Canadian Academy - ANNUAL REVIEW - Innovation, Community, Excellence, & Opportunity
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Canadian Academy
Scientia Clavis Successus
"Knowledge is the Key to Success"
Innovation, Community, Excellence, & Opportunity
ANNUAL REVIEW
2018-2019
THE ANNUAL REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
Message from the Headmaster
Welcome to the New Members of the
Board of Trustees
Tradition on the Move: INNOVATION
Teachers’ Exceptional Learning:
EXCELLENCE
A Diverse, Inclusive Community:
COMMUNITY
Connection to Community:
OPPORTUNITY
Giving to CA
Finance Report
Graduates of 2019
Alumni Profile:
Taizo Sugitani
CA Reunions 2018 - 2019
New Faculty and Staff
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
When Canadian Academy was
WELCOME TO THE NEW MEMBERS
xfounded in 1913, the world was OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
xa very different place with only a
xhandful of international schools
xto serve the needs of the
xglobally mobile and
xinternationally minded. However,
xover the past 20 years, the
xinternational school market
xworldwide has expanded by 323%
xwith 10,937 school in 2019
compared to 2,584 in 2001. In Eastern Asia, enrolment
has grown by 32.8% over the past four years. It is
projected that there will be 18,929 international schools
around the world by 2029.
Although the Kansai Region does not reflect such Ketan Chaudhari, a CA Alumni(class of ’96) is
honored to have the chance to serve his Alma Mater
staggering growth in international schools, families do
as CA’s Board of Trustee. Having 9 members from the
have many more choices for a non-Japanese education extended family who have graduated from and with two
for their children than ever before. Considering this children currently studying at CA(Ragini-grade 11 and
evolving market, how does Canadian Academy remain Rishi-grade 7), he feels a strong kinship to the school.
the school of choice in this region? This past year, we His wife Ruchi, is involved in the CA Council. Ketan is
embarked upon a journey developing four strategic fond of the outdoors and is always ready to be a local
anchors to tell our story. guide for going hiking in Kobe, enjoys skiing, and
biking around Japan whenever he gets the chance.
・Tradition On the Move (Innovation)
・ A Diverse, Inclusive Community (Community)
・ Inspirational Teachers, Exceptional Learning
(Excellence)
・ Local and Global Networks and Opportunities
(Opportunity)
Through innovation, community, excellence and
opportunity, Canadian Academy continues to
distinguish itself as a top-tier educational institution,
known and respected worldwide. Our students continue
to benefit from the strong foundation started more than
100 years ago, and the experiences we provide today,
with your support, will serve them well in the future.
I trust that you will enjoy this edition of Canadian Jean Louis “J.L.” Bonnier J.L. was born in Nijmegen, The
Academy’s Annual Report as we share what our Netherlands and grew up north of Amsterdam. After
strategic anchors look like in action. receiving his Masters in Structural Engineering at the
Technical University of Delft, he was an officer in the
Sincerely, Dutch army, then completed his MBA at Rotterdam
School of Management. In General Electric, he moved
Jon Schatzky through finance roles of increasing responsibility and
moved with his wife Kristi Keoughan to New York City
Headmaster
where they both worked for NBC. Upon NBC‘s
purchase of Universal Film and TV business and theme
park business, JL became CFO of Universal Parks &
Resorts worldwide. In October 2015 he assumed the
role of CEO Universal Studios Japan. JL and Kristi have
three children at Canadian Academy: David and Zoe
(10th grade) and Eva (8th grade).
Tradition on the Move: INNOVATION
Canadian Academy enjoys a rich history; indeed, it is a source of pride for our community. However, we
are not a school that is ‘stuck in the past’; our innovative educational practices drawn from across the
world can further strengthen this claim.
One example of innovation at Canadian Academy is our Middle Years Programme (MYP) Design class
and labs. The MYP design approach to teaching and learning acknowledges that inquiry and problem
solving contribute to students’ development of thinking skills and strategies that will equip them to face
the rapidly changing demands of the 21st century.
The course aims to provide the means and the context to help students become skillful problem
solvers, who can appreciate the role of technology in everyday life and society and who can respond
critically and resourcefully to real life challenges.
The MYP design course intends to:
・Challenge all students to apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve problems utilizing
different forms of technology
・ Encourage students to explore the role of technology in their everyday lives
・ Raise students’ awareness of their responsibilities as world citizens when making
decisions and taking action on technology issues.
In this course, students are expected to investigate various types of problems and use the Design Cycle
as a tool to design, plan, create and evaluate products/solutions. These solutions may be presented in
Theform
the strategies are: prototypes, products or systems that students have generated independently.
of models,
Over the five years of the MYP, the range of projects that students design and create contain a balance
of information-technology, materials and systems-based products/solutions.
UNITS OF STUDY
Grade 6
Unit 1 - Spreadsheet Systems – Balanced Lifestyles
Students will conduct research into what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and how much time should be
spent on the various activities that make up our daily lives. They will then design and create a
spreadsheet based system to analyze a user’s lifestyle data and provide feedback on how a person’s
lifestyle should be altered so they can become healthier.
Unit 2 - Textiles – Fashionista!
Students learn about fashion design and develop skills that allow for work with textiles such as hand
and machine sewing and fabric dying. Students will then design and produce a bag robust enough for
everyday use.
Unit 3 – Interdisciplinary Unit (with Japanese and Spanish Departments) –
Museum Exhibit
This unit will have students taking part in a project spanning several subject areas. This will allow them
to see how their learning from one subject helps support them in other areas of study.
Grade 6 students will be assigned a topic of research in their language class. This normally takes place
after spring break. In their design class they will then create a museum exhibit or item to be sold in a
gift shop. The product will be made from wood or cardboard and produced using a laser cutter. The unit
is a lot of fun and allows students to get very creative!
