TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS As we move into a new school year, one thing we will all have to keep in mind is flexibility. With all that has happened so far in 2020, predicting what the future holds will be very difficult. At this writing, several months from the start of the school year, there is a lot of uncertainty. We hope and plan to be on campus but will have to be prepared for the possibility that we won’t be able to be in the building. However, this handbook does provide a bit of certainty with the expectations for school. Whether we are on campus, doing distance learning, or something in between, much of what is within these pages won’t change. We will do our best to provide some semblance of normalcy in spite of what world events might bring. But, as a school community, parents, students, teachers, all of us need to be ready to adjust and adapt as circumstances require it. I am looking forward to a good school year and working together to ensure the continuity of education for all of our students. Sincerely, Kurt Mecklem Middle/High School Principal OIS Middle/High School Student and Parent Handbook 1 SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Students will develop a strong sense of self, an understanding of their culture and the cultures of others, and an appreciation of the diversity of the human experience. They will develop a realization of global interdependence, and will grow into receptive and creative adults with the capacity for intercultural communication. Students will share responsibility in the educational process, discover their own talents and abilities, help to determine their own paths of study and growth, and proceed through the strengths of their own efforts. Students will develop a respect for a healthy and purposeful life, rich in individuality, facing challenges with wisdom and perseverance. They will expand their international awareness and caring, and demonstrate leadership in the creation of a better future for humankind. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF BEHAVIOR Our school believes in the ability of its students to make appropriate decisions regarding their behavior and interaction with others. In keeping with the school's philosophy of respect for others and student responsibility, the following guidelines for behavior are offered: Respect for Self Respect for Others Respect for Learning Respect for the Environment Respect for Leadership / Authority Within these guidelines, teachers and students make decisions and weigh their actions. In doing so, it is helpful to have some concrete examples. Students who are: RESPECTFUL OF SELF ARE EXPECTED TO... • use appropriate personal hygiene • eat well, sleep well, and exercise for fitness • remain free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco • present their best efforts at all times RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS ARE EXPECTED TO... • listen when others are speaking • offer positive support and comments to fellow students • help others when they perceive help is needed • welcome newcomers and include them in school events • respect students from other schools • show caring to people of all nationalities • request others to cease disrespectful behavior OIS Middle/High School Student and Parent Handbook 2 RESPECTFUL OF LEARNING ARE EXPECTED TO... • arrive at class on time with necessary materials • complete assignments and projects on time • avoid disruptions of the learning process • respect the library as a study or resource center • socialize in lounges and cafeteria areas, not near occupied classrooms RESPECTFUL OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARE EXPECTED TO... • place litter in waste baskets and litter barrels • keep lockers and personal areas neat and safe • leave each room as clean as it was found • use resources wisely • use recycling containers for appropriate items • keep areas on the way to school free of litter RESPECTFUL OF LEADERSHIP / AUTHORITY ARE EXPECTED TO... • be a cooperative group member • take leadership roles in group activities • follow the direction of teachers and administrators • support fellow students who take on leadership roles • participate in activities for the well-being of others Teachers and administrators also develop additional expectations appropriate to their respective areas. For instance, some actions showing "respect for learning" will differ for the library and gymnasium. Faculty typically involve students in the formulation of expectations for their particular areas. Behaviors are also considered in light of their impact upon others and the learning environment, with efforts made to have students think about their behaviors, actions and the feelings of others. STUDENT LEARNING RESULTS Based upon the IB Learner Profile It is the goal of Osaka International School to prepare students for their future in a global community; to graduate lifelong learners who are ethical, competent, culturally aware and self-reliant. We expect our graduates to possess sufficient skills to enrich their lives and the lives of others. It is our expectation that OIS students will be prepared for their future in the global community by possessing the following attributes: ACADEMICS Knowledgeable - Acquire and apply in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. Creative - Strive for excellence in imaginative, creative and artistic endeavors. Thinkers - Make connections between ideas, disciplines, cultures, and modes of expression to solve complex problems and make reasoned ethical decisions. OIS Middle/High School Student and Parent Handbook 3 Inquirers - Approach new situations with curiosity, and acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research, demonstrating independence in learning. VALUES Caring - Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others, and develop a personal commitment to action and service. Open-minded - Understand and appreciate one’s own culture and personal history, and remain open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. Principled - Commit to the wellbeing of oneself and the immediate and global communities whilst demonstrating honesty, integrity and responsibility for one’s actions and the consequences that accompany them. QUALITIES Balanced - Practice habits of good and balanced intellectual, emotional and physical health. Reflective - Give thoughtful consideration to one’s own learning and experience to be able to assess and understand one’s own strengths and limitations. Communicators - Understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively through a variety of modes of communication. Risk takers - Approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. FOR PARENTS It is our belief at Osaka International School that students will gain the most benefit from our program when parents are involved in the educational process in meaningful ways. It is our goal to establish a strong home-school relationship with every parent in the school community. To do this, we hope that you will: SUPPORT THE STUDENTS BY... Reading all electronic and paper communications which are sent home in order to learn as much as possible how to support your child(ren). This includes accessing Manage Bac. Supporting the school's participation in domestic and international sports and events associations by occasionally providing homestay places for visiting students. This is particularly important if you child(ren) are selected to represent the school in these events Taking advantage of opportunities made available to parents for involvement in parent groups, and participation in school events and programs; playing an active role in monitoring my child(ren)'s screen time and online behavior OIS Middle/High School Student and Parent Handbook 4 SUPPORT THE CURRICULUM BY Supporting the school's curriculum philosophy and practice, and understanding that meeting other specific curriculum standards outside of the school's IB curriculum, mission and core values may not be possible or supported. Enriching and supporting your child(ren)'s home language development as much as possible. SUPPORT THE SCHOOL BY... Attending parent/teacher conferences, meetings and workshops to learn about OIS and how you can support your child(ren) Checking your SOISmail email account frequently for news and information from OIS personnel understanding that the school reserves the right to use and display students' images, videos and voice recordings for a variety of purposes including advertising, marketing and sharing with the community in accordance with protection of personal information guidelines supporting the school's mission, core values, strategic objectives, programs and all initiatives towards their achievement contributing to a positive school environment, avoiding conduct which creates or promotes intolerance or disharmony between and/or among the school community Volunteering to serve as a class representative for at least one academic year during your child(ren)'s enrollment at OIS. Parents with more than one child at school may be required to assume the role more than once. Duties may include attending PTA meetings and/or coordinating class booths for the international fair. Using established channels of communication when seeking a resolution to a problem or concern; this includes starting the conversation with the person(s) directly involved in the issue and then contacting the principal if no resolution can be found by the parties involved. Finally,