International School of the Sacred Heart

Infobox School
name = International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)
image
image size =
accreditation = WASC & CIS
established = 1908
type = Private
grades = K-12
headteacher = Yvonne Hayes
free_label = Principal of Kindergarten/Junior School
free_text = Shirley Lane
free_label2 = Principal of Middle School
free_text2 = Narelle English
free_label3 = Principal of High School
free_text3 = Charmaine Young
religion = Catholic
staff = (Office and Support) 30
faculty = 80
enrollment = 611
colors = Blue and White
mascot = Symba Lion
athletics = Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field, Cross Country Running, Tennis, Soccer
newspaper = The International
location = Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo
country = Japan
website = http://www.issh.ac.jp/

International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) is a K-12 school in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1908. As part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools it is affiliated with schools and institutions in 44 countries [ cite web |url=http://www.sofie.org/component/option,com_/Itemid,0/option,content/task,view/id,144/ |title= Network of Sacred Heart International Schools |accessdate=2007-11-27 |format=.HTML] :

About the school

The International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) is a multicultural Catholic school although it welcomes students and families from many faiths. The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds are for boys and girls, while grades 1-12 are for girls only.ISSH is located in Hiroo, Tokyo was founded in 1908 and belongs to a worldwide network of the Schools of the Sacred Heart [ "International School of the Sacred Heart: Celebrating a Century of Learning", page 2. School Brochure, 2008] .According to the "Good Schools Guide International", "People choose this school for its Christian ethos, its very warm, family atmosphere, its central location on an attractive campus." [http://www.gsgi.co.uk/countries/japan/tokyo/international-school-of-the-sacred-heart?form.submitted=1&country=japan&countryCity=&submit=Go&city=]

Philosophy

The schools philosophy is best defined by the "5 Goals" on which all Sacred Heart Network Schools are committed to [cite web |url=http://www.sofie.org/resources/other/the-goals-and-criteria-of-sacred-heart-education.html |title= The Goals and Criteria for Sacred Heart Schools in the United States |accessdate=2007-11-27 |format=.HTML] .

# Faith That is Relevant in Today's World
# A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values
# A Social Awareness Which Impels to Action
# The Building of Community as a Christian Value
# Personal Growth in an Atmosphere of Wise Freedom

The Sacred Heart network of schools use this common set of goals to describe their aims in respect to the development of the whole person: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Students are encouraged to share with others, to adopt an outlook that respects the needs of others, and inculcates service as a natural part of life.

ISSH seeks to encourage a critical and reflective view of the values of society, to foster and sharpen an awareness of the problems of injustice and provides opportunities for effective action where possible. The school aims to provide an experience in diversity, which is designed to foster an understanding and appreciation of various races, religions and cultures, and especially the heritage of Japan itself.

History

The International School of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo is one of an international group of schools and colleges under the direction of the religious of the Sacred Heart.

The Society of the Sacred Heart was founded in Amiens, France on November 21, 1800, by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat to meet the needs of a particular form of education for girls in a changing world. Liberal tendencies of thought, social upheavals and innumerable civil revolutions made it increasingly clear that women would assume added influence and importance in the future.

It was in response to this fast-changing social climate that Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat founded her educational system. Based on unchanging principles, it was aimed at the development of the spiritual, intellectual, moral and social qualities necessary to meet the challenge of not only the emerging 19th century, but also those to come.

Although Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s basic principles, founded upon moral concepts, would not change, provision was made for sufficient flexibility in their application to suit future needs.

From its early foundation in France, the Society of the Sacred Heart developed its work for the education of girls in academies and “free schools” throughout Europe. In 1818, the first American convent of the Sacred Heart was established by Saint Philippine Duchesne in St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.A. At the same site, the first free school in the United States west of the Mississippi was also established.

By May 25, 1865, the date of the Foundress’ death, the Society numbered 3,500 Religious Sisters and 111 schools in Europe and America. Today, over 4,000 Religious Sisters conduct almost 200 institutes of learning in 35 countries.

Celebrating a Century of Learning

The 2007–2008 academic school year was designated as the Centennial Year when ISSH celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the coming of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart to Japan. It marks the 100th year of their service through education to the international community of Tokyo. This fine tradition of educating young women began with the order’s founder, St. Madeleine Sophie, and has been continued by a long line of dedicated sisters and lay persons here in Japan.

ISSH celebrated a century of learning with events ranging from:
# A special Centennial liturgy.
# An Oxfam charity 100km walk by Team Symbas - Sports coaches.
# Unearthing a Time capsule buried by the graduating class of 1983.
# Fancy dress from 100 years in the future.
# A hundredth school day celebration.
# "Homecoming" dinner for Gogakko & ISSH alumnae.

