Announcements

Before you proceed to all the good things the PTA has to offer, let me share a story about a girl I know who left home to attend college in a foreign country, full of hopes for a new chapter in her life. Come October (and November…) teary calls home became her new reality. Because making friends turned out to be extremely difficult, and loneliness started feeling truly unbearable. 

Witnessing her parents’ despair this past week, reminded me how important friendships are. And how the ability to make connections might be the greatest gift we can give our kids.

Therefore, when we go to watch The SpongeBob Musical this week, to support our young athletes this winter sports season or to volunteer at Winterfest, let's work on our friend making skills and say hello to someone we do not already know. Bonding always starts with us.

Meanwhile, cinnamon and candles are on my mind this week, and I'm sure they will be for many weeks to come!

Stay warm and cozy,

Indre

P.S. Did you realize that Winterfest is less than 4 weeks away? And did you know that 70 people are already involved in planning every little detail of this year’s celebration? 70..! And did you know there's points to be earned for getting involved (not to mention karma points!)? 😉 Consider helping us by serving food and beverages or providing event and activities support!

Virtual Parent Session with Cartoonist Matt Smith - Nov 16 at 7PM

Matt Smith will be joining us on Zoom next week! Sign up here. Learn how graphic novels support readers of all ages, from early childhood to high school! Join HS Asst. Librarian Caroline Haddad and special guest Matt Smith—professional cartoonist and former ASIJ teacher—on Zoom for an eye-opening session on the literary value of visual storytelling. This session is sponsored by the Grants and Speakers Program. 

Divisional Events   

ES Parents Social Dinner - Nov 13 at 7PM

ES parents dinner at DIYA Modern Indian Dining is this Friday! Signups are closed. For those who signed up, we are looking forward to seeing you! Questions? Contact ES Social Coordinators Eva, Gwen or Nicole at ESSocial@pta.asij.ac.jp.

ELC Fall Movie Festival - Nov 18 at 1PM 

Our Fall Movie Festival is coming up on Wednesday, November 18, after PACT dismissal! Children's Movie Sign Up is now open! We'd love your help! We are looking for parent volunteers to help supervise the children during the movies. Please sign up to volunteer here. For questions or more information, please contact the ELC Division Events Team.

Volunteer Requests 

Senior Lunch Taco Fiesta - Nov 13 at 1PM

We are excited to host for our Seniors a Taco Fiesta on Friday, Nov 13 from 1-1:45PM in the Courtyard. We thank you in advance for supporting our Seniors!  You can sign up here to donate fruit and juices and/or help on the day. For questions, please contact Senior Activities Chairs: Nancy (Meredith) & Meg (Ren) at senioractivities@pta.asij.ac.jp.

Winterfest

Winterfest is gearing up for Dec 5, and we need your help to make it magical! Questions? Reach out to Joanna, Maricris and Massimo at winterfest@pta.asij.ac.jp. .

Parent-Led Clubs

New to ASIJ, new to Tokyo, or eager to share a hobby? Join a Parent-Led Club or start your own by filling out our interest form! Registration opens Tuesdays at 12:00 PM as events are announced in the newsletter, and you can explore the full club directory and photos on our website. For questions, contact Parent-Led Clubs Chair Shino Torigoe-Yeh at parentledclubs@pta.asij.ac.jp. 

Photography Walk Club - Nov 17 at 10AM (Gotokuji, Setagaya)

Explore Gotokuji, Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Town! Visit charming cat-themed shops and cafés, explore the famous Gotokuji Temple with its hundreds of lucky cats, and enjoy lunch nearby. Sign up here.

Pakistani Kitchen Club - Nov 20 at 10:30AM (Private residence in Setagaya)

Join Pakistani Kitchen Club for a hands-on cooking session featuring Malai Handi (creamy chicken curry), Roti (whole wheat flatbread), and Rusk (crispy biscuits). Cost: ¥1,500 (cash). Sign up here.

Run Happy Walk Happy Club - Mondays (except holidays) at 8AM (Nogawa Park)

A friendly Monday morning run or walk right next to ASIJ. All fitness paces are welcome, with an optional post-workout breakfast. Sign up here.

Christian Parents Club - Tuesdays (except holidays & PACT days) at 9AM (Zoom)

Join our supportive community for worship, praise, and prayer for our children and their school on Thursday mornings via Zoom. Prayers are offered in both English and Japanese. Sign up here. 

Stay connected with our community!
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