Tradition on the Move: INNOVATION Grade 7 Unit 1 - Photo Editing - Posters with Purpose This unit teaches the fundamentals of photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn how to manipulate and alter images as well as use the software to create their own image resources. This knowledge will be used to create a poster aimed at teaching other students about the need to recycle and protect the environment. Unit 2 - Video Production – Videos with Purpose Video production software will be used to allow students to create a short public service announcement. Students will investigate a range of issues affecting young people in their daily lives. The video will be used to inform viewers how to seek advice and solutions to the issues they face so they may improve their lives both at school and at home. Unit 3 - Textiles – Fashionista Students will investigate how different cultures express their identity through clothing. They will then design a functional school bag aimed at informing other students about the owner’s nationality and aspects of their native culture. Grade 8 Unit 1 - Recycled Paper Picture Frame In a 2-week mini-unit, students will revisit the design cycle and learn about essential resistant material design concepts. Finally, they will produce a picture frame from recycled material based on their own design sketches. Unit 2 - Tools and Techniques Students will learn how to use different woodworking tools with a focus on measuring, cutting, gluing and fastening. Unit 3 - Keen Machines Interdisciplinary Unit Students will investigate how gears and other simple machines operate. They will then utilize skills developed in the previous unit to produce a wooden toy for a specified client that works using gears. Unit 4 - Re-imagining Spaces Students will form design teams to identify and analyze underutilized spaces at CA. Students will re-design a chosen space using 3D modelling software while considering budget constraints and produce a portfolio of design ideas to present to school leadership.
Tradition on the Move: INNOVATION Grade 9 Unit 1 - Computer Programming – Educational Game Design There are many career options within the field of computer programming today. This unit allows students to experience the type of work and logical thinking that is required by today’s computer programmers while allowing them to be creative and have fun. Students will create a computer game with an educational objective using the popular Scratch programming software. Unit 2 – Sustainable Product Design – Green Furniture Students will utilize many of the skills they have acquired over the course of the MYP program to demonstrate their understanding of project planning and the product design cycle. Students will design and build a functional item of furniture made using recycled materials. Unit 3 - Video Production – Videos with Purpose Video production software will be used to allow students to create a short public service announcement. Students will investigate a range of issues affecting young people in their daily lives. The video will be used to inform viewers how to seek advice and solutions to the issues they face so they may improve their lives both at school and at home. Grade 10 Unit 1 – Tabletop Games – Multi Skill Project The tabletop game design unit will challenge students to combine the skills they have developed over several years of the MYP programme. The goal of the project is to create a high-quality finished product that is fun to play while raising awareness of a specific social issue. Unit 2 – Home Economics – Event Catering Students will learn about cooking and nutrition in order to develop a dish that can be served during a real-life school event. Students must investigate client needs such as likes/dislikes, dietary needs and budget limitations. Students will then follow the design cycle to prepare their chosen dish and serve it to their clients at the chosen event. Through its innovative programs and experiences, Canadian Academy continues to grow and challenge its students to meet not just the needs of today’s world, but to prepare them for an unknown future. -Graham Gill Head of MYP Design
Teachers’ Exceptional Learning : EXCELLENCE In addition to its diverse community, its connections to local and global organizations, and its rich history, Canadian Academy’s high quality of teaching and teachers distinguishes us from other schools. Since its inception, Canadian Academy has been considered a highly desired teaching job. Indeed, with our supportive community, our calibre of students, and the incredibly rich culture of our host country, we receive many applications for each teaching position. As such, we are able to carefully select and retain teachers who are inspirational, wish to grow and learn as a professional, and are committed to the well being of children. Most international schools, including Canadian Academy, offer an initial two-year contract. One criteria when determining the quality of a school is the average length of time a teacher remains. Generally, one can safely say that if the teaching staff is leaving after the initial contract has been completed, the teaching staff is not satisfied with the school. Canadian Academy faculty has an average tenure of 6.6 years. It is felt that this length creates a balance between injecting fresh ideas, approaches, and personalities along with maintaining our traditions, ethos, and continuity of vision. Our faculty is highly educated and have a great amount of teaching experience. All of our faculty have teaching experience in their home countries. All hold teaching licenses and have completed child safety training. All teachers hold at least a Bachelor degree, with 53% of our teachers having completed at least one Masters degree. Our teachers have a great deal of teaching experience, with an average of 17.2 years. Our Leadership Team has an average of 28 years experience in education, with an average tenure at Canadian Academy of 8.6 years. Collectively, our staff brings roughly 1,393 years teaching experience to school each and every day! Teachers at Canadian Academy are Life-long Learners, too. Teachers at Canadian Academy not only hope to inspire learning in students, we also inspire learning in each other. Many teachers at Canadian Academy extend their learning beyond the walls of CA, and even beyond the borders of Japan. In fact, we have 15 educators that are extending their learning and influence outside CA. What do they do? Here are just some of our risk-taking staff speaking about their roles in the education community. Moderators and Examiners are teachers who work with the DP Examinations or MYP Personal Project process. The marking is done electronically and teachers give feedback to students and teachers to support their learning.