Curriculum

The International School of the Sacred Heart offers a core curriculum that aims to provide the basis of a sound liberal education designed to develop the whole person. The curriculum is drawn from International curricula that is continually being broadened to include current best practices from around the world. Special programs such as the Advanced Placement and English as a Second Language are crucial components of the school’s academic life. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides an extensive course for students whose first language is other than English, and who need support in achieving English Language competency.

Instruction at the school is in English, Languages including French and Japanese are offered. The testing program includes the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the SAT, and the International Schools Assessment.

The activities program includes athletics, drama, music, as well as competition in sports, intellectual and artistic fields, mainly in the Kanto Plains Association of Schools. Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 faculty meet approximately every week to discuss curriculum articulation and balance, student learning outcomes, content, skills, assessments, teaching strategies, and learning experiences.

Kindergarten and Junior School (Kindergarten-Grade 4)

The curriculum in the Kindergarten and Junior School (KG/JS) includes an integrated balanced literacy language arts program, (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), mathematics, science and social studies that are integrated through the International Primary Curriculum. Our values education is respectful of various religious backgrounds and is integrated into our curriculum. Art, languages (French or Japanese for Grades 3 and 4), Japanese culture (K-Grade 4), library, music, physical education, and technology are important areas of our curriculum. We also have a strong English as a Second Language program and enrichment support for students demonstrating need. Integration of skills and thematic teaching occurs throughout the curriculum. Instruction includes strategies in multiple intelligences, learning styles, cooperative learning and higher order thinking skills.

=Middle School (Grades 5-8)= All Middle School students study English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Drama, Foreign Languages, Music, Options, Personal and Social Education, Physical Education, Pottery and Values. The Grade 5, 6 and 7 students also take Computer courses and Grade 7 students complete a Health class. English as a Second Language and study skills classes are available upon teacher recommendation as part of the admissions process.

High School (Grades 9-12)

The High School offers a highly academic college preparatory program, which enables students to enter colleges throughout the world. Students are encouraged to take the challenging Advanced Placement program. ISSH has an active Creative and Performing Arts department as well as a tightly packed extracurricular program where students can participate in sports, music and drama. The ISSH diploma is granted to students who have earned a minimum of 22 credits and have successfully fulfilled all of the requirements.

tudent Life

The International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH) encourages students to participate in extra-curricular activities and after-school clubs to expand their interests and develop their skills. This is an important aspect of the development of the whole child. Students have an abundance of options available to them such as art clubs, choral festivals, speech competitions, and sporting activities.

ISSH is one of nine schools within Kanto Plain that participates in KPASSP activities. Through these events, Middle and High School students have the opportunity to travel to other schools and interact cooperatively and competitively with students from the Kanto Plain region.

There are approximately 50 nationalities represented within our student body and the diversity of these nationalities is celebrated school wide on One World Day. On this day, students wear their national costumes to school and perform in the One World Day assembly, which culminates in the colorful “Parade of Nations.”

On Japan Day, the entire school celebrates our host country by wearing costumes native to Japan and participating in a variety of courses, which explore some aspect of the Japanese culture. The courses range from Japanese pottery, to kimono dressing, to Ikebana, which are all taught by students, parents and faculty.

Through the school curriculum, students receive instruction in physical education appropriate to their age and developmental level. In addition, Kindergarten and Junior School students are able to participate in a wide range of after-school activities, which are organized and led by the faculty. Middle and High School students (from Grade 6) compete in the Kanto Plain sports leagues. These team sports include cross-country, basketball, volleyball, track and field, soccer and tennis. Out of season, a wide variety of sports clubs are also offered to students. Middle and High School students also present teams for Brainbowl and Math Field Day, and other KPASSP events.

tudent Care and Well Being

A nurse is on duty at all times during the school day and the school is a short distance from two of Tokyo’s major hospitals.

For Kindergarten and Junior School, the classroom teacher plays a pivotal role in the well being of the student. Although Middle and High School homeroom teachers are often the most important source of advice for students, the Middle/High School counselor is also available for those who feel the need to talk to an adult outside of the classroom environment.

Guidance for entry into universities around the world (e.g. Australia, Canada, Europe, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) is provided for university entrance.

At ISSH we also offer an Enrichment program designed to support individual student needs. It is our admission policy to accept students who are performing at or above grade level, however, we recognise that students sometimes need additional support in either meeting our standards or maximising their potential. We use both a pull-out and Inclusion model, as well as providing instruction to individuals and small groups. Students receive support using a variety of methods and materials. The "Good Schools Guide International" siad that "Its traditional atmosphere makes it feel very safe and nurturing." [http://www.gsgi.co.uk/countries/japan/tokyo/international-school-of-the-sacred-heart?form.submitted=1&country=japan&countryCity=&submit=Go&city=]

Facilities

The International School of the Sacred Heart is located in Hiroo, central Tokyo, on an expansive site surrounded by vegetation and near public transportation. Car parking facilities are also available on site during pick up and drop off times.

