

Grant request:

ES classroom library (Early Years, MP1, MP2, MP3) 

Request of 50,000 yen was submitted from Mr. Brown was submitted at the end of last year. Following further discussion with elementary teachers and with the members present at this meeting, it was decided to give 50,000 yen per Milepost and EY, total of 200,000 yen.

PTA organized events in spring:

Date: April 8th or later, to be discussed with Mr. Schlosser and the teachers 

Type of event: Spring Bazaar (flea market can be enjoyed by many while supporting the departing teachers and families to get rid of unwanted items), community BBQ, afternoon event like we had at the end of last year (refreshment, music, etc.)

Location: indoor or outdoor (must be after mid-May)

Who to invite: limited to the community (shortly after being mask-free, first year to have events after Covid), prospective students and their families to be invited upon request in advance,

-> Further discussion needed at next meeting

WASC (The Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation:

Report consist of five chapters and Chapter III section B is on Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

What students learn (students engagement)

How students learn (student centered instruction)

How assessment is used

-> Everyone (Teachers, students and parents/guardians)’s input is important

- Questionnaire was sent out at the end of 2022 and the result was shared. Feedbacks requested on it

- Observations and parents/guardians focus groups will be needed

January 18th, 2023 in Room 206

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Ada Ng

Koko Tsukamoto

Leo Yu

Ami Uchida

Feedback on fall festival

Parents who ran food booth will be reimbursed up to ¥10000 per booth

• Voted and approved by meeting member.

• Megumi will contact them.

Upcoming events

Winter celebration  (Friday, January 27th)

• PTA will Provide snack and drink for students.

• Popcorn, juice, and mandarins, as discussed in December meeting

• Coffee and refreshments for parents.

Selling Husky goods at events

• Winter celebration (Friday, January 27th)

• Elementary assembly (Tuesday, January 31st)

Feedback on parent and teacher conference day

Suggestion from parents

• Need more time to talk to teacher

• It might be a good idea to prepare a portfolio for elementary students before the conference.

Grants request from Mr. Piazza 

• After school event called “Winter Gala” will be held on February 3rd by students Grade 6 through Grade 12.

• At the event each class will make one main dish and side dish (20 servings each).

• Mr. Piazza requested ¥4000 per each class to purchase food and supplies for event.

• ¥4000 x 7 classes = ¥28000

• Voted and approved by meeting member.

WASC

• School needs the support from parents to make a profile about the school.

• Mr. Cooke is planning to hold a meeting for this.

Spring bazaar

• Should we held the spring bazaar for public or HIS community only?

• Since Covid situation is unclear yet, HIS community only at the moment.

Next meeting

Wednesday, February 8th from 15:45~

December 6th, 2022 Tuesday 15:45-

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Anne Boudreau

Koko Tsukamoto

Leo Yu

Megumi Ando

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Fall Festival Feedback

• Great gathering for both children and adults 

• Numbers of people were almost the same as before Covid, even the event was open only our community members 

• Great efforts from both students and adults 

• Great success with in spirit and financially

• Total profit from Secondary students was ¥127,000- 

• Art Club ticket jar went missing

  PTA will support Art Club with the money, the difference between how much tickets we sold and how much tickets which were used, to the respecting the students' good will to help a country in need. Donation to be made in the name of the Art Club and HIS PTA

• Need to change the tickets to prevent the issue

• Tickets could be designed by students, year written, discuss these ideas with Mr. Katayama for next event

• Elementary booths need adult supervisors at all time, especially for the tickets. 

• Ticket counting tickets should be done by adults 

• Some parents would like to know and be informed more details like how much the MS/HS students made through events, how much of this funds will be use for what with reasons

School can’t answer it clearly yet as plan and decision has be done and it could be used for a long term as well

Partially goes to the service trip. Students decide where to go or what’s the purpose for the service trip but no matter-where they choose, their fund won’t be enough, no overseas service trips for a while due to the covid

Grants

• Mr. Brown asks for new books for MP2

Go through the classroom budget first

Check books conditions

Need better system for EY and Elementary 

Suggestion that PTA should matches the budgets for each grade, MP or Secondary 

Mr. Cooke will talk to Mr. Brown first and then he will pread the words to other teachers, PTA can talk to parents and then we decide together 

Students Council

• Research and feedback about having a vending machine 

• They want a vending machine back with healthy drink like packs of 100% Juice, Itoen tea 

• If we are going to reinstall it, it should be upstairs on 3rd floor as younger students won't have any without parents permission 

• Parents should supervise with their own children’s choices and financial matter

School goods

• Suggested the possibility of the school and the PTA making goods together

• Make a bookstore booth by the MPR stairs in main foyer side to sell items

• idea to sell English books as well like professional books that teachers and parents can read for children 

• "Books of the month" 

• School system to buy English books through online

School used to have one but Amazon is strong now that they don’t see the point to have it

Question from parent:

• Any plan to sell developed photos taken by the school?

Social media and websites are strong nowadays 

need a professional photographer from outside of school so it’s not priority for now

WASC

• Coming next year 2023, in April or May

• School needs PTA to have presentation

• Got more than usual feedback from last parents survey

• Need input from parents to crate profile of HIS

A new science teacher

• He/She will likely start from 2nd semester 

• Ms. Dixit will supervise students until then

Winter Celebration

• PTA will provide a pack of 100% juice, popcorn and mandarine for each student

November 01, 2022 15:45〜

Attendance:

Mr. Cooke

Megumi

Albert

Sakura

Atsuko

Yuki

Yoshie

Junko

Ayako

Aya

Maiko

Shiori

Akiko

Junna

Ami

Request from Mr. Sim and Mr. Piazza

-¥60000 to purchase climbing shoes for outdoor education.

-Voted and approved by meeting members.

Fall festival

Question from parents:

Is there any priority parking lot for who comes early to prepare?

-Mr. Cooke advised us that if we arrive before 10:00 there might be a space for parking, but he strongly encourage families to come by public transit. 

Infection control for Covid

-Wipe table with alcohol regularly.

-People who serve food must wear disposable gloves.

-Wear mask 

-No homemade foods at the bake sale, store bought only. 

-Place hand sanitizer at each activity and food booth.

Trick or treat information from Atsuko

-Price: 1ticket

-There will be three activities on 2nd floor, kids get stamps after each activity and they will receive treats.

Set ups star time

-November 4th, Friday from 14:00.

-November 5th, Saturday from 9:00.

Husky goods booth

-You can buy goods with cash only at this booth.

Suggestion from parent

-We should put a sign at the entrance to inform outsider that only HIS members can participate in this event.

-Display ingredients at the each booth.

Entertainment schedule on November 5th

12:45 MP3 - Funga Alafia (Welcoming the audience)

12:50 Jazz Band - Brazil

12:55 MP2, 'Music is Fun, Fun, Fun'

13:00 Rock Club - Fell in Love With A Girl

13:05 Secondary Choir - Jambo Karibu Kwa Afrika

13:10 Raffle time!

Parking

-Mr. Cooke strongly encourage families to come by public transit if possible.

-There will be second parking lots at Hiragishi Takadai elementary school.

Next PTA meeting : TBC

October 5, 2022 15:45〜

Attendance:

Mr. Cooke

Megumi Ando

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Maiko Horimoto

Keiko Ono

Junko Mori

Ayako Hiura

Ada Ng

Mikiko Otsuka

Yoshie Nishimura

Emiri Yoshikawa

Aoi

Satoko Yamamoto

Masa Yamamoto

Yuki

Aya 

Koko Tsukamoto

Makiko Hori

Yuki Marchal

Miyako Ishikawa

Akiko Ishizu

Albert Chu

Sakura Chu

Ami Uchida

Grant Requests from teachers

Mr. Dan requested ¥300000 to purchase books for library.

-Voted with meeting members and answer is “Yes” for ¥200000.

Mr. Piazza requested ¥80000 to purchase backpacking stove and pots.

-Voted with meeting members and answer is “Yes.”

-Suggestion from parent: It would be helpful to have visual example that explain what it is like for parents to understand.

Volunteer work update

Community service day to organize a day of cleaning the school building with parents and staff. 

Fall Festival planning

•Food booth organized by PTA

-Hot dog

-Chinese food

-Korean food

-MP1 (not decided yet)

-MP2 (not decided yet)

•Activities and another booth:

-Husky goods booth

-Drink and bake sale booth

-Student organized activities from homeroom classes G6-G12.

-Trick or treat: prepared by PTA, ran by student council.

-Raffle prize: maximum price will be ¥50000 which will be provided by PTA.

•Donations are welcome!

-Raffle prize, drinks, and etc.

Next meeting will be held on November 1st from 15:45- in MPR

PTA Fall Festival Committee meeting

September 14,2022 in the MPR

Attendance:

Mr. Schlosser

Mr. Cooke

Megumi

Satoko

Chika

Erika

Maiko

Yuri

Ayako

Aya

Yuki

Ada

Atsuko

Junna

Koko

Ami

Date: November 5th, 2022

Time: 10:00 - 14:00

-The festival will be held only for HIS community.

-Not advertised Sapporo wide.

Discussed the following about the festival

1) Food and drink

-In the past, food and drink have been provided by parents and students, but this year we will focus more on activities.

-Parents will receive the survey about volunteer positions such as craft booth, food booth, and activities.

2)Fire safety

-We have to submit plans to the fire department. 

3) Activities

-Discussed what kind of activities were held at the festival in the past.

4)Trick or Treat

-Popular event run by parents and Ms.Manjome.

-Treat will be donated by parents.

5)Raffle

-The prize will be donated by parents and from PTA grand.

-Still need to discuss about timing of draw and number of prizes.

6)Music and entertainment 

-Music department? Music club? Outside music?

7)Job / Volunteer positions

-Ticket sales

-Ticket counting

-Parking

-MC for raffle

-Music tech and coordination (Mr. Katayama)

Things to prepare:

-Tickets (Two different tickets 1:Food and activities 2:Raffle)

-Plastic bottle for collecting tickets.

-Raffle prize

-500ml plastic bottle Drinks

-Treats for Trick or Treat

-Change for ticket sale

Next Meeting:

Next fall festival committee meeting will be held with PTA meeting on October 5, Wednesday 15:45 in the MPR.

September 6, 2022 in the MPR

Attendance:

Mr. Schlosser

Mr. Cooke

Mr. Panger

Mr. Rankin 

Mr. Beatty

Megumi Ando

Akiko Gotoda

Husain

Koko Tsukamoto

Emiri

Akiko Ishizu

Sakura Chu

Shiori Ramos

Albert Chu

Ada Ng

Maiko Horimoto

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Ami Uchida 

Greeting from student council

-Thank you Julie and Ena!

HIS PTA duties

-Mr. Cooke explained about primary duties of steering committee.

HIS PTA Steering Committee 

-Representative of each grade

-Admin Co-Chair

-Parent Co-Chair

-Treasure

-Secretary 

PTA Volunteer Work

-All parents received a google form survey.

Babysitting funding for PTA meeting

-The PTA provides the funds to pay for babysitting service during meeting.

-Voted and approved.

School bus

-Addition of new stop on the current bus route.

-Survey will be send to all parents.

Current Grants

-Ms.Ando received two new grants request but will bring them up to next meeting.

Parent questions

1)Is it currently permissible for parents and students to remain after school as their children play on the back field?

-By 3:45 students should be off the back field. By 4:00 everyone should leave campus unless you have an appointment or activities.

2)Regarding temperature slips and lunch order. What are the sustainability goals of the school, and what alternatives do we have at our disposal? Could we implement a digital option? What is currently being done towards sustainability and what more can do?

-Students will not have to submit temperature slips soon.

3)Does HIS have any system for older students providing tutoring or babysitting to younger students after school?

-Mr. Cooke is working on this, and will let us know when it’s completed.

4) Regarding dorm: What the meal program promises families?

-Upgrade meal program.

-Providing nutritional meal.

-Advise students not to drink energy drinks instead of meals.

5)Regarding school lunch:

If we select Veg (vegetarian), will there be something provided to supplement the missing meat?

-Yes, Tofu or egg is added in these cases.

6)From Album member 

-Requested 2000 yen for purchase supplies to create album for Ms.Beatty.

-Voted and approved.

Fall festival plans

-Discussed about date, food, games, and etc.

-The date has been decided: Saturday, November 5th.

-Mr. Cooke asked parents who wants to join committee for organizing the fall festival.

Next PTA meeting

-Wednesday, October 5th at 15:45 in the MPR.

2021-2022

June 1, 2022 12:30~

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Akiko Gotoda

Akiko Ishizu

Koko Tsukamoto

Satoko Yamamoto

Akiko Mega

Azusa Takashima

Chihiro Sato

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Chika Miyahara

Aoi Hirai

Takuya Sakurada

Ami Uchida

WASC update

-Mr. Cooke explained about what WASC is about.

-He is preparing for self study report.

-How to review our school

 •Organization for student learning

 •Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

 •Support for student’s social and emotional       and academic growth

 •Culture, child protection, parent community   involvement 

 •Residential life

-Our past report from WASC is on HIS website.

Ms. Gon shared PTA income and expenses of this year.

-Megumi will put link on PTA website.

-This is not the final yet, because we still have some events heading towards the end of the school year.

Husky Goods

-About 160,000 yen of husky goods has been sold on website for now.

Grants request from teachers

Teachers from EY requested 132220 yen to purchase new shelves.

-This request is carried over from last month.

-Mr.Cooke checked the current shelves and approved to purchase new one.

-Half price will be paid by school and the other half will be paid by PTA.

Mr. Dan requested $500 to purchase bluetooth scanner for library inventory.

-Not approved in this meeting, because we still need to get more information from Mr. Dan.

Community events

-June 9th (15:45-17:00)

-Social event for parents and teachers and staff.

-High school band and choir will performing on the field.

-Student council will have game for elementary students.

-PTA will provide snacks and refreshments.

May 12th, 2022 12:30~ 

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Koko Tsukamoto

Chihiro Sato

Emily Cheng

Hisayuki Kojima

Maiko Horimoto

Terry Kimura

TIm Shlosser

Chisa Karato

Ami Uchida

Grant Request

Ms.Jerez's request from the last meeting has been approved.

Request from Mr. Dan 

-He requested 55000 yen to purchase Minecraft books and replace the missing books.

-Approved

Request from Mr. Rankin

-He requested 50000 yen to purchase kettlebells, medicine balls, and additional equipment for the athletic department.

-Approved

Request from Mr. Dan and Mr. Katayama

-They requested 900 USD to purchase a camera for film and media class.

-Mr. Cooke will talk to them, and find out more details.

Request from EY teachers

-They requested 132220 yen to purchase shelves.

-The shelves which they are using now are getting wobbly and not safe for kids.

-Mr. Schlosser suggested since this is a safety concern, this request should be covered by the school budget.

-First, Mr. Schlosser and Mr. Cooke will go to check the shelves in the EY classroom.

End of the year gathering

-Date: June 8th Wednesday after school 15:45~17:00 --> Moved to June 9th to allow more teachers to join

-We will discuss more about this at the next meeting (June 1st.)

Volunteer works

-Megumi-san explained types of volunteer work done at school.

-Volunteers currently in progress are crossing guards, gardening, and costume

Husky Goods

-Online store will open

-Items to be released soon: water bottle, pen, key chain, T-shirt, bag, and sweater. 

Gift for departing teachers and staff

-Like last year, we will give chopsticks with the school logo and quotes to them.

-If ES parents want to make albums for teachers, PTA will cover the cost.

Teachers and staff appreciation day

-June 10th: prepare snacks 

-June 17th: order lunch 

Next Meeting

June 1st, 12:30~ Zoom

April 6th, 2022 12:30~

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Chika Miyahara

Sakura

Uno Gon

Saori Hasegawa

Milan’s Shigapova

Ami Uchida

PTA Grant Request from Mr.Dan

-He want to add another 1780yen to his previous request from last month.

-The previous request was ¥10000 to purchase stand up table.

-Approved with meeting members.

PTA Grant Request from Ms.Jerez

-Request $500 to purchase apps for elementary students.

-Things that still need to considered:

•Which subject?

•Are other teachers also interested?

•Will budged covered by PTA or school?

Question from parent

-Can school draw white lines on parking lot for avoiding each car take too much space?

-Mr.Cook will pass it on to Mr. Schlosser and Mr. Ogawa (Building maintenance manager) 

Next meeting 

-May 11th, 2022

-If the Covid situation is good, we will have in-person meeting.

-in-person meeting : 15:45~ at school

Suggestion from Megumi

-There are parents who sign up for volunteer to organize fun event. Is it possible them to organize event? For example, gathering on weekend.

-Mr. Cooke suggested we can hold an event unless it's during the state of emergency declaration or quasi-emergency regulations.

-For official school event we will discuss about this at the meeting on May.

Sports day

-When is sports day? Parents invited?

-Last year we had sports day without parents invited.

-The date has not been decided yet.

For Secondary students

-Progress report card will coming up around April 20th.

