As human beings, one thing that we see across cultures and traditions, is the importance of marking milestones with rituals. It is often important for us to teach children that they have achieved certain moments in their lives that signify change, more responsibility or an entry into sacredness.
Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty. The motto that the Sisters of the Infant Jesus chose for our school continues to be a guiding principle in how we approach education and what we value to instill in our students.
Last week the Grade 9 students gathered for their Day of Reflection focusing on the topic on our Saint Maur Essential Outcome of being "Life-Long Learners". The Day of Reflection is an opportunity to pause our regular academic schedule and give attention to other aspects of their lives.
For their last Day of Reflection, students gathered to focus on the theme of being "Global Citizens"; one of our SMEOs which is fundamental as students begin their journey into adulthood. Grade 12s spend the day playing games, working cooperatively and considering how they can serve one another.
Days of Reflection are an opportunity for cohorts to come together and work on one of the Saint Maur Essential Outcomes through conversations, games, experiential activities and group bonding. For Grade 10, this year's theme, based on our SMEOs, was "Balanced Learners".
Our school was founded by the Sisters of Infant Jesus to provide educational opportunities to international families in Japan. Thus, for 150 years we have celebrated with our families the important milestones of life and encouraged and guided students to become moral citizens.
During the Grade 11 Day of Reflection, we focused on being Moral Citizens and how to do it by showing affection and love in our very important platonic relationships. Students were asked to consider that long-lasting love comes in many form and for many, their 'soulmates' may be our friends who know us, love us and walk their journey with us.
On Friday 3rd of March, our Grade 6s gathered for their first Day of Reflection. We have these events once a year for each cohort but the first one for Grade 6s is special in that it is an opportunity for them to reflect on how far they have come since their first nervous day as Middle Schoolers.
Last Friday, the Grade 7s gathered with Ms Mansson and their Homeroom teachers to participate in their Day of Reflection. The day was focused on our School Motto: Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty.
The Grade 12s enthusiastically participated on their last Day of Reflection where we focused on our SMEO of Global Citizenship. Students were encouraged to be proactive and helpful Global Citizens by being open-minded, willing to listen to the perspectives of others and engaging in service.
During our first week, we were delighted to gather again. We were excited to be back on campus and share our summer stories, see our friends and be ready to learn. During the first week of school, staff and students in Secondary School had the opportunity to gather and give thanks during an Opening Mass. This Saint Maur tradition gives us a chance to think about our blessings and think about how we can be there for one another in the year to come.
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83 Yamatecho, Naka Ward Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-8654
Email: info@stmaur.ac.jp
Phone: +81 (0) 45 641 5751
Fax: +81 (0) 45 641 6688
