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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.