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NEW TEACHERS | GUEST SPEAKERS STEALING SURVEY RESULTS ASIJ HS Census on Stealing/October 2005
This census, the result of a collaborative effort by the ASIJ High School Student Council and Faculty Leadership Council, is intended to gather information about all ASIJ HS students' attitudes and suggestions related to theft in the high school. We hope the results will continue to raise awareness about the issue and help identify ways to improve trust, honesty and security in the high school. We appreciate your honest, thoughtful and serious responses.
Please circle the letter corresponding to your answer.
1. In the high school at ASIJ this school year and last school year, how many times have you had something of value stolen from you? (A) none (B) once (C) twice (D) 3 times (E) more than 3 times 60% 22% 11% 3% 2%
2. Do you believe that theft is a problem in the high school at ASIJ? (A)Yes 85% (B) No 14%
3. How concerned are you about something of value to you being stolen at ASIJ? (A) Very 39% (B) Somewhat 55% (C) Not at all 6%
4. Do you believe the current level of theft of valuables in the HS can be reduced? (A)Yes 83% (B) No 16%
5. Do you believe theft of valuables in the HS can be eliminated? (A)Yes 30% (B) No 69%
6. Do you think the HS administration and faculty should do more to solve the problem of theft at ASIJ? (A)Yes 80% (B) No 19%
7. Do you think the students should do more to solve the problem of theft at ASIJ? (A)Yes 92% (B) No 7%
8. When you hear the announcements regarding incidents of theft, how angry do you feel? (A) Very 20% (B) Somewhat 61% (C) Not at all 18%
9. Do you think ASIJ should be a school where students do not have to be concerned with locking up valuables in order to prevent theft? (A)Yes 69% (B) No 18% (C) Don’t care 12% 10. Do you think it’s possible for ASIJ to be a school where students don’t have to lock up valuables? (A)Yes 36% (B) No 55% (C) Don’t care 7%
11. Do you think cameras should be installed in key areas of the high school for the purpose of monitoring thefts (not inside bathrooms or locker rooms)? (A)Yes 37% (B) No 61%
12. Who is more
responsible when unlocked valuables are stolen?
13. What do you think happens to students when they get caught stealing something of value in the high school at ASIJ (A) don’t know (B) nothing (C) expulsion (D) suspension 12% 0% 13% 26% (E) work detail (F) warning (G) depends on circumstances 6% 2% 28% (H) Other 1%
20. If you knew someone was stealing and confidentiality could be guaranteed, would you turn that person in? (A)Yes 63% (B) No 29%
21. Do you feel you have a responsibility to report stealing? (A)Yes 67% (B) No 26%
If you have any additional comments on any questions, please write them below:
Some teacher responses will be put up on the site shortly.
CHARLES PERTWEE Youme A.
Although Pertwee admitted that he is not used to talking in front of many people, when a member from the audience asked why some of his photos are deliberately shot in a slanted angle, he defiantly replied, “Why not?” His provocative character certainly reflects the aesthetic, yet informative nature of his photographs. Pertwee mentioned that working as a photojournalist is not something easy. “I have to admit, I don’t make a lot of money but that’s not really my main concern anymore.” He encourages people who want to pursue a career in photojournalism to “keep shooting.” “I guess my vision is that, as long as I can produce an image that says something, that’s all that matters.” Check out Charles Pertwee’s work at his self-maintained website: http://www.pertwee.com/index.html
Juan Amigo (Spanish) Came from: Berlin Favorite... food: anything Thai movie/book: Fargo holiday: fiestas of San Juanes when bonfires are lit all over Spain. thing about ASIJ so far: the students phrase or quote: “Hombre refranero, hombre puňatero” sport/club/activity in high school: I was too busy having fun to join any clubs.
