On Saturday, November 8, we all gathered early at school to prepare for the Community Celebration Day. Side by side, helping each other in true YIS community spirit. The teachers, Service Coordinators, and PTSA Service Team helped our wonderful students set up their initiatives for Community Service Learning in the gym. The children are constantly extending their reach and learning new skills in marketing, planning, accounting, communication, and advocacy, as well as many other areas.
I learned so much in my role as a PTSA Service Coordinator last year and from my wonderful fellow members of the Service Team. Now, as a Board member, I’m learning even more about education, strategy, and future trends.
Ever since our very first Food Fair at the Yamate Campus, it has been wonderful to contribute and get to know new people and families, enjoy the music performances, and see all the great ideas from our hardworking students, teachers, PTSA, and community. This year, we shared pens, laughs, taste tests, and a table with our neighbors at the Japan and Alumni stalls. We all joined in the 三本締め (sanbon jime clapping) each time they made a sale—just like at the local Tori-no-Ichi festival. It was so much fun together!
We came to YIS from middle school seven years ago, after living in the U.S., New Zealand, Spain, and Bermuda, and after attending local Japanese school. My son has thrived academically, as well as in sports and clubs like Model United Nations. We have such a supportive community and environment at YIS—it has always felt like family to us.
I serve on the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. We have an incredible team, building trust and working collaboratively. Our strength is our people and the wide range of experience we bring. I am an interpreter and have worked in and with government, and we are all working toward the same shared purpose—the children, our school, and the best possible learning and working environment for them and for our dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff.
I’ve loved being a Class Parent, Mentor, Library Volunteer, and PTSA Service Team member and Coordinator, as well as joining in parent activities such as kintsugi, cooking, and the Happy Parents Choir. I’ve also enjoyed volunteering on the Dragon’s Den panel, giving a keynote speech for Model UN, and helping with the Dragon Cheer Squad BBQ—where great parents, teachers, and Dragon Council students provided food and hospitality for our sports teams and visiting schools at AISA, WJAA, and other tournaments. In everything, it’s the people, the connection, and the collaboration with our community that have meant the most. Please come join us!
I love our school—its committed teachers, wonderful students, and the caring community that brings us together. I look forward to meeting and welcoming you soon, if you haven’t already been made welcome.
Stay kind and help each other!
Kind regards,
Danelle Sofuku
Board of Directors Member