OCSI CONNECTIONS Winter 2021 Edition
EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO WALK WITH JESUS AND IMPACT THE WORLD FOR HIM
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL'S DESK MEGAN ROE
The start of a new year always brings opportunity for reflection and a fresh start. At the end of each year in Japan, a kanji character is chosen to represent the social mood of the previous year. For 2020, the kanji character "mitsu" ( ) was chosen. The word on its own means "close" or "dense" and was used to raise awareness about social distancing during the COVID pandemic.
密
As I reflect on the year behind us, I am so thankful that we were able to keep school on campus throughout the first semester. I am grateful to the staff, parents, and students for their efforts to keep the OCSI community safe, healthy, learning, and growing and I am reminded once again of God's provision and protection over this learning community.
A new year, a fresh start, and a chance to set new goals for 2021. So, what are your goals for 2021? In the Bible, Psalm 1:1-3 reminds us all there is joy for those who "delight in the Law of the Lord" and who meditate on it "day and night". The Psalmist compares these people to "trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season" whose "leaves never wither" and who "prosper in all they do." What an amazing promise for us to be reminded of at the start of a new year. My prayer and hope is that this will be a year of spiritual, emotional, physical, and academic growth for our students, families, and staff and I am looking forward to what is ahead.
Elementary Principal Update SARAH TURNER
Looking back on 2020, I've reflected
We also pulled off simple, yet joyful
how special this place called
grade level Christmas programs here
"school" is for students and staff.
on the OCSI campus for the
Though this school year has looked a
elementary students and families.
little different and although we have many health and safety guidelines in
As we look forward to 2021, we may
place, school has become a place
not know what will happen, but I know
where students are able to interact
confidently two very important truths:
with their peers, explore, learn, grow, and serve. School is where learning is
1. God is in control and He will
fun, where students are encouraged to
continue to lead us every step of the
play hard, and think harder.
way.
In 2020 we were able to go on a few
2. OCSI will continue to be special place
learning trips, such as 3rd grade to the
for students, families, and staff to feel
Botanical Gardens, 1st grade to
safe, to grow friendships, and to excel
Kurashiki Dam, and PreK and
in academics.
Kindergarten to Sweet Potato Digging!
Secondary Principal Update DANIEL PALLMANN
As we finish up the first half of the year, I am reminded of just how blessed we have been at OCSI. Although 2020 started out okay, it ended with a lot of uncertainty. As we move into 2021, we continue to trust God to guide and protect us. Many things are different this year, as we needed to adapt several events: In November, the Middle School had their Banquet. Fortunately, we were able to find a suitable restaurant that offered enough indoor and outdoor seating for our middle school students to safely enjoy this annual event..
In December, we held several Christmas Performances. Both Middle and High school students impressed us with their performances. It was difficult to sing outside wearing a mask, but the students did a great job! We will see what other events we are able to have or not, however it was a blessing to have these!
College Counselor Update Daniel Claxton
For students who are mainly interested in colleges in the United States of America, it is best for students to start looking around for colleges on College Board’s college database BigFuture. This database also includes some Japanese colleges and universities as well. BigFuture also has great tips on choosing majors, colleges, etc, which can help students who are also interested in non-US based institutions. Parents can check College Board’s College Action Plan for Parents here. For those who are thinking about college,
College Board also has a checklist for
please check out the OCSI College Counselor
freshman and sophomores, juniors, and
website. Students and parents can access
seniors. Students and parents should
information on College Planning, College
contact Mr. Claxton when assistance is
Search Resources and College Terms.
needed.
Additionally, students and parents can access Mr. Claxton’s website, where there
The following are important dates for test
is a general list of college application
taking at OCSI. College Board requested OCSI
deadlines, questions to think about when
to hold the May SAT. If students are
deciding about college, information on
interested in this opportunity, please register
finance, myths related to GPA and SAT, and
for the test on College Board’s official
tips for college essay writing.
website. OCSI’s SAT Test Center Code is 67244. Due to COVID-19, some test dates
Students and parents can also access a list of
may change or be cancelled by College
English Program offering Japanese Colleges
Board. Parents and students are advised to
that include programs offered in English and
check College Board’s SAT Coronavirus
application deadlines. Please use this
Updates.
spreadsheet as a guide and remember to always double check college deadlines and details on the official website.
Important Dates: February 6, ACT (all international tests cancelled by ACT, including OCSI) March 13, 2021 SAT at OCSI (still planned) May 8, 2021 SAT at OCSI (still planned)
Message from Business Office SOSRO KARSOSOEMO
More than 10% of OCSI's budget last
This year marks the 25th anniversary since
year went toward capital projects to
the OCSI Yomitan campus was built. We
maintain and enhance our campus.
are halfway to the average 50 years of
Our latest projects during the Winter break included widening the sidewalk from parking lot toward the main building and installing concrete stairs toward the gym. These two projects will increase the safety and comfort of our students and parents as they move throughout campus. Our recently installed sound improvement project in the gym, including the red wall panels and new sound system contributed to pleasant memories during the elementary Christmas performance for our students and families.
service life for office buildings. We have begun working on a plan to ensure we continue to have outstanding education facilities well into the future. The plan will be two-fold; we will continue to build cash reserves for the next 25 years in a building fund while we also continue to improve and enhance our current building to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our students and families. The OCSI Business Office is committed to maintaining and enhancing our campus and services to support the OCSI mission and students’ learning experience.
Praying
Kindergarten Reading Time
NJHS Induction Ceremony
Celebrate Thanksgiving day
Elementary Kite day
Okinawa Christian School International www.ocsi.org