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School news

PTA Primary

Secondary

The Lion – 1st November 2013

Community events

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MESSAGE FROM BRIAN CHRISTIAN – PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents As you know, I spent a part of my half term meeting former parents and alumni in Hong Kong and Singapore as part of our preparations for the our 25th Anniversary next year. It was good to meet so many friends of BST who obviously retain a real sense of affection for the school, and who are keen to maintain a connection with the community that was such an important part of their lives while they were here in Tokyo. It was great to hear that, for example, there is a thriving BST book club that meets

regularly in Singapore – obviously inspired by Mr Steven’s enthusiasm for reading (and his cakes!). I was delighted to return in time for this week’s wonderful concert at L’Atelier and, as so often happens, I was amazed at the talent and confidence displayed by our young musicians. The programme was varied and interesting but tremendously challenging, and I know that a very appreciative audience enjoyed every minute. Thank you to Mr Curran and to everyone who performed with such panache. Later today, for the latest in our autumn series of lectures, we welcome Dr Peter Mac Innes from Waseda University to the Secondary School. He will be sharing some of his experiences as an entrepreneur and is also happy to answer any questions our students might have about the university. This term’s lectures have already covered a very wide range of topics and have certainly inspired a lot of discussion and interest. We are so fortunate in being able to call upon such a strong network of guest speakers who are leaders in their chosen fields. Finally, I am pleased to say that BST will be well represented at this evening’s BCCJ British Business Awards. Nominated for an award in the British Council’s Global Talent category, we find ourselves in some exalted company (Nissan is a nominee in the same category!) and will certainly be flying the flag for British education. Enjoy your weekend. Brian Christian

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BST MUSIC

AWARD WINNING MUSICIANS Last weekend Cocomi and Mitsuki Kimura entered the annual Japan Junior Flute Competition. They have both participated in this event before and received special commendations from the adjudicators. This year, both received even higher praise, with Cocomi winning 1st prize and Mitsuki selected for the Outstanding Performance award.

Congratulations, girls!

L’ATELIER MINI-CONCERT On Wednesday evening the secondary school hosted a solo recital at 'atelier by APC, a beautiful studio in Shibuya. The ten young musicians treated the audience to a wonderful selection of carefully chosen works that they executed with technical brilliance. Each performer captured the expressive essence of their piece, conveying it confidently to the appreciative audience of family and friends. They are already looking forward to the next one in February!

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BST ALLOTMENT

The BST allotment survived the typhoons remarkably intact, there is not much growing above ground, apart from weeds, but it is all looking good: http://youtu.be/BbLviivKymI

REMEMBERANCE DAY

Poppies are now available at both Shibuya and Showa campuses for a donation. Please encourage your children to pick one up and wear them – there are poppy stickers for the younger children so that they do not need to use pins. If you are not sure what all this is about, please take a look at this link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_D

ay You might also like to read the Principal’s blog published around this time last year - http://www.bst.ac.jp/principalsblog/in-flanders-fields/

LIBRARY

Fukushima by Mark Willacy, BST Parent On 11 March 2011, Japan was rocked by the most violent earthquake in her history and one of the largest ever recorded. The quake itself was just the start of a chain of disastrous events, creating a massive tsunami that slammed the shores of north eastern Japan. Close to 20,000 people were killed or disappeared under waves that reached more than 40 metres high as they smashed their way several kilometres inland.

Yet the greatest damage was caused when the tsunami surged over the seawall of Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power station, resulting in a multiple core meltdown that released vast quantities of radioactivity into the atmosphere and ocean. At one stage it even threatened the evacuation and irradiation of Tokyo itself, which would have spelt the end of Japan as we know it. Fukushima is the incredible story behind the twin catastrophes of the tsunami and nuclear meltdown, seen through the eyes of witnesses and victims - from former prime minister Naoto Kan, the plant director and senior engineers of Fukushima Dai-Ichi, the elite fire-fighters who risked their lives to avert the ultimate nuclear nightmare, to the mother excavating the wreckage as she looked for her daughter's remains.