The Kindergarten has a newly renovated, state of the art, self-contained Bornelund playground. The space is tree lined and includes swings, climbing frame, slides, a wooded area, sand and water play, as well as open space for running and bicycle riding. The Junior School playground is spacious, with a large open area for running and sport as well as swings, climbing frames and a slide.

The Junior, Middle and High Schools share a large area, which provides age-appropriate equipment for the younger students, as well as a meeting area for the older students. Junior School recess and lunch times are held at different times to the Middle and High Schools to allow maximum freedom of play for the younger students.

Reading is emphasised throughout ISSH, which has two libraries resourcing the curriculum, and fulfilling the literature and research needs of our students and faculty. They also service parents and others in the school community with over 50,000 books, video and audiotapes, periodicals and CDs.

The school has over 200 computers located in four computer labs, libraries, and in the classrooms. Access to the Internet and e-mail facilities is available for students, while technology as a learning tool in education is stressed throughout the school.

The Junior School provides science in the classroom using basic science equipment and there are four well-equipped science laboratories in the Middle and High Schools designed for biology, chemistry, physics and Middle School general science. In addition there is a chemical store and preparation room adjoining the Chemistry Lab. The science offices are well stocked with teaching resources from the US, the UK and elsewhere, and have their own computers and printers.

Two art rooms and a pottery studio allow for instruction and growth in creative arts. Separate music rooms for the Kindergarten/Junior School and the Middle/High Schools provide the appropriate venues for music instruction and extra-curricular music offered throughout the school. In addition, there is a drama studio for Middle and High School students, as well as two larger meeting and performance rooms shared by all divisions of the school.

There is a fully equipped main gymnasium, which is used by all divisions of the school, as well as a mini-gym for weight training and fitness, which is used extensively by the older students, faculty members and parents. ISSH is very lucky to be one of the very few central-Tokyo schools to have a large open grassed area to use for sports. It is used for physical education lessons, sports training sessions and other extracurricular activities. There are two floodlit tennis courts at ISSH and an outdoor all weather practice court for the younger students to practice their sports at any time.

There is access to two Chapels on campus, the School Chapel that comfortably accommodates approximately 80 people and the University Chapel. The University chapel hosts the opening and closing school liturgies that students from grade 1 through to grade 12 attend. The Christmas concert is also in the University Chapel and is open to Parents.

ISSH has a large dining room available to the Junior, Middle and High School students. Hot and cold food can be purchased from the kitchen at lunch time and again in the afternoon. A variety of international cuisine is offered designed to cater for allergies and preferences.

Visitors to ISSH are always impressed with the wonderful food lab that sits on the fourth floor above the middle school area. Five well-equipped kitchen units allow students to learn kitchen skills as they develop an understanding of nutrition and healthy eating. Kindergarten through grade 12 students use the food lab in a variety of cooking experiences.

Member Organisations

* The Japan Council of International School (JCIS) [cite web |url=http://members.cois.org/directory/ISD.aspx|title =CIS Members Directoty |accessdate=2007-12-11 |format=.HTML ] This is an association of schools in Japan that offer an international education for expatriates and some host country students. Its main objectives are to promote intercultural understanding and international friendship through the activities of the member schools, broaden the dimensions of education in all the schools involved, advance the professional growth and welfare of individuals belonging to the educational staff of member schools, and to facilitate communication and cooperative action between and among all associated schools.

* East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) [cite web |url=http://www.earcos.org/list_members.html |title =East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools Member schools |accessdate=2007-12-11 |format=.HTML ] The Council consists of approximately 84 schools with a combined enrollment of about 50,000 from almost every country in the world. Every type of organization is represented from church-related schools to other private schools. Some have an almost exclusively American enrollment and teaching staff while others have more of an international student enrollment and teaching staff. Many, however, strongly associate with the American style of educational system. The purpose is the same as those of JCIS, but on a broader scale.

* The Kanto Plains Association of Secondary School Principals (KPASSP)ISSH is a member school of KPASSP. In practice, this involves the school’s active participation in the various inter-school meetings and competitions, e.g., sports matches, debates, speech contests, drama festivals, gym clinics, etc.

* Japanese Ministry of EducationISSH is a member of the Sacred Heart School Corporation, which is recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education.) [cite web |url=http://www.u-sacred-heart.ac.jp/english/general_info/schools.htm |title =Sacred Heart Schools|accessdate=2007-12-11 |format=.HTML ]

References

External links

* [http://www.issh.ac.jp Official website]
* [http://www.sofie.org/home/ American Network of Sacred Heart Schools]
* [http://www.amasc-sacrecoeur.org/ World Association of Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart]
* [http://www.gsgi.co.uk/countries/japan/tokyo/international-school-of-the-sacred-heart?form.submitted=1&country=japan&countryCity=&submit=Go&city= Profile at the Good Schools Guide International]