March 16; 2022 Zoom 12:30~

Attendance

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Maiko Horimoto

Chika Miyahara

Akiko Ishizu

Junna 

Satoko Yamamoto

Kaori Mitsui

Akiko

Koko

Ami Uchida

Question from parents

-Is it possible to list all the ingredients for school lunch menu? It would be helpful if at least 7 common allergens were listed.

-This question will be informed to the kitchen staff.

Grant Requests from teachers

From Mr. Dan for the library 

-He requested 10,000yen to purchase stand up desk for the library.

-The meeting members approved, but Mr. Dan will need to consult with school administration before purchase, in case he is planning to move/remove existing furniture.

From Mr. Piazza for outdoor education program

-PTA gave him 120,000yen to purchase snow shoes in January this year, but size and model which he was tried to order were sold out. 

-He is asking if he could keep 120,000yen for next school year, so he can purchase snow shoes right away without waiting grants request will be approved. Voted in favor

Calendar for next school year

Mr. Cooke is working on calendar for next year.

-He shared important dates during meeting.

-Shared pictures of past fall festivals and spring bazaar.

-If a fall festival and spring bazaar can be held, when should we do it?

 <Fall festival: October 29,2022>

 <Spring bazaar: April 8, 2023>

-We haven’t been able to hold social events for few years, so Megumi came up with an idea if we could have an opportunity to meet everyone in person before end of the school year.

-Mr.Cooke will discuss with Mr.Schlosser and bring it back to next meeting.

Suggestion from a parent

-At dismissal time, one of crossing guard volunteer saw some students were blocking the path between school and crosswalk, and throwing snow balls and climbing a snow pile. 

-She wants school to pay attention and inform those students again.

Next meeting

April 6th, 12:30~

February 16, 2022 Wednesday 12:30~  via Zoom

Attendance:

Tim Schlosser

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Laura Harmon

Sakura

Akiko Ishizu

Chika Miyahara

Kaori Mitsui

Junna

Maiko Horimoto

Aya K

Satoko Yamamoto

Whittorn

Ami Uchida

Crossing guard

1.Looking for more volunteers for crossing guard, especially for after school.

-Anyone who can volunteer for crossing guard, please email to PTA. 

2.Where will be the best for the crossing guard stand at this time?

-Mr. Schlosser answered we need someone to stand at the cross walk area from dorm to school entrance. But in the morning, we need volunteers to stand on the pedestrian crossing.

-Anyone who can volunteer for crossing guard, please email to PTA. 

Suggestions and questions from parents:

1. Children are in the growing stage and should consume more protein and vegetables.

-Mr.Schlosser said he will talk to kitchen stuff.

2. Will the hybrid learning continue next week(2/21~2/25)?

-Mr. Cooke said yes.

3. Have all the field trips for this year been canceled? 

-All the field trips are on hold because of covid situations.

-Only field trips with purely outdoor field trips are not cancelled, but field trips with public access are on hold especially during hybrid learning

Teachers and staff appreciation day

-February 23, 2022 (Parents and teachers conference day)

-Considering the current situation and conference being online, we will not have TSAD with donations from parents/guardians and will order lunch from Obento shops.

-Approved to use PTA grants to order lunch.

-PTA steering committee members will discuss about this and create order form for teachers and staff.

Next PTA meeting

March 16th from 12:30- via Zoom (in case in person meeting will be possible, it will be from 3:45. TBA)

January 19, 2022 Wednesday 12:30~ via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Akiko Ishizu

Chihiro Sato

Sakura Chu

Chika Miyahara

Umi Gon

Ami Uchida

Questions from parents

1) Can we sell polo shirt at school?

-Husky goods members are getting ready for selling T-Shirt (both long and short sleeves), and they will be informed about polo shirt.

2) Can the school sell photos which are taken at school, including the one for the yearbook?

-Yes, starting next school year, school photos can be purchased.

-This is not official but Mr. Cooke would like to see if the sales from the school photo could reduce the cost of the yearbook.

3) Ms. Chu wants to know any update for the question which she asked in October PTA meeting.

Question: "What is the portion for each school lunch sizes? It will be very helpful if the school can provide pictures to see difference of size."

-This request has been informed to lunch staff and we are waiting for the response.

Grants Requests form Teachers

1) From Mr. Rankin for personalized workout program in the weight room

-75000 yen to purchase additional equipment, medicine balls at different weight, dumbbell, pairs of lower weight, exercise bands, and few other items.

-Approved

2) From Mr. Piazza for Outdoor Education program and its trips.

-Some snow shoes are too large for middle school students, he is requesting 120000 yen to purchase 10-12 new snow shoes (Outdoor Education Program will purchase 1/2 with their budget and PTA will cover the remaining 1/2 of the cost)

-Approved

From Mr. Pangier for Secondary School Language Art

-He is requesting money for purchase books for AP and Pre AP program.

-Purpose: Help to build class room library to maintain good access to good books for students.

-At the meeting, we went over how much the grants PTA gave for Library and Secondary English Language Art in the past.

-2020-2021: 350,000 yen to library, and 200,000 yen to Secondary English Language Art.

-2021-2022 (October 2021): 200,000 yen to both library and Secondary English Language Art

-Mr. Cooke had two ideas for this request:

•Use grants together with both library and Secondary English Language Art?

•Since elementary has classroom library too, find out which other teachers need the grants for their classroom library, and share the grants

-Mr. Cooke will contact Mr. Pangier and discuss further.

Next PTA Meeting

-February 16th, 2022 12:30~ (via Zoom. In case in person meeting will be possible, it will be from 3:35)

December 1, 2021 Wednesday 15:45~ in person

Attendance:

Tim Schlosser

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Nick Fazio

Dave Piazza

Junna Vaeth Kudo

Akiko Hamasaki

Yoshimi Nishimura

Sakura Chu

Albert Chu

Akiko Ishizu

Koko Tsukamoto

Yoshiya Sakurada

Chika Miyahara

Saori

Ami Uchida

-Self Introductions 

Teachers and staff appreciation day 

-December 13 (Monday)

-individually wrapped items only

-more information will be sent.

Winter celebration

-parents are invited to see performances.

-video will be recorded.

-questions from parents: Can we take pictures of the performance?

 •Yes, but do not post on social media.

How to communicate between school and parents.

-Hex (Husky Express News Newsletter)

-email

-News page on shook website

Husky goods 

-Planning to start selling T-shirt (both short and long sleeves)

-Online sales should also start.

Playground

-Make a plan to improve the playground during the winter and start construction when the snow melts.

(Mr. Schlosser will discuss with the Executive board)

Programming course 

-Parents want a programming class for young students.

After school activities for Early Years.

-Snow play club for next semester.

 Echinococcus problem

-Sometimes there is feces in the field, and it could be from a fox.

-If it is from a fox, there may be parasites.

-Mr. Schlosser will talk and explain about this during assembly including snow play safety. 

Next PTA meeting 

-January 19th 2022

-The date and time will be announced later.

November 10, 2021 Wednesday 12:30~ via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Chihiro

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Akiko

Sakura Toishita

Chika Miyahara

Satoko Yamamoto

Aki Kurihara

Umi Gon

Aoi Hirai

Namie Oka 

Tony

Miyako Ishikawa

Ami Uchida

• PTA Grant request from Ms.van den Borne 

(Details about PTA Grants can be found on "PTA Grants" page of this website)

-Purchase of an exercise bike for the weight room

-Price: 49980yen (Amazon Japan, https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Generation-Exercise-Assembly-Training-Equipment/dp/B093W5M853/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=%E3%82%88%E3%81%99%E3%83%80%E3%82%B9%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AF&qid=1633847950&s=sports&sr=1-22&th=1)

-  Use:

1) For PE department in general, 

2) providing other options for students due to injuries and other conditions.

3) After school weight club,

4) For students in cycling club remain in good condition while they can't ride bicycles over the winter.

-Voted and approved to purchase of maximum two bikes. 

• Question from the parents:

1. What is the schedule or plan for sex education for different each group this year?

-Mr. Cooke, Mr. Gambino and Ms. van den Borne had meeting about this and there will be sex education for MP3 to high school students this school year. 

-curriculum HIS uses is from Washington state

2. Is there any safety measures lessons for younger kids?

-Mr. Cooke will share this with teachers at elementary meeting.

• Winter celebration will be held on Thursday December 16, 2021

More details (how parents/guardians can see the performance etc.) Winter Celebration will be sent out later

• Next PTA meeting

December 1, 15:45 ~ at school

We will try in person meeting!!

Schedule may be change depending on covid-19 status. 

October 6, 2021 12:30- via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Aoi Hirai

Aisha

Akiko Ishizu

Anna

Chika Miyahara

miyako

Junna

Koko

Lauren Harmon

Maiko Horimoto

Sakura Toshita

Satoko Yamamoto

Umi Gon

Omar Ali Parents

Chihiro

Oka

K.Yamano

Ami Uchida

Current PTA Grants Request:

1. From Mr. Stern: 350.000 yen for purchase library books.

-voted and approved to pay 200,000 yen (PTA Grants can be requested throughout the school year. In order to keep space for other requests, we will be approving this amount for now. If more grants is needed, another request can be submitted later in the year.)

2. From Mr. Fazio: request money for purchase few guitars and amplifiers for after school guitar club.

-We need more information about how many students, how many guitars, how much amplifiers needed, etc. PTA will ask Mr. Fazio to provide more information.

3.From Mr. Panger: 300,000 to 400.000 yen for purchase classroom library books for English Language Art.

-voted and approved 200,000 yen (PTA Grants can be requested throughout the school year. In order to keep space for other requests, we will be approving this amount for now. If more grants is needed, another request can be submitted later in the year.)

4.From Ms. Wooten: request money for purchase curriculum

-Mr. Cooke explained that it should be covered the school budget and not PTA. Mr. Cooke will talk to Ms. Wooten.

5.From Ms. Boudreau: request latter or steps for students to get out from the window to the field for Early Year class room.

-We need more information about why it is necessary, the cost, and specific quotes from Ms. Boudreau.

Request from Ms. Ando for PTA Gardening volunteers

-to use 10000 yen to purchase soil, fertilizer and bigger pots for plants located throughout the school building. 

voted and approved

Questions from Parents

1.There are bicycles against by the wall at the parking under the dorm. Is there any other place to park those bicycles?

-Mr. Cooke will find out who those bicycles belong to, and find place to park.

2.Does HIS offer PC programing courses?

-Yes, AP computer science course, which is  limited for upper high school.

-HIS is not offering PC programing courses  for elementally and middle school.

What kind of IT curriculum does HIS have?

It is taught as a part of other subjects, such as science and social studies.

3.What is the portion for each school lunch sizes? It will be very helpful if school can provide pictures to see difference of size.

-This request will be pass on to the person in charge of school lunch.

4.School has any plan to share Halloween events for parents?

-Yes, the school will take pictures and videos of Halloween events, such as music performance, traditional Halloween parade, secondary costume contest, Trick or treating, etc.

-Student council will be organizing trick or treating. PTA is collecting only individually wrapped, store bought, and nuts free candies as donation to support the Student Council. More detail was sent out by email. 

5.Can we have more healthy lunch options?

-This request will be pass on to the person in charge of school lunch.

6.Can parents come in to school to check lost and found box?

-Yes

7. Is it possible to organize a bazaar to sell or exchange unused items within HIS community?

-Mr. Cooke suggested to create classified section on PTA website to advertise unused items through school.

Teachers and staff appreciation day

-October 15, 2021 Friday

Next PTA meeting: November 10, 2021 12:30~ via Zoom

September 8, 2021 12:30~

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Pak Irina

Umi Gon

Akiko Ishizu

Aimi Shimomura

Beau Miller

Bethmini Senevira

Chihiro Satoyler

Chisa Karato

Akiko Gotoda

Maiko Horimoto

Yoshie Nishimura

Peter Shane

Saori

Satoko Yamamoto

Sakura

Namie Oka

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Ami Uchida

PTA Volunteer sign up form

-There are 25 forms submitted already. If you have not submitted the form, please do so. Mr. Cooke will re-send the form as a reminder.

Class Representatives

-Representatives for lower elementary  has been decided. 

School Orientation Day

-Is there any documents for those who couldn't attend the meeting?

-Mr. Cooke said he can sent out the slides which presented at school orientation as PDF, also sent out the community hand book to who is preferred to that.

Cross Country Day

-September 17th, 2021 (Friday)

-All the parents and guardians are welcome with keeping strict guidelines for covid such as wearing a mask and keeping distance at all times.

Question from parents about Open House

-Is it going to be on ZOOM?

-No open house for this year.

Idea for school lunch campaigns 

-New school lunch menu such as "Meat free Monday" and  "Green Friday" helping the kids to understand environmental issues.

-Community service group MUSH will be happy to collaborate on  these campaigns. 

Next PTA meeting

- October 6th, 2021 (Wednesday) 12:30

2020-2021

Minutes from the meeting:

June 2, 2021 12:15~ via Zoom

Attendance：

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Akiko Ishizu

Umi Gon

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Maiko Horimoto

Yumiko Hong

Aimi Shimomura

Laura Harmon

Ami Uchida

Chika Miyahara

Keiko Ono

Miyako

Kayo Yamano

PTA Account report from Ms.Gon

-Balance is ￥3.892.698

-Total Expense: ￥5.144.064

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AEN9PjvAldBV7OOO-7FHYiCXrbHNMISk/view?ts=60b9926d

Teachers and Staff Appreciation Day (TSAD) on May 31.

- Due to the declaration of state of emergency, we had to cancel what we planned during the May PTA meeting. Instead of ordering bento, we bought pre-packed sweets, snacks, and drinks.

-Cost was paid from PTA funds, and donations from parents who volunteered.

-Next TSAD will be held on June 18, 2021 Friday which is the last day for teachers.

-This time we will take an order from each teacher in advance.

Playground Plan

- It's been a few years since this plan started.

- Pass the idea and quote to Executive Board for discussion. 

- There are four quotes from Hanzawa Building Inc. 

8,030,000 yen (with an underground tunnel, wooden mountain, tires for hopscotch and balancing woods)

4,840,000 yen (with two wooden mountains, tires for hopscotch and wooden balancing beams)

3,850,000 yen (with a wooden mountain, tires for hopscotch and wooden balancing beams)

2,970,000 yen (with tires for hopscotch and wooden balancing beams)

- - - -

May 12, 2021 12:15~ via Zoom

Present:

Tim Schlosser

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Yumiko Hong

Aimi Shimomura

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Bartosz Ziolko 

Akiko Ishizu

Mie Ashihara-Lee

Sally Fujii

Chika Miyahara

Chihiro Sato

Maiko Horimoto

Ami Uchida

Grants Request from Mr. Dan for the library

• 35,000yen for purchase of new books. 

• adding few more books from Amazon before end this school year.

• Suggestion from Mr. Cooke: if we give Mr. Dan a bunch of money now, then he can get new books ready for beginning of next new school year (2021-2022). 

• Voted and decided to give Mr. Dan 35,000yen for now.

Grants Request from Mr. Kelly

• Oldest outdoor basketball backboard is broken and unsafe for kids to use. He wants to buy new one for 35000yen from Costco.

• Voted and decided to give Mr. Kelly 35,000 yen 

Profit from selling PTA T-Shirt

• Profit : 49,353yen (including donations)

• Profit will be added to PTA found. 

Teachers and staff appreciation day

• Due to the current situation in Sapporo, It is difficult to organize event which will involve volunteers coming into school building, therefore this time we decided to order packed lunch (obento) for teachers and staff

• Junna and Maiko will search for place to order.

• Budget 800yen (approx.) X 40 people = 32000yen

• Next Teachers and Staff appreciation day will be May 31 Monday.

-> Due to the current situation, we will not prepare lunch this time and will serve snacks and drinks purchased by PTA. We hope the situation gets better in June. Thank you for your understanding.

Question from parents regarding tuition increase

• For 2021-2022 year, tuition will increase 5% from current tuition. 

Gifts for teachers and staff who are leaving this year

• We will buy chopsticks with school name, quote, and logo on them

• Order black one for male teachers, and red one for female teachers.

Mr. Schlosser's proposal for elementary students

• He is planning to provide iPad with smart key board for all elementary students (Kinder - 5th grade).

• Each elementary parent will pay lease fee 15000 yean for each year.

• If you have any questions of concerns, you can ask Mr,Schlosser, Mr. Cooke, and Megumi san.

Question about prom from a parent

• Due to current situation, unfortunately no prom for this year. 

Next meeting time: June 2nd 12:15

- - - -

April 7th, 2021 from 12:15- via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Rory Pickett

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Umi Gon

Akiko Ishizu

Laura Harmon

Mie Ashihara-Lee

Aimi Shimomura

Kenta Masaki

Pat Makino

Maiko Horimoto

Sally Fujii

Ami Uchida

Suggestion from Ms. Pickett

-Is there any way that parents could come to say  thank you and good bye to teachers who are leaving HIS this year?

