CGK Times
Maximizing your opportunities for happiness
in an increasingly global world
March 2025
Contents
Preschool
And that's a Wrap!
With the curtains coming down on this year's COL, that brings us to the end of another fun and exciting school year. We have grown together and CGK is excited to see where the growth will take us next. Thank you to everyone for making this school year such a memorable one. Here's to a bigger and better new school year.
CGK Library Awards
Our lovely Kannai campus librarians Ms Jun and Ms Yuka were present to award special awards to children who have read over 100 library books and more! CGK students can sign up to borrow books from the CGK library to read at home. These children have shown great dedication, effort, and most importantly, enjoyment in reading to read so many books! Congratulations to our eager young readers.
CGK Staff Awards
It is important to recognise the growth and achievements that the students have made. But it is equally important to recognise the growth and achievements that our staff have made as well! For this month's CGK awards, Mountain and Sky classes nominated CGK staff for awards for categories that they decided themselves. After that, they voted for the award winners. Thank you Mountain and Sky classes for recognising the great work our staff has done. And thank you to our wonderful CGK staff! Good job, everyone WOO, WOO, WOO!
CGK Awards
Welcome to the world renowned, highly respected, and much revered CGK Awards! Each month we would like to highlight the children from each class who have displayed qualities that are part of the IB Learner Profile. These are qualities that we want our children to have and to share with the world. With that, the recipients of this month's CGK Achievement Awards are:
Jungle (3-year-olds)
K. - for being a caring friend who adjusts her voice level to suit the appropriate situations. And for being a risk-taker and accepting any challenge that is thrown her way.
L. - for demonstrating a reflective mindset and being a true risk-taker by embracing challenges with courage and learning from his mistakes.
Congratulations to this month’s recipients. Keep on sharing your awesomeness with the world!
Sky (5-year-olds)
Feel the Beat! A Heart Health Journey Across Cultures
In Sky Class, we’ve been diving into the exciting world of how our bodies work as part of our UOI, "Who We Are." The theme has centered on understanding our bodies, making good choices for our health, and recognizing how these choices impact our well-being. A key focus has been learning about the heart—its structure, how it works, and how to keep it healthy. This lesson not only sparked curiosity about the human body but also opened up fascinating discussions about culture and the choices people make around the world to take care of their health.
We began by exploring the heart itself. The students were amazed to learn that the heart is a muscle that is about the size of their fist and works tirelessly to pump blood through our bodies. They were especially excited to discover that the heart is like a house, and has four "rooms" (chambers), and that it beats billions of times throughout our lives! To make this lesson more engaging, we talked about the kinds of choices that can help keep our hearts healthy, such as eating healthy foods, exercising, and avoiding harmful habits. On the other hand, we also discussed bad choices, like smoking or not staying active, and how these can affect the heart over time.
As part of our exploration, the students were divided into teams from the countries in our COL performance: Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Morocco. Each team was tasked with creating a heart health magazine, where they had to research and design a page that focused on one aspect of heart health. Each student took on a specific role within their country team. Some focused on the anatomy of the heart, explaining how it works and why it’s so important. Others explored innovations or scientific advancements that have helped improve heart health over time, while some students discussed what kinds of foods and activities are beneficial for the heart. Some even researched cultural perspectives on the heart—how people in their assigned country view the heart symbolically and what heart health means in their culture. Through these research activities, Sky Class gained a broader understanding of how diverse cultures approach health and wellness.
The final product was a beautifully crafted heart health magazine that captured not only the students’ knowledge of how the heart works but also their creativity and teamwork. The students had to be very careful and considerate when designing their pages, making sure to mix creativity with structure. They carefully thought about how to lay out their information in a clear and engaging way, choosing colors, images, and designs that matched the theme while keeping everything neat and easy to understand - including their handwriting! It was inspiring to see how they balanced artistic expression with thoughtful organization to create a cohesive magazine. The kids were excited to share their work with one another, exchanging ideas and learning from each other. Through this hands-on activity, Sky Class not only strengthened their understanding of the human body but also made connections to the wider world, celebrating the rich diversity of cultures and their unique perspectives on health. It was a fun, educational journey that truly brought our inquiry to life!
A Special Time We Created Together: Sleepover Memories
From Friday, February 28 to Saturday, March 1, the Sky class held their much-anticipated one-night, two-day Sleepover Event. These two days were filled with moments where the children's independence truly shone, creating unforgettable memories that will remain a highlight of their time at CGK.
The sleepover began with a shopping trip planned entirely by the children themselves. They created shopping lists, compared prices and ingredients, and made thoughtful decisions about what to buy. Even the number of paper plates and cups needed was decided through discussions with friends. They carefully considered everything required for both dinner and breakfast before making their purchases.
After returning to CGK, it was time for games! But instead of playing something prepared by teachers, the children took the lead again. They made their own rules and combined their favorite games to create brand-new ones. Through this activity, we saw how actively they exchanged ideas and took ownership of the experience.
Soon, it was time for dinner. The children chose their favorite ingredients and made their own tacos, enjoying the freedom to customize their meals. Their cooperation during both preparation and cleanup was truly impressive. It was a beautiful reflection of how much they have learned to help and care for one another.
Next came Movie Night. The children voted on and enjoyed a movie of their choice, then calmly prepared their own bedding before settling in for a relaxing end to the day.