Glenda Baker (Art) Came from: Melbourne, Australia Favorite... food: Gorgonzola movie/book: The Matrix, 1984 holiday: Australia Day thing about ASIJ so far: The construction site phrase or quote: “howyagoinmatey?” sport/club/activity in high school: Drummer in a Sex Pistols cover band
Jennifer Calvillo (Art) Came from: Myanmar (Burma) Favorite... food: My husband’s food--he’s a good chef! movie/book: Alice in Wonderland holiday: Full Moon Day--a holiday in Myanmar thing about ASIJ so far: The way the faculty and students work together, and how everything is professional but fun! phrase or quote: sport/club/activity in high school: Drama – I was Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Julie Dean (English) Came from: Montgomery County, Washington, D.C. Favorite... food: Thai green curry movie/book: My Best Friend’s Wedding, the Lovely Bones holiday: Christmas thing about ASIJ so far: The freedom to be who you are. phrase or quote: “The true test of literature is how passionately we live our lives for having read it.” sport/club/activity in high school: School newspaper, Candy Striper
Heather Emmons Came from: Hawaii Favorite... food: Chocolate covered almonds movie: Finding Nemo holiday: Christmas thing about ASIJ so far: The nice people phrase or quote: “so pretty and popular” sport/club/activity in high school: Environmental Club, musical, theatre, volleyball, soccer, tennis
Becky Gessert (Social Studies) Came from: Los Angeles Favorite... food: Anything fried! movie/book: The Graduate, Hamlet holiday: Summer break thing about ASIJ so far: The people phrase or quote: “I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well”--Diane Ackerman sport/club/activity in high school: Band, drama
Kaori Hakone (Japanese) Came from: Australia and Osaka Favorite... food: pasta movie/book: Dead Poet’s Society holiday: Summer thing about ASIJ so far: Student unity and support phrase or quote: “Niko niko suru” (to smile) sport/club/activity in high school: swimming, softball, basketball, girl scouts
Abigail Hawkins (SRC assistant) Came from: Yale University New Haven, Connecticut. Favorite... food: Cheese and bread. movie/book: Napoleon Dynamite, A Hundred Years of Solitude. holiday:Christmas. thing about ASIJ so far: The students and their enthusiasm and energy. sport/club/activity in high school: All genres of dancing, especially ballet, modern, tap and jazz dancing.
Kyoko Inahara (Japanese) Came from: Singapore Favorite... food: Iver’s clam chowder movie/book: Dead Poet’s Soceity holiday: Christmas thing about ASIJ so far: The atmosphere phrase or quote: “GO!” sport/club/activity in high school: Volleyball, mountain climbing even in the hairiest mountains!
Mark Johnson (Social Studies) Came from: Los Angeles. Favorite... food: In and Out Burger. No other kinds of burgers, just In and Out burgers. movie/book: The Godfather holiday: Memorial Day since it’s close to the end of the school year! thing about ASIJ so far: How everyone is so friendly. phrase or quote: “SHUT UP!” (I only use this in my classes) sport/club/activity in high school: Basketball.
Ann Lee (Guidance Counselor) Came from: Kuala Lumpur Favorite... food: Salads and Haagen Dazs ice cream—haha, I chose things that don’t make me gain weight! books: Colleges That Change Lives and Maiden Voyages (both books) holiday: Any holiday that requires traveling thing about ASIJ so far: I really enjoy the music out in the courtyard! phrase or quote: I have two very profound quotes that I like: sport/club/activity in high school: I really enjoyed ski team though when I lived in Switzerland.
David Rynerson (English) Came from:International School of Beijing Favorite... food: Sushi and Chinese food. I also like to cook--I’m a big griller movie/book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and One Hundred Years of Solitude holiday: Thanksgiving thing about ASIJ so far: The kids and how they are so willing, open-minded, and driven phrase or quote: “Majide” I just learned that recently. Oh, and also “Take it easy, but take it.” sport/club/activity in high school: I was also in a teacher band called the “Red Bean Ramblers” when I taught in Beijing.
John Smith (Athletic Director) Came from: The International School In Kuala Lumpur. Favorite... food: My mother’s homemade meat pie (using beef)! movie/book: Star Wars Episode IV holiday: Summer thing about ASIJ so far The kids. They’re wonderful! phrase or quote: “Everyone has to work” sport/club/activity in high school: I participated in rugby, soccer, a little bit of drama, and student council when I was in high school.