-The date is undecided and Mr. Cooke will discuss with Mr. Schlosser

Reminder from Ms. Ando

-PTA Huskey T-shirt is on sale until April 9th

-Mr. Cooke said items that were planned to be sold at schooluiform.jp will not be sold this school year. 

WASC Mid-cycle visit schedule

-April 26-28

-Zoom meeting with PTA and WASC team  on Monday, April 26 14:30.

(Meeting time may change to times when more people are available.)

Suggestion from Ms. Ando

-Will the field open after school anytime soon so students can play?

-Mr. Cooke will consider about it.

Elementary sports day

- Mr. Cooke will send out more details but it will be postponed from April 29th to later in this school year

- Sports day for secondary students will be held in June. 

Teachers and staff appreciation day

- We will have teachers and staff appreciation day once a month until end of this school year.

-For this month, appreciation day will be held on April 29.

-More details will be sent by Ms.Ando,

Next Meeting

-May 12, 2021 12:15

- - - -

March 2, 2021 from 13:00- via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Jared Pangier

Ayako Hiura

Yumiko Hong

Satoko Yamamoto

Keiko Ono

Akiko Ishizu

Aimi Shimomura

Miyako Ishikawa

Chihiro Sato 

Ritsuko Andrews

Laura Harmon

Tim Schlosser

Megumi Ando

Student Council’s M.U.S.H. (Multi Cultural Understanding Service House) has sent a survey on Blood Drive.

Unfortunately, it will not happen this year, but they are collecting feedbacks on having Blood Drive at HIS in the future.

Mr. Pangier reported on the arrival of the books purchased with PTA Grants. 

D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) project is going well and new books are contributing on expanding culture of reading at HIS

Gift for departing teachers

PTA has been giving a pen, engraved with Hokkaido International School, to departing teachers and staff.

Engraving idea: ”Once a husky-“ quote, just like the graduation gift.

Any other ideas for gifts? - Thermo bottle, chop sticks, 

10 people voted on chopsticks as gift and we will go ahead with chopsticks for this year

PTA’s husky items sale for fundraising and community-building

Parents volunteer team have been working on the designs of T shirts and fleece jacket (sample images were shared)

School is planning on selling clothing and other items (photo of beanie was shown) through schooluniform.jp (this will be separate from PTA’s)

Suggestion for other items to be sold: Hoodies, Polo shirt, Outdoor program items (backpack, items from Shugakuso personalized), Thermo bottle

Use of 300,000 yen from PTA funds to cover the cost of initial orders was voted and approved

Account record (sales, expenses) to be kept and profit to be credited to PTA fund. 

Purchase of items will be mainly by order 

Ms. Picket, Ms. Tanya and Mika are working on updating playground project.

They will get another quote for next meeting.

(Board’s approval will be needed before decision making)

Next meeting on April 7th from 12:15

We will start the meeting a bit earlier (maybe there will be teachers/parents who can join if it is during lunch hour?)

- - - -

February 10 2021 13:00~ via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Rory Pickett

Dave Piazza

Aimi Shimomura

Akiko Ishizu

Ayano Sugawara

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Umi Gon

Satoko Yamamoto

Wu Helen

Keiko Ono

Mr. or Mrs. Koyanagi 

Ada Kwok

Yuka Longarini

Chika Miyahara

Techno Voice Technology

Ami Uchida 

Grants Request from Mr. Piazza

• He requested 150,000yen to purchase tents for outdoor education  and it was approved at November meeting.

• Since students cannot go to Jozankei or Takino because of Covid, he is planning to have snowshoeing at campus or by Toyohira River with limited contact between the students. 

• Although it was approved, his request of 80,000 yen to purchase snow boots last year did not happen and he would like to request the same amount to purchase the snow shoes.

•  It was voted an approved.

Announcement from Mrs. Pickett

• February 12, Elementary students will be having snow fun day (Students and Teachers ONLY) with races, activities, snowman building contest, and more. Mr.Kelly is in charge.

• Mrs. Pickett will be working with the parent volunteer to organize online activities for the students.

Suggestions from parents

1) Is there any way parents can see students in the class?

• Mr.Cooke will bring this suggestion to the team meeting to discuss what is the possibility.

2) Parking 

• Since parking space is very limited in the backyard, can teachers and staff  park their car more tightly? 

Mr. Cooke will also bring this to the faculty meeting

• Also there is snow built up on the ground at parking under the dorm and making the height allowance to be lower than usual. There was an accident two weeks ago and this is causing the parking space for high roofed cars to be even more limited. 

      School office is aware of the incident and is doing their best.

3) Student's dismissal time

• To reduce crowd in parking lots, how about dismissing students at different times?

      Mr.Cooke will bring this proposal to the team meeting. 

4) School Counselor

• Is there any space left for counseling for this month?

      Yes. If there is anyone interested, s/he can contact Mr.Cooke or Mr. Tawaraya at the office to book an appointment. Announcement to be posted in HEx and/or school website.

5) Idea for lunch advertisement

• posting lunch information with a photo on the homepage and/or newsletter to allow parents to have better idea of portion size of school lunch orders. This could lead to increase in lunch orders.

6) Recess

• One student got injured in her eyes two weeks ago.

      It was during lunch time and students are asked to stay in their classroom. Those who are in the gym will be    supervised by Ms. van den Borne.

Next PTA meeting: March 3, 2021 13:00~

January 13, 2021 13:00- via Zoom

Attendance：

Neil Cooke

Tim Schlosser

Rory Pickett

Megumi Ando

Maiko Horimoto

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Yumiko Hong

Junko Mukaihara

Akiko Ishizu

Ken Ishiyama

Aimi Shimomura

Satoko Yamamoto

Ada Ng

Ami Uchida

Sally Fujii

Suggestions from Mrs. Pickett：

Zoom activities for kids

-Since she is planning more fun things for kids, she was asking volunteers for helping to organize activities. 

New reading program

-Starting January, HIS will going to do DEAR Time (Drop Everything and Read).

-popular reading program in America, all students (from EY to Senior)  will open book for 20 min. Books can be with any languages and any level.

-She will send us more information later.

Teachers and Staff Appreciation Day feedback:

  -Thank you very much Maiko and Junna found nice bento store!  

  -Purchase of vegetarian bento at 500 yen is difficult (min. 600 yen)

Mr. and Mrs. Schlosser they had baby on December 30, and flowers were sent from PTA

Grant request from Mr. Dan:

-He wants to order stickers for books, so he can organize and label books with different types. 

-good idea for young kids to find right books by their own.

-amount is $300.

-the voting result: 7 in favor

Question from Parents:

-There was a one MP1 parent asked, Mr. Watanabe is not making snow slide and igloo on back field  this year?

-Mr. Cooke answered "not doing it this year. But kids can build their own."

Question from Ms. Fujii:

1:What is yearly fundraising that we doing?

-Mr. Cooke answered "Fall festival and Spring bazar are the biggest ones."

2:Do you take donations?

-"Yes, we usually receive donations around fall festival.

Mr. Schlosser's suggestion

-Mask with school logo will be on sale. The cost will be below 1000yen. 

-He was thinking how could we have students store or place where you can regularly purchase school logo items.

-He researched about website called "the American school in Japan," and  looking for volunteers who can organize and helping for sell.

-Mrs. Pickett shared the idea of having a small physical store to purchase school items anytime.

Next meeting time

-February 10, 2021 13:00

Ms. Ng's Suggestion

-She tried to connect parents of middle school for group chat, she still need  parent of 6th and 8th grades. 

-Mr. Cooke will message about this in Huskey Express and forward information to Ms. Ng. 

December 9, 2020 13:00-

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Keiko Ono

Aimi Shimomura

Junna Kudo Vaeth

Maiko Horimoto

Akiko Mega Hamazaki

Akiko Ishizu

Yoshie

Jing Tang

Kin Kin Kwok

Ada Ng

Ami Uchida

PTA Meeting Time

-Wednesday 13:00 is good time or consider other times?

-For parents who pick up their children, 13:00 might be little late.

-Either A-day and B-day works for some teachers, so it's nice to have a meeting on both days.

-Mr.Cooke will make quick survey to find out which day and time will work for everyone

-Another possible meeting time Tuesday 12:30 

Project Santa Update

-All present has been delivered (by Santa!) to three orphanage.

-Some people are still bringing in present. Can we still bring present? Officially  no, but technically Yes. Present will accept by December 11th Friday is the latest.

-Mr.Cooke will share pictures and feedbacks from orphanages when he received. 

-Thank you message from Mrs. Pickett about Entrepreneur fair.

Teacher's appreciation day

-is it possible that we organize teachers and staff appreciation day before end of the calendar year?

-Mr.Cooke suggested packaged food will be better. 

-Ms. Hamazaki suggested we can order lunch box (obento).

-Budget from PTA: 500yen x 40 lunch boxes = 20000yen.

-When: December 16th, 2020 Wednesday.

-Where to buy: Undecided

-the voting result: 15 agree.  

Ms.Ando's suggestion:

-Is there any way for PTA to have fun or any kind of activities which can be done online?

-Ms. Ng suggested we can have fun by online social event.

-Mrs. Pickett suggested Fun Friday or pajama party which will make kids excited.

-Ms.Hamazaki suggested meet and greet for new family on zoom.

Safety request from Ms.Hamazaki :

-a lot of the kids are walking on middle of the street, deep in conversation and slow.

-Mrs.Pickett talked about school drive way is also dangerous. If we see kids are on drive way we should stop them. 

Next Meeting:

January 13, 2021 Wednesday.

November 11, 2020 13:00~14:05 via Zoom

Attendance:

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Keiko Ono

Aimi Shimomura

Chika Miyahara

Nozomi Ide

Junna

Akiko Ishizu

Mark Erickson

Bethmini

Chihiro Sato

Chunhao Wu

Maiko Horimoto

Tyler

MUSH (multi-cultural understanding Service House)

-schools community service group.

-Sari : leader of MUSH. if we can support who order school lunch to bring their own chopsticks and forks to reduce plastic utensil.

-will PTA support this action. Encouraging parents to bring washable utensils for school lunch.

-Mr. Cooke said He can't think how it can be done now.

-Mr. Cooke mentioned that making custom made HIS brand mask, Chopsticks and more. He contacted local businesses already.

-Another thing Sari wanted to know: Since school lunch is losing sales, they wanted to support the kitchen lady to encourage students to buy more lunch. Mr. Cooke said we need to get more feedback from people who order lunch and also who don't order lunch. It is not a good time because of covid .

Library

-350,000yen to purchase new books and update library catalog.

-Mr.Dan has a new library system which allows us to check whether a book is at the library or not. It also allows students to find the right books. 

-Mr. Erickson said it is a good idea to reduce books which have not been checked out for a long time or books never used, and purchase new books which relate to current student interest. 

-We voted and approved

Outdoor Education

-purchasing new 12 tents for outdoor education.

-50%will be covered by the school budget and 50% will be covered by PTA.

-Budget is 150,000yen.

-The Voting result: 9 clapping hands out of 12

Purchase 13 Kindle Paper White

-This request is from Mr. Pangier to see if that will help more students to read books. 

-amount is 167,760yen.

-Mr.Cooke had a question about purchasing books on Kindle. Ms.Ando said students will be responsible to purchase books on Kindle (Based on explanation from Mr. Pangier in October meeting).

-The Voting result: 1 thumbs up out of 12.

Physical Classroom Library

-Request from Mr. Pangier

-Purchase secondary school english books with 200,00 yen to supplement highschool english budget to building physical library beyond room #302.

-The voting result: 9 thumbs up out of 12.

Hex bar and bench press for the Weight Room

-Hex bar cost 120,000yen

-new items for the weight room. It is a safety feature for deadlifts.

-we need to search for a couple things like  how many students are willing to have new equipment and how many students will benefit. 

-no voting for this request this time.

Project Santa

-donating gifts for orphanages in Hokkaido.

-collecting present from November 16th, Monday.

Announcement from Ms. Ando for 

-a gift from PTA to the Schlosser family will be sent when their baby arrives

October 07, 2020 13:30- via Zoom

Attendance

Neil Cooke

Megumi Ando

Ken Ishiyama

Maiko Horimoto

Aiko Ishizu

Miyako Ishikawa

Zelda's Dad

Yumio

Fiona

Junna

Kanta

Umi

Dan Stern

Yoo Jiseung

Jared Pugier

Aimi Shimomura

Yoshiya

Sakura

Chika Miyahara

Ada Vg

Ami Uchida

PTA Secretary for this year will be Ms. Uchida. We are still looking for G6-G12 Class representatives.

Grant Requests:

Library

Mr. Dan is updating collections of library books and catalog system.

• updating collections to more like modern and 2020 approach.

•  books for parent is available

-Since its hard parents to get into school recently, Megumi asked if there is online database which we can search books from house. Mr. Dan said currently there is no system like that, he will get back to her later.

Mr. Pangier's:

1: Purchase Kindle for grade 9.

2: Building physical classroom library

• Mr. Pangier is doing research about language development and he suggested that reading is the most important activities for building language skills.

• Kindle Paper White is only designed for reading.

3: purchase 12 tents for Outdoor Program. 

• Parent asked how many tents are at school. Answer was 12-14 tents.

Updating Play Ground

• Students from Ms.Marinova's design class designed playground.

• Mr.Cooke showed us the images.

Hex bar and bench press for Weight Room

• Megumi said she will research more.

• Students and some teachers are using them regularly. 

Question from a parent (sent from Zoom Chat)

• There is unconfirmed rumors which forehead thermometer is not reliable. Has the thermometer which is using at genkan in the morning has been tested?

Mr.Cooke said that there was a student with fever last year and it did detect fever, but those type of thermometer  is not reliable when there is cold wind. He is looking for another options.

• No more vegetable patch for kids?

• Mr.Watanabe harvested some vegetable this year.

PTA Website

• Megumi said she is updating PTA website every Tuesday, please bookmark it to check website time to time to see what is going on at school. 

• We are collecting snack for trick or treat and more information is on PTA website.

Suggestion from Ms. Pickett

Is having meeting on A-Day or B-Day alternately be a help for the teachers to attend meeting?

• Mr. Pangier said that it depends on each teacher's schedule 

• Mr.Cooke and Megumi will discuss about next meeting date later (October meeting was on B day, and first Wednesday of November and December are both B day).

Suggestion  from Ms. Vaeth

In order to prevent car accident before it occurs, she was suggested if we can install mirror or sign on the street for cars coming from the hill. 

Megumi said she has forwarded this suggestion to Mr. Schlosser and Mr. Tawaraya already. 

Request from a parent (sent from Zoom Chat)

"I want to join school Facebook but my application is not approved."  

• Mr. Cooke said he will check requests later.

• Megumi suggested that because of Covid-19 and parents have limited access to school, we should post more pictures on Facebook so parents can see and know what is going on at school.

Meeting ended at 14:10

September 9th, 2020 13:30- via Zoom

What is PTA for? 

We support students' learning and learning environment through volunteer works, fundraising and giving grants. We also connects different parts of the community (teachers, parents/guardians).

Who are Members: All the teachers and parents/guardians are members of PTA

Positions in PTA: Chair, co-chair, Treasurer, Secretary and  Class representatives

What do PTA do?

Major events organized by PTA: Fall Festival (cancelled for this year), Spring Bazaar 

Volunteer works: 

Check in/out of the books, make inventory at the library (If you are interested, please contact PTA or Mr. Dan. Following Covid-19 safety protocol, we will not be able to have new volunteers for now but you will be contacted when things get better.

Help teachers (photocopies, sharpening pencils, etc.): Cannot be done for now, for the same reason as above.

Grants: Support to purchase items which will help the students' learning and/or learning environment. 

Questions and answers session with Mr. Schlosser

Sapporo Campus Dorm

Financial documents - Can be consulted at the school office

Niseko MS program 

After school play in playground - not permitted at this point (for Covid-19 safety practice)

Can the building fee cover the cost of new playground equipment? 

Fans and air conditioners in the classroom

Sex education for Elementary school

Can teachers wear plastic face guard, so that the students can see the mouth to learn phonetics?

2019-2020

Meetings for March, April, May and June were cancelled due to outbreak of Covid-19. All the issues will be carried over to next school year. Thank you for your understanding.

3月、4月、5月と6月のミーティングは、コロナウイルスの感染拡大により、中止となりました。全ての議題は次年度に持ち越しとなります。ご理解くださいますよう、お願いいたします。

MEETING MINUTES

February 5, 2020

Held in Room 206, starting at 15:45

1. Attendance

Rory Picket, Teacher/Parent

Joe Tomasine, Teacher

Neil Cooke, Principal

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

Maiko Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Junna Kudo Vaeth, PTA Member

2. Apologies

Ami Uchida, EY Class representative

3. Presentation by Junior class about their service trip to Myanmar

Eight students from Grade 11 will be going to Myanmar for a volunteer trip on March for 10 days. Ms. Miyatake and the students came to the meeting to give a bilingual presentation on their trip. They have been fundraising since Grade 6 for this trip, however it will not cover all the cost and they would like to have support from PTA. Grant for the service trip has been yearly given, usually 10,000 yen/student, with the maximum amount set to 150,000 yen. There was a year when there were more than 15 students and 150,000 yen was divided by the number of the students. It was agreed that grant of 80,000 yen (10,000 yen x 8 students) will be given for the trip.