Teachers’ Exceptional Learning :EXCELLENCE “I became an IB examiner because I thought that it would be excellent professional development in my role as an MYP Personal Project coordinator and happily that assumption was correct! Grading Personal Project essays for the IB gave me a window into the submission process that I never would have had access to otherwise. The steps required to become an examiner were challenging but overall it gave me a depth of knowledge that I am now able to pass on to students and faculty at my school. Simplifying and clarifying the way that our students write their Personal Project reports was one of my goals for the year and my work as an examiner was crucial in helping me to achieve this goal.” Jen Clark – MYP Personal Project Moderator; Secondary Librarian and PP Coordinator Professional Development includes educators who work with teacher training, leading workshops or presenting at regional conferences. “I enjoy having the opportunity to present about programs we implement here at CA and that I am passionate about. Participants are often impressed by what we do here and how progressive we are. I recently presented at EARCOS for Principals and Athletic Directors on Positive Sports Coaching.” Sim Cook – Athletics Director “Providing language support for a workshop in a subject (geography) outside of my own (Japanese Lang & Lit) gave me an opportunity to look at the IB curriculum more holistically. I went with the intention to help others and ended up coming home with new ideas for my own classes.” Natsu Sato – Japanese Teacher Those who work in School Services work with other schools to ensure that the high standard of quality education is met and maintained. No school can be authorized as an IB, WASC or CIS school without the work of these individuals. The feedback they give supports all facets of the school’s management and operations, as well as teaching and learning. “Serving on an accreditation team is a commitment to provide friendly, critical feedback to a school. When going on a visit to another school, I often learn more about who we are and how we approach challenges at Canadian Academy. More often than not, I return with renewed energy and appreciation for CA.” Rob Smailes – Director of Admissions and Advancement
Teachers’ Exceptional Learning : EXCELLENCE “As a peer working with different international schools, you get to share knowledge, expertise, and effective practices with a diverse group of people who have different perspectives and backgrounds. It enables me to reflect not only on my own teaching and learning but also reflect on and appreciate my own school and what makes international schools such a great place to work. I am very grateful that CA supports its staff in these endeavours.” Suzie Rampling – Secondary Teacher It truly does take a community approach to supporting learning for all students. Educators at Canadian Academy believe in the strength of collaboration, critical friends, and meaningful feedback to support learning. But just as important, what they learn through these roles directly supports the teaching and learning for our students. As Midori Nishizawa, Secondary Japanese and Service Learning Coordinator reflects: “The International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) is growing. Being a part of this network benefits me and CA in making connections to other schools in Japan and overseas. We receive the most updated information and training which we can share with colleagues. I hope this will help CA serve as a leading international school in Japan.”
A Diverse, Inclusive Community: COMMUNITY
2019-20 Enrollment Data
As of 11 September 2019
Canadian Academy is a diverse, vibrant community closely connected to the world in which parents/
students are welcomed. With nearly 40 different nationalities represented, we are truly a multicultural
community of learners (students, parents, and staff) that integrates local and international cultures.
NATIONALITIES
All Students by Nationality MS Students by Nationality
ES Students by Nationality HS Students by NationalityConnection to Community: OPPORTUNITY
Activities Report 2018 - 2019 Asia Pacific Activities Conference
With our long history, Canadian Academy’s In 2018-2019 CA students participated in the
community stretches well beyond our current following events:
students. Networks gained from being a part of ・ Volleyball ・ Basketball ・ Softball
Canadian Academy provide support, guidance, and ・ Baseball ・ Badminton ・ Soccer
inspiration to all its members. ・ Tennis ・ Band ・ Badminton
・ Orchestra ・ Theater ・ Choir
In addition to our alumni connections, many of the ・ Dance
local and global networks and opportunities come
through the activities and service clubs we offer.
Whether it is kicking a ball, playing an instrument,
taking center stage, working as an intern in a local
company or offering support to students in Tohoku,
our students are in a unique position to have
experiences that can not be found elsewhere.
The following is an abbreviated list of some of the
clubs, activities, and experiences offered during the
2018-2019 school year.
Western Japan Athletics Association
WJAA is an athletics conference based in Japan. It
is made up of International Schools and US Military
base schools.
・ ES Futsal ・ Basketball ・ Baseball
・ Volleyball ・ Badminton ・ Softball
・ Tennis ・ Soccer
This year was also the first time Canadian
Academy sent Elementary School teams abroad.
Our Gr 4 and Gr 5 mixed Soccer Teams competed
in the Songdo 7’s at Chadwick International School,
Incheon, South Korea.
Although proud of all of our students’
Asia Pacific Activities Conference accomplishments in APAC, we would like to
Canadian Academy is one of 12 international congratulate our HS Girls Volleyball team as they
schools and the only school from within Japan took first place at APAC 2018!
participating in this extra-curricular program for CONGRATULATIONS!!
sports and performing arts. Students from Gr 9 -12
can take part in APAC.Connection to Community: OPPORTUNITY
Middle School Ski Trips
Grade 6 - Hachi-Kogan
Grade 7 - Shizukuishi
Grade 8 - Appi Kogen
Week Without Walls
Week without Walls is an incredible week of
learning outside of our school. It is an
opportunity for students to build friendships,
develop team building and leadership skills, as well
as learn about their own strengths and weaknesses.
The trips also incorporate some learning about an
aspect of Japanese culture.