Youme A. Amnesty International is an organization devoted to the enforcement of human justice around the world. The club's primary goal for this year is to continually raise awareness and advocate human rights throughout the ASIJ community. “We’re focusing mainly on women’s rights, actions against the death penalty, and torture,” explains Rie U. (grade 12), leader of the club. Previously, members have petitioned world leaders (including President George W. Bush, the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, etc…) that urge countries’ governments of concern to free prisoners arbitrarily jailed without trial or representation. The phrase “Amnesty works!” shows the success of these petitions—there are numerous cases of freed inmates or avoidance of the death penalty for unjustly convicted individuals. The club also raises awareness through music. Last year, club supervisor, Mr. Ingebritson’s personal friend, “Rattlesnake Annie” (fellow musician and a personal friend of folk singer Willie Nelson) performed for the high school. In addition, Amnesty will be selling pink Women’s Rights bracelets (similar to the Save Darfur bracelets), and eco-friendly bags designed in collaboration with The Body Shop. Amnesty also plans to sell baked goods with P.R.O. and UNICEF throughout the year and will be asking students to sign letters during activity period, Holiday Happening, and at the Battle of the Bands. Hopefully, ASIJ will become more involved with this political and humanitarian organization.
Amnesty works! Check out Amnesty's website www.amnesty.org to find out what you can do to protect human rights ANIMAL ADVOCATES Sonya H.
Animal Advocates, a group of animal lovers with a mission, has many activities planned for this year. From fund-raisers and adopt-an-animal at Holiday Happening, to volunteering at shelters, members of this club have shown an immense amount of dedication. This year’s club advisor will once again be Pennell Sensei. Her love of animals and student devotions led her to take charge of this club many years ago. This club is for anyone who loves animals and is willing to take time to be involved in various activites. Mrs. Pennell believes that students in this club appreciate the gift of kindness, and become responsible, devoted students. Animal Advocates hold meetings twice a month, and more frequently right before a fund-raiser. Anyone who is willing to attend, or even donate supplies, such as newspapers and blankets, please do so. CHOCHIN (Yearbook) Youme A. “Let’s do something that no previous Chochin group has ever done before!” editor Margaret Z. (12), exclaimed last summer. “Can we make the cover pink?” Indeed, students and teachers alike can anticipate a completely unique design and layout for the 2005~2006 school yearbook. Along with Margaret, Youme A., Emily C., Nicole T., and Head Editor Michael T. (all grade 12), have already met several times to discuss the future of the book. Traditionally, previous yearbooks have been black with Asian gold that represent the school colors with a touch of Japanese sophistication. However, this year’s book “will be something special,” explains Michael. The editors are fortunate this year, to be under the artistic wings of three savvy supervisors. Ms. Noll (last year’s full-year and this year’s half-year supervisor) has embraced the editors’ radical vision of “the new book” and will be collaborating with them until December. The new art teacher Ms. Baker, hopes to provide inspiration for the aesthetic aspects of the book. Finally, Ms. Calvillo, the new photography teacher will be lending her keen eyes to specialize with the camera crew. Not only will the appearance and the staff of the yearbook significantly alter, the structure of the club itself will be modified as well. This year, the club will be divided into two groups; the photographers and the writers/page-makers. One is also given the option to participate by season. For example, a student can join in the fall, but also try out for a winter sport the next season. Of course, all-year-rounders are welcome. Although explicit descriptions and appearance of the yearbook will not be frivolously publicized, one can expect an uniquely published compilation of memories, exclusive to that of the 2005~2006 school year. And no, Margaret, the cover will not be pink.
Last year's editors working on layout. COSA Nicole T.
Are you interested in serving your community
directly?
HABITAT: New Leaders, New Destination Kara C. Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." If this is true, then Habitat for Humanity members have long since left others in the dust on the trail of self-discovery. Habitat for Humanity
focuses on raising money to build a house for the needy. Each year, a small
group of students is able to participate in the actual building process.
Jack F., the new enthusiastic leader of the club, explained to me that
Habitat is awesome because you can really see the difference you are making.