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Police by Jo Nesbø This is the final part in the Harry Hole series by the popular Norwegian author The police urgently need Harry Hole. A killer is stalking Oslo's streets. Police officers are being slain at the scenes of crimes they once investigated, but failed to solve. The murders are brutal, the media reaction hysterical. But this time, Harry can't help anyone. For years, detective Harry Hole has been at the centre of every major criminal investigation in Oslo. His dedication to his job and his brilliant insights have saved the lives of countless people. But now, with those he loves most facing terrible danger, Harry can't protect anyone. Least of all himself.

Hunting Shadows by Sheila Bugler This Irish book is the debut novel from an Irish author based in London and is one of the top selling books at the moment in Dublin. Lee, southeast London. A young girl has disappeared. There are no witnesses, no leads, no clues. The police are tracking a shadow, and time is running out … DI Ellen Kelly is at the top of her game – at least she was, until she took the law into her own hands and confronted her husband’s killer. Now she’s back at

work, leading the investigation into the missing child. Her superiors are watching her; the distraught family is depending on her. Ellen has a lot to prove. And she knows it. A tense thriller that stalks the urban streets of southeast London and the bleak wilderness of the North Kent coast, Hunting Shadows introduces the forceful, compromised police detective, DI Ellen Kelly.

Bridget Jones: Mad about The Boy by Helen FieldingWhen Helen Fielding first wrote Bridget Jones' Diary, charting the life of a 30-something singleton in London in the 1990s, she introduced readers to one of the most beloved characters in modern literature. The book was published in 40 countries, sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and spawned a best-selling sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. The two books were turned into major blockbuster films starring Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.

With her hotly anticipated third instalment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Fielding introduces us to a whole new enticing phase of Bridget's life set in contemporary London, including the challenges of maintaining sex appeal as the years roll by and the nightmare of drunken texting, the skinny jean, the disastrous email cc, total lack of twitter followers, and TVs that need 90 buttons and three remotes to simply turn on.

An uproariously funny novel of modern life, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a triumphant return of our favourite Everywoman

Lorraine Pascale’s A Lighter Way to Bake In this fabulous new book, Lorraine Pascale, Britain's beloved chef and tv personality, brings together the two hottest trends in cookery right now: baking and eating lighter, healthier meals! Lorraine's dreamt up 100 delicious, easy recipes, all fully illustrated, ranging from savoury scones and coconut and lime loaf to apricot and ginger chiffon

cake, sesame pretzel buns and cauliflower gratin bakes. Lorraine reinvents traditional favourites (her amazing brownies) but shows us neat shortcuts to cut the fat or the sugar-without losing any of the flavour. They are goodies with goodness. Each recipe has a comparison with a standard version so you can see just how much better for you Lorraine's way is. A perfect Christmas gift for every baker in your life - or buy it for yourself to have an indulgent but healthy Christmas

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SECONDARY NEWS

Dear Secondary parents and students It’s already November: around 22% of the school year is over. This may be a comforting thought for those who can’t wait till the summer holidays – but it ought, at the same time, to sound a note of caution for Year 11s, 12s and 13s: given that the external exam period begins on 12th May, they are already 43% of the way through their taught year. Time’s winged chariot is at all our backs.

I very much enjoyed the Mini Concert on Wednesday at l’Atelier in Shibuya. We have some very talented musicians at BST and it was particularly thrilling to hear, as Mr Curran pointed out at the end, not just how accurate the performances were but also how much understanding there was of the music. When it comes to any kind of learning, this is what counts most: not so much obedience to the dictates of the subject – which can only ever take us so far – but rather adoption of the subject as a part of who we are. Music is not the only vehicle through which we can express ourselves. With the change of season come coughs and colds. I hope you are managing to stay healthy. Upcoming Events: please contact us if you would like more information Friday 1st November 3.55-5:00pm BST Autumn Lecture Series: Dr Peter MacInnes (Waseda University) Saturday 2nd November JV Girls Volleyball Finals at Kinnick 8:00am-5:30pm MS Girls Kanto Volleyball Finals at ASIJ 8:00am-2:00pm MS Boys Football Tournament at YCAC Sunday 3rd November 8:45am-6:15pm U12 Boys Football Tournament Kyonan Cup 2013 12:00-7:30pm U12 & U16 Cricket vs Indian School (h) Tuesday 5th November 3:30-6:00pm MS Volleyball House Tournaments Wednesday 6th November 4:00pm Y8 Parents’ Evening Thursday 7th November 4:00pm BST Autumn Lecture Series: Mark Willacy If you have any queries, please do get back to me.

