September in Review: A Month of Connection, Creativity, and Community

September at Horizon Japan International School wasn't just about settling in—it was about taking off! From our youngest learners exploring their artistic talents to our seniors preparing for life beyond graduation, the past month has been packed with meaningful learning, spirited competition, and community building.

Here is a comprehensive look at the highlights that defined our September.

🤝 Building Our Community: Nights to Remember

We started the month strong by opening our doors for Curriculum Nights. These evenings are the heartbeat of our home-school partnership.

• Primary & Early Years: Parents had the chance to step into the shoes of their children, exploring learning spaces and hearing directly from teachers about the year's inquiries.

• Secondary: On September 10th, our Secondary families gathered to dive into the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, setting the stage for a year of rigorous academic growth.

The community spirit continued to soar with the launch of the 2025-2026 PTA. We are thrilled to announce that nearly 20 parents attended the first meeting, successfully electing a new Board (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary) and numerous Class Representatives. Plans are already in the works for Sports Days, Movie Nights, and fundraising initiatives!

🎓 Academic Deep Dives: Inside the Classroom

Our students didn't just open textbooks; they engaged with the world around them.

In Primary:

• Early Years: Our littlest Hawks turned the hallways into a gallery, displaying vibrant "lines" paintings that explored color and form.

• Grade 1: Writing became delicious as students tackled their "How To" unit by writing instructions for—and then making!—PB&J sandwiches.

• Grade 3 & 4: While Grade 3 began preparations for Sports Day, Grade 4 found inspiration through a session with a visiting artist, sparking their own creativity.

• Grade 5: Students learned the power of empathy and initiative during a visit from Emre, an HJIS alumnus and NPO founder, who shared insights on making a difference in the world.

In Secondary:

• Grade 8 Individuals and Societies: Students investigated the lasting impact of Japan's three great unifiers—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—to understand how the past shapes the present. Working collaboratively, they analyzed the accomplishments and setbacks of these historical figures to evaluate their leadership styles and legacies.

• Grade 10 Math: Who said math has to stay on paper? Students brought parabolas to life through hands-on activities in the library, visualizing quadratic functions in the real world.

• Grade 11 Design: Our Grade 11 students have been working hands-on with mechanical product design, exploring how concepts in physics and design technology can be applied in practical ways.

🚀 Student Life & Wellbeing

Beyond academics, September saw the launch of several initiatives designed to support student success and well-being.

• Breakfast Club: We introduced a new "Breakfast Club" for Secondary students during Period 0. This initiative provides healthy fruit, a space to organize planners for the week, and a chance to build positive morning routines.

• Alumni Connections: We welcomed back Kako (Class of 2024), who led a powerful session for current Grade 12s. She shared pro-tips on using apps like Structured for time management and spoke about the importance of consistency and stress management.

• Extended Library Hours: To support our seniors, the library is now open until 6:15 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, providing a quiet haven for study and collaboration.

• CAS Showcase: Our Secondary students dazzled the community at the Service Fair, presenting their Creativity, Activity, and Service projects. From new clubs to individual initiatives, the leadership on display was inspiring.

🏐 Go Hawks! Sports & Activities

The HJIS Hawks are back in action!

• Volleyball Victory: The Girls' Volleyball team started their season with a bang, securing a decisive victory against KAIS. The teamwork and spirit on the court were electrifying.

• Clubs Galore: After-School Programs are in full swing. Whether it's the Liverpool Football Academy, Taiko drumming, Robotics, or the student-led Cooking Club (culinary adventures await!), there is truly something for everyone.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

🔜 Looking Ahead

As we wrap up an incredible September, we look forward to the Clothing Drive in October and the upcoming Spirit Week to celebrate our school pride.

Thank you to our teachers, parents, and students for making this first month one for the books. Let's keep the momentum going!