In 2018-2019 our students travelled to: CA- Student Body Council (MS/HS)
CA/L- ECO club (ES/MS/HS) - Recycling: every
Gr5 YMCA Rokko Mountain Wednesday, Kibo no Mori- 5 times a year
Gr6 Awaji Island CA- Osoji Project (MS/HS)- Cleaning the fields, every
Gr7 Wakasawan other Monday early morning
Gr8 Nara - The MontBell Gojyo CA- Mentor program (MS/HS)
Gr9 Wakayama - Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage CA- Canadian Academy Athletics Association/ sport
Gr10 Shimanami Kaido manager (MS/HS)
Gr11 Shikoku - YMCA Camp Anan CA- Backstage crews (MS/HS)
Gr12 Wakayama - Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage CA- Tech Leaders (MS/HS)
CA- Ushering (HS)
Service
July L- Tohoku trip (MS/HS) CA- CATV (HS)
September CA - Service Fair (MS/HS) CA- Babysitting club (HS)
October L- Red Feather Campaign (HS) CA- Music Help (HS)
L- Clothes Drive (HS) CA- Entrepreneur club (HS)
November L- Kobe Global Charity Festival CA- Book Buddies (HS)
(MS/HS)
O-Thai Village Children’s Fund (MS/ L - Soup Kitchen (HS) - 4 times a year
December HS) L- Bilingual Café (HS): exchanges with local high
L- Sakura Tree Planting (MS/HS) schools - 6 times a year
January CA- Pink Shirt Day (ES/MS/HS) L- Animal Refuge Kansai (HS)- 3 times a year
February L- Kobe International Fair (HS) L- Shinseijuku Orphanage visits (HS) - 4 times a year
March CA- Earth Week (ES/MS/HS) L- Sanno Kodomo Center (HS) - 5 times a year
April L- Food Drive (ES/HS) L- Tohoku Team (MS/HS)
L- Clothes Drive (HS) L- Nursing home visits on Rokko Island (HS) - 10
L- Book Drive/Sale (MS/HS) times a year
May
L- International Kids’ Day (MS/ L/O- Martha’s Mission (HS)
HS) O- Thai Village Children’s Fund (MS/HS)GIVING TO CA
Canadian Academy is fortunate to have a
community of involved parents, dedicated faculty
and staff, generous corporate partners, loyal
alumni, and committed board and leadership
team members. We are grateful for the gifts of
money and time that enhance the education of
every student, every day of the school year. We rely
on the continued generosity of our supporters to
help accomplish our mission of inspiring students
to inquire, reflect, and choose to compassionately Falcon (Up to ¥9,999)
impact the world throughout their lives. Everyone
who supports CA with their gifts of time, talent, or Dr. Joan Englehart, ff
treasures partners with us to deliver the highest Mr. Philippe Eymard, fr
quality educational experiences to our students.
Your generosity speaks volumes. Thank you. Red & Grey (¥10,000 to ¥49,999)
Mr. Sharman Reinhardt Lancefield ‘66
You may be surprised to learn that your tuition Mr. George Martakis ‘83
payments do not cover the entire cost of your Mr. James McLay ‘58
child’s education. As with most of the private, Mr. George Moore ‘40
independent schools, CA relies primarily (90%) Mr. Ian Parker, fr
on revenue from tuition and fees. Delivering an Mr. Ben Shaman, ap,b
inspiring education requires considerable amount
of resources. We receive support from various Maya (¥50,000 to ¥99,999)
sources to make up the difference between tuition Mr. & Ms. Imad and Rola Ramadan, f,ap,c
and the actual cost of providing a Canadian Mr. & Ms. William and Martha Scarborough f,b,c
Academy education. Financial donations and Mr. & Ms. Jon and Celia Schatzky, f,p,b,c
grants from individuals, corporations, and Mr. & Ms. Rob and Kazuko Smailes, f,p
governments offer essential support for the
operating budget as well as for the school’s long- Founder (¥100,000 to ¥499,999)
term vision. Mr. Satoshi Fujii, s
Ms. Alisa Hayashi-Kim, s
Individuals who donate to the school share a Mr. & Ms. Shoki and Maki Iwaki, s,p
common understanding, appreciation, and Mr. & Ms. Keisuke and Yui Iwasaki, p
responsibility for the importance and joy of giving Mr. & Ms. Ryoichi and Satoe Kojima, p
and receiving. Through donations made by Ms. Ae Kyung Kim ‘94,p,b
individual families during the 2018-2019 school Mr. & Ms. Anil and Akane Mamtani ‘01,p
year, we were able to purchase a baby grand piano The Mare Family, p
to enhance our elementary school music program, Mr. & Ms. Yoshitaka and Takae Matsumoto,p
as well as two laser cutter/engravers for our The Matteo Family, p
secondary school design courses, in addition to Mr. & Ms. Takafumi and Keiko Mizuno, p
enhancing and continuing our current programs. Mr. & Ms. Shakil and Sae Ohara, p
Mr. & Ms. Tatsuya and Chieko Shimahara, p
On behalf of our entire community, we would like Mr. & Ms. Hidekazu and Hanayo Tanaka, p
to thank and recognize the following donors for Ms. Motoko Taniguchi-Deane ‘67
the 2018-2019 school year. Mr. & Ms. Masayuki and Ai Tomura, p
Mr. & Ms. Hiroshi and Yukiko Yashiro, p
Associate (¥1,000,000 to ¥2,499,999)
Mr. & Ms. Shengyong and Vivian Liu, p
The Shinkai Family, s,p
The Takamatsu Family, s,pGIVING TO CA
In addition to our individual supporters, there have been several companies and organizations that have
continued their belief in our programs and practices at Canadian Academy. We would like to recognize
and thank them as well.
All Japan Relocation, fr
Canadian Academy PTA, p
Caterpillar Japan, Ltd., fr
Eli Lilly Japan, K.K., fr
Kobe International Medical Foundation, fr
The Korean Community at Canadian Academy, fr,p
Maeda Real Estate, fr
Nestle Japan, Ltd., fr
Shinyu Shoji Co., Ltd., fr
Donor Key:
p: Current parent
b: Board of Trustees
f: Faculty
ff: Former faculty
s: Student
ap: Parent of Alumni
c: Council
fr: Friend of CA
Countless individuals, companies, and organizations donated generously to our International Food and
Fun Fair as well as our Annual Gala. Although they have been thanked previously, we would like to
recognize the support they have shown to our school. Thank you for your support
In order to support your school, please consider making a donation through our website, at
https://www.canacad.ac.jp/supportingFINANCE REPORT 2018-2019
Canadian Academy Miscellaneous income, totaling around 1% of total
Income and Expense for revenues, includes items such as school bus fees,
Statutory Year April 2018-March 2019 after school activities, and uniform sales.