Best wishes Chris Nicholls Head of the Secondary School

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PRIMARY NEWS

Dear Parents

I hope you all had a good half term, certainly a soggy one for those of you in Japan! We are all now back in the swing of things and have lots of exciting learning units planned this half term. As you know, a few weeks ago a PTA Earthquake Preparedness workshop took place. The information packs and resources have now been placed on

the BST website so please do feel free to have a read through - http://www.bst.ac.jp/our-community/parents/. A gentle reminder that Showa pupils must arrive at and depart from the campus through the main front gate. None of the schools on the Showa Women's University campus are allowed to use the West (Back) Gate to access the campus in the morning or afternoon so we must also observe this rule. We have authorisation for children taking part in early morning clubs in the pool or New Gym to enter through the West Gate after the club has ended at 8.15am. As I mentioned before the half term break, this week we have been working with Mrs Sophie Reynolds, a UK based Pupil Referral Unit Director with specialism in a range specific learning needs. We would like to thank Mrs Reynolds for travelling to Tokyo, during her half term break, and sharing her incredible depth of knowledge; we have all learnt a great deal and will seeking ways to improve our practice to meet the needs of all learners better. Thank you also to all staff, especially Ms. Carland for organising and taking part with such engagement and commitment in all the sessions over the three days. I look forward to seeing some of you on Monday morning at the English National Curriculum workshop. This should be a useful opportunity for anyone who has not been through their education in the UK to understand the structure and coverage of the National Curriculum as well as hearing about the upcoming changes for state schools in the UK from September 2014. Our swim squad will be heading off early again tomorrow to the highlight of the ASIJ Elementary School swim meet calendar - The Mustang Invitational. BST will be swimming against ASIJ's best swimmers so I wish them luck and lots of PBs, medals and ribbons. Have a good weekend, it looks like we might enjoy some sunshine. Warm wishes Kirsten O’Connor

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YEARGROUP NEWSLETTERS

1st NOVEMBER 2013 Year Group newsletter links: Nursery: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-nursery-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Reception: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-reception-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Year 1: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-year-1-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Year 2: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-year-2-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Year 3: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-year-3-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Year 4: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-year-4-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Year 5: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-year-5-news-friday-1st-november-2013/ Year 6: http://www.bst.ac.jp/primary-news-year-6-news-friday-1st-november-2013/

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PTA SKI SALE

The PTA is collecting skiwear in good condition for children & adults (but no skis please). The sale will take place after drop off on Thur 5th Dec, in the Music Room in BST Shibuya. All donations can be dropped off at BST Shibuya foyer from 4th Nov.

SANTA LETTERS

CALLING ALL SANTA'S HELPERS!! All the very good boys and girls from BST write letters to Santa at this time of year. Are there any Mums and Dads out there who could help us "coordinate" this program? Santa needs help with replies sometimes. He's very busy at this time of year - obviously.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

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PTA (M&S) TOURS

Thursday 7th November – MOUNT TAKAO Please note the date change, from Wed 6th Nov to Thurs 7th Nov. Mount Takao is located within the municipality of Hachioji City in the south-eastern part of the Kanto mountainous region. It is about 50 km from the centre of Tokyo. We are planning to take trial 6 (3.3km) up to the 599m summit before descending via trail 1 (3.8km) - both are estimated to take 90 minutes. For more information, see http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/