He says, “I feel like I’m actually doing
something.” New teacher Mr. Johnson will be working
with the club as well.
This year, members of Habitat for Humanity will be working hard in the Philippines to build a house according to the three guiding principles of all Habitat houses: “simple, decent, affordable.” Mr. Fee, club advisor, revealed that the trip will take place the same week as JUMP. About sixteen to twenty active members of Habitat will be able to attend, and they will be decided in the near future, as the club needs to buy the airline tickets as soon as possible. Those members who do not go on the trip will be able to contribute a great deal to the club by participating in a variety of sales and activities that will be held throughout the year. Whitney S. working in Thailand last year LIBRARY BOOK CLUB Emily C. The Library Book Club
will have their first meeting on Friday, September 16 in the
Conference Room. The book they will be discussing is the newest i The club advisor is Mrs. Hayakawa, and is led by seniors Kathy H. and Emily C. The club plans to have several bake sales this year, as well as more meetings than in the past. Discussions are to be held about every other month. Next in line, after Harry Potter, is the classic The Phantom of the Opera. If you are interested, go to the front desk of the library to sign out a copy. MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Liz R.
Are you completely amazed when you see Jackie Chan or Bruce
Lee kick butt on the big screen? Now you can kick some butt of your own by
joining MUSE Ben T. MUSE, which is an acronym for "MUsician's Staged Entertainment," is a school organization that evolved from the early ASIJ Battle of the Bands. Members of MUSE, spend the entire year working exclusively on making the event what it is; a gathering of musicians who come to play music for fun and charity.
Student participants (and band members in particular) can expect, most likely, a new drum set (replacing the old one used for many years), a keyboard, and guitar and bass amp. Not to mention a possible surprise performance at this year's MUSE musical festival. When asked if he had anything else to add, Mr. Neale offered the following: "The MUSE Music Festival is an uncompetitive event that gives the opportunity for hard-working student musicians to perform for the student body. It will no longer be known as Battle of the Bands for this reason, and anyone that calls the festival Battle of the Bands will be shot." So, if you like music, lighting, electronics, instruments or just want to be part of the MUSE music festival, sign up soon. Just don't call it "Battle of the Bands". PRO – Making Dreams Come True Jun P. The
2005-2006 year marks the 22nd year of the Philippine Relief
Organization, or PRO for short. Every year PRO organizes and holds
activities to raise money to be sent to the Philippines. Most notable among
the events are “Charity Bingo,” in which various prizes can be won by
students who participate for a fee. PRO also successfully runs the “Cotton
Candy booth” during Holiday Happening and and in addition also regularly
hold bake sales every week that are arguably the best among all the clubs. With all the money that it raises, PRO sends money to feed 700 underprivileged young students daily Buyong Elementary at School on Cebu Island. Last year PRO was able to send $3,200 to the effort. PRO also provides funds for medicine to be available at a local community health center in Buyong Village. Finally, the club also sponsors a college studentSwith scholarship money to be able to attend college that they otherwise do not have the money to attend. So what can you do to help the club? PRO is always looking for new members so why not join and get a feeling of satisfaction that you are making a difference in other people’s lives? You can also help out the club by buying from their regularly-held bake sales which are said by students to be “very good.” Eating something tasty and helping someone in the process? Certainly sounds like a good deal to me. SAIL - ASIJ Spirit On the Loose Christine K. Raincoats, gloves, hats, tricycles, beach balls, flippers, skirts (on guys), a bleacher filled with distinctive color blocks and basketballs. A peculiar combination? Not exactly. These wacky items were props at a typical SAIL assembly last year. SAIL (Student Assistant Intervention Liaison) promotes community building, which in turn leads to school spirit. Ms. Lanier, the coordinator of this program, was truly pleased at the outcome of its first year commenting that “There was such great participation in a variety of activities and also enthusiasm from the school.” Despite the already increasing school spirit, Ms. Lanier’s goal this year is to create even more activities during assemblies as well as after school. The success of last year’s Dodgeball Tournament has led enthusiastic students to ask for the formulation of another one early in the school year - Oct. 5. Although in its second year, SAIL together with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions, not Drunk Driving!), provides a variety of services - alternative counseling source, guest speakers, community service, fun activities, and a colorful addition to the hallways with its attractive posters and balloons.
A spur of creativity with umbrellas at the first SAIL Assembly. The first assembly was held in the gym on Friday, Sept. 9. Despite moans and groans from heat exhaustion, students were entertained with the wacky games, performances, and creative information session. Even those who did not participate shook the bleachers with their school spirit. STUDENT COUNCIL Sonya H.
The Student Council advisors this year will be
Mrs. Hoskins and Mrs. Devitt. Both advisors have a lot of respect for the
Student Council, and believe that it is
important to have student representation because after all, who understands
teenagers better STUDENT FORUM Clark G.
“The Student Forum’s main
objective is to provide a platform for a
wide variety of discussions.” These discussions are held with Mrs
Krauth in the Conference Room during lunch rather than Activity Period to
avoid conflict wit It is true that most Forum meetings are used to discuss various world (or local) issues relating to topics such as politics or religion. But the club is also very proactive and participates in its share of projects as well. These projects range from debates to fund-raisers. Victims in Darfur One of the huge, ongoing goals of the Student Forum is to “raise awareness about the current state of Darfur”. Most people have never heard of Darfur (a region in the country of Sudan) and that is exactly why the Student Forum is valiantly trying to spread consciousness of issues such as genocide, starvation, and ongoing Civil War that face the area. Last year, the club sold green silicon bracelets (with great success) as a fund-raiser and awareness-raiser in this cause. On top of that, the club made posters and wrote letters to US Senators among other things to help “Save Darfur”. SPORTS VIDEO CLUB Clark G. Every sports season ends with a banquet and award ceremony. But it’s not the food or the hardware that draws a crowd. The unveiling of the new Sports Video is what draws the crowd. “Everyone gets hyped up for the sports video,” said two-sport athlete Hee Sung E. The objective of the club
is very simple: take highlights of the sports season and set it to music.
Despite the work it takes, the end result is astounding. The ability of the club members to churn out video after video with no drop off in quality is nothing short of amazing. With that kind of talent combined with the guidance of Club Advisor Mr. Gotterson, the Sports Video Club will continue to amaze with the professional caliber of their work.
CHEERLEADING Liz. R.
CROSS COUNTRY - ASIJ Running to Victory - Again Kara C. In rain or shine, ASIJ’s cross country team never stops running, with Coaches Tenney and Clark leading the way. This should be a great year, according to Coach Tenney. There is an amazingly talented assortment of freshmen, a strong girls’ team (as usual), and, in the coach’s words, “maybe the best boys’ team since I’ve been coaching.” It may just be the year that the boys’ team beats St. Mary’s! Although Brooke and Janna, the girls’ best runners last year, have graduated, the team remains optimistic about their skills and their chances of winning. It should be a very interesting season. The cross country team used to go to Far East tournaments every other year, but now they will be attending a tournament every year, competing against other international schools. One great thing about this change is that the team can now bring five people to compete in the tournament, instead of just four. Another is, of course, that it means an annual trip to Guam! Cross Country meets take place Saturday mornings at Tama Hills. Come and support the team!
Girls’ Team: Grade 12 – Emily C., Lisa H., Marissa K., Charlene L., Satsuki U. Grade 11 – Marika M., Anna O., Mary P., Yayori T. Grade 10 – Tomoko A., Luna K., Julie M., Rina S., Hikaru Y. Grade 9 – Wynne C., Elicia C., Erin M., Eleanor O., Jennifer S.
Boys’ Team: Grade 12 – Shin B., Zachary G., Timothy M., Scott M., Michael T. Grade 11 – Miles A., Ray K., Bryan K., Rodolfo V. Grade 10 – Carson E., Kotaro H., Nick O., Ryo T.
Grade 9 – Bobby
A., Skip H., Sean H., Christopher K., Robert R., Ian S.