4. A couple of matters from Snow Festival Classic

HIS has hosted HS Basketball tournament from January 31st to February 2nd. Although some elementary parents came to Pep rally, not too many people from the community knew what Snow Festival Classic was. Grade 10 and some Kitara team volunteered to prepare food, snack and drink for both the players and visitors, which were much appreciated. Leftover drinks from Fall Festival was bought by the volunteer parent. Please join us next year for this fun event for the community!

5. Grants for BBQ Grills and Weight room equipments

There was a big BBQ grill, which operates with LP gas like the one we have, at Costco. The price was about 110,000 yen and maybe there will be more options to come as the weather gets nicer. If you see a nice one, please let us know. As for Weight room equipments, Junna got a quote from the company which removes unwanted items but with a fee. It will costs about 45,000 yen to have the one we have to be taken and we would need to disassemble and bring it to the entrance by ourselves. Do we want to have it removed? What do we want to have as replacement? Further discussion needed.

6. PTA Secretary

Lucy will be stepping down from PTA Secretary as her son-in-law has left HIS for another school. Thank you Lucy for your support and wonderful ideas. We will miss you. All the best to you  and your family!

7. Spring Bazaar

Flyers for Kairanban (information board, which is passed around in the neighborhood) were prepared and Neil will contact Facebook groups (What's on in Sapporo, HIS families and friends). Donation box at the entrance to be placed from the end of February or the beginning of March.

= = = =

January 15, 2020

Held from 3:45pm in Room 206

1. Attendance

Joe Tomasine, Teacher

David Piazza, Teacher

Rory Pickett, Teacher/Parent

Neil Cooke, Principal

Kumiko Lazirko, PTA Member

Megumi ANDO, PTA Chair

2. Apologies

Ami Uchida, EY Class Representative

Lucy Morrel, PTA Secretary, G11 Class Representative

3. Flowers sent from PTA to Ms. Harmon

Ms. Harmon welcomed her baby in November and flowers from PTA was sent. We are so happy to have the youngest addition to HIS community!

4. Grade 11 request for the PTA Grants

8 Students from Grade 11 will be going on service trip in March and they would like to have the grants to support their trip. Students and Ms. Miyatake will come to next month's meeting to give a short presentation about their trip.

5. Welcoming Committee

New family  was contacted by the MP1 Class Representative. Also, Mrs. Pickett worked on a document to tell the Welcoming Committee How to's and it will be a great help. Thank you!

6. Update on grants for the Weight Room

To take away the existing machine will be difficult -> screwed to the floor, heavy,

Possibility of dismantling to take to scrap yard? -> Mr. Piazza offered to have a look and to see if he can cut it into smaller pieces

The new bars for weight lifting to replace the broken one was found within the budget. They will be ordered.

Thank you for Kumiko, Junna, Yumiko and Mika!

6. Update on having a camera on the bus

Neil has asked the details to an international school, as they found it not helpful to have the cameras on the bus. There are 11 buses at the school and they have an employee assigned to monitor the cameras. HIS has only one school bus which runs on daily basis and we will not be able to have a person who will be watching the monitors. Another reason is that they can discuss the matter only afterwards, replaying the recorded. If it cannot be solved at the moment on the spot, maybe it will not make a big difference. For now, we will stick to reminding both students and parents the bus protocol.

7. Winter Celebration Feedback

If Elementary students and teachers would stay in the gym or not for the snack was discussed in the last meeting. Mrs. Pickett felt all was good, including going back to classroom with the snack.

8. Fall Festival Feedback

Following feedbacks from Fall Festival was printed and shared:

2019 Fall Festival Feedback (26 responses was returned through Google Survey)

Did you enjoy Fall Festival?

Yes: 88.5%

No: 0%

Maybe: 11.5%

How can PTA make Fall Festival better?

It was awesome.

Just keep on doing what you are doing. Thanks for all the hard work and effort you all did

Thank you for so much hard work! Fall Festival is so much fun for kids!

I think it was a wonderful event!

We loved it ! It's great to have so many varieties of food

RAFFLE:

It will be better to change the way raffle is done.

I couldn’t hear the raffle (announcements?) well.

PROGRAM:

I enjoyed so much with well-organized program!

More student performers should have participated.

Time table should be clearer and should be posted both in the leaflet. Make a big printed one so that it will be easier for many to know. That will allow visitors to move from different floors and/or to see the stage.

Loved the entertainment but great to have more

LOCATION, BOOTHS:

Concentrate all activities in one place (gym) so everyone can enjoy together. If not all, at least those for kids and toddlers as I noticed there were empty spaces and arts and crafts etc. could’ve been placed there so that kids can enjoy while parents can eat and watch the show. Clean up is easier as well. Just my opinion.

It will be nice to have a room/place where the children can play in English, as there are visitors who come for international atmosphere.

More places for Trick-or-Treating?

I think it would be better if there was a booth for experience activities.

FOOD BOOTH:

There were many dish which required outlets. The electricity went off many times and it was really a problem. We should limit the use of outlet to one per booth and it would be better to inform to prepare dish which doesn’t need electricity.

There were booths which you could take out and that was helpful. It would be nice to provide each booth with takeout boxes.

There were booths where the person who cooked and sold were different. It will be nice for all the booths to have a list of ingredients, in case there is a visitor who ask about allergen. As for the volunteers for the booth, it is a nice opportunity to get to know each other and well connected, volunteers other than booth leaders (who are needed to plan and also will be in charge of the booth) should be assigned equally and fairly, according to their availability. There was a big difference in number of volunteers and some booth had problem from preparation.

Effort, cooking and preparation for the booth do not match with the profit made. If I think that Fall Festival is a donation for PTA, it is not a problem. However, if the profit will be used for school facility, I would question if it was worth it. My friends who came to the event told me that they had fun. I also had a great time.

OTHER:

What about the use of crackers in the gym? It is a kind of gunpowder, I was surprised that a number of crackers were used in a place where there are elder people and babies. Including the announcement from the stage, I question if it was okay to do that kind of ‘personal’ thing in a public place… Many questions remain. As a reflection for the next time, I would like to know how it happened and what others thought about it.

Tables for eating should be covered with the paper.

It needs to be refreshed. It's been the same for the last 4 years. I think the regulars would appreciate a new format with new offerings. Although I'm not sure what that would be. The entryway needed a more inviting atmosphere. I think it's important to have the entry festive with many decorations when people first arrive.

It was helpful to be contacted by LINE as it is easier to reply.

The food booths had some leftovers, so we could try getting more people next year by advertising the event in new areas?

First floor ticket sellers inside the MPR not next to Genkan.

My class suggested 1. Most games were too easy for them and no challenge. 2. Haunted house a bit `lame`. 3. No electronics in the jail. 4. You can only be sent to jail once.

Raffle ticket sales:

Start earlier? - needs to decide what would be the best prizes will be in August/September

One person can win only once per category? (so many people can win) - condition to be informed when selling the ticket.

2020年1月15日

206教室にて、15時45分から

1. 出席

Joe Tomasine, Teacher

David Piazza, Teacher

Rory Pickett, Teacher/Parent

Neil Cooke, Principal

Kumiko Lazirko, PTA Member

Megumi ANDO, PTA Chair

2. 欠席の連絡

Ami Uchida, EY Class Representative

Lucy Morrel, PTA Secretary, G11 Class Representative

3. PTAからMs. Harmonにお花を贈りました

Ms. Harmonが昨年11月に出産されたので、PTAからお花を贈りました。小さな新しいメンバー、ようこそHISへ！

4. 11年生からのグランツリクエスト

11年生の8人が3月にボランティア活動の旅行に行くため、PTAグランツから費用の支援のお願いがありました。宮武先生と学生たちが来月のミーティングにプレゼンテーションをするために来てくれることになりました。

5. ウェルカミングコミティー

MP1のクラス代表さんが、新しくMP1に入ったご家族に連絡してくれました。また、ピケット先生がウェルカミングコミティーの皆さんのためにどのようなことができるかを書いたリストを作ってくれました。ありがとうございました。

6. Update on grants for the Weight Room

To take away the existing machine will be difficult -> screwed to the floor, heavy,

Possibility of dismantling to take to scrap yard? -> Mr. Piazza offered to have a look and to see if he can cut it into smaller pieces

The new bars for weight lifting to replace the broken one was found within the budget. They will be ordered.

Thank you for Kumiko, Junna, Yumiko and Mika!

6. Update on having a camera on the bus

Neil has asked the details to an international school, as they found it not helpful to have the cameras on the bus. There are 11 buses at the school and they have an employee assigned to monitor the cameras. HIS has only one school bus which runs on daily basis and we will not be able to have a person who will be watching the monitors. Another reason is that they can discuss the matter only afterwards, replaying the recorded. If it cannot be solved at the moment on the spot, maybe it will not make a big difference. For now, we will stick to reminding both students and parents the bus protocol.

7. Winter Celebration Feedback

If Elementary students and teachers would stay in the gym or not for the snack was discussed in the last meeting. Mrs. Pickett felt all was good, including going back to classroom with the snack.

8. Fall Festival Feedback

Following feedbacks from Fall Festival was printed and shared:

2019 Fall Festival Feedback (26 responses was returned through Google Survey)

Did you enjoy Fall Festival?

Yes: 88.5%

No: 0%

Maybe: 11.5%

How can PTA make Fall Festival better?

It was awesome.

Just keep on doing what you are doing. Thanks for all the hard work and effort you all did

Thank you for so much hard work! Fall Festival is so much fun for kids!

I think it was a wonderful event!

We loved it ! It`s great to have so many varieties of food

RAFFLE:

It will be better to change the way raffle is done.

I couldn’t hear the raffle (announcements?) well.

PROGRAM:

I enjoyed so much with well-organized program!

More student performers should have participated.

Time table should be clearer and should be posted both in the leaflet. Make a big printed one so that it will be easier for many to know. That will allow visitors to move from different floors and/or to see the stage.

Loved the entertainment but great to have more

LOCATION, BOOTHS:

Concentrate all activities in one place (gym) so everyone can enjoy together. If not all, at least those for kids and toddlers as I noticed there were empty spaces and arts and crafts etc. could’ve been placed there so that kids can enjoy while parents can eat and watch the show. Clean up is easier as well. Just my opinion.

It will be nice to have a room/place where the children can play in English, as there are visitors who come for international atmosphere.

More places for Trick-or-Treating?

I think it would be better if there was a booth for experience activities.

FOOD BOOTH:

There were many dish which required outlets. The electricity went off many times and it was really a problem. We should limit the use of outlet to one per booth and it would be better to inform to prepare dish which doesn’t need electricity.

There were booths which you could take out and that was helpful. It would be nice to provide each booth with takeout boxes.

There were booths where the person who cooked and sold were different. It will be nice for all the booths to have a list of ingredients, in case there is a visitor who ask about allergen. As for the volunteers for the booth, it is a nice opportunity to get to know each other and well connected, volunteers other than booth leaders (who are needed to plan and also will be in charge of the booth) should be assigned equally and fairly, according to their availability. There was a big difference in number of volunteers and some booth had problem from preparation.

Effort, cooking and preparation for the booth do not match with the profit made. If I think that Fall Festival is a donation for PTA, it is not a problem. However, if the profit will be used for school facility, I would question if it was worth it. My friends who came to the event told me that they had fun. I also had a great time.

OTHER:

What about the use of crackers in the gym? It is a kind of gunpowder, I was surprised that a number of crackers were used in a place where there are elder people and babies. Including the announcement from the stage, I question if it was okay to do that kind of ‘personal’ thing in a public place… Many questions remain. As a reflection for the next time, I would like to know how it happened and what others thought about it.

Tables for eating should be covered with the paper.

It needs to be refreshed. It's been the same for the last 4 years. I think the regulars would appreciate a new format with new offerings. Although I'm not sure what that would be. The entryway needed a more inviting atmosphere. I think it's important to have the entry festive with many decorations when people first arrive.

It was helpful to be contacted by LINE as it is easier to reply.

The food booths had some leftovers, so we could try getting more people next year by advertising the event in new areas?

First floor ticket sellers inside the MPR not next to Genkan.

My class suggested 1. Most games were too easy for them and no challenge. 2. Haunted house a bit `lame`. 3. No electronics in the jail. 4. You can only be sent to jail once.

Raffle ticket sales:

Start earlier? - needs to decide what would be the best prizes will be in August/September

One person can win only once per category? (so many people can win) - condition to be informed when selling the ticket.

- - - - 

Japanese translation following English (日本語訳は英語の後に続きます）

December 3, 2019

Held at 15:45pm in room 206

1. Attendance

Mika Nakamura, PTA member

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Neil Cooke, PTA member & Principal

David Piazza, Teacher

Jared Pangier, Teacher

Junna Kudo Vaeth, PTA member

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

Megumi Ando, PTA Chair

Monica Rosero, G10 Class representative

Kirin Sugino, Teacher

Lucy Morrell, Secretary, G11 Class representative

2. Apologies  

Veena Pai, PTA member, Dorm parent

Maiko Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Ami Uchida, EY Class representative

3. Site visit to weight room

Ms Marquez, HIS PE teacher, showed us the weight training equipment and asked for PTA assistance with the broken lat pull (part of an outdated multi station machine) and the bent and unstable weight bars used for bench presses.

Grade 12 student William also attended in his role of weight room leader. He and Ms Marquez discussed how students and teachers use the room. They told us some of the modern safety upgrades they would like to see. William said the broken lat pull machine was popular and therefore missed.

Ms Marquez made it clear that she didn't use the weight room for PE classes, but because it was also her office the students who use it express their concerns and wishes to her. She requested a grant from the PTA because she thinks the equipment is important for students’ physical health and also mental wellbeing.

Ms Marquez said the weight training equipment is beyond her PE budget and not part of her curriculum. For this reason, she said it was up to HIS to determine whether or not the school prioritised providing this equipment.

Ms Marquez had refined her grant request before the meeting to two items. First, a pair of new weight bars at an estimated cost of 3,000 - 20,000 yen each. Second, a new multi station weight machine (basically a modern version of what is there) at an estimated minimum cost of 1.5million yen.

One parent suggested, and those present agreed, that the weight room would benefit from everything being removed and then brought back in item by item in an optimal arrangement.

We also all agreed that the multi station machine would have to be disassembled to be removed and this may not be easy.

Neil said a wider survey of faculty may be necessary before PTA considers the larger grant request.

Grant request 1

It was AGREED PTA would fund the new weight bars up to the value Ms Marquez indicated in her request, noting this was a price range and not an exact quote.

Grant request 2

It was AGREED that before the request could be considered, a group of four bilingual PTA members would work with Ms Marquez to get accurate quotes. These will be for replacing the unit, removal included, and for removing the unit without replacing it. Thank you Mika Nakamura, Yumiko Hong, Junna Kudo Vaeth, and Kumiko Lazirko for supporting Ms Marquez in this research.

Sporting equipment

Ms Marquez had put in a separate grant request for archery equipment or similar to use in PE classes. She will conduct more research with help from the PTA and submit a more specific version of this grant request.

4. Fall Festival report

Thank you to all the volunteers who made the Fall Festival a success again this year. PTA deferred discussing festival feedback until the January meeting.

In Financial terms, the festival grossed 698,000 yen with expenses to be paid of 431,988 yen. Net funds raised, therefore, were 266,112 yen (Not final, as not all the expense is added).

There was also a generous donation to the PTA just before of the Fall Festival of 100,000 yen. These funds were received too late to buy raffle prize (their intended purpose) and PTA is in conversation with the donor about the use of these funds. This donation is not included in the Fall Festival totals reported here. It has been banked.

The breakdown of funds raised are as follows (in yen):

*Expense is NOT final, as all the expense is not calculated yet.

INCOME

Raffles Sale : 108,800

Tickets Sale : 568,600

Donation (unused tickets) : 18,600

Unknown : 2,100

TOTAL : 698,100

EXPENSE

Student's profit : 266,700

Business Club : 7,100

Student's Council : 14,500

Library :4,000

Kitara concert Fundraising (Thai booth) : 43,900

Philippine booth (for cost of ingredients) : 5,000

Taiwan booth  (for cost of ingredients) : 5,000

USA booth (for cost of ingredients) : 5,000

Raffles' prize (Nintendo Switch) : 29,000

Raffles' prize (Kindle) : 9,980

Cold drinks (pet bottled drinks) : 40,843

Hot drinks (tea bags, milk) : 965

TOTAL : 431,988

SALES BREAKDOWN

Grade 6 (Bull's Eye) : 9,300

Grade 7 (Grilled Cheese) : 11,600

Grade 8 (Pie Face) : 17400  (Beanbag Toss) : 6500   (Yakisoba): 19,400

Grade 9 (Face Painting) : 14,700

Grade 10 (Fried Chicken/Nachos/Fries) : 53,500

Grade 11 (Tarot card reading) : 900  (Milkshake/Fruit Punch/Hamburger) : 31,100 (Juice Pong) : 23,400 (Ballon Dart) : 18,400

Grade 12 (Hot Dog & Cheese Dog) : 21600 (Jail) : 12,600 (Haunted House) : 26,300

Student Council (Curry/Tea/Ice cream & toast) : 4,400  (Popcorn) : 10,100

Business Club (Doughnut) :  7,100

Library (Used book sale) : 4,000

PTA (Trick or Treat) : 20,200  (Craft) : 6,900  (Bake sale) : 23,500 (Drinks) : 49,200

USA Booth : 9,600

Philippine Booth : 17,200

Singapore Booth : 19,600

Australia Booth : 13,800

Sweden & Peru Booth : 15,400

Korea Booth : 35,000

Taiwan Booth : 22,000

Financial position

Discussion carried forward to next meeting.

