TIPS Journal Dec 1, 2024

International Day, one of the highlights of our school calendar will be December 13. Thanks in advance for the contributions from our families. Please stop by for a meal that no restaurant could possibly serve, thanks to our diversity!

Starting in January we ask that you avoid sending nuts and nuts products to school, in order to help us become a nut-free school and to protect those with allergies. Thanks!

Whether you are traveling during the winter break or staying home, have a restful time off and come back refreshed.

As always, any questions, please ask.

All the best,

Lyn Sato

TIPS Principal

lsato@tokyoips.com

Tue - Thur, Dec 3 - 5: Japanese Language and Culture field trips.

Fri, Dec 6: Early 3:25 dismissal.

Sat, Dec 7: PSA comedy improv workshop in Shibuya.

Sat, Dec 7: Meet the Counselor Morning

Thur, Dec 12: Altered Schedule for Student Council matinee event.

Fri, Dec 13: International Day. 2 p.m. dismissal for Winter Break.

Mon, Jan 6: Resume school from Winter Break

We are pleased to confirm that there will be 12 students and two staff members, Mr. Sazi Mhlanga and myself, accompanying the group on this exciting trip.Your cooperation and support mean a lot to us! The first initial installment has been deposited for registration.

Regarding fundraising efforts, we are happy to inform you that the student council’s initiative on November 20th was a success, contributing a significant amount toward the trip. And still more is coming up soon.

Our next step is to secure the best flight prices and book tickets by the end of December. We will keep you informed!

for inviting us on November 23 and November 30 to visit the largest cave in the Kanto area, the Nippara limestone caves in Okutama. The burgers were a nice touch, too!

and more to come from Peak Pursuits:

Any and all TIPS parents are invited at 10 a.m. the morning of Saturday, December 7 to meet our counselors, Mr. Masahiro Shimokawa and Ms. Kalin Yokota. You may reserve a time to speak with them privately, or simply drop by our Common Room to introduce yourself over coffee and a pastry. We welcome you. To gauge how much time to allow, please let us know you are coming by sending an email to Mr. Shimokawa at mshimokawa@tokyoips.com or Ms. Yokota at kyokota@tokyoips.com.

In today’s digital age, nurturing creativity and emotional awareness is essential for building self-discovery and meaningful connections. Drama offers a unique path to achieving both.

Join our 1 Day! Drama Workshop, led by acclaimed director Mr Kenjiro Otani and actress Ms Miho Oowada, where students will develop creativity, communication skills, and self-expression through expert guidance.

About the Instructors:

Mr Kenjiro Otani (https://www.instagram.com/otanikenjiro/) is a San Francisco State University graduate and seasoned director with experience in youth theatre and inclusive arts projects. He also teaches at Toho Gakuen College of Drama and Music and Tokyo University of the Arts.

Ms Miho Oowada (https://www.instagram.com/miho_ohwada/) is an actress known for her inclusive arts work with children. Co-leader of “When Children Smile, the World Smiles,” she brings a passion for helping young people express themselves creatively.

Workshop Details:

• Date: January 25th, 2025

• Session 1: Grades 4-8 10 AM - 12 PM

• Session 2: Grades 9-12 1 PM - 3 PM

• Fee: ¥3,500 per student (Siblings welcome! More participants help maximise PTA support and contribute to fundraising efforts!)

• Location: Komaterrace Nishi (https://www.komaterrace.com/)

For parents' convenience, there is an on-site café, a playground, and a small car park for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. For longer stays, paid parking is available nearby at Times and Mitsui Repark.

Registration form:

https://forms.gle/psb9XcmSCnShGLmP6

Each session is limited to 15 students. Reserve your spot now!

Several fathers of TIPS students enjoyed a fun night bonding over BBQ at the first TIPS Dads Night Out on 15 November. The drinks were cold, the food was delicious, and the conversation was fantastic.

Plans are already underway for another event after the holiday break!

To get on the Dads Distro and WhatsApp group, please email Rory Tibbals at prtibbals@gmail.com.

Donation
Each year, we kindly ask each student/family to donate 10,000 yen to the PSA. These funds help support various activities and events organised by the TIPS PSA. Please submit the donation in an envelope labelled with your child's name and have them give it to either Ms Nakamura or Ms Matsumura in the office.

For additional information, please contact us at: psa@tokyoips.org

The athletic department and all of the staff worked together for a great sports day in perfect weather last Friday. Thank you, Mr. Kurtis Tomlinson, Athletic Director, for the organized and wholesome day.

Mr. Tomlinson, the most supportive and encouraging Athletic Director ever, tallies up the scores after a very rewarding Sports Day.

For almost 50 years Tokyo English Life Line has been talking to troubled teens. If a teenager does not feel like talkiing to the adults around them but is experiencing emotional distress, encourage a call or chat to TELL.

Want to read more about TIPS? Here is the latest issue of our newspaper, The Wolverine, and back issues, too.

TIPS is the small and supportive international school in the Futako-Tamagawa area.

Email: tips@tokyoips.com
Website: https://www.tokyoips.com/
Location: 1-5-20 Kamata, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0077
Phone: 03-5717-0511
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tokyoips

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoips/