MARIST BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Kobe, Japan 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