Canadian Academy reports its finances on a
Statutory Year basis as required by the Hyogo
Prefecture with statements prepared according
to Japan’s accounting standards for schools. The
school is audited annually by a firm selected by the
Board of Trustees – currently Ernst & Young. The
graphics below reflect revenues and expenses from
the audited results.
Staffing costs for 75 faculty, 12 instructional
assistants, 17 support staff, and 7 administrators
account for 57% of operating expenses. This is a
typical ratio for international schools. Educational
programs comprise 29% of operating expenses.
These costs include curricular materials such as
books and supplies, school trips, professional
CA’s revenues are driven by enrollment, as you might development, and other educational activities.
expect, with tuition and fees comprising 88% of total
revenues consistent with the prior year. Year-end General & Administrative expenses, which includes
enrollment reached 628 students. The school is the costs for building operations, insurance, printing,
fortunate beneficiary of generous grants from both supplement activities such as school buses, teacher
Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City totaling 6% of recruitment, and certain employee benefits costs
revenues without which school fees would be accounts for another 14% of expenses.
considerably higher. These subsidies indicate the
government’s support for foreign investment, which Other Expenses, the smallest category at less than
CA helps enable, as well as CA’s openness to and 1% of costs, consist primarily of interest charges on
involvement in the local community. loans used to resurface the main building (2016)
and replace much of the heating and air-
Parent and corporate gifts provided important conditioning (2014).
resources for school programs. Included in
Donations are gifts from the PTA, which supported A conservative budget and stable enrolment
programs such as the Artists in Residence as well as allowed the school to generate a small surplus
the new sunshade on the Lilly Field. which will be held for building maintenance and
renewal. In addition, the Board of Trustees
maintains established modest reserves to ensure
the school’s long-term financial stability.WELCOME TO THE NEW FACULTY
Mark Frankel Kristyn Art
SS Principal MYP/DP Drama
Former School : The Former School : NIST in
International School of Prague Bangkok, Thailand
What interests you about Japan
What interests you about and CA: I think what interests me
Japan and CA: We are so excited the most about Japan is getting a
to be a part of the CA community chance to explore the outdoors.
and to see/experience Japan and There are so many interesting
its culture. places to visit in Japan and I’ve
never been so I’m excited to see it
all! As far as CA, I am most excited
about working at a smaller school
and getting a chance to collaborate
with new colleagues.
Paul Montbriand Seth Hylden
MYP/DP Science ES Learning Support
Former School : United World Former School : American
College (UWC) Changshu School of Bangkok
China
What interests you about Japan
What interests you about Japan and CA: The history and getting
and CA: It’s new. New people and to explore the outdoors. At CA,
places bring new opportunities for I’m excited to work inside the IB
learning and I am always excited framework and learn from new
for the opportunity to interact with,
people.
and learn from, new colleagues as
well as the local community and
host country.
Tangala Wilson Leslie Ziegler
PYP Art MYP/DP Music
Former School : Western Former School : SMIC-
Academy of Beijing International in Shanghai,
China
What interests you about Japan
and CA: Fabulous food; beautiful What interests you about Japan
architecture; wonderful hiking and and CA: I am interested in
other outdoor opportunities; living traveling to all the different parts of
near the sea again; Japan is very Japan to see the different scenery,
different to China; being part of a eat the different types of food, and
smaller school community; current see the differences culturally in
colleagues say good things about different areas. And, of course, to
CA. see the Cherry Blossoms!
Russell Heading Nikolai Johansen
MYP/DP English MYP English
Former School : Western Former School : Branksome
Academy of Beijing Hall Asia
What interests you about Japan
What interests you about Japan
and CA: I’m interested in seeing
how other IB world schools deal and CA: The food, the opportu-
with bilingualism and third culture nity to explore the country; about
kids. I’m also looking forward to CA - have heard so many posi-
really fast internet! Japan has been tives about the school, its faculty
a desirable destination for me/us and students, and its sense of
for decades. I love the mix of old community.
and new, and the importance the
Japanese place on design.WELCOME TO THE NEW FACULTY
Jennifer Johansen Benjamin Tan
MYP/DP Science MYP/DP Mathematics
Former School : Branksome Former School : Alcanta
Hall Asia International College
What interests you about Japan
What interests you about Japan
and CA: I am very excited about and CA: Japan -- FOOD, language,
hiking/running in the mountains organized and polite culture, clean
around Kobe as well as getting to drinkable tap water! CA --
know the culture and language teaching at a “large” school,
working with so many other
of Japan. I have also heard many teachers and students.
wonderful things about CA and
its teaching staff and am excited
to meet them all.
Caterina Martinez Katherine Grantham
PYP Classroom Grade 2 PYP Early Childhood
Former School : International Former School : Anglo-
School of Busan American School of Moscow
What interests you about Japan What interests you about Japan
and CA: Kobe is my hometown and CA: I am looking forward to
learning more about Japanese
and I am very excited to be moving
Culture and Cuisine.
back, especially because I will be
able to live close to my family and
friends again. I am also a CA
Alumni so I am thrilled to be
returning to the school I attended
for many years, now as a teacher.