5. Teacher and staff appreciation days

It was AGREED the date will be Tuesday, December 17. Megumi coordinating volunteers. 

6. Outdoor play area update

PTA viewed a printout of community-built play scapes for inspiration. It was provided by Tanya Dechodomphan, teacher. It contains numerous examples of ‘natural’ playgrounds using boulders, logs, ropes, wood and other simple or recycled materials. Other examples include mounds of earth over large pipes to make tunnels and a deeply recessed sand pit full of wood chips. Thank you Ms Dechodomphan for providing these examples.

7. School Counsellor role

PTA members expressed concern at HIS not having a counsellor to help students navigate emotional challenges. Neil said it was an identified need for the school and HIS is investigating ways it might be addressed in the long term. One problem the school has identified is the high demand for qualified child psychologists, and this demand is even higher among English speaking professionals. Neil said he would take steps to remind students of an English language helpline they can call for support. He said he would update PTA when there was a development in resolving this issue. He assured PTA that the office staff made private counselling appointments for students when asked but said even emergency appointments tended to have long waiting times.

8. Business Club

PTA members expressed concern that the Business Club coordinator collected funds raised via PTA from PTA months late, and therefore their accounting practices may not be up to date. The Business Club meets Monday after school and designs and sells HIS merchandise. PTA members felt they didn't understand the Business Club and, in the context of it’s fundraising via PTA, would like more information. It was AGREED the secretary of PTA would contact the club coordinator, ask for information, and invite them to attend a PTA meeting to share information. 

9. Matters from previous meetings (hand dryer and bus camera)

Air hand dryer grant request - Neil had surveyed HIS staff on whether or not they wanted hand dryers. The response was nearly equal. Nine people were in favour of hand dryers and eight were against, although Neil reported that in discussion those against seemed more passionate.

PTA only received a grant request for the boys’ locker room due to strewn paper towels, however the feedback is useful. It was AGREED to consider the feedback received (listed below).

Survey comments:

We will make much less garbage. I hope they will also be put in the staff toilets!

Hand dryers are not as good as paper towels, a recent study revealed.

Reduces waste

Will reduce garbage waste and mess in the washrooms

It will keep the bathrooms cleaner & less clean- up for Norm. Less paper waste.

paper towels are more hygienic and are better at a school to prevent spreading bacteria (sickness) -- https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/air-dryers-vs-paper-towels/

We should also have alcohol bottles at doorways and we should promote gargling.

While hand dryers use fewer trees, they are actually much less sanitary.

1. Because its more hygienic to actually use paper towels (Recyclable) to rid your hands of germs. 2. Students (younger ) will probably not fully dry their hands using the dyers. 3. With hand dyers, the school will most likely stop stocking paper towels (Recyclable) which will still need for classrooms.

We can save on using napkins to dry our hands.

1. cut down on paper usage 2. less work for janitor 3. much less mess in washrooms

How about the two bathrooms in EY class?

I think it would be nice to save paper!

Hair Dryers are not clean. They use recycled air from the bathroom which is mostly toilet flush germs that have spread in the air. You are basically drying your hands with dirty air. Paper towel dispensers should be put back in the bathrooms. This is

Perhaps for the student toilets, but paper towels are more sanitary and I would like them retained in the staff toilets. I’d suggest the money is better spent on actual water dispensers that can fill reusable bottles more conveniently than the fountains.

It's a waste of paper towels being used every time. (I see some people using few paper towels at once just to wipe their hands.) If the PTA purchase the hand dryers, I think that we can get rid of paper towels. (Students can also bring their handkerchief like many of the Japanese school)

Usually there are never enough for the rush of people so many people continue to leave without washing and or drying their hands. At best they need to augment other forms of hand drying.

also a better idea as you can use the paper towel to open the door, because a lot of students and teachers do not wash their hands.

Kind of disgusting with germs. Energy costs?

Bus camera grant request

Update not available at this time, however Neil said he would contact a school in Nagoya he knows bought a bus camera for supervisory purposes and regretted it.

10. January meeting

To be confirmed, but likely to be the first Wednesday after school resumes, January 15.

11. Matters arising

Grant request for snowshoes

Outdoor education teachers David Piazza and Jared Pangier submitted a grant request for 8 pairs of mountaineering snowshoes at a total estimated cost of 120,000 yen. It was AGREED to fund this grant request.

Grant request for graduation gifts

Teacher representing Grade 12, Kirin Sugino, submitted a grant request to help subsidize graduation pendants (known as dog tags) which are an annual gift to the graduating class. There are 23 members of the graduating class this year, far more than other years, and the total cost of 62,900 yen is a burden. It was AGREED PTA would grant 20,000 yen towards these mementos. It was further AGREED PTA would invite future requests for this assistance when the graduating class is greater than 15 students. PTA requested members of the Student Council attend the next PTA meeting to discuss the project.

Winter Festival logistics

Ms Sugino asked if an adjustment could be made to PTA’s catering at the Winter Celebration. In the past PTA offered refreshments on MPR so the elementary classes could more easily partake. Ms Sugino asked if catering could be provided in the gym where the celebration and art show was held. The concern was people rushed away without appreciating the exhibition if they were drawn to MPR for refreshments. It was AGREED catering would be provided in the gym.

2019年12月4日

15:45開会

1. 出席

Mika Nakamura, PTA member

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Neil Cooke, PTA member & Principal

David Piazza, Teacher

Jared Pangier, Teacher

Junna Kudo Vaeth, PTA member

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

Megumi Ando, PTA Chair

Monica Rosero, G10 Class representative

Kirin Sugino, Teacher

Lucy Morrell, Secretary, G11 Class representative

2. 欠席の連絡

Veena Pai, PTA member, Dorm parent

Maiko Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Ami Uchida, EY Class representative

3. ウェイトルームの見学

HISの体育の先生、Ms Marquezにウェイトトレーニングルームにある危機を見てせもらい、かなり古いマルチトレーニングステーションの一部の背筋トレーニングとベンチプレス用の曲がっているバーの交換のための支援の要望がありました。

ウエイトルームのリーダーの12年生のウィリアムも参加。彼とMs Marquez が学生と先生がどのようにウェイトルームを使っているか説明し、彼らが必要と思ういくつかの安全面の改善点を話す。ウィリアムによると、壊れている背筋トレーニングの機械は人気があり、なくて残念とのこと。

Ms Marquez は体育の授業のためにはウェイトルームは使用したことがないと断言。しかし、彼女のオフィスも同じ部屋なため、ウェイトルームをしようする学生から問題点と希望を聞いたとのこと。PTAのグランツリクエストをしたのは、学生の健康と精神衛生上からもこれらの機械は重要であると考えたため。

Ms Marquez はウェイトトレーニング機器は、体育の予算を超えるものであり、カリキュラムの一部ではないと説明。そのため、彼女はこの機器を変えるか変えないかは学校の判断に委ねるという。

ミーティングの前に、Ms Marquezはグラントリクエストを2つのアイテムに絞った。1つ目は1組の新しいウェイトバー、それぞれ3,000-20,00円くらいで購入できると思われる。2つ目は、約1,500,000円の新しい多機能のウエイトマシーン (現在あるものと同じものでもっと新しいバージョンのもの）。

一人の保護者が、もしこれらのリクエストが承認された場合は、既存のものの撤去と新しい機器の配送料は別途請求されるのではないかと指摘。また、他のメンバーも既存の機械は運び出される際には解体が必要で、作業は容易ではないものと判断。

ニールは、PTAが大規模のグランツを出すことを検討する前に、職員にアンケートを取る必要があるかもしれないと発言。

グラントリクエスト 1

PTAは、Ms Marquezからリクエストされた金額内（これは目安であって最終の見積もりではない）での新しいウェイトバーを購入を承諾。

グラントリクエスト２

リクエストを検討する前に、4人のバイリンガルのPTAメンバーがMs Marquezと一緒に正確な見積もりをとることを決定。Mika Nakamura, Yumiko Hong, Junna Kudo Vaeth, そしてKumiko Lazirko, Ms Marquez と一緒にリサーチ、よろしくお願いします。

体育用品

Ms Marquezは、上記のリクエストとは別に体育の授業で使うためにアーチェリー（もしくはそのようなもの）の道具購入のグラントリクエストを提出。彼女はPTAに手伝ってもらって、より正確な見積もりを提出することになりました。

4. フォールフェスティバルの報告

今年のフォールフェスティバルもまた大盛況のうちに終わりました。ご協力くださってボランティアの皆さん、ありがとうございました。フィードバックは1月のミーティングで話します。

収支としては、約698,000円の収入があり、うち431,988円は学生の収益や経費などの支出になります。よって、利益は約266,112円（計上される経費がまだあるため、最終金額ではありません）となります。

PTAは、フォールフェスティバルの前に100,000円の寄付をいただきました。この寄付は、ラッフルの景品購入のためにということでいただきましたが、景品購入には間に合わず、寄付してくださった方には何に使わせていただくか、引き続きお話しさせていただきたいと思います。この寄付はフォールフェスティバルの収支には計上されておらず、PTAの銀行口座に入金されています。

ファンドレイジングの収支は以下の通りです。

*支出にまだ計上されていない経費があるため、最終金額ではありません。

収入

ラッフルの売り上げ : 108,800

チケットの売り上げ : 568,600

寄付 (未使用のチケット) : 18,600

不明 : 2,100

合計 : 698,100

支出

学生分の売り上げ : 266,700

ビジネスクラブの売り上げ : 7,100

生徒会の売り上げ : 14,500

図書室の売り上げ（古本の販売） :4,000

キタラコンサートのファンドレイジング (タイブース) : 43,900

フィリピンブース (食材購入代金の補助) : 5,000

台湾ブース  (食材購入代金の補助) : 5,000

USA ブース (食材購入代金の補助) : 5,000

ラッフルの景品 (Nintendo Switch) : 29,000

ラッフルの景品 (Kindle) : 9,980

冷たい飲み物 (ペットボトル、販売用) : 40,843

温かい飲み物 (ティーバッグ、ミルク) : 965

合計 : 431,988

売り上げの詳細

Grade 6 (Bull's Eye) : 9,300

Grade 7 (Grilled Cheese) : 11,600

Grade 8 (Pie Face) : 17400  (Beanbag Toss) : 6,500   (Yakisoba): 19,400

Grade 9 (Face Painting) : 14,700

Grade 10 (Fried Chicken/Nachos/Fries) : 53,500

Grade 11 (Tarot card reading) : 900  (Milkshake/Fruit Punch/Hamburger) : 31,100 (Juice Pong) : 23,400 (Ballon Dart) : 18,400

Grade 12 (Hot Dog & Cheese Dog) : 21600 (Jail) : 12600 (Haunted House) : 26,300

Student Council (Curry/Tea/Ice cream & toast) : 4400  (Popcorn) : 10,100

Business Club (Doughnut) :  7,100

Library (Used book sale) : 4,000

PTA (Trick or Treat) : 20,200  (Craft) : 6900  (Bake sale) : 23,500 (Drinks) : 49,200

USA Booth : 9,600

Philippine Booth : 17,200

Singapore Booth : 19,600

Australia Booth : 13,800

Sweden & Peru Booth : 15,400

Korea Booth : 35,000

Taiwan Booth : 22,000

PTAの収支について

次のミーティングで話し合うことにします。

5. 先生と職員感謝の日（Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day)

12月17日にすることを決定。Megumi はボランティアに連絡する。

6. 校庭の遊び場について

PTAは、アイデアとして EYの担任の Ms. Tanya Dechodomphanが集めた他の学校のプレイエリアの写真を見ました。丸石、丸太、ロープ、木やその他の材料、リサイクルされたものを使った自然を感じられるプレイグラウンドの例がいくつもあり、それ以外にも、パイプの上に盛土をしてトンネルを作ったり、ウッドチップの入った砂場などもありました。Ms Dechodomphan、参考になる資料をありがとうございました。

7. スクールカウンセラーについて

PTAのメンバーは、HISには感情的な困難に直面した時に相談できるスクールカウンセラーがいないことに懸念を示しました。ニールは、学校に必要なこととして挙げられていることで、HISは今後どのような手段があるか探っていると話しました。学校があげる1つの問題として、資格を持った子供の精神科医の需要が高く、英語が話せる専門家となるとそれは一層高くなること。ニールは、英語でサポートを提供するヘルプラインがあることを学生に再度周知をする。また、この問題に関して進展があった場合にはPTAに報告してくれるそうです。学校のオフィスは、学生から相談があった場合には個別のカウンセリングの予約を取ってくれるとニールは言いましたが、緊急でない限りは予約が取れるまでには時間がかかる時が多いとのこと。

8. ビジネスクラブ

PTA のメンバーが、ビジネスクラブのコーディネーターはPTA主催のイベントでクラブが集めた収益を何ヶ月も経ってから取りに来るなど、会計業務が常に更新されていないかもしれないことに懸念を示した。ビジネスクラブは月曜日の放課後に集まり、HISグッズをデザインしたり販売している。PTAのメンバーはビジネスクラブについて理解しておらず、PTA主催のイベントでファンドレイジングを行なっていることからももっと詳しく知りたいと思っている。PTAの書記がクラブのコーディネーターに連絡を取り、詳細を聞きミーティングに出席するなど情報の共有を求めることが決まった。

9. 先月のミーティングからの持ち越し議案 (ハンドドライヤーとバスのカメラ)

ハンドドライヤーのためのグラントリクエスト- ニールがHISの職員にハンドドライヤーが欲しいか否かのアンケートをしました。結果は、賛成反対がほぼ同じでした. 9人はハンドドライヤー導入に賛成で、8人は反対、ニールによると反対派の方が熱い議論をしている。

PTAは男子ロッカールームに捨てられているペーパータオル対策としてのグラントリクエストのみを受け取りしましたが、このフィードバックは役立ちます。よって、このフィードバックを考慮することが決まりました（以下に続く）。

アンケートのコメント:

ゴミが大幅に減ると思います。スタッフのトイレにもつくといいと思います！

最近の研究結果によるとハンドドライヤーはペーパータオルほど良くない。

ゴミを減らす。

ゴミと洗面所の汚れが減る。

トイレが綺麗になって、ノーム（用務員）の仕事が減る。紙のゴミが減る。

ペーパータオルの方が清潔であり、学校でバクテリア（病気）を広めないためにはより良い。 https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/air-dryers-vs-paper-towels/

通り口にアルコール消毒のボトルを置いて、うがいをすることを推奨すべき。

ハンドドライヤーの方が木を切らずにすむが、不潔である。

1. ペーパータオル（リサイクルできる）の方が清潔で手についたばい菌を落とせる 。2. 学生（小さい）は多分、ハンドドライヤーでは完全に手を乾かさない。3. ハンドドライヤーを導入したら、学校はペーパータオル（リサイクルできる）をストックしなくなるが、教室では必要である。

We can save on using napkins to dry our hands.

1. ペーパーの使用量が減る 2. 用務員さんの仕事が減る 3. トイレの汚れがなくなる

EYのクラスの2つのトイレはどうするんですか?

ペーパーを節約するのはいいことだと思います!