The girls’ team preparing to run on September 10th FOOTBALL: Pre-Season Outlook Jun P. ASIJ Mustangs: (1-7) Key additions - Cody Mizuno (OL/DL), Kent Gibson (WR/RB) Key losses - Nathan Tanaka (RB/LB), Adam Sherman (LB), Blake McCollum (OL/LB), Ben Bishop (QB) Key players - Shawn Seevers (QB), Timmy Jaccobson (OL/DL), Rafai Eddy (WR/DB/K) Yokota Panthers: (9-0) Key additions - Doug Bloom (QB), James Scott (OL/DL), Jacob Riddle (OL/DL), Jason Ricks (DB) Key losses - Chris Roach (RB), Shawn Novak (QB) Key players - Doug Bloom (QB), Scott Monahan (RB), Corey Sykes (OL/DL), Rickey Cabral (TE) Kinnick Red Devils: (6-2) Key additions - Key losses - Leonard Lynce (RB/LB), Richie Korth (QB), Jarvis Williams (RB), Adam Krievs (FB/LB) Key players - Yamato Cibulka (RB), Robert Barton (TE), Richard Lute (OL/DL), Jonathan Santos (WR) Zama Trojans: (3-5) Key additions - Ben Bishop (QB) Key losses - Donovan Nance (ATH), Chris Johnson (FB), David Burnett (OL/DL) Key players - Ben Bishop (QB), Carlos Walters (DL), Quincy Howard (RB), Quenton Howard (RB) Edgren Eagles: (2-6) Key additions - David Leh (FB/LB), Jacob Mullinax (OL/DL) Key losses - Woody Carter (ATH) Key players - Victor Lee (RB), Darren Hall (WR), Patrick Pezoulas (K), Josh Ray (QB)
FOOTBALL: Confident Heading into ‘05 With the season opener against Kinnick just around the corner, the Mustangs are primed, and ready for the challenge of a new year. “This team has more potential this year than any team in a long time,” said Coach Seevers. It is no secret: the last few years of Mustang football have been a disappointment... and that’s being kind. However, with a veteran squad (losing only four seniors to graduation) ASIJ prepares to rise up from the ashes toward a successful new season.
The Mustangs’ biggest hole is at linebacker, where all four starters have departed. But despite lack of experience at this position, ASIJ makes up for it in depth and raw talent. Three experienced offensive players (Scotty B, Ben C, and Shin B) look to fill in these vacated spots along with Liaghn M who played some linebacker last year. These four will not be alone as Andrew H and Robin L will provide depth at this position. Another reason the team has great potential is the new found depth on both offensive and defensive lines. The “O-Line” returns four of five starters, giving Shawn S a bit more security at quarterback. On defense, the line returns three of four and has Tyler C (who split time at defensive tackle last year) moving outside to end. Overall, the line is stacked in comparison to past seasons and because of the talent in back-up players, not just on the line but throughout the team, fatigue shouldn’t be a big factor this year. TENNIS TEAM Optimistic for 2005-2006 Season Ben T. The 2005-2006 season marks a new point in the history of ASIJ tennis. After coaching the tennis team on and off for 25 years, Coach Ron Dirkse has finally retired. Mrs. Carr, will be returning this season as head coach. Ms. Hawkins of the SRC will be acting as assistant coach. When asked what changes she had in mind for the varsity tennis team, she replied, “This year we will spend more time on improving the mental and physical aspects of playing tennis.” A new season and
new head coach also marks the beginning of a new training schedule. "When we
can't play tennis on the courts, we're going to be jogging in the park,
working in the weight room, doing aerobics, and building our mental game,"
said Mrs. Carr. In a league competing with schools such as St. Mary's and
Sacred Heart, it is vital for all players to continually be training even if
that doesn't necessarily mean being on the court.