The next morning, the children woke up bright and early, full of energy. They took initiative in preparing breakfast—cutting bananas, peeling boiled eggs, and organizing the meal together. It was a morning full of smiles and teamwork.
What stood out throughout the sleepover was the children's growing independence and sense of responsibility. As they prepare to transition to elementary school, we believe this experience will serve as a meaningful step toward greater self-reliance.
The children actively expressed their opinions and took part in shaping the entire event. They supported one another, respected each other’s voices, and shared a wonderful time together—because they truly owned the experience.
To all the parents, thank you so much for your warm support and cooperation throughout this year. Your children have grown so much in confidence through a wide variety of challenges and experiences. It has been a joy and an honor to witness their growth up close during this final year at CGK. We are excited to see all the new adventures and milestones that lie ahead.
Mountain A and B
(4-year-olds)
Thanks for the Memories!
Dear Families,
This past month has been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and growth as our Mountain Classes have embarked on the exciting journey of preparing for their school plays! We want to share a glimpse into the wonderful process that brought us to those special moments. Instead of focusing solely on the final performance, we want to celebrate the process – the learning, the exploration, and the personal development - that occurred along the way.
The play and graduation ceremony were not just end products; they were celebrations of the incredible learning journey our kids undertook. We are immensely proud of their efforts, their creativity, and their growth. Thank you for being a part of this special time. We hope these behind-the-scenes glimpses provide you with a deeper appreciation for the learning that took place.
We will end our final month of the year by reflecting back on some of the many activities the students have enjoyed over the year, talk about which ones meant the most to them and engage in some student interviews. Please look forward to seeing some of these interviews in your child`s final report.
Friends Forever❤️
As we come to the end of this wonderful school year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the amazing memories we’ve created together! From the first day of school to today, it has been a year filled with laughter, learning, and growth.
We've seen your children blossom into confident, curious individuals who have made lasting friendships and memories. Whether it was sharing a favorite toy, working together on art projects, or cheering each other on during playtime, the connections they’ve made are truly special. It’s been a joy watching these young minds explore, grow, and build the foundation for lifelong friendships.
As we look ahead to the new school year, we hope these bonds continue to flourish, even as we face new challenges and changes. Growing up brings new adventures, but the kindness and love your children have shown each other this year will always be with them. We’re excited to see what the future holds and are so proud of all they’ve accomplished.
Thank you for being a part of our preschool family this year. Your support and partnership have made this journey unforgettable.
Onwards and Upwards...
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And so another year comes to an end, and thank you to all of our Mountain B friends for all of their hard work this year. Whilst our time with Mountain has finished, our journey continues in Sky. This transition will, understandably, be a little daunting for some of our Mountain friends and so as a class we have been discussing change, thinking about what change means, discussing the good things and some of the scary things about change and how to manage our feelings. Happily, our Mountain friends have made huge progress socially and emotionally this year and so they have been able to come up with some excellent strategies of how to help themselves become Sky friends and adjust to the new classes. As well as the usual breathing techniques which have become a regular exercise in Mountain, the students have been thinking about some of the things they are looking forward to in Sky including new teachers, being big kids and making new friends in new classes.
Before the COL, the students had a think about some of their aims for Sky and we had some really great ideas such as, "Eat all of my lunch", "Be a risk taker", and "Go to the Sky sleepover". They also took the opportunity to be the big kids for Jungle class, showing them around Kannai campus and answering questions that they had about Mountain! It has been wonderful to see how much the students have taken on board this year and how eager they are to look to the future. Thank you, Mountain friends, it's been a blast!
Thank You for a Wonderful Year!
Throughout this school year, our children have grown tremendously through a wide variety of experiences. In their interactions with friends and in their daily school life, they learned the importance of kindness and cooperation. We saw many wonderful moments where they expressed themselves confidently, asked thoughtful questions with curiosity, and shared their own ideas with enthusiasm.
In our final unit of the year, "Who We Are", the three classes came together for a special excursion to an inclusive playground—a place where all children, regardless of ability, can play together. It was a new and meaningful experience that helped deepen their friendships and understanding of inclusivity.
Next year, the children will step into their final preschool year as members of the Sky class. As Sky class students, they will dive deeper into their IB learning, take on more leadership and responsibility, and engage in even more inquiry-based activities. We also hope to support them in becoming more independent as they begin preparing for the transition to elementary school.
To all of our parents and guardians, thank you so much for your ongoing support and cooperation throughout the year. Your warmth and encouragement have helped create a safe and nurturing environment where your children could grow with confidence. We are truly grateful for everything you have done.
With heartfelt thanks,
Jungle
(3-year-olds)
Up, Up, and Away!✨
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We started our year in style with a birthday party!
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Teachers were always there to comfort, support, play, teach and discipline all at the same time...
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Saying hello to a new friend.
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Saying hello to a new friend.
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And just like that, we’ve arrived at the final issue of CGK Times for the 2024-2025 schoolyear. As the Japanese say, Otsukaresama deshita (お疲れ様でした) and Arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました), expressions of deep appreciation for everyone’s hard work and support. Truly, we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible journey we’ve had this year.
It has been an absolute joy to witness how much our Jungle Class students have grown. This year brought its share of unique experiences: new teachers, heartfelt goodbyes, and warm welcomes to new classmates. Through it all, the children adapted with resilience, kindness, and openness, which made me incredibly proud.
With the guidance of so many wonderful teachers, each student has embraced challenges, deepