Valentine’s with Purpose: Kindness, Creativity, and Giving at Horizon Japan
- David Lundin
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
At Horizon Japan International School in Yokohama, Valentine’s Day isn’t just all about cards or candy. It’s also about the celebration of kindness, creativity, and the connections that make our international school community feel like home.
Across grade levels, students expressed love and appreciation in thoughtful, imaginative ways. Everything from creating handmade gifts to leading charitable acts that reached far beyond the classroom.
Let us show you the blossoms of Valentines
Thoughtful Little Hands: Flower Bouquets in EYP
A Celebration of Diversity
In our Early Years Programme, students participated in a heartwarming Flower Bouquet Workshop led by Ms. Marie, a talented florist and friend of Horizon. With curious hands and joyful hearts, the children selected, arranged, and tied their own mini bouquets using fresh flowers.
These creations were proudly brought home as Valentine’s gifts for parents — simple yet deeply meaningful tokens of appreciation and love.
Thanks to Ms. Marie’s gentle guidance, the students not only explored the beauty of nature, but also learned how small acts can brighten someone’s day.
Classrooms Full of Love:
Throughout the school, students found heartfelt ways to mark the day. Many created handmade Valentine’s cards, participated in class activities focused on appreciation, and shared small acts of kindness with friends and teachers.
Homerooms took the opportunity to reflect on love in all its forms — family, friendship, gratitude, and respect — creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere grounded in Horizon’s values of community and understanding.
Sweet Intentions: Cookie Fundraiser for Earthquake Relief
Our Grade 12 students transformed Valentine’s Day into a moment of action by organizing a cookie fundraiser. Students baked and sold cookies to raise funds for those affected by the recent earthquake in Japan — proving that compassion is a leadership skill. The National Junior Art Honors Society (NJAHS) hosted a special Valentine’s Day fundraiser in the MPR — and it was as heartwarming as it was delicious.
Students from across the school gathered to purchase beautifully decorated cookies, lovingly prepared by the club. Whether gifting to friends, teachers, or treating themselves, each cookie purchase directly supported something greater: the growth of student creativity.
The proceeds went toward future NJAHS projects and art-focused initiatives within the school — helping nurture artistic expression and support the vibrant visual arts community at Horizon.
In a beautiful act of added generosity, part of the fundraiser was also dedicated to supporting earthquake relief effortsin Japan. By blending celebration with service, Horizon students showed how creativity and compassion can go hand in hand.
It was a moving reminder that at Horizon, celebration often comes with purpose.
It was a success!