When asked if the tennis team would be going to Far East this year, Mrs. Carr replied, "Unfortunately, the ASIJ tennis team will not be attending the Far East tournament due to complications with the bases." She did say however that the varsity team would nonetheless be competing in the Kanto Plains tournament and the Asian Pacific Invitational. A new season, head coach, training schedule, and many returning varsity players will hopefully be the key ingredients to a winning team this year. VOLLEYBALL Nicole T. “They’re awesome!” exclaimed Coach Lanier as she described her freshly-picked varsity players. “They’ve got lots of skill, enthusiasm and great attitudes,” she added. This year’s varsity team is comprised of five returning players and four new players including one freshmen. The varsity team hopes to put up a good match against rival CAJ and become the only league champions [they were tied as league champions for the last two years]. Their first home game is on Friday, September 16 against Kinnick. The JV team is brimming with talent and leadership. With 6 returnees, they are off to a great start. Their new coach, Ms. Rogers is excited for the season “I look forward to getting to know each of my players better and enjoying pasta salad with them.” A feature of this year’s JV team is that they are deep in setting due to three very talented setters. Look forward to an action-packed season with regular season games and friendlies with CAJ, and JV tournament hosted by ASIJ on November 5. The JVB team is also looking great this year as the team consists of many talented young freshmen and returnees. Coach Emmons is pumped up for their first game against CAJ on September 23.
FALL PLAY - Of Comings and Of Goings Christine K. The airport - a large
structure filled with laughter, tears, joy, anger, resentment, and
heart-breaks. Living in an international community, many of us leave
and enter through one common ‘port’ - Narita Airport. This year’s Fall
Play captures the array of emotions displayed as people enter and leave this
gateway. Departures and Arrivals, written by Carol Shields,
is an entertaining yet emotion-filled play involving many different scenes
and people. Each scene will focus on an individual’s life, rather
similar to the British Christmas romance-comedy, Love Actually.
Mrs. Onions first watched this play performed at the Canadian Academy in Kobe several years ago. Recently, over the summer, the director of this play worked at ASIJ’s Summer Day Camp and gave her a copy of the script. Besides Mrs. Onions’ pure enthusiasm for this production, she comments that its relevance to ASIJ’s community is significant as the airport is a familiar ground to many people. This year, the play will be held on Nov. 3, at 3:30 p.m., Nov. 4, 7 p.m., and Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. Since the play is suited for all ages, familes can conveniently watch the play on Saturday, and head downtown for dinner after. So, head on down to the MPR on one of these days, and you might just catch ASIJ’s Hugh Grant in action! HOMECOMING Youme A. Last year’s homecoming was
perhaps an exclusive experience for many—there was no court; no nominated
homecoming On October 15, the homecoming celebration will begin with the fall family picnic (from 9:00am~about 4:00pm) where people can enjoy numerous school festivities such as the crowning of the homecoming court (hopefully), the JV and Varsity football games (will they score another victory on the opportune day?), and if we’re lucky, we may catch Mr. Benes driving a white Mustang convertible seating the king and queen. The football team will be playing against a ferocious opponent, the Yokota Panthers this year, but Faith (also a manager for the Varsity team) is hopeful for another homecoming win. “Even though Yokota is top in the league now, our team has a good turn out of boys this year in numbers and talent so hopefully we’ll try our best.” The school-spirited festivities will end with the homecoming dance, which lasts from 7:30pm~11:00pm. Although the theme for the dance is not yet decided, we can anticipate some dazzling decorations in the dance hall and the background for the photo-shoots. Come out and enjoy the homecoming celebration on Saturday, October 15! PEER COUNSELORS Help Out at New Student Orientation Emily C. Two major events, the New Student Orientation and Freshman Orientation, kept the Peer Counselors busy well before the first day of school. Clad in pink polo shirts, Peer Connection helped introduce new students and freshmen to the high school. On August 24, the Peer Counselors picked up about 90 new students at their late bus stops at 9 am. Each group then made their way over to the Early Learning Center in Roppongi. There, everyone took part in various get-to-know-each other games, enjoying snacks and drinks in the meantime. The freshmen, sophomores and juniors stopped by landmarks on the way back to school, while the seniors got a tour of the Roppongi area. After Subway lunches in the courtyard, the new students took tests for language and math class placement.
