Kicking off the Year

Aloha Island School ‘Ohana

What a week we’ve had to kick off the 24-25 school year!

Thank you so much to all the families who came out to meet their children’s teachers and move through campus and experience their child’s day at school. I enjoyed hearing from quite a few families who enjoyed so much the opportunity to be alongside other parents saying, “It felt like a reunion!” And there were other parents who expressed distinct gratitude for the chance to meet enrichment teachers in elementary school, reflecting with deep appreciation for this opportunity after many years at the school. Teachers and parents alike spoke to how much they appreciated meeting each other at the start of the school year, to connect and especially for teachers to share about their commitment to education and get to know each other more, well before conferences and the end of the first quarter.

Then we had over 30 families come to participate in the opening Island School ‘Ohana Association meeting on Friday morning. We are thrilled to have so many dedicated families ready to engage together in support of the school.

And then we closed out our week with all our students gathering for our Opening All-school Assembly, one of only 3 times in the year that we as a full school, from Nā Pua Keiki to 12th Grade. We were so appreciative to hear the words of wisdom from five seniors, from encouraging students to be kind and caring, take risks to make new friends, organize their time to balance out their obligations, try new experiences and work hard. We sang together and eagerly awaited as Liv as one of our youngest students and Aiden as our oldest student used a hand chimes to together ring in the new year on our behalf. And finally, what a moment where we got to celebrate teachers celebrating special milestone years, particularly Sean Magoun and Sabra Kauka who are celebrating their 30th year with Island School this year!

What a meaningful start to our time together with students and adults reveling in the start of school.

And if you’ve read this far, I thank you, and hope to see you next Friday at Island School’s Carnival!!

Mahalo nui loa,