Kieran Shields Graham Gill MYP Design
PYP Classroom Grade 3
Former School : Boston
Former School : International International School in Wuxi,
School of Busan China
What interests you about Japan
and CA: Japan feels like my second What interests you about Japan
home. I lived here for several years
before moving to South Korea. I have and CA: Japan is a country I have
visited CA on a number of occasions always wanted to experience for
and I feel an affiliation towards your more than a short visit. I visited
school. This experience along with Tokyo and Okinawa in the past
meeting students and teachers from and enjoyed the plethora of things
the PYP Exhibitions, school visits, to see and do. There was always
and the professional development something different and
opportunities kindly offered by CA interesting happening. After 4
have only reinforced that it is a place years in China I also felt ready for a
I really want to continue my journey slightly less chaotic environment.
as an educator.
Noriko Rehel Shane Stackhouse
PYP Japanese Language MYP Design
Former School : Nishiyama Former School : English
Primary School in Takarazuka Centre Warrawong, Australia
What interests you about Japan
What interests you about Japan and CA: I lived in Matsumoto,
and CA: Having access to Nagano prefecture with my wife
professional development and from 2002 to 2003. We now have
the type of learning in the PYP. three boys and wanted to share
our love of Japan with them.GRADUATES OF 2019
Our Class of 2018 graduates are UK
proudly attending colleges and Imperial College London
universities in: The University of Edinburgh
CANADA University of Cambridge
McGill University
University of British Columbia USA
University of Waterloo Barnard College
Boston College
HONG KONG Carleton College (3)
Hong Kong University of Science and Cornell University
Technology Northeastern University (2)
University of Hong Kong Northwestern University
Oregon State University
JAPAN Pennsylvania State University
International Christian University (2) Purdue University
Keio University Syracuse University
Temple University Japan The Ohio State University
Waseda University (2) University of California, Berkeley (2)
University of California, Los Angeles
KOREA University of Illinois at Chicago
Chung-Ang University University of Oregon
Whitman College
NETHERLANDS
Universiteit Twente
SWITZERLAND
Ecole Hoteliere de LausanneALUMNI PROFILE: TAIZO SUGITANI
1. What was the road like from CA to where you are
now and how did CA help prepare you?
Without CA there was no road that has led me to
where I am now. CA taught me everything.
Education, culture, discipline, tolerance,
international relationship, and much more. As I
travel around the world for competitions I am able
to merge everywhere I go.
2. Share one of your fondest memories of CA.
My fondest memory of CA is friendship. I met
many great friends at CA and still now we are very
close. Wherever I go in the world there are friends
from CA!
Recently one of our alumni and 6 time Olympian
Taizo Sugitani(Class of ‘96) became the first gold
medalist at the first edition of FEI Asian
Championship at the Thai Polo and Equestrian
Club in Pattaya, Thailand. Taizo and his team have
prepared for a long time to achieve this award and
we are all proud Falcons!! Congratulations Taizo in
winning the Jumping Individual Gold Medal!!
Always traveling around the globe from a young age
even while he attended CA, Taizo now has become
one of the well known Japanese participants of
Equestrian Sports in the Olympics. Equestrian is
the only sport in the Olympics that involves
animals and where men and women compete in
equal terms. Now prepping for the 2020 Olympics,
which may be his 7th Olympics, we interviewed
3. Any advice or message for today’s Falcons?
Taizo about his days and influences at CA which led My advice from my point of view, athlete side and
to his achievements. life side, is life is full of ups and downs, but set a
goal, never give up, and keep the faith!
4.What are your plans/goals for the 2020 Olympics?
Japanese equestrian federation will decide the three
athletes for the team for Tokyo 2020 in June.
Untill then I will keep building up, make results,
and hopefully they will pick me for the team.
GOOD LUCK TAIZO!!CA REUNIONS 2018-2019
CLASS OF 1994 25th REUNION at CA! Class of 1979 40th REUNION at CA!
Article By Rekha Koghar ‘94 From the 4 corners of the world we arrived in October
The last weekend of June 2019, the class of 1994 met in 2019, to share, remember, reminisce and celebrate the
Kobe for their 25th year high school reunion. The event
ruby anniversary of our Canadian Academy (CA) Class
kicked off with classmates gathering in the cafeteria,
where many of them hadn’t stepped into since of ‘79 matriculating from the grand old school at
graduation. Snacks and beverages were taken care of Nagamine-dai, which was for us, Canadian Academy.
by the school in coordination with Ae Kyung Kim (‘94)
who took care of the majority of the groundwork. As A plebiscite was conducted amongst class alumni
an icebreaker, Alex Young (‘94) took the lead and had mid-year as to a venue for our gathering and, ahead of
everyone give a brief update of their lives. From high such time exotic locations as Las Vegas and San
school students to adults that have had careers, new Francisco, Kobe won the vote!! As the lead-up turned
jobs, travel, entrepreneurship, marriages, divorces, kids, from months into weeks, our class representative Bill
various degrees - it was clear that the 25 years were Brady (in Portland, OR), working with Midori
eventful for all.
Yamamoto in Kobe, with welcome input from various
The initial meet and greet was then followed by a school others including Chandru Mahtani (Class of ‘81), a
tour, with many memories sparked by being in the most entertaining program emerged enabling us to
physical space of CA. A few that were in the Tea enjoy catching-up and re-discovering the heritage and
Ceremony Club, were able to attend tea ceremony at the haunts that were part of our lives as pupils all those
tea room which hadn’t existed in 1994. years ago at CA in Kobe.