This is not a gentle walk around Tokyo but a proper hike up a ‘mountain’; walking shoes or trainers are recommended, as is a rainproof jacket. We will leave at 8.45am from BST Shibuya and return for 3pm. Our pace will be brisk as time will be against (we need to be back for pickup). We are hoping that we have timed our hike so we can enjoy the trees in their autumnal colours but Mother Natural is a law unto herself. Please bring a packed lunch and a drink. We will stop to eat (picnic style) at the top and if we are lucky gaze upon Fuji-san as we chew and chat (obviously not at the same time – we are well mannered mums). Monic and I will be going rain or shine. Thursday 21st November – repeat TOUR OF SHIBUYA A few new mums couldn’t make the first PTA (M&S) Shibuya tour (some of the best shops close to the BST Shibuya site) so we will be running it again. It is with new families in mind but not exclusive to them, we had a few ‘old timers’ with us on the tour and they picked up a few handy tips. We will start with a coffee at Starbucks, and from there point out Oriental Bazaar (gifts galore) on Omotesando, Takeshita steet and a 100 Yen shop, Harajuku station, Meji shrine and yoyogi park and then onto Tower Records, Loft, Franc Franc, Tokyu Hands, Viron, Don Quijote, Labi, Hachiko, Scramble,Tokyo Plaza Fish, Foodshow and finally Hikarie Kyushu ya. We will meet outside BST Shibuya at 8.55 and finish at 12.30ish. Tuesday 19th November - GOTOKUJI TEMPLE AND SANGENJAYA BST PTA (M&S) Tours are squeezing in another trip; we are going to the beautiful Gotokuji Temple and for a walk around Sangenjaya. The peaceful Gotokuji Temple is thought to be where the story of the waving cat (maneki-neko) originated. Come with us and learn the story and see the hundreds of white waving cat statues, of various sizes, in the small temple dedicated to maneki-neko. The grounds are beautifully kept (and include a pagoda, temple, cemetery, bell, statues) and we are hoping that we have timed our visit to coincide with the maple trees in their full autumnal glory. A photographers’ delight.

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To get to Gotokuji Temple we will take the Tokyu Sangenjaya line (by the Carrot building) from Setagaya station to Miyanosaka station. After looking around the temple and grounds we will walk back to Sangenjaya (known a Sancha to the locals – 3 teas) and take a look at some of the shops on offer, Seiyu (sells Asda chocolate and wine), my favourite junk shop, as well as showing you a great pancake restaurant and the view from the top of the Carrot building. We will meet outside Showa; to accommodate our Shibuya contingence we will meet at 9.30. For those dropping off at Showa we will have a coffee first. Friday 29th November – KAPPABASHI

“Kappabashi-dori, also known just as Kappabashi (Japanese: 合羽橋) or Kitchen Town, is

a street in Tokyo, between Ueno and Asakusa which is almost entirely populated with shops supplying the restaurant trade. These shops sell everything from knives and other kitchen utensils, mass-produced crockery, restaurant furniture, ovens and decorations, through to esoteric items such as the plastic display food (sampuru, derived from English sample) found outside Japanese restaurants...” Take a look at the link below for more information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kappabashi-dori Kappabashi is only half an hour away from Shibuya on the Ginza line and just the place to purchase some last minute Christmas presents for friends and family. Depending on numbers we might stop for lunch at Sometaro, one of Japanese oldest okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) restaurants. http://www.timeout.jp/s/en/tokyo/venue/188/Sometaro We will meet outside BST Shibuya at 9.50am and, as always, be back for pick up.

To sign up for any of these tours, please R.S.V.P. to pta-tours@bst.ac.jp

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

OXFAM TRAILWALKER Oxfam Trailwalker is a challenging endurance fundraising event in which teams of 4 complete 100km trail through bush terrain in 48hours. Whether you are a trailrunner, or former Oxfam Trailwalker participant, or a casual hiker, come and join us for 23.5km challenging trial of the trail! For more information on Oxfam Trailwalker please see -http://trailwalker.jp/ WHEN: 09:00 Sunday 17th November 2013 WHERE: Start - CP3 (Shiroyama Track and Field – Onshi Hakone Park) – 23.5km MEETING POINT: Shiroyama Track & Field, Odawara, Kanagawa PARTICIPATION FEE: 1000JPY (100% of your participation fee will go to Oxfam Japan)

MOVEMBER Crown Japan will be supporting Movember this year. Movember aims to change the face of men’s health and reverse this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health more openly and take action. There will be a Charity Movember Quiz evening at the Roppongi Hobgoblin on Nov 28th, and any moustache growers aiming to raise some money locally, but who do not have a channel to donate through are most welcome to use theirs - http://uk.movember.com/mospace/6562793 For more information, please contact charrison@crownrelo.com

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The events on this page are not endorsed or approved by the BST. To advertise on this page, please send a short article of no more than 100 word.s. Please do not include images or documents, however web links for further information are OK. Any flyers or posters may be put on the Parents’ Noticeboard in the Shibuya outside corridor, pending approval (to post the noticeboard please talk to the Shibuya receptionist).

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