MARIST BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL , HEAD OF SCHOOL Start Date: July 2022 marist.ac.jp MISSION Marist Brothers International School will make students our utmost priority and encourage them to achieve their full potential by fostering spiritual growth, appreciating cultural diversity, and developing a life-long love of learning. We will provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to develop a sense of community, spirit, and pride in our school. VISION We educate students in a nurturing environment based on Catholic values and the traditions of the Marist Brothers. We provide a rigorous program of study that prepares our students for higher education, internationally and in Japan. Our students gain knowledge, communicate effectively, develop good character, and become responsible citizens of a global society.

OVERVIEW

Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) is a private, college-preparatory school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. A small but diverse school, MBIS enrolls approximately 340 students who collectively represent different cultural backgrounds. MBIS maintains a strong community that nurtures a family atmosphere, and encourages warm and respectful student-teacher relationships. MBIS faculty, staff, and families are joined by their commitment to support caring and capable students in every way possible. MBIS graduates are widely celebrated for their drive to be engaged global citizens and their belief in the power of cooperation; this is—in large part—due to the fact that MBIS strives to educate the whole child and sees strong academics as one piece of what makes a complete education.

At this time, Marist Brothers International School seeks a new Head of School to assume the role in July 2022 as well as an Interim Head of School to begin July 2021. Capable candidates will be internationally minded individuals who are senior instructional leaders with a PK-12 background. They will be strong communicators and decision-makers that are accessible and visible. Finally, qualified candidates will be relationship builders who unite and support all constituency groups as well as distributive leaders who support capacity for change and improvement.

SCHOOL HISTORY

On September 17, 1951 the doors of the Marist School in Kobe opened for the first time. The student body expanded rapidly, and soon outgrew the existing buildings and facilities. In 1955, a large new building was constructed. At the time, it housed a two-story assembly hall with classrooms on the third floor. Today this building still stands, and is primarily used for the school office, library, and cafeteria facilities. By 1957, the student population passed 140, and it was time to expand again. In 1961 a new wing was added with 14 classrooms. CARNEYSANDOE.COM 2 FAST FACTS Founded: 1951 Enrollment: 340 Student nationalities: 18 Faculty and staff: 37 teachers, 3 admin, 7 staff Faculty holding advanced degrees: 47% Faculty nationalities: 9 Operating budget: $5,432,667 Financial aid awarded: $106,822

On January 17, 1995, the Great Hanshin earthquake struck, damaging the two classroom wings. With amazing fortitude and determination, the community secured loans and funds that literally raised the school from the ashes.

MBIS has remained steadfast throughout the economic recessions in Japan. The British curriculum was replaced with an American one, and in 2017 the school added an international component, becoming an IB World School, and offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma as a graduation pathway. The school is ready to celebrate 70 years of service to the people of Kobe, and is poised to remain strong for many, many years to come.

THE SCHOOL

Marist Brothers International School is committed to excellence in education, but firmly believes that excellence means more than a rigorous curriculum. The school’s holistic approach includes a dedication to building character and fostering a cohesive community, which, in turn, makes MBIS students exceptional as they chart their unique courses through college and adulthood. Thus, character and community are the heart and soul of MBIS; they are what constitute the Marist difference.

MBIS has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1972 and became an IB World School in 2017. Additionally, MBIS is proud to be a member of and support the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS). These accreditations carry great significance for MBIS; the school considers them an honor and validation that its students are engaged global citizens and effective members of their communities.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 3 “You feel from teachers and students that there is heart and character.” – MBIS parent

ACADEMICS

Learning at MBIS begins in the Montessori classroom (ages 3-6), transitioning to the Elementary School (Grades 1-6) and culminating in the Upper School (Grades 7-12). The whole-school, integrated curriculum, is underpinned by the standards-based educational system (California Standards/Common Core). Historically, the majority of MBIS students have gone on to attend colleges in North America, but over the last decade there has been an increased diversity in placement. Recognizing this trend and the need to fully prepare students for the demands of an interconnected world, MBIS implemented the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (grades 11-12) in 2017.

Montessori The Montessori classrooms at MBIS provide highly stimulating environments where students can make discoveries through sensory learning, develop mathematics skills, and nurture practical life skills. A strong focus is placed on English language development through phonics, whole language building, and group circle times conducted throughout the day. Learning is enriched through age-appropriate science, culture, geography, and art activities. While English is the core language of instruction, Japanese- speaking assistants provide language support and Japanese classes are part of the curriculum from age 4. Ultimately, students learn to respect each other’s work and space and treat each other fairly. They also take an active role in maintaining their classroom.

Elementary (Grades 1-6) The Elementary program is designed to develop the whole child. The academic program focuses on reading, writing, and mathematical skills, and includes comprehensive units on social studies and science. This is complemented by courses taught by specialist teachers, including art, music, Japanese, library, health, physical education, character education, and world religion.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 4 The core curriculum aligns to the California State and Common Core Standard but is adapted to suit the needs of MBIS’s diverse, multicultural student body. Elementary grades utilize highly-regarded, proven instructional programs, including Readers Workshop, Writers Workshop, and Words Their Way. State-of-the-art digital assessment software is used to supplement classroom data and observations, and provide an extra level of monitoring and support for all students.

All classes are taught in English, with the exception of Japanese language classes. Elementary Japanese is divided into three levels, providing appropriate and engaging language learning for all students. Intensive English Language Learner (ELL) classes are provided for students who require additional support to reach mainstream levels of proficiency.

Upper School (Grades 7-12) The Upper School is a rigorous—yet supportive—learning environment, intended to prepare every student for success at college and beyond. A balanced selection of curricular and co-curricular activities encourages the development of well-rounded individuals, strong in mind, body, and spirit. From Grade 7 to 10, students follow a typical high school academic program of core and elective classes. As with the Elementary program, the core curriculum is based on the California State and Common Core Standards, and adapted to suit the needs of MBIS’s diverse student body. It has also been designed to focus on skills and content that provide a strong foundation and smooth transition into the final years of high school, where students follow graduation pathways centered on the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Technology is leveraged to augment teaching and learning, rather than replace instruction. In the Upper School, a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program is in place for students in Grade 8 and above. Students typically bring Apple Macbooks, but other platforms are supported. Students in lower grades are supported with school-based laptops and iPads which are also used 1:1.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 5 In addition to assisting with personal issues, the MBIS Guidance Counselor is available to help students with academic and university questions. The college application process is individualized to the needs of each student; however, general preparation classes and informational sessions, including presentations and Q&A sessions for parents, are integrated into the school timetable and calendar. The IB Diploma Coordinator provides guidance and support for students entering and within the IB Diploma Program.

THE ARTS

The Lower School visual art program emphasizes familiarizing students with a wide variety of studio materials, processes, and a high level of fine motor dexterity. Through a variety of art activities, students learn the fundamentals elements and principles of design such as line, texture, color, value, and balance.

Building off the work students have done at the Elementary level, the Upper School program develops an in-depth understanding of the elements and principles of design. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, collage, printmaking, and 3D design, while learning how to express their ideas by using art as a form of communication.

In addition to the visual arts, music plays an important role at MBIS. Concert band is a performance- based course intended to further students’ music literacy skills through playing wind band or percussion instruments. There are four major concerts during the year: at Food Fair, the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert, and on Founder’s Day. There is also an annual musical, the most recent being “The Sound of Music.” Students also have the opportunity to learn and perform a solo at a festival.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 6 COLLEGE PLACEMENT Recent matriculations include:

United States University of Southern UK Boston University California Canterbury Christ Church Bucknell University Walla Walla University University California State Polytechnic Washington University East London University University Xavier University Imperial College London Colgate University Middlesex University Columbia University Canada Sussex University Florida Institute of Technology Carleton University Westminster University Hawaii Pacific University University of British Columbia Lafayette College University of Ottawa Australia Massachusetts Institute of University of Toronto Bond University Technology University of Victoria Melbourne University Miami University University of Western Ontario Queensland University of Michigan State University University of Windsor Technology New York University York University University of Adelaide Ohio State University University of New South Wales Penn State University Japan University of Queensland Portland State University Aoyama Gakuin University University of Sydney Purdue University Asian Pacific University San Diego State University Asia San Francisco State University Hyogo Iryou University Chinese University of Hong Savanna School of Art and International Christian Kong Design University City University of Hong Kong State University of New York Kansai University Feng Chia University (Taiwan) (Albany) National Taiwan University State University of New York Kobe Jogakuin University Singapore Management (Stony Brook) Kwansei Gakuin University University State University of New York Kyoto University Soegijapranata Catholic (Buffalo) Kyushu University University (Indonesia) Syracuse University Lakeland College University of Hong Kong University of California University of Malaya (Berkeley) Okayama University Zhejiang Medical University University of California (Los Ritsumeikan University (China) Angeles) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University of Chicago Temple University University University of Cincinnati University of Colorado University of Florida South Korea University of Hawaii (Manoa) Ewha Women’s University University of Louisville Kyung Hee University University of Massachusetts Seoul University (Amherst) University of Pennsylvania