That evening dinner and drinks took place on Rokko
Island complete with an outdoor venue and barbeque. The official schedule of events commenced on Friday
The night continued and was also joined by afternoon (18 October) with a visit to the “new” CA
upperclassmen from ‘92 and ‘93. The next morning a school campus on Rokko Island. A group of 12 were
group ventured to the old campus on Nagaminedai, hosted by Rob Smailes, with a light lunch and a full
followed by an evening at an Izakaya. The final evening tour of the campus. This “new” school offers plenty
involved a night of Karaoke with a plan to have the 30th of space, modern academic and sporting facilities and
reunion in Hawaii. access to public transportation, thereby establishing a
This reunion was attended by Ae Kyung Kim, Alex good foundation for the ongoing success and longevity
Young, Amy (Kuhl) Eirich, Kuok Ming Chew, Christelle of Kobe’s prime international school.
Ciari, Christine Cairns Wright, Cyril Jost, Eleanor
Johnson, Holger Palla, Justin Nagaoka, Linder Klicker Our class alumni included pupils who used to live on /
Hahn, Lisa Gahwiler Newcomer, Matt Augustine, around the old CA hill and at Rokko, Aotani, Kitano-cho,
Megumi Furukawa, Natalie Obiko Pearson, Nora Fisher Mikage, Okamoto, Ashiya, Nishinomiya, Amagasaki
Onar, Peter H. Takeyama, Rohit Hemnani, Steven amongst other places plus those who boarded in the
Reader, Tetsu Fukui, Theodore H. Nagase-Pastor, Rekha dormitories.
Koghar Sachdej
A popular recreation haunt for many families was the
Kobe Club at the top of Tor Road and, following the lead
of the excellent centenary celebrations in 2013, this too
was the venue for our first social event.
We were about thirty plus in number including partners
and progeny. As our evening gathering grew, the years
passed by in a jiffy as recognition of former classmates
triggered smiles, laughs and conversations. For some
it had been forty years since their last time in Kobe and/
or catching up with others in the class. Dinner was a
tasty buffet and very quickly the room was filled with the
jangle of cutlery on crockery and conversations, laughs
and gasps as moments in the past were resurrected.
The hisashiburi factor of elapsed time was shared by all
as a microphone gave all present the chance to speak
and share a little of our life’s journeys post CA. Our
focus also turned to classmates who sadly are no longerCA REUNIONS 2018-2019
with us - Garet Gluck, Jim Morrison and Kim Morton. Woven into conversations were recollections of times
All in all it was a most convivial evening and a grand spent at ‘The Third Dam’ and ‘Crystal Clear’.
introduction to the weekend ahead.
After tackling the gradient of the cemetery pathways, the
Coinciding with our celebratory weekend were test panorama from the high point above the old school was
matches as part of the Rugby World Cup 2019 and so well worth the effort.
our numbers changed for the events on Saturday and
Sunday. A return trip to the old school would not be complete
without venturing down the CA Hill. As we left the old
Our rendezvous on Saturday morning was the taxi rank school behind us we passed the location of former
@Hankyu Rokko Railway Station. This spot sits very dwellings... plus those of friends...and family. Also
clearly in the memories of those whose school day visible were the spectacular views we probably all used
commenced with a ride on the Hankyu Railway’s to take for granted. The tree in the middle of the CA hill
maroon carriages. In our day the taxi fare up to CA was road is still there, announcing the final two turns before
¥160 which, with four passengers was ¥40 each. The the final stretch to the Gokoku-jinja intersection. As we
Hankyu Rokko Railway Station building has lost altitude on the road down to the Gokoku-jinja bus
certainly come along in forty plus years, now offering stop, the physiological challenge of the descent seemed
easy platform access as well as an enhanced range of more acute than it was during our school days. Maturity
retail outlets. has its price! A ride on bus route 2 took us to
Sannomiya.
We were a group of about eleven in total and, via three
taxis, commenced something akin to a pilgrimage to
the summit of Nagamine-Dai and with it, a chance to
briefly replay a plethora of memories from our school
days - friends, first dates, Kabuki, band practice, sports
on the field, banana splits, the Senior Trip and of course
the matriculation ceremony early in the northern
summer of 1979.
The two iconic facilities that remain from our time at
CA are the Matsushita Gymnasium and the sporting
field. For the most part, Gloucester House, the Girls
Dormitory, the Old School Building, the High School
wing have given way to the passing years and changing
times. Condominium style accommodation buildings A trip to contemporary metropolitan Japan may well
dot the landscape of what was our school and these find one heading to the otherwise invisible subterranean
premises must surely offer some of the best world of retail outlets and rail transpiration stations and
panoramas of Kobe and Osaka Bay beyond. On the side Kobe is no exception. Sanchika-Town underneath Flower
of the ravine is Kobe Union Church’s handsome edifice, Road provided host to “washoku” luncheon and the
on ground that was home to the Thrift Shop “back in unwrapping of more memories as we partook of some
the day”. tasty Japanese dishes.
Our meanderings took us across towards what was the The afternoon offered free time so we scattered to
school swimming pool which I think CA shared with different venues and pursuits prior to an evening
Nagamine Junior High School. From there we ventured appointment at a purveyor of fine ‘tonkatsu’ in
up, around and behind the site of the old school and Motomachi One opposite the ever handsome facade of
into the cemetery. This proved something of a catalyst Daimaru department store. Yet again, food served as
for a number of “do you remember when...” and “I the centre for more convivial fellowship, laughter and
recall so and so doing such and such...” all of which conversations and a chance to retreat back through a
were part of exploring new boundaries drawn from Kobe Saturday evening, still lively, energetic, noisy and
adolescent / teenage curiosity and a willingness to colourful especially as one approached the area around
explore CA ‘rites of passage’. Sannomiya.CA REUNIONS 2018-2019
– it was our first formal reunion – many of the 25
Class of 1979 classmates that attended had not seen each other for
Sunday arrived bringing a glorious autumnal morning the entire 50 years or even longer. While 12 of us
of blue sky and warm sunshine for what was effectively graduated together in 1969, three others had not been
the farewell event for the reunion weekend. And at CA since 6th or 7th grade. We had three classmates
surprise, surprise it involved food. who were at CA for their entire school life (kindergarten
or 1st grade through 12th grade) while six others had
With the Kobe Union Church’s move to the top the attended CA for only a year or two. We think that says
‘CA Hill’ its former site is now occupied by Freundlieb, a lot about the CA community and the lasting impact
a popular and renowned cafe and bakery for the local it continues to have. Even a short time there draws us
citizenry. Our gathering continued in a similar vein to back!
