It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the passing of Mr. Gregory So, former Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and one of the founding supporters who helped establish our school.

In December 1991, before ICS even opened its doors, Mr. So signed our constitutional documents, helping to lay the legal foundation for what would become our school community. As Ione Smith, one of our early leaders, recalled, “We were so fortunate to have Greg. He did so much free legal work for the school. If he would have charged us for all his billable hours, we would have gone bankrupt. He was a real gift to ICS.”

Mr. So’s generous legal support was instrumental in establishing our school over three decades ago. His contribution helped create the foundation upon which our school community continues to thrive today, serving students from around the world.

We are deeply grateful for his role in making ICS possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. So’s family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in God’s grace and peace.

In mid-November, ten AP Studio Art students embarked on a five-day educational trip to Tokyo. The trip centered around Design Festa, a major international art event showcasing thousands of artists. While our students explored hundreds of inspiring booths, they also set up and managed their own exhibition space. They featured art postcards and, this year, custom ceramic pieces for sale.

Working in pairs, the group navigated the challenges of engaging potential customers and communicating across a language barrier. The experience culminated in a rewarding achievement: every student sold at least one piece of their original artwork. The final day included a scenic trip to Enoshima Island, where the group was treated to a stunning sunset over Mount Fuji. Our students returned not only with memorable experiences but also with renewed inspiration for their artistic journeys.