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 7 ATHLETICS

The Middle School (Grades 6-8) and Varsity (grades 9-12) programs offer opportunities to play five sports over four seasons: volleyball, soccer, basketball, (boys) baseball and (girls) softball. As a member of the Western Japan Athletics Association (WJAA), MBIS competes in regional leagues and tournaments against other international and U.S.-based schools, as well as occasionally against teams from as far away as and Hokkaido. MBIS also hosts an annual Invitational Futsal Tournament for students in Grades 3-6, competing against other international schools in the region.

Despite its relatively small size, the school has managed to acquire an impressive list of championships throughout the years, while being widely recognized for good sporting conduct and good character. Again, because MBIS is a small school, all students can “make the team” and, therefore, have the opportunity to develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

The MBIS athletic facilities include a full-size gym, well-stocked weight room, and a synthetic grass sports field. Campus games and tournaments are organized by the very popular Marist Athletic Association (MAA), providing opportunities for students to work behind the scenes, as well as on the court.

SCHOOL LIFE

Marist Brothers International School’s high quality academic programs are complemented by a wide range of extracurricular and co-curricular programs, activities, and events, which serve to enrich the learning of the whole child. Besides sports, MBIS offers a range of after-school club activities. In recent years, these have included clubs such as skateboarding, cooking, cheerleading, glee club, calligraphy, coding, board games, guitar, and chess. There is also a TEDx society, which has had two live events in the last three years. CARNEYSANDOE.COM 8 In Upper School, CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service), part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) encourages and supports student-led activities, events, and clubs. Indeed, this has yielded some of the most rewarding experiences at MBIS—students helping students—and includes tutoring classes for those in the Elementary School. It has also increased the number of students who have become active in protecting and preserving the environment.

For over 30 years, MBIS has hosted a Model United Nations (MUN) General Assembly, attended by delegates from international schools around Japan. For many students, it becomes a keystone program for both personal and academic growth; for some, it has been a stepping stone to a career in international relations. In addition to the school’s own MUN, MBIS sends delegates to other events in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Harvard MUN and Pacific MUN (Hawaii).

Other regular travel includes an annual Grade Six Camp, Upper School Ski Trip, Senior Trip, as well as field trips in Kobe, the Kansai region, and to locations as far afield as Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. While MBIS sports teams typically play against other schools in the region, they too will occasionally compete in invitational tournaments in other regions, or overseas. Likewise, while service-oriented groups and organizations tend to have a local focus, it is not unusual for students to organize or participate in trips or events held further afield.

The Marist Brothers International School Library is a literacy and research center serving the entire school community. At present, the library carries over 30,000 print and digital books, newspapers, and magazines. Combined with the school’s online subscription databases (including JSTOR, ProQuest Central Student, World Book Online, and CultureGrams), MBIS students have access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9 CAMPUS

Despite a relatively small campus (10,000 sq. m), MBIS features a large, modern Classroom Building, which offers 20 classrooms spread over four levels. This building is ideally located just a few minutes’ walk from two mainline stations, and includes two science labs, two art rooms, and a guidance center. The youngest students enjoy two large classroom spaces, purpose-built for Montessori education. The smaller Administration Building was opened in 1951 and is due to be replaced by a state-of-the-art building. Currently, it houses the school office, infirmary, library, faculty rooms, and cafeteria. The third building on campus contains a large gymnasium, fitness room, and music room. The campus includes two playgrounds, both covered with artificial grass. A small playground is adjacent to the Montessori classrooms, and a larger field is near the Classroom Building. This field is large enough to host softball games and is used as a playground by older students.

KOBE, JAPAN

Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s 10 largest cities. Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, much of Kobe’s identity stems from the fact that it’s nestled in a spot of exceptional natural beauty. Kobe was one of two of the first ports in Japan to open to the West and it retains an international flavor mixing traditional and modern Japanese and Western influences.

Mount Rokko is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range—the range that provides an iconic green backdrop to the city of Kobe. Panoramic views of the heavily urbanized Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka) can be enjoyed from the mountain and are particularly spectacular around sunset. Kobe residents are very proud of the million-dollar night view of the lights of the city and Kobe Bay. Another instance of natural beauty in Kobe is Sorakuen. Sorakuen is a traditional Japanese landscape garden

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 10 in the center of Kobe. Completed in the early 20th century, the garden used to be part of the residence of Kodera Kenkichi, a former mayor of Kobe, but was opened to the public in 1941.

Kobe residents haven’t simply let mother nature create all of the city’s attractions, though. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is, with a length of almost four kilometers, the world’s longest suspension bridge. Opened in 1998, the breathtaking architectural feat spans the Akashi Strait (Akashi Kaikyo) between Kobe and and is part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, one of three expressways which connect with Shikoku.

Attractions aside, Kobe makes the world a more delicious place and is revered internationally for its beef. Kobe Beef is a prized Japanese delicacy and probably the most widely known regional specialty food in Japan. The gastronomical delights continue in Kobe’s Nada district, which is Japan’s top sake producing region. It has long been famous for its sake due to the availability of high-quality rice, suitable water, and favorable weather conditions in the area.

Marist Brothers International School happens to be located in Suma, a quiet residential area in Kobe, which captures perfectly what makes being in Kobe so pleasant: natural beauty and access. The school is near both the mountains and the sea (and is quite close to Kobe’s most famous beach) and just down the road from Suma Temple, a beautiful collection of temple buildings and pagodas, founded in 806. Two train lines are within short walking distance. By the JR line, downtown Kobe is a mere 10 minute’s commute, with a further 20 minutes to reach Osaka.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 11 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The following are seen as opportunities for the next Head of School:

• Maintaining the family atmosphere that serves as the base of the strong community and that fosters healthy relationships between all constituents in the school. • Promoting the international nature of the school to celebrate diversity and foster cooperation, empathy, and acceptance. • Honoring the implicit Catholic values of the school and its mission which encourages students “…to achieve their full potential by fostering spiritual growth, appreciating cultural diversity, and developing a life-long love of learning.”

Challenges for the next Head of School will include:

• Developing the campus to provide the necessary facilities, infrastructure, staffing, and resources for an optimal learning environment. • Working in partnership with the governing body to implement best practices and stability in Board governance for the long-term sustainability of the school. • Co-creating a shared vision for the school that refreshes the school’s identity and energizes the school community to have the optimal impact on students. • Fostering a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion amongst the school community. • Building curricular, co-curricular, and pedagogical initiatives to serve the whole child at every level of their experience at MBIS. • Facilitating joint WASC accreditation and International Baccalaureate (IB) evaluation visits, scheduled for fall 2022. • Implementing effective protocols for the systematic review of operational and resource management functions that serve to support the mission and vision. CARNEYSANDOE.COM 12 • Utilizing ongoing coaching, mentoring, and feedback for staff to evaluate impact on learning and to build a school of collaborative, empowered leaders. • Exploring additional funding sources through fundraising, strategic partnerships, grant writing, and other avenues to support the mission and create opportunities for students and staff.

DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Visionary educational leader with a proven track record in PK-12. • An experienced leader who can partner with, and strengthen, the governance structure. • A person with high emotional intelligence who is friendly, accessible, and visible. • Relationship builder who unites and supports all constituent groups. • Strong communicator and decision-maker. • A distributive leader who builds capacity for change and improvement. • A person with experience in facility planning and the rebuilding of the physical plant. • Internationally minded individual who has an appreciation for Japanese culture. • A person who is familiar with best practices in technology; specifically its use and implementation in a school setting.

TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position; • A current résumé; • A one-page statement of educational philosophy and practice; • A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:

Art Charles Managing Associate, International Search [email protected]

Karen Neitzel Search Consultant [email protected]

Deb Welch Senior Consultant [email protected]

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