ハンドドライヤーは清潔ではありません。トイレの空気をリサイクルしていて、トイレを流したときにでる菌を空気中にばらまくことになります。つまり、あなたは汚い空気で手を乾かしていることになります。ペーパータオルのディスペンサーはトイレに戻すべきです。

学生のトイレには多分、しかしペーパータオルの方が清潔ですし職員のトイレには残して欲しいです。それにお金を使うなら、冷水機からよりボトルに水を入れやすくするための給水機にお金をかけることを提案します。

毎回ペーパータオルを使うのは無駄。（毎回、手を乾かすためだけに複数のペーパーを使っている人を見かける）もし、PTAがハンドドライヤーを購入するなら、ペーパータオルをなくすことができると思います。（学生は日本の学校みたいにハンカチを持ってくることもできるかも）

ほとんどの場合、多くの人が手も洗わず、乾かすのを待てない。少なくとも他の手を乾かす手段を考えるべき。

扉を開けるのにも使えるのでペーパータオルの方がいい。なぜなら学生と先生の多くは手を洗わないので。

菌がいて気持ち悪い。電気代は？

スクールバスにカメラをつけるためのグラントリクエスト

これに関して進展はないが、ニールから名古屋の学校でカメラをつけたが後悔した、という事案があったので、その理由を確認するとの話がありました。

10. 1月のミーティング

確認しますが、冬休み後最初の水曜日、1月15日にミーティングをする予定です。

11. その他

スノーシューのグラントリクエスト

アウトドア担当の先生、Mr. David Piazza とMr.Jared Pangier からスノーシュー 8 足分のグラントリクエスト、約120,000 yenがありました。このリクエストは承認されました。

卒業生へのプレゼントのグラントリクエスト

12年生の担任を代表して Ms. Kirin Suginoから卒業生へのプレゼントとして毎年贈られるペンダント（ドッグタグと呼ばれている）の費用の負担軽減のグラントリクエストがありました。今年度の卒業生は例年よりも多く23名で、全員分の費用の62,900円は大きな負担となります。PTAは、このプレゼントの費用の一部として20,000円を払うことを承認しました。さらに、今後は卒業生が15名以上の場合は、費用の軽減についての相談に応じることを決めました。次回のミーティングに生徒会のメンバーに来てもらい、説明を受けることになりました。

ウィンターセレブレーション

Ms SuginoからPTAから出されるウィンターセレブレーションのケータリングについて提案がありました。過去に、エレメンタリーの学生も参加しやすように今後はリフレッシュメントはMPRで、という意見がありました。 Ms Suginoからケータリングは、イベントと美術のディスプレイのある体育館で行えないかとのこと。もし、MPRでリフレッシュメントが提供される場合は、みんながそちらに行ってしまい、展示物をゆっくり見られないのではないか、との懸念。 よって、ケータリングは体育館にて行われることが決まりました。

- - - -

November 6, 2019

1.     Attendance

Megumi Ando, Chair

Lucy Morrell, Secretary & G11 Class representative

Vena Pai (video), PTA member & dorm parent

Seth Beatty G9 Teacher

Rory Pickett, Teacher & PTA member

David Piazza G10 Teacher

Joe Tomasine ELL Teacher

Neil Cooke, Principal & PTA member

Monica Rosero, G10 Class representative

Tanya Dechodomphan, Teacher

Eugene Sim, MP1 Teacher

Junna Kudo, PTA Member

Maiko Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Mika Nakamura, PTA Member

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

Ami Uchida, EY Class representative

Umi Gon, MP1 Class representative

2.     Apologies

3.     Matters arising from previous minutes

PTA agreed to buy a replacement Christmas tree for the school at the November meeting. ACTION: Junna Kudo will purchase it by December 1.

4.     Fall Festival update

Discussed. More volunteers have come forward this year which is fantastic. PTA bought the two prizes we had agreed to, and the Nintendo Switch was more expensive than expected (about 29,000 yen) while the Kindle was cheaper than expected (about 14,000 yen). Volunteers will start setting up Friday afternoon. Thanks everyone!

5.     Popcorn machine

The student council asked PTA if they could use our large popcorn machine (cinema style) to raise funds at the Fall Festival. It was AGREED they could, as long as they leave it as clean as they find it. We discussed the need for case-by-case consideration of future requests. In future, it was AGREED that where not being used for a PTA fundraiser, we will need to charge for use of our popcorn kernels. It was also AGREED that future requests could be considered by email (so this can be done quickly).

6.     Grant requests for outdoor play area

PTA did a site visit of the play area and briefly discussed options and ideas. Key points raised included:

-    The kids like the dirt play area so converting it to a sandpit is not universally supported

-    In the past, the school put sand in the dirt play area and it blew in students’ eyes so very coarse sand, wherever it is put, might be best.

-    The longer monkey bars could have ropes or rope netting strung on the rungs to change its usage

-    The tables and seating do need replacing but some felt strongly that this should be done as part of a larger landscaping project

-    The vegetable patch is a valuable notion but unfortunately it is not being managed with any input from teachers or students, although students enjoyed roasting sweet potatoes it yielded

-    It was mentioned there is a second smaller veggie patch near the dorm

-    The basketball hoops would be better located where the veggie patch is as currently they are near parked cars

-    A mound, perhaps with a tunnel, would be appealing where the veggie patch is, incorporating a sandpit that can be covered and is sheltered from wind.

-    One PTA member was keen to approve smaller grants immediately such as the rope netting and tables/seating rather than waiting for a master plan redeveloping more of the area.

-    It was AGREED that PTA members would individually seek information about redevelopment options and bring their research to the December meeting.

-    It was AGREED that if large scale redevelopment had not progressed by the December meeting, PTA would consider the individual grants requested (ie rope, tables, benches).

7.     Other grant requests outstanding

Air hand dryers - Neil will discuss this at the next full faculty meeting and report back to PTA.

Bus camera - Neil will discuss this at the next full faculty meeting and report back to PTA.

Weight room improvements - PTA will visit the weight room at the start of the December meeting.

Archery or similar equipment - Briefly discussed and will be discussed with PE teacher at the December meeting.

Gas BBQ - grant APPROVED. Amount not set but PTA expressed a wish the school buy a good quality barbecue, sufficiently large, that can withstand the weather during winter. ACTION - secretary to inform Mr Kelly.

8.     Financial position

Details not discussed as treasurer had to leave before this item, however we discussed our healthy bank balance. Balance at October meeting was 3,546,082 yen, before annual PTA membership fees and before Fall Festival proceeds.

One member expressed urgency for PTA to issue suitable grants and reduce this balance. It was AGREED a priority of PTA spending should be guest speakers such as the past visit by Dr Jane Goodall.

9. Additional matters if any

At the start of the meeting, 9th grade teacher Mr Beatty asked for feedback on his class’s wish to fundraise with a nerf gun target shooting booth. After discussion, PTA declined the proposal as toy guns, even nerf style, are upsetting for some parents.

At the close of the meeting, we discussed the school’s lack of a counsellor to assist students with psychological support. While this may not fit in the PTA’s purview, it is a matter of concern for some parents.

- - - -

2019年11月6日

1.     出席

Megumi Ando, Chair

Lucy Morrell, Secretary & G11 Class representative

Vena Pai (video), PTA member & dorm parent

Seth Beatty G9 Teacher

Rory Pickett, Teacher & PTA member

David Piazza G10 Teacher

Joe Tomasine ELL Teacher

Neil Cooke, Principal & PTA member

Monica Rosero, G10 Class representative

Tanya Dechodomphan, Teacher

Eugene Sim, MP1 Teacher

Junna Kudo, PTA Member

Maiko Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Mika Nakamura, PTA Member

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

Ami Uchida, EY Class representative

Umi Gon, MP1 Class representative

2.     欠席の連絡

3.     先月の議題から

PTAは、ツリーの購入をすることを決定。

ACTION: Junna Kudoが12月1日までに買いに行く。

4.     フォールフェスティバルについて

今年は素晴らしいことにボランティアの数が増えました。PTAはラッフルの景品として、任天堂スイッチ（先月話し合ったよりも若干高めで29,000円くらい）とKindle（予定していたよりも安く14,000円くらい）購入しました。金曜日の午後に準備をします。皆さん、ありがとうございます。

5.     ポップコーンマシーン

生徒会からPTA所有の大きなポップコーンマシーンをファンドレイジングとしてフォールフェスティバルで使っても良いか、とリクエストがありました。使用後に元のきれいな状態にして戻すことを条件として貸し出しを決定。今後の使用の可否については、ケースバイケースで検討が必要。PTAのファンドレイジング以外の使用に関しては、ポップコーンのタネの費用は各自負担してもらうこととする。必要に応じて時間が差し迫っている場合などは、メールでの使用許可も可能とする。

6.     校庭のプレイグラウンドのグランツリクエスト

PTAはプレイエリアを実際に見て、どのような方法があるかについて話し合いました。話し合われた主なポイントとしては、

子供達は、土の入った砂場を気に入っているので、土を砂に入れ替えることには皆んなが賛成ではないかも

過去に砂場に砂を入れたことがあるが、風で舞った砂が目に入った。もし、砂を使う場合には荒い砂がベスト

紫色のうんていは、ロープをつけたり、ロープを網状に張ったりして使用目的の変更が可能かも

テーブルとシートは交換が必要。ただし、プレイエリア全体のプロジェクトの一環としてやるべき

畑は重要だが、学生や先生の意見の元に管理はされていない（夏休みがあるので、プログラムに組み込めない）。サツマイモの収穫は学生に喜ばれた。

寮の前にもう一つの畑がある

バスケットボールのゴールは、駐車場に近すぎるので、畑の近くに移動されるべき。

トンネルのある小さな山のようなものを畑のあるところに、そしてその一部として風で飛ばないように取り外しのできる蓋のついた砂場を合わせたものを作るのが理想的。

保護者の1人は、大掛かりな改造を行う前にうんていにロープを張ったり、テーブルの設置などすぐにできることから始めることを希望

PTAメンバーそれぞれが情報収集をして、どのような方法があるかを検討して12月のミーティングで検討

もし、12月のミーティングで大掛かりな計画が決まらない場合は、小規模なもの（ロープ、テーブル、ベンチなど）から始めることを検討

7.     その他の保留になっているグランツリクエスト

ハンドドライヤー : Neilが次の全職員ミーティングで話し合ったのち、PTAに報告

バスのカメラ: Neilが次の全職員ミーティングで話し合ったのち、PTAに報告

体育館のウエイトリフティングルーム: 次のミーティングの始めに見学に行く

アーチェリーもしくはそのような道具: 少し話し合ったが、12月のミーティングの時に体育の先生と話し合う

ガスのバーベキューグリル: 承認。具体的な金額については未定だが、十分な大きさがあり冬も持ちこたえるようなしっかりしたものを購入する。 ACTION - 書記がMr.Kellyに報告

8.     収支について

会計担当が早めに帰らなければならなかったため、詳細については話し合わなかったが、10月末の時点で3,546,082円の資金がある（今年度の会費、フォールフェスティバルの収益を含まない）。

メンバーの一人がPTAの活動資金を使うために必要のある事案にグランツとして使う必要性を指摘。過去に来校したジェーン グドール博士のようなゲストスピーカーに出資をすべきと決定。

9.  その他

ミーティングの始めに9年生の担任のMr. Beattyが彼のクラスがナーブガンを使った的当てをファンドレイジングに企画していることについての説明を行い、意見を求めました。話し合いの結果、一部の保護者からの反対を受けて、PTAはおもちゃのガン（スポンジ状のナーブガンでも）の使用の提案はお断りすることにしました。

ミーティング終了前に、学校に学生のサポートをするカウンセラーがいないことを話し合いました。PTAの決定権外のことかもしれませんが、一部の保護者からの必要性が指摘されました。

====

2 October, 2019

Meeting opened at 3.45pm

In attendance

Megumi Ando, PTA Chair (absent 4-5pm for other school meeting)

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Neil Cooke, HIS Principal

Junna Kudo Vaeth, PTA Member

Make Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Ruth Cui, PTA Member

Monica Rosero, G10 Class representative

Mika Nakamura, PTA Member

Umi Gon, MP1 Class representative

Lay Rabot, PTA Member

Alison Manjyoume, MP3 Teacher

Eugene Sim, MP1 Teacher (until 4.30pm)

Justin Gambino, MP1 Teacher (until 4.05pm)

Lucy Morrell, PTA secretary, G11 Class representative

Apologies

Veena Pai, PTA Member and dorm parent

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

Matters arising from previous minutes

The following action items were completed:

PTA volunteer form promoted again.

Grant requests sought from teachers.

Welcome barbecue provided.

New family assistance program promoted again.

Teachers parking considered but they are unable to park farther back due to basketball and then snow clearing.

Project Santa slideshow for students and families scheduled for November 21, 10am at school.

Fall Festival parent food booths decided, although if students choose the same cuisine, parents will change plans.

Dorm parents invited to join PTA meetings via conferencing.

Hand dryer added to grants list

The following action items remain:

• • • • ACTION: Purchase replacement Christmas tree to erect around December 1.

      • ACTION: Discuss delegated roles within PTA to further spread responsibilities and knowledge.

      • ACTION: Please forward new agenda items to pta.sapporo@gmail.com

Welcome barbecue (Sept 16) feedback.

Thanks to everyone who shopped, cooked, and supported the event in other ways. Discussed event which overall was a success, particularly with tricky weather, and there were some suggestions as follows:

• • • • More seating/tables for families with young or multiple children

      • Use location outside Head of School’s office near bike parking for weather shelter and to reduce smokiness in the school

      • For future shopping, sausages were more popular than burgers, tuna and salmon onigiri were big hits, vegetables and dip was well received. 

      • AGREED unanimously to donate leftover food to grade 11 students for their Fall Festival catering.

Fall Festival (Nov 9) update

Discussed assigning a coordinator or pair of coordinators for this event, but as we couldn't define what that person/they would do or be responsible for, this didn't proceed. Volunteers came forward to coordinate the bake sale, food booths, and raffle. It was AGREED the PTA would buy two raffle ticket prizes, a Nintendo Switch valued at about 22,000 yen and a Kindle valued at about 14,000 yen.

ACTION: Recruit more festival volunteers the morning of Tuesday, October 8, before assembly.

ACTION: Neil will provide past communication for donations, volunteers, bake sale items and trick or treat donations for PTA revision.

Finances

No significant change to the PTA accounts since the October meeting. Balance at 3,546,082 yen with some payments and credits outstanding.

Grants

Grant applications may be made at any time but we had 11 requests on our agenda. The Chair was absent for this section of the meeting and in cases the PTA required more information, so many items were deferred.

Drink Server

AGREED to buy large spout-fitted dispenser for approximately 11,000 yen for use in catered events. One dissenting vote noting item is a lower priority than other grants requested.

ACTION: Megumi will buy the drink server.

Air hand dryer(s)

Neil mentioned controversial nature of air dryers and said more discussion among faculty was required before one could be purchased.

ACTION: Neil to discuss with staff then inform PTA whether or not we can consider buying one or more hand dryers.

Outdoor furniture

Briefly discussed and deferred.

ACTION: Secretary to communicate with Mr Kelly.

Bus camera (internal)

Briefly discussed. Alison will investigate whether one or two cameras are required. Neil will discuss further with Alison and other staff and advise PTA on whether or not we can consider this request.

ACTION: Await advice from Neil.

Sandpit with cover

Jungle gym

Items discussed jointly, and deferred. Justin, Eugene and Alison made a case for more suitable play equipment and a better functioning (ie sandy) sandpit. They suggested the purple monkey bars could be removed to free up space as they are used less and might not be suitable. The PTA AGREED a site visit would be helpful, if possible before the snow comes.

ACTION: PTA to arrange site visit with teachers before the November meeting or first item of that meeting.

Gas BBQ unit

Deferred.

ACTION: Secretary to communicate with Mr Kelly.

Book shelves

Discussed. PTA willing to review amount based on that discussion but AGREED unanimously to grant the 20,000 yen requested.

ACTION: Secretary to ask Nick Holywell, school librarian, to assist Mr Pangier in buying the most suitable shelving.

Weight room equipment

Archery equipment

Deferred.

ACTION: Secretary to request item list and costs

Removal of broken equipment

ACTION: Secretary to assess items, Neil to check school’s asset disposal policy.

PTA positions

Deferred.

ACTION: Discuss at November meeting.

Meeting closed at 5.15pm.

