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Welcoming New Beginnings: Spring 2025 IB Installation Programme

On April 9th, we began our installation programme for the new students who joined the IB programme in Spring 2025. This year, we welcomed eight new students—a fresh start filled with excitement and anticipation as they became part of our learning community. The programme spanned three days and was thoughtfully designed to ease students into the IB environment while fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

The teachers created creative icebreaker games that helped everyone get to know each other in a fun and engaging way. These activities sparked laughter and meaningful conversations, setting a positive and welcoming tone for the days ahead. Throughout the sessions, students were introduced to the IB curriculum and the IB Learner Profile in an interactive and student-friendly manner, encouraging curiosity and active participation.

Using a variety of reflective tools and collaborative discussions, the teachers and students worked together to develop individualized student plans and personalized curricula. These plans were tailored to each student's strengths, areas for growth, and the goals they hope to achieve by the end of their IB journey. It was truly heartening to witness the enthusiasm, openness, and thoughtful engagement from the students, making the beginning of their IB experience both meaningful and inspiring.

Year 1 CAS Project: A Celebration of Ramadan and Holi

 On May 9th, Year 1 students hosted a vibrant CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) event celebrating the cultural richness of Ramadan and Holi; two meaningful festivals of Muslim and Hindu.

The event began at 4 PM with an insightful student-led presentation explaining the traditions and spiritual significance of each festival, followed by a delicious spread of traditional food, Ramadan dishes prepared by the Pakistani teacher and colorful Holi treats from the Indian teacher.

Around 60–70 students, including some from junior high, enjoyed the celebration, which featured a lively Holi color play experience as well. The evening ended on a high note, with students leaving more connected, culturally enriched, and eager for future events that celebrate global traditions.

On September 15, the U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo hosted the American University Education Fair at NIKA school, with the U.S. Embassy and Education USA serving as co-organizers. The Boards of Education of Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City also extended their strong support. The fair brought together 28 public and private universities from the United States, along with 10 educational and scholarship organizations, offering high-quality academic resources across both undergraduate and graduate programs.

During the event, university representatives not only introduced their academic strengths and program highlights but also provided 1-on-1 consultations for visiting students and parents on topics such as scholarship applications, campus life, and visa policies. The education fair created a vibrant atmosphere, attracting more than 200 attendees, including secondary and university students, parents, educators, and members of the media. Many visitors noted that the face-to-face exchanges gave them a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the U.S. higher education system, while also gaining greater clarity on application pathways and future academic directions. The participation of scholarship organizations further broadened funding opportunities for students aspiring to study in the United States, offering them practical and feasible guidance for planning their studies abroad.

The successful hosting of this education fair not only provided students with a direct platform to engage with American universities, but also underscored our school’s active role in promoting international education. At the meantime, it opened a new window of opportunity for students eager to explore Western higher education. 

Year1 CAS project: A Celebration of Christmas in Sri Lanka

On December 22nd, Year 1 students held an event to introduce Christmas in Sri Lanka as CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). 30-40 students from both junior and senior high participated in this event. 

At the event, some games related to Christmas and winter were played, and then, IB students presented about Christmas in Sri Lanka and Japan. A lot of participants, including international teachers, enjoyed the presentation and question time. 

When a big Christmas cake was served at the end of the event, all of the participants cheered with joy. Even though some students met for the first time, they enjoyed talking while eating cake and sweets. The venue was enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere throughout.

(Written by IB Year1 studetns)

4月11日（土）、国際バカロレア（IB）コースの開講式が行われ、第５期生（高３）と第６期生（高２）の生徒および保護者が参加しました。開講式では、まず校長先生より激励の言葉が贈られ、さらに来賓挨拶として県高校教育課から温かい応援のメッセージをいただきました。在校生を代表して、高校2年生・高校3年生それぞれから１名が登壇し、心のこもったスピーチを行いました。

高校2年生代表は、「うまく言葉を組み合わせる力を身に着けたい。これから課題をしっかりこなせるようになりたい。」と、力強く抱負を語りました。

高校3年生代表は、IB生活を迎える2年生へむけて英語でメッセージを伝えました。

その後、本校IBコーディネーターから生徒・保護者の皆さまに向けて、歓迎と激励の言葉が英語と日本語で贈られました。授業を担当する先生方は、それぞれがIBプログラムに対する熱い思いを語っていました。最後に記念撮影を行い和やかな雰囲気のもと閉式しました。

これから始まるIBの学びを通して、生徒たちがさらに大きく成長していくことが今から楽しみです。

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Opening Ceremony

On Saturday, April 11th, the Opening Ceremony of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program was held to welcome the newly enrolled Year 1 students and their families into the IB family and celebrate an important milestone in their life.

The ceremony commenced with an encouraging speech by the Principal of the Nika Junior and Senior High School, followed by the kind words of support offered by the representative of the Miyagi Prefectural Board of Education. Representing the voice of IB students, 2 students took the stage and delivered their speeches. First, one student from Year 1 expressed his determination in Japanese to work hard. Next, one from Year 2 made a welcome speech in English, igniting a ray of hope in the eyes of the junior students who carefully listened.

Afterwards, the school's IB coordinator, Mr. Jinushi, offered words of welcome and encouragement to the students and parents in both English and Japanese, highlighting the importance of becoming independent learners and free thinkers from this moment forward. Additionally, he reminded the students to seize all the life-changing opportunities that IB provides, evoking heartfelt smiles on the faces of the students in anticipation of the future adventures that await them.

This was followed by a short introductory speech by the Japanese and international IB teachers who talked about their commitment to the IB program and imparted their words of advice to both students and parents.

The ceremony concluded with a final speech by the Vice Principal, after which a commemorative photo was taken to mark this special moment, closing the ceremony in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

We are looking forward to seeing the intellectual growth of this new generation of IB students along the course of their new academic journey!