On Locker Day, the
freshmen gathered in the gym for a few group activities before signing up
for their lockers. The Peer Counselors led group discussions on topics such
as what they did this summer, what they are looking forward to in high
school, and what their goals were. The freshmen also had time to simply hang
out and talk, and get to know a few new faces.
As the year progresses, Peer Connection will be involved in various activities, including assisting the Elementary and Middle School Peer Helpers, visiting 8th grade health classes, helping new students, and giving tours to college reps. They will be meeting on a regular basis, during activity periods on Mondays. Aside from training and planning, PC’s will also gather occaisionally as a support group on evenings after school. The goal of Peer Connection is to provide support for students new to the high school, as well as work together as a team and provide support for each other.
Nice to meet you!
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On
Monday, October 24, 2005, students of the photography and publication
classes were fortunate to welcome Charles Pertwee, a free-lance photo
journalist whose work appears in several publications such as the New
York Times and Time magazine. In his presentation, a shy Pertwee
shared some of his photography and traveling experiences while reflecting
upon his philosophy on photojournalism. In documenting the tsunami in Aceh,
Pertwee asserted that, “I avoid editing my pictures because you just can’t
edit what you saw and what’s happening.” He also mentioned that traveling to
dangerous place such as Afghanistan and West Bank is a privilege and his
duty. “It’s my job to capture the destitution in these areas on photograph
and hopefully to open people’s eyes. When I’m old and look back on my work,
I want to say that ‘yeah, I took some photographs that opened people’s eyes
and hopefully changed their perspective of the world’.” 
If so, COSA may be the perfect service club for you. Community
Oriented Service Action (COSA) is planning fundraisers and fun activities
for this school year. The club will continue to hold bake sales to
raise money for TILC and to make riceballs at the Franciscan Chapel on
weekends. COSA will also spend some activity periods/lunches playing
with kids from TILC. In addition,, the club will host the
Lost-and-Found Sale, the Battle of the Bands concert, and Charity Bingo in
collaboration with PRO. This year’s club leaders are Youme A., Zach
G., Kathy H., Mana S., Cassie V., and Calvin Y. The club meets twice
every three weeks. 
than other
teenagers? This year, they hope that there will be a higher percentage of
student participation. Mrs. Hoskins stated that all students have to do is
to tune into Blackboard and check up on meetings. Sounds easy enough. So who
is qualified to run for Student Council? “Someone who is motivated and ready
to make a commitment. Leadership skills are also good”, states Mrs. Devitt.
Both advisors believes that Student Council is an opportunity for students
to speak up. They also added that they like to interact with students on a
more personal level. Their only concerns are whether or not the elections
are ‘fair’ or just a popularity contest. They’re looking for ways to improve
the system. 
h other
clubs.
It
sounds simple enough, but the task at hand is anything but easy. “There have
been a lot of late nights trying to finish it all,” said one member.
But for all of the work and late-nights the end result is very gratifying.
“It’s exciting to hear people cheering on stuff that you created,” said
another member, “It really makes all the hard work you put in worth it.”
Got
Mustang spirit? This year’s cheerleaders sure do! Although the JV players,
Shelly A., Tiina A., Ryann C., Rebecca D., Mei F., Hana T., are relatively
new this year, they seem eager to try new things and Ms. Inohara is excited
to see how the new team will progress. The varsity team this year consists
of Rika A., Cinthia A., Ellen B., Lima K., Jordan S., Rei T., Meagan W., and
Mana S., who are very keen on trying new moves and new stunts, with safety
in mind of course. They seem to have a good attitude about cheerleading and
are taking it seriously. Inohara sensei really hopes that mroe
students will show up at their homes games this year. After all,
cheerleaders need people to cheer them on too!
While
there is no question the defense will miss team captains Nathan T, Adam S,
Gino B, and Blake M, the Mustangs have many returning players that are
willing (and able) to fill their shoes.
queen, king, princess, nor prince. Instead, “king and queen” were determined
by the “best dancers”. Will this year be another of breaking traditions? Not
to fear. Homecoming committee leader Faith S. assures us that, “there will
be a court this year, unless some idiots try to make a joke out of it
again.” 