the previous days involving comestibles and
conversations and a commitment to maintain our Classmates returned from all over the world - Canada,
interface through that which unites us all, being alumni India, Israel, Norway, Peru, and the USA as well as
of Canadian Academy. To this end, we have penciled in Japan.
a commitment to try and reunite in 2022 quite possibly
in Hawaii, USA. For the previous two years, the planners attempted to
reach everyone who had ever been part of the class,
Thanks to all who attended and made the event as K-12—some 150 people. In the end we were able to get
enjoyable as it was as well but Special Mention to our contact information for 53. Even those contacted as
stateside coordinator Bill Brady, Kobe organiser Midori recent as a few weeks before the reunion were able to
Yamamoto and CA contact Rob Smailes. attend on short notice. At least four more would have
come except for family medical issues or schedule
それじゃ, 2022年までよろしくおねがいします.” conflict. Clearly CA has been significant!
Class of 1969 50th REUNION at CA! During the CA campus tour, while we noted the
technology (3-D printing lab), arts (murals, band room,
theater), and athletics (gyms, field), we also took
pictures of the CA Mission Statement (CA inspires
students to inquire, reflect, and choose to
compassionately impact the world throughout their
lives). It was gratifying to be able to validate that
aspiration in our own lives!
Class representative John Cunningham led the reunion
plans. David Bruggers and Keith Setterholm joined him
in the planning, while David Satterwhite handled crucial
details in Japan. In addition to designing a logo on a
tote he arranged to provide classmates, Koichi Hama
The CA class of 1969 held its 50th reunion at the Kobe compiled an online publication of the short biographies
Bay Sheraton on Rokko Island, Kobe, beginning with a that were submitted by many class members, including
reception November 16 and ending with a banquet from those unable to attend. A special thanks to Rob
November 18. Events included a tour of the “new” CA Smailes for hosting us and assisting with the reunion
campus, a bus trip to the old location on details!
Nagamineyama, the Kansai Earthquake Museum,
and the Kitano area, and an informal gathering at CA We encourage any classmate who hasn’t submitted
for conversation. We also spent time with each other a brief biography to send it to Koichi (koichi_hama@
exploring memorable sites in the Kobe area as well as khama.co.jp). Also, if you aren’t on our email list (where
discovering new ones. you would have received reunion information), we don’t
have your contact information, so please send it to John
Including spouses / siblings / friends. 39 people Cunningham (jclc673@comcast.net). We are
attended and as one spouse commented, everyone contemplating another reunion in a few years, probably
seemed to become immediately engaged in in the USA!
reconnecting and immersed in interesting
conversations. The years did indeed seem to melt awayCA REUNIONS 2018-2019
Class of 2009 10th REUNION at CA!
Happy Holidays
With its rich history, supportive and welcoming
community, as well as our rigorous and innovative
programs, Canadian Academy remains the school
of choice in Japan. This edition of the Annual
Review attempts to offer a glimpse of the
experiences and opportunities we offer to our
students.
CA 09’, Yeaaah So Fine
Innovation, Opportunity, Community, and
I imagine everyone felt a little nervous coming back to Excellence. For more than 100 years, regardless
Canadian Academy for our 10 Year Reunion. There is a of whether we are in the hills of Nagaminedai or
certain amount of weight and expectation that the on Rokko Island, regardless of whether we are a
milestone celebration holds. school of 60 or 660, Canadian Academy remains a
special place because of our students, our faculty,
Class of ’09 had their 10-year reunion over a weekend and our extended community.
in September in which people flew into Kobe from NYC,
London, Dubai, Taiwan, Mumbai, Ho Chi Minh and
Time and time again, our alumni visit and
Seoul amongst many other cities. Many of the 23 alums
who attended the reunion were CA fossils. We walked comment on how, even though the location may
through the same hallways in which some of us spent have changed, our ethos and values remain the
12 years growing up in. same. Time passes and we continue to evolve and
grow as a school, but we continue to hold true to
We enjoyed and indulged ourselves in a delicious who we are.
teppanyaki meal, thriving on great conversation,
nostalgic memories as we sipped on sake, staying true Our next Annual Review will be issued in the early
to our Japanese upbringing. fall of 2020, and will look back on the 2019-2020
school year. We look forward to sharing that with
Some of us were meeting for the first time since you, and until then, we wish you the warmest of
graduation while others have been in touch and still holidays.
just as close since 2009. The greatest feeling though
was that it felt like we all picked up where we left off.
The bond and unity forever remains! Kind regards,
Rob Smailes
It says a lot about what CA has to offer when people Director of Admissions and Advancement
fly in from all around the world to reminisce and share Canadian Academy
those fond memories.
CA International Food and Fun Fair has also
become a place for many Falcons to reunite and spend
the day together at the Alumni Booth. CA always
welcomes the help we get from our alumni during the
IFFF. This year Hani Debs(‘92) donated his products
to sell at the Alumni Booth. As a whole, the Alumni
Booth donated a new popcorn machine to the school.
With everyone’s help, the Alumni Booth had a
successful day!! Thank you to everyone who
volunteered!!You can also read
