What was your experience like when your family started at CA?

We love it here - it’s such a wonderful community with a good balance of curriculum and experiences for both of our children, in middle school and elementary school. 

I remember when we first came for the tour at CA. I was being shown around the school, and then students from different grades said hi to me as if they already knew me. It felt open and welcoming, and now, having been here for 6 years, I still feel the same every time I am in the school - the friendliness from students to teachers.

How would you describe the CA community?

Well-connected with teachers, parents, and students working together - there are many opportunities and fun events for parents to connect with the community. The parents can be a part of the student’s learning through events such as parent information sessions, coffee mornings, and of course, all the fun PTA events to bring the community together.

What do you like about being PTA president?

I am very honored to be asked to step into this position. It really has been so fun and wonderful working with a diverse group of parents to create different events, connecting and bringing everyone together. I enjoy making it fun and easy for all the CA parents to support and be a part of our children's learning experience at school.

In particular, the International Food Fair is our most looked-forward-to event of the year. We have a variety of food, cultures, entertainment, raffles, and friends; what more can we ask for? Our amazing team has been working so hard to make this event special, and I am very excited to try all the different foods (representing 28 countries this year) and the cultural entertainment. The Parade of Nations is also a lot of fun!

What is your perspective on CA as a parent?

I like how CA has been adapting over time to incorporate different needs of society, and enhancing the educational program proactively. In particular, I’m impressed with CA’s STEM education and it’s one of the reasons why I chose CA for my children. CA has a strong presence in the international community in Kobe, and I also like to see members of CA, including myself, actively connecting with the local community.

What do you like about being a parent at CA? 

From the first day I joined, I received a warm welcome email from the Grade representative inviting me to a coffee morning to get to know other parents. That was just the beginning of my experience of a fantastic, inclusive school community where everyone is accepted. There is a sense of belonging here that you don't find in many other institutions.

What is your perspective on CA as a parent?

I chose CA because I really believe in the IB Curriculum and I wanted a school that mirrored my strength of feeling. That and the additional benefit of a multi-cultural environment with the option to study Japanese at a high level made this the perfect school for our family.

How have your children changed after coming to CA? 

They have both grown as learners - they don't take anything as given. They question, they research, they consult, they collaborate, they advocate for themselves, all with the support of the faculty and staff.  It's been such a pleasure to see them become independent and take control of their education. In addition to academics, the extra-curricular clubs and activities have given them so many opportunities to explore what they really love. Mine are passionate about volleyball and music - I feel it's something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

What do you like about living in Kobe, Japan?

Living in Kobe has provided us with a wonderful and safe environment for my kids to grow. I felt comfortable about letting them do things on their own - traveling to and from school, going out with their friends etc. Also, Japan offers the best of all the seasons - hiking and cycling in Spring and Autumn, beaches in Summer, skiing in Winter.  It's somewhere you can find an activity for your children for every time of year.