--

2019年10月2日

3.45pm開会

出席者

Megumi Ando, PTA Chair (absent 4-5pm for other school meeting)

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Neil Cooke, HIS Principal

Junna Kudo Vaeth, PTA Member

Make Horimoto, MP1 Class representative

Ruth Cui, PTA Member

Monica Rosero, G10 Class representative

Mika Nakamura, PTA Member

Umi Gon, MP1 Class representative

Lay Rabot, PTA Member

Alison Manjyoume, MP3 Teacher

Eugene Sim, MP1 Teacher (until 4.30pm)

Justin Gambino, MP1 Teacher (until 4.05pm)

Lucy Morrell, PTA secretary, G11 Class representative

欠席

Veena Pai, PTA Member and dorm parent

Kumiko Lazirko, G12 Class representative

前回のミーティングからの議題

以下については検討、対応済み

• • • • PTA ボランティアフォームの回収依頼

      • グランツリクエストの情報を先生に送る

      • ウェルカムバーベキューを行う（9月16日）

      • 学校に新しくやってきた家族のアシスト

      • 先生の駐車場所については検討の結果、バスケットボールのゴールと集雪場所となるため、難しいとの結論に至りました

      • 学生のためにプロジェクトサンタのスライドショーが11月21日10時から学校であります

      • フォールフェスティバルの保護者のフードブースが決まりましたが、学生たちのブースのメニューによって変更があるかもしれません

      • 寮生の保護者がPTAミーティングにインターネットコンファレンスで参加きるように招待されました

      • ハンドドライヤーがグランツリストに追加されました

以下については引き続き検討、対応します

• • • • ACTION: 新しいクリスマスツリーを購入して、12月1日頃に飾る

      • ACTION: PTAの仕事と責任、知識の分担

議題に追加してほしいことがありましたら、 pta.sapporo@gmail.com までご連絡ください

9月16日のウェルカムバーベキューのフィードバック

買い物、調理などいろいろな形でのご協力をくださった皆様、ありがとうございました。全体的にみて、天候がはっきりしなかった中ではよくできたかと思いますが、以下のような提案がありました。

• • • もっとテーブルや椅子など、小さい子や子供の多い家族のために準備

    • 天気が悪い時には、校内が煙たくならないように、校長室の外（自転車置き場のあたり）スペースを使う。

    • ハンバーガーよりもソーセージ、ツナと鮭のおにぎりが人気あり。野菜とディップは良かった。

    • 食材の残りは、11年生がフォールフェスティバルで使うように寄付されることになりました。

フォールフェスティバル（11月9日）について

このイベントのコーディネーター、もしくは数名のコーディネーターを決めることを話し合いましたが、仕事内容がはっきりと決まっていなかったため、決定に至りませんでした。ベイクセール、フードブースとラッフルのコーディネーターのボランティアの立候補がありました。PTAがラッフルの賞品として、ニンテンドースィッチ（約22,000円）とKindle（約14,000円）の購入が決まりました。

ACTION: 10月8日のエレメンタリーアッセンブリーの前に、フォールフェスティバルのボランティアを募集することになりました。

ACTION: Neilが去年送った、寄付、ボランティア、ベイクセール、トリックオアトリートに関するメールをアップデートのためにPTAに送る。

会計

何件か請求まちの支払いがありますが、10月のミーティング以降、PTAの口座の目立った動きはありません。

グランツ（寄付）

グランツの希望は年間を通じていつでも出せることになっていますが、今回は11件のリクエストがありました。PTA会長が今回の話し合いの時に不在であった為、より詳しい情報が必要だった案件に関しては、次回のミーティングに持ち越されることになりました。

ドリンクサーバー

食べ物が提供されるイベントで使えるような、蛇口のついた大きなものを約11000円で購入することになりました。このアイテムより他に重要な案件がある、とのことで反対の投票が１票ありました。

ACTION: Megumi がドリンクサーバーの購入手配をする。

エア ハンドドライヤー

Neil が、エアドライアーに反対の意見があるので、購入を決める前に教職員との話し合いが必要があると言及。

ACTION: Neil が教職員と話してからPTAにハンドドライヤーの購入（一つ、もしくは複数）を検討すべきか知らせる。

外に置く、ベンチとテーブル

少し話し合ったのち、次回に持ち越し

ACTION: Mr. KellyにPTA書記が連絡。

スクールバス用カメラ（車内）

Alison がカメラがいくつ（１−2個）必要なのか確認する。Neil がAlisonと他の教職員と話してからPTAに設置するか否か知らせる。

ACTION: Neilからの返答を待つ

砂場

ジャングルジム

2つについて同時に話し合い、次回に持ち越し。EugeneとAlison からより適した遊具、もっとちゃんとした（砂の）砂場の必要性の主張あり。彼らより、あまり使われていない紫色の雲梯を撤去して、その分のスペースを使うことの提案。PTAが、雪が降る前に現地を確認することを決定。

ACTION: PTAは11月のミーティングの前、もしくはミーティングの初めに校庭を確認する。

ガスのバーベキューコンロ

次回に持ち越し

ACTION: 書記がMr Kellyに話す

本棚

話し合いの結果、PTAは20,000円の寄付を決定。

ACTION: 書記は、図書室の司書Nick Holywellに、Mr. Pangierに最適な本棚の購入に関してアドバイスをしてくれるよう依頼

アーチェリーの道具

次回に持ち越し

ACTION: 書記は必要なアイテムと費用のリスト作成を以来

ウェイトリフティングルームの壊れた機材の撤去

ACTION: 書記がアイテムの確認、Neilが学校備品の処理の手続き方法について確認

PTAの役職について

次回に持ち越し

5.15pm 閉会

- - - -

September 4th, 2019

Meeting opened at 3.50pm

IN ATTENDANCE

Megumi Ando, PTA Chair

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Neil Cooke, HIS Principal and PTA Member

Rory Picket, HIS Teacher and PTA Member

Junna Kugo Vaeth, PTA Member

Kumiko Lazirko, PTA Member

Kaori Mitsui, PTA Member

Masa Yamamoto, PTA Member

Lucy Morrell, PTA Member (dorm student)

1. Self introductions

2. PTA Questionnaire to be returned by September 13th.

Questionnaire for PTA volunteer works was handed out at the Opening Ceremony. There are only two class representatives signed up and only 39 forms have been returned up to now. It has been an issue not to have enough parents involved in PTA activities and events. Class representatives are important to bring each class' opinion and thoughts to PTA meeting.

ACTION: Ask teachers and Class representatives to remind parents to return the form.

https://forms.gle/uSBxqbAQAUjUurN77

3. Finances

Megumi and Yumiko distributed copies of the PTA’s informal financial statements and the 9 internal grants funded during the 2018-2019 school year (guitar stands, books, etc). Kumiko explained how our bank has introduced new fees for handling small change and other previously free transactions. The PTA bank balance is in excess of 3.3 million yen before inclusion of this year’s annual membership fees.

ACTION: It was agreed PTA  would invite teachers to submit new grant requests with a deadline, although further applications will be considered throughout the year. Teachers will be asked to consult students while identifying needs for PTA grants.

4.  Open House Monday, 16 September, from 8.15am

It was agreed the PTA would provide a free BBQ to visitors, students and faculty starting at 15:45. Location: in the school backyard .

ACTION: Megumi will get in touch with parents who offered to help with school events for shopping, set up, and cooking roster. Please contact pta.sapporo@gmail.com if you can help. 

5. Fall Festival Saturday, November 9, 10am to 2pm

Discussion of food stalls. There are 3-4 parents who already signed up to cook for PTA Food booth. Discussed ensuring some volunteers weren't overworked on the day and at other times.

ACTION: Confirm more details about food booth(menu, portions), activities and who will do what for Fall Festival at October PTA meeting.

6.  Spring Bazaar Saturday, April 11, 10am to 2pm

Discussed offering new experiences aimed at foreigners living in Sapporo such as dressing in yukata for a fee, either for photos or to enjoy the festival. Discussed promoting on English language radio in Sapporo, if available.

7. New family support service

This initiative was conceived last year and is available, but it’s not yet proactively implemented. The service aims to introduce incoming parents to an experienced parent who can informally answer questions that arise and help them integrate.

ACTION: If you are a new parent wanting this service or an experienced parent who could help a new family, please contact us on pta.sapporo@gmail.com

8. Parking

Discussed the lack of parent parking at school pick-up time. Please refrain from parking in front of neighbors' house or on sidewalk.

ACTION: Neil to ask teachers to please park closer together and start filling the carpark from the back on arrival.

9.   Project Santa (present drive at Christmas time)

Discussed Phred Kaufman’s offer to deliver a slideshow of HIS’s Christmas present donations to Sapporo orphanages over the years. Students and others gather Christmas presents each year and Phred, as Santa, delivers them to wards of the state at 3 local institutions.

ACTION: Presents to be piled in the MPR (Multipurpose Room) this year.

ACTION: Neil to talk to Phred and arrange time for slideshow.

ACTION: PTA to consider purchase of a new artificial Christmas tree as the old one has expired.

10. Office bearers

Discussed taking minutes and providing agendas for PTA meetings. For now Lucy will compile minutes/agendas and Megumi will translate so they are circulated in English and Japanese.

ACTION: Discuss assigning PTA roles next meeting such as Fall Festival coordinator, Spring Bazaar coordinator, Grants officer, Co-Secretaries (for English and Japanese), etc, to spread the load of work among PTA members and ensure we communicate and keep records.

11. Parents of dorm students

Discussed inviting the parents of dorm students to participate in PTA, possibly through conference calling.

ACTION: Lucy to work with Megumi to reach out to other dorm parents.

12. School events

Discussed challenges of attending HIS events scheduled in the afternoon or evening for some parents. Informed Neil of confusion over secondary school orientation for parents whose children were already enrolled at HIS — some parents in this situation thought it wasn't relevant to them.

13. Hand drying facilities

Discussed paper towels littering some toilets in the school as well as concerns raised about air dryers leading to poor hygiene (On going discussion from last year)

ACTION: PTA to consider providing a Dyson or similar hand dryer in some toilets.

14. Agenda items for October 2nd meeting

Standard items will include matters arising from the previous minutes, finances, grants, upcoming events, parent concerns, teacher concerns, status of action items, and any other item put forward by a PTA member.

ACTION: All PTA members, please forward your agenda items by email to pta.sapporo@gmail.com or by dropping a note in PTA mailbox located in front of the school office by the end of September.

Meeting closed at 4.50pm.

2019年9月4日

3時50分開会

出席者

Megumi Ando, PTA Chair

Yumiko Hong, PTA Treasurer

Neil Cooke, HIS Principal and PTA Member

Rory Picket, HIS Teacher and PTA Member

Junna Kugo Vaeth, PTA Member

Kumiko Lazirko, PTA Member

Kaori Mitsui, PTA Member

Masa Yamamoto, PTA Member

Lucy Morrell, PTA Member (dorm student)

1. 自己紹介

2. PTA Questionnaire の提出期限は9月13日です。

PTAのボランティア活動に関するアンケート用紙をオープニングセレモニーでお渡ししました。現時点で、アンケート用紙は３９家族分しか提出されておらず、クラス代表は２クラスのみしか決まっていません。PTA主催のイベントや活動で十分なボランティアがいないことが問題になっています。クラス代表は、クラスの意見や考えをミーティングで 共有するためにとても大切です。

https://forms.gle/uSBxqbAQAUjUurN77

ACTION: 先生とクラス代表に、保護者にアンケート用紙の提出のお願いをしてもらう。

2. 会計報告

Megumi と Yumiko より、2018-2019年の PTAの収支の途中経過報告があり、PTAから 9つの寄付（ギタースタンド、図書館の本など)をしました。Yumikoから、銀行が今まで無料だった両替などの手数料が新たに導入する予定との報告がありました。今年度の会費を含めないで、現在のPTAの口座には、約3,300,000円あります。

ACTION: PTAから先生方に、メールで新しい寄付先の希望を募ります。応募の締め切りはありますが、年間を通じて応募できることとします。担任の先生には、クラスの学生に希望がないか相談してもらいます。

3.  学校公開日 9月16日月曜日 8時15分から

PTAがBBQを来校者、先生、学生のために無料で提供します。15時45分より校庭にて。

ACTION: 学校のイベントのボランティアを希望された方に、買い物、準備と調理のお手伝いをPTAよりメールで連絡します。お手伝いしてくださるかたは、 pta.sapporo@gmail.comまでご連絡ください。

4. フォールフェスティバル  11月9日土曜日 10時から2時まで

食べ物ブースについての話し合い。すでに３−４人の保護者の方が、食べ物ブースの調理のボランティアにサインアップしてくれました。当日と準備期間で、一部のボランティアの方だけの負担が大きくならないよう、話し合いました。

ACTION: 食べ物ブース（メニュー、作る量）、アクティビティ、フォールフェスティバルで誰が何をするかの確認

5.  スプリングバサー  4月11日土曜日 10時から2時まで

浴衣を無料で着てもらっての撮影やバザーを楽しんでもらうなど、札幌に住む外国人向けの新しいアクティビティの提案がありました。また、札幌の英語のラジオ番組での宣伝ができるならしたらどうか、との提案。

6. 新しいHISファミリーメンバーへのサポート

昨年度より準備を進めていますが、まだ完全な実行には至っていません。このサービスは在校生の保護者が、HISに入学予定の学生の保護者の質問に答えたり、学校のコミュニティに慣れるお手伝いをするのが目的です。

ACTION: 新入生の保護者の方でこのサポートを利用したい方、また在校生の保護者でお手伝いをしてくださる方がいらっしゃいましたら、pta.sapporo@gmail.com までご連絡ください

7. 駐車場

放課後のお迎えの時間に駐車場の空きがなく困っていることが話し合われました。ご近所の家の前や歩道への駐車はご遠慮ください。

ACTION: Neilが職員の方に、できるだけ間を詰めて駐車場の奥の方から駐車できないか相談。

8.   プロジェクトサンタ（施設の子どもたちにあげるクリスマスプレゼントの寄付）

Phred Kaufman氏より、過去にHISから寄付されたクリスマスプレゼントを届けた時の映像のスライドショーを見せたいとのお申し出がありました。毎年、学生とその他の方でクリスマスプレゼントを集め、北海道にある３カ所の児童福祉施設の子供達に、サンタ役のPhredさんが届けてくれています。

ACTION: プレゼントは今年、 MPR (Multipurpose Room) に集める。

ACTION: NeilがPhredと話して、スライドショーの日時を決定する。

ACTION: PTAは学校にあったものが古くなったので、新しいツリーの購入を検討する。

9.   PTAメンバー

PTAミーティングの議題、議事録の作成についての話し合い。今のところ、Lucyが議事録を作成し、Megumiが日本語訳をして、二か国語にて公開されることにします。

ACTION: フォールフェスティバルとフォールフェスティバルのコーディネーター、寄付担当、日本語英語それぞれの事務など、次回のミーティングの時に話し合い、仕事の分担をしながからコミュニケーションを円滑にしつつ、記録を残せるように話し合います。

10. 寮生の保護者

寮生の保護者がどのようにPTAに関われるかについて話しました。コンファレンスコールなどの利用の可能性についても提案がありました。

ACTION: Lucy とMegumi で他の寮生の保護者との連絡方法を検討します。

11. 学校のイベント

HISのイベントが午後や夜にあった場合の出席が一部の保護者にとって難しいとの話がありました。Neilに、一部に保護者から新入生ではないセカンダリースクールのオリエンテーションへの参加の必要性について問い合わせがあった旨、報告しました。他の保護者も、自分達には行く必要はないのでは、と思っているようです。

12. ハンドドライヤー（洗面所、ロッカー室）

昨年度からも話し合われていますが、構内のトイレのペーパータオルがきちんとゴミ箱に入れられていないこと、またハンドドライヤーは不衛生であるのでは、という問題提起がありました。

ACTION: PTA で Dyson もしくは類似品の導入を議論します。

13. 10月2日のミーティングの議題

9月の議事録にあがった項目、会計、寄付、今後行われるイベントについて、保護者や先生からの意見、アクションのリストに載せられていたこと、その他、PTAメンバーから提案されたことについて話し合いたいと思います。

ACTION: PTA メンバーの皆さま（保護者、教職員全員です）、話し合ってほしいことがありましたら、9月末までに、pta.sapporo@gmail.com までメール、もしくはオフィス前のPTAの郵便箱にご連絡ください。

4時50分閉会

2018-2019

February 6th, 2019

PTA Steering Committee Chair:    Megumi Ando 

Co-chair: Neil Cooke

Members present:  Kumiko Lazirko, Ian Aseltine, Laura Harmon, Kirin Sugino,  Ada Ng, David Piazza

PTA Grants and its procedure:

1) Have the request form to be simplified

- A single page document to be made to write request, background/reason, and the date (by when the )

- With criteria for the request to be listed at the top for easier understanding

- It will be signed by the chair after approval and the copies will be given to the teacher/staff requested and also to Ms. Kashiwabara at the office, in case the payment will be advance by the school account. Original will be kept by PTA Treasurer

2) Have request sent solely to PTA

- By sending an e-mail to pta.sapporo@gmail.com or by dropping the form in PTA mailbox located in front of the office. Please note that PTA is independent from the school administration and it will not affected how and to what PTA grants is given. That is why I believe it should be addressed only to PTA.

3) Have everyone know the grants available through out year 

- With two deadlines, at the end of December and April. However, it can be requested anytime, especially if the request is urgent or more can be benefitted if given earlier

4)  It will not be first come, first served. However, the budget is limited, we might have to cover only part of the requested amount, to decline, to ask you to wait till the end of school year, or to revise your request. 

Two grants requests submitted:

• • Junior Service Trip to Laos - REQUEST ACCEPTED

10,000 yen per students x 13 students participating

Date:

March 11 - March 17th, 2019.

Program purpose:

http://world-volunteer.com/content/laos-eco-bungalow-project

The Class of 2020 ultimately voted on this trip because we believed that it would provide us with a more immersive experience than what some of the other trips might have given to HIS students in the past. Laos welcomes many tourists every year, but not many travel to rural villages since the tourism is controlled by bigger hotels and companies. We will be building eco-bungalows to help the local village of Nong Khauy generate income through visiting tourists. We will also be staying with local families throughout our stay at the village. Living in the village will not only provide students with a more hands-on experience, but it also benefits the village as each family gets paid and educated to host and feed the participants. Students will be guided by World Volunteer team leaders who have vast experience in Laos, are trained in first aid, and have deep insight into the country, culture and projects. They have incorporated trips and meals to local sites so that students get an accurate depiction of local life and culture.

