Announcements

A message from our PTA president 

Reflecting on this throughout the week has not only made me proud of who we have become, but has helped me see ASIJ's values — Character, Courage, and Compassion — in a new light. History has proven, time and time again, that these qualities empower those who possess them to make a difference: to create the unimaginable or to endure it. I choose never to forget that.

Have a wonderful week, everyone, — one full of life, rich experiences, and the deep emotions that stir when we look to the past and are reminded of a life worth living. The snow has probably melted by now, but what a great surprise it was!

Warm regards,

Indre Mackeviciute
On behalf of the ASIJ PTA Board

Community Gratitude

Our ASIJ community is the best around! We want to honor our unsung heroes by creating space in our PTA weekly emails to recognize members of our community who have let their Mustang Spirit shine bright. Each week, we will highlight those who you have nominated in this space. You may leave an anonymous message here.

• Dear PTA Nominating Committee Members, thank you for stepping up to serve on this committee and for having so many thoughtful and joyful conversations with parents who are ready to get involved and support the PTA next year in one capacity or another. Every one of those conversations reflects the strength and generosity of our community. Because of your efforts, the PTA will continue to grow and thrive with passionate volunteers ready to lead and serve. Recruiting volunteers isn’t always easy, but you made it fun! While you may not be actively involved with the PTA next year, your legacy will carry forward through the people you’ve helped bring into leadership and service. THANK YOU!

Divisional Events

MS Spring Parents’ Night Out - Mar 13 at 7:00PM

Hello Middle School parents! We are thrilled to invite you to our Spring Parents’ Night Out. It’s a great chance to catch up and enjoy some of the best Indian cuisine in town! Datetime: Friday, March 13th at 7:00PM – 9:30PM Location: DIYA Modern Indian Dining, Takanawa Gateway. Cost: ¥9,000 per person (Includes full dinner menu & drinks). Please sign up here.

HS Spring Social Dinner - Apr 10 at Scarpetta Tokyo

Sign up now for the HS Spring Social Dinner! It has been great to see and meet so many of you HS parents at various social events throughout the school year. Join us at Scarpetta Tokyo for a night of warm company of fellow High School parents. Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at this lovely restaurant located conveniently in Toranomon. We look forward to enjoying the evening with you.

-Date and time: Friday, April 10 at 7-10PM

-Location: Scarpetta Tokyo (Tokyo World Gate Building, 4 chome-1-1- 1F, Toranomon, Tokyo)

-Cost: depending on the number of attendees, between ¥11,500 - 16,100  per person

-Dress: Smart Casual

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Draper or Emi Chachra at hssocial@pta.asij.ac.jp

ELC Spring Family Picnic in Yoyogi Koen - Apr 11 at 10AM

ELC PTA invites you to come join us at Yoyogi Koen on April 11th for a day of fun where you can meet new families or catch up with old friends. Bring your picnic mats, food, drinks, and park toys. It will be a great day! Feel free to contact Jenna Holdgrafer at elcdivision@pta.asij.ac.jp if you have any questions.

ELC Literacy Week Parent Performances - Apr 16 at 8:45AM

Literacy Week is one of everyone’s favorite weeks at the ELC and now it’s your turn to be part of the magic! We’re looking for parent volunteers to help out in three ways: join us on Craft Day in the Community Room on April 9, step into the spotlight as an Actor, or help things run smoothly as an Usher. No matter your comfort level, there’s a perfect role for you! Sign up and we’ll contact you with a role you feel comfortable with! Feel free to contact Jenna Holdgrafer at elcdivision@pta.asij.ac.jp if you have any questions.

ES Spring Family Picnic at the Park - Apr 25 at 11AM

Spring is almost here! Let’s celebrate the warmer weather with a relaxed family picnic at Yoyogi Park. Bring your own lunch and blanket, and enjoy time chatting with other parents while the kids run and play. We’d love to see you there. Sign up for the event here.

Parent-Led Clubs

Are you new to ASIJ or to Tokyo, or maybe a returning parent? Do you have hobbies or interests that you would like to share with the ASIJ community? We encourage you to establish a new club. The PTA will support you in starting, managing and promoting the club. If you have a club idea or questions, please contact Parent-led Clubs Chair, Jennifer Min at parentledclubs@pta.asij.ac.jp. 

View the full list of parent-led clubs on our website, including current photos. 

Neighborhood Explorers Club- Mar 12 at 10:15AM (Yoshiwara)
Sign up to explore the Yoshiwara neighborhood, which is the former pleasure quarter in Tokyo and talk about its impact on Japanese culture. Only a few spots left! We will meet at the McDonald's Minowa (outside of Exit 3 of Minowa Station).

Brisk Walk Club - Mar 13 at 10AM (Umegaoka Station)
Sign up for an early Sakura walk! We will meet at
Umegaoka Station and walk to Naka-Meguro, getting an early view of the sakura along the Meguro River.

Book Club - Mar 11 at 12PM (Nihonbashi)
This event is closed but check the sign up to join the next Book Club meeting!

Run Happy Walk Happy Club - Mar 16, 30 at 8AM (Nogawa Park)
Sign up to join a fun run or walk with optional breakfast afterwards. We meet on Monday mornings around 8AM in the parking area at Nogawa Park (next to ASIJ). All paces are encouraged to join this fun and friendly group!

Photography Walk Club - Mar 16 at 10AM (Shimomaruko, Ota City)
Sign up for a cherry blossom photo walk and to explore one of Tokyo’s hidden gem spots. We’ll learn, shoot, soak it all in, and then head to lunch together afterwards. We will meet at the Monument of 21 Century Sakura. Bring a cell phone or camera!

Christian Parents Club - Mar 17, 31 at 9AM (Zoom)
Sign up to join this weekly club on Tuesday mornings via Zoom. Are you seeking a supportive community where you can pray for your children and their school? We invite you to participate in a time of worship, praise, and intercessory prayer. Our prayers are conducted in English and Japanese.

Global Cooking Club - Mar 18 at 10 AM (Setagaya City)
This event is full but check the sign up for cancellations or to join the waitlist for a tea experience centered on Pakistani chai culture inspired by the tea traditions of Hunza Valley and Lahore. Led by ASIJ parent, Aneeta Bokuts, we'll sample traditional tea-time treats and learn how to make Buru Shapik and crispy Samosas. Please note that some dishes include nuts. The cost is ¥1,800 (cash).

Cultural Connections - Mar 19 at 10AM (Azabu Gardens West)
This event has been cancelled due to the ES Parent Teacher Conferences. Please check the sign up for the rescheduled date to join Treasures of the Japanese Pantry - An Easy, Healthy Japanese Cooking Workshop.

Hello Nihongo Club - Mar 19 at 10AM (ELC Roppongi)
Sign up for this club’s next meeting for new arrivals and absolute beginners in Japanese who want to learn daily conversation skills. Also enjoy hands-on experience of Japanese culture, including calligraphy and origami (paper folding), etc. This club is led by Kimiyo, an ASIJ parent and nationally licensed Japanese language teacher with extensive experience teaching at a Japanese school for expatriates and their families. The fee per class is ¥1,500 (cash) for learning materials and a short tea break with Japanese sweets.

Grant and Speakers Program (GSP)

About GSP

The PTA has funds to help bring cool projects and guest speakers to ASIJ! If you’re a teacher, staff member, student group, or parent with a great idea to boost learning or add something special to school that would go beyond the standard curriculum, you can apply for financial support through the PTA Grants and Speakers Program (GSP). From author visits and student-led gardens to virtual reality in the classroom, past grants have made a difference.

Want to know more or ready to apply? Check out the guidelines and the application form.