• • Winter Boots for Adventure Hokkaido Outdoor Program - REQUEST ACCEPTED

Background: During the last fe years, there has been a grave concern about the quality of footwear of some student on snowshoe and winter camping trips, especially considering the international population of students from non-northern countries. As a test, this year OE purchased 5 pairs of Baffin Winter Boots (rated -40 degree) for use by the OP and OL classes. After the Sapporo-dake Overnight Snowshoe, where all 5 boots were used, the students gave the boots rave reviews, and well as Mr. Erickson.

Request: 80,000 yen to purchase more winter boots to be used on winter trips and especially for the Outdoor Pursuits Okotanpeko Snow Camp.

Spring Bazaar

• • Flyers need to be ready by February 22nd for Kairanban (Information board, which is passed around among all the households in the neighborhood)

Design to be the same as the one from last year, with photos updated

• • Volunteer who will take care of communication (HIS community and outside vendors) is needed.  Japanese/English fluency needed, can be worked from home.

-> IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLESE LET US KNOW.

Meeting with the chair of HIS Executive Board

There are some question and concerns from parents/guardians. PTA will see if a meeting with the chair of HIS Executive Board can be organized. Details to be announced as soon as they are available.

Vending machines located in the school

Concern over having too much pet bottles used and thrown away each day, also for sugar and caffein amount in certain drinks.

Some of Secondary teachers have been having trouble with students having bottles in the class.

Maybe they can be replaced by a water fountain, which can fill the bottles?

January 9th, 2019

PTA Steering Committee Chair:    Megumi Ando 

Co-chair: Neil Cooke

Members present:  Kumiko Lazirko, Joe Tomasine, Alison Manjyoume, Kirin Sugino,  Ada Ng, Sherrie Oda

• Feedback from Winter Celebration

2 points to grab snack for students was helpful

Possibility of having potluck (as we did years ago) or snack in MPR (like after Opening Ceremony) to give more time for the community to socialize

Refreshment to be in MPR to include elementary teachers and students

• Project Santa 

Photos of the children from the childcare centers and Santa will be posted at Genkan

For next year, possibility of bringing back "Presents under the tree" image (Presents brought were gathered under the tree in MPR many years ago. It created festive atmosphere and sent clearer message about the project)

Wishlist for Santa from the children at the centers might help choose the right presents

• Microwave to be replaced

While preparing popcorns for Winter Celebration, one microwave which was borrowed from a class broke, possibly of overheating. 

Members present at the meeting voted for replacing it (cost estimated to be between 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen), as it is a courtesy to return borrowed item in good condition.

• Spring Bazaar (Scheduled on April 13th, 2019)

How we can have more volunteers to support the event?

 - making detailed work list to help volunteers know how they can help: contact vendors, put signs on the window in MPR, bake sale donation, buy bottled drinks, sort donated flea market items

 - assigning the work per class/MS, which will help the class parents/guardians to get to know each other 

 - asking full-time working and/or secondary parents/guardians for support

 - working with Student Council and sharing Secondary classes the date from the past (what sold well/ how many were sold) 

- - - -

December 5th, 2018

PTA Steering Committee Chair:    Megumi Ando 

Co-chair: Neil Cooke

Members present:  Mika Nakamura, Kumiko Lazirko, Joe Tomasine, Laura Harmon, Alison Manjyoume, Kirin Sugino,  Ian Aseltine, Nick Fazio, David Piazza

• Donation from Stony Brooke University for Earthquake disaster

 50% of the total amount will be donated to Atsuma Town and the other 50% to Abira Town (for school and education purpose)

• Explanation about Winter Celebration

It will be combination of Visual and Performing Arts.

PTA will be providing refreshments.

• Event organized by parents/guardian -> details will be e-mailed later

• Questions from Parents/guardians

1) Will there be make up classes for two days missed for the earthquake?

The school will not be having make up classes, if it is for two days. However, if there will more than four days missed in a school year (= for this year, two days from the earthquake + additional two days or more), the school will consider having make up days. For high schooler, teachers will see students' needs and will have make up classes when needed, regardless of number of days missed.

2) Can we have more details about Bear Bear Festival? (such as its profit, PTA equipment used without permission, etc.)

-> the document given at yesterday's meeting will be posted shortly.

It was suggested:

More than 20% of the sales should go towards financial support

Information on financial aid should be on the school website

Financial documents should be shared for clarification (if it is really used for financial support, how many students benefited from it, etc.)

3) Parents would like to have explanation from the school about what is going on with Mrs. Shibuya.

-> Principal cannot talk about it as it is in court.

• Where does the legal fee come from? 

(If it is paid from the tuition the parents/guardians pay, it is unacceptable.)

• Do students (especially MP2 &3, who were taught by Mrs. Shibuya) get psychological support? 

(In the past,  teachers departure during the school year had a big impact on the students and a meeting for parents were organized by the Head of School, but not this time. How do we explain to children?)

• Does Executive Board's decision reflect the voice of Parents?

(The ration of male/female ExB members is very unequal. Are there any current students parents? Are they speaking for all the parents?)

 ----

November 7th, 2018

PTA Steering Committee Chair:    Megumi Ando 

Co-chair: Neil Cooke

Members present:  Junna Kudo, Ian Aseltine, Rory Pickett, Mika Nakamura, Atsuko Clipstone, Kumiko Lazirko, Joe Tomasine, Lay Rabot, Sherrie Oda,

• Feedback and reflection from Fall Festival

-Use of oil by student for cooking 

-> Must be supervised and cooked not passage side, but against wall to avoid accident

-Oil disposal/ trash sorting and picking up / vacuuming to be done by those who used space (MPR)  

-Need to have better way to pass information to teachers/ staff 

-> Create Google Doc with essential information and share

      - Timing of the event (Fall Festival, EARCOS, SAT) 

       -> November 9th for next year ? (To be discussed further before school calendar is made)

     - How to have more volunteers involved 

     - even with the current size of the event, more  volunteers are needed to shorten the length of shift per volunteer

             -> assign 30 min. per every parent/guardian to help, in advance (at the beginning of the school year?)

• Donation for Earthquake disaster from Stoney Brook University

-Fund was received on October 17th, 2018 at PTA account (North Pacific Bank)

5,000 USD (553,044 JPY, after charge has been deducted)

NOTE (it was not discussed in the meeting): To ease the work of Treasurer(it will allow deposit/withdraw from ATM), cashing card for the account was created on October 16th. Account holders name is HIS PTA plus the name of the chair, and he name of the chair was updated. It has been unchanged for years, but with the new regulations, we could not have received the fund without turning in 'My number' document (similar to Social Security number in the US) of account holder.

-Where to donate?

Atsuma town

Abira town (possibility of specifying the use of donation, ex. for education)

an organization supporting child in distress 

-> Discussion will be finalized in December meeting

----

October 3rd, 2018

PTA Steering Committee Chair:    Megumi Ando 

Co-chair: Neil Cooke

Members present:  Junna Kudo, Ian Aseltine, Laura Harmen, Justin Gambino, Eugene Sim, Rory Pickett, Mika Nakamura, Atsuko Clipstone

• Proposal from Student Council for their projects

Student Council will have a booth at Fall Festival for their fundraising 

They are planning to have fundraising activities for Elementary School -> To be consulted with ES teachers 

building, it is for the security of the students.)

• Front door and the door behind the parking for the school bus

(New rules about the opening hours of the front door making it difficult for the parents to come into the building? 

-> The rule is effective of after Fall Break. Parents just need to sign up to enter, not preventing them to come into the building, it is for the security of the students.)

• Fall Festival Volunteer works update: 

Tickets and jars making  - work to be shared with parents/guardians dropping off/picking up the child/ren 

Students' booths information shared: Food and activities (deadline is the 5th and PTA will decided theirs after the 5th)

PTA Food booth: volunteers offered to do Singapore, Korea, China/Hong Kong/Taiwan 

*Question on the cost of ingredients: Maximum 5000 yen will be reimbursed per booth. The remaining cost is usually  split among the volunteers organizing the booth as donation.

PTA Activities: Trick or Treat

• Donation for Earthquake disaster from Stony Brooke University 

It will be sent to PTA bank account and once the fund arrives, we will discuss again where the help is needed the most at that point. (suggested not to go through the intermediate organization, but give directly to the town's disaster office)

Following was not on agenda and I apologize for forgetting to include it:

• Questions about the Executive Board raised in the last meeting and Mr. Cooke asked them in the EB meeting.

PTA request for more information about where the money goes for Summer Beer Festival and how the money gets distributed

Answer:Aprox 500,000 each year is set aside from the BBB for student financial assistance.  Money goes into the financial assistance fund to help families without enough resources to send students to the school

20% of sales from each vendor goes to fund

100% of sales from the EB booth goes to the fund

Regarding better communication: End of every August, the Board Chair will send out a report on the BBB festival

Request for information about how the executive board might receive more feedback from the HIS community of parents

Answer: The executive board is agreeable to a yearly meeting with the PTA. The EB is asking for a few suggested times to do so (evening only please) and then the board will look at their calendars to choose a date that works. Some board members suggested in december before winter break, but they are open to other options. but when.  They would like to know the agenda and all items up for discussion in advance.

September 5th 2018

PTA Steering Committee Chair:    Megumi Ando 

Co-chair: Neil Cooke

Mambers:   Kumiko Lazirko, Don Hinkelman, Junna Kudo, Ian Aseltine, Laura Harmen, Sherrie Oda, Rory Pickett, Mika Nakamura

Barry Ratzliff

• Google Survey for volunteering to be re-sent (All the parents/guardians were not present at Opening Ceremony to fill out)

• Ian Aseltine is the student council advisor --- student council wants to have more connection with PTA 

• Introductions of new and returning steering committee members

• Review the purpose of the PTA and of the steering committee (Please refer to "What is HIS PTA? page for more information)

• Organizing more social events for parents through the year

ex) Parents running volunteer classes or language exchanges for 

• Review of class representative responsibilities (Please refer to "Class Representative" page of for more information)

• Request for information from the Executive Board

+ PTA request for more information about where the money goes for Summer Beer Festival and how the money gets distributed

+ Request for information about how the executive board might receive more feedback from the HIS community of parents.

-> Neil Cooke (who attends all Executive Board Meetings) will pass these details on to the executive board for discussion

• BBQ scheduled for Sept 17 (same day as open house) 

+ Approx ¥60,000 set aside as budget to purchase food (including halal and veggie options)

• Parking at Hiragishi Takadai Elementary will be arranged 

• Begin asking for volunteers Fall festival

-> Fall Festival Specific Meeting scheduled for September 26th

• Need to begin requests for donations to the raffle

• Mr. Katayama to make poster / kairanban poster

• Check with Mr. Tawaraya about kairanban timeline

• Winter celebration ideas?  Ian asking how the PTA (and students) might help out.

2017-2018

Meeting June 9, 2018

Having PTA survey and it's contents

PTA meeting after Opening Ceremony (to ask this year's Class representative to talk with the class)

PTA volunteer form to be e-mailed during summer

Meeting May 16, 2018

Decided grants / vote on proposals from the teaching staff

Teacher Day proposed for June 4th

Good-bye gifts for leaving teachers

Meeting April 4, 2018

• Food in MPR -- Parents should please not share food with their child’s classmates.  There is a concern of food allergies or other dietary issues.

• Playing out in MPR - Parents should pick their children up by 3:40 and not allow them to run around in the MPR after school

• Spring Bazaar

  • 21 vendors / next is Jimoti 

  • Need more volunteers - neil at front genkan?

  • Kitara food vending?

  • Business club? - email 

  • Donation email again

  • Bake sale email?

  • Rich text please?  - Alma

• PTA grants

  • Fishing Club - Request for 10 rods and reels @ ¥50,000

  • Decisions will be made at the May PTA meeting

• WASC Presentation for parents - twice once early (2:00) / once evening (6:30)

• Parking for back parking lot 

• Request for another mirror at the entrance to the dorm - pointing the other way

Meeting March 7, 2018

• Spring Bazaar

  • Advertizing update - Neil

  • Food update - Neil

  • Outside vendors update - Joe

    • Website from last year? - Joe / Megumi (Jimoti)

  • Volunteer update

  • Jobs needed to do - same as previous years?

  • Local businesses?

  • Bake sale?

  • Window and bus

  • Schedule for construction

  • Business club booth

• Grants for next year - update - review at May meeting

• Replace indoor shoes - school will purchase 

• Lost and found - need to find solutions

Meeting February 7, 2018

• Spring Bazaar updates

  • Poster is made

  • Kairanban - flyers have been delivered

  • Outside Vendors 

  • Whats on in Sapporo - online and paper 

  • Advertising for vendors - Neil and Joe will meet regarding the wording for inside and outside community

  • Collections for donations - Beginning of March - rewrite expectations regarding donations - no shoes or clothes! Will cost PTA money to throw away

  • Conversations with homerooms in February 

• Interviews / WASC survey / WASC visit

• Grants for 2018 - Neil will send survey to staff in the upcoming month

• Mayu’s memorial

• Dorm construction / parking - will monitor 

• Replace indoor shoes - school will do

• Lost and found - need to find solutions

Meeting January 17, 2018

• Presentation on the dorm (Barry)

• Payment of grant for junior service trip (L Harmon, 11th grade)

• Payment for new sleeping bags (D Piazza, Outdoor Ed)

• In case of sad news in the community, flowers will be sent from PTA. If it is under 30,000 yen, it will be sent without consent from the committee ,as often immediate arrangement is needed. In case of hospitalization of a student or a staff/teacher, 5,000 yen will be given as Omimai (customary to Japan, to give money to show thoughts). More detailed rules might need to be thought in the future.

• Spring Bazaar beginning stage planning

  • Advertizing - need poster by mid Feb (neil will speak to Hajime) - Shimako re dates

  • Kairanban 

  • Outside Vendors - Joe

  • Whats on in Sapporo - online and paper - Neil

  • Advertising for vendors - Neil and Joe will meet regarding the wording for inside and outside community

  • Collections for donations - Beginning of March - rewrite expectations regarding donations - no shoes or clothes! Will cost PTA money to throw away

  • Conversations with homerooms in February - Neil

Meeting December 6 2017

• Holiday Decorations?

• Winter Celebration - very simple snacks and drinks for after the performances (in bags) / coffee / tea / soft drinks

  • volunteers? Not many needed

• Project Santa - announcements about Monday or Tuesday 

• Discussion of donation of flowers for memorial

• Teacher presence at PTA SC meeting: It would be nice if we could have more teachers joining us. We send meeting reminder to the teachers as well and ask Neil to talk to faculty encourage them to come to the meeting.

• Volunteer Work Box: Suggested by a teacher. There used to be a box in Teachers’ lounge where teachers can drop off things to be done by parents and guardians (ex: stapling papers, students’ works to be posted in the hallway, etc.) This can be done by the parents/guardians who wait for the students after school. 

  • Suggestion to be in the MPR rather than the teachers room

  • Suggestion to announce in the HEx things needed to be done this week

• Outdoor Ed Department - able to buy more sleeping bags

Meeting November 7 2017

• Purchase of sleeping bags for Outdoor Ed - ¥120,000 - Approved

• Concern about the greasiness of the pans and the state of the kitchen after fall festival

• Neil will discuss solutions at secondary meeting 

• Inventory of PTA cupboard and purchase of new events materials - especially burners / Perhaps french fry frier?

• Email vote regarding funding of snacks and refreshments at Winter Celebreation

Meeting October 4 2017

1 Fall festival updates

- 8 food booths now - this would be a good amount, however we will accept more if people come forward

- Still accepting raffle draw donations and trick or treat donations

- It was suggested that we ask Costco for raffle prize in exchange for a table to sell memberships (as is often done in the US) - Will go to Costco to inquire 

- Popcorn Maker - will be fixed - but probably not in time for Fall Festival.  For fall festival will make do with microwave popcorn

- Neil will check what the plans of Business Club is this time - suggested that business club should sell HUSKIES water bottles (there is a desire to purchase these in the community)

- Table will be set up at school entrance for signing up parents arriving at teacher’s conferences on Monday Oct 9

- A rotation of all student council members to assist trick or treating - 3 at a time (with at least one with Japanese language ability)

- Fall festival advertizing update - Cooke

2 Purchase:

Currently we have 3 coffee pots for the coffee maker, however it would be good to have 1 extra in case of breakage

All members agreed to purchase.

3 Preview of new PTA website - will be linked to school website this week

__________________________________________

Meeting September 6th 2017

1. Introductions of new and returning steering committee members

2. Review the purpose of the PTA and of the steering committee

3. Introduce the existing protocol to members for review

4. Review class rep responsibilities

5. BBQ scheduled for Sept 18  -  Email requesting volunteers to be sent by Neil / Neil will talk to student council regarding their contributions

6. Begin asking for volunteers Fall fest - set fall fest meeting date

   • Fall Festival Meeting scheduled for Sept 27

   • Begin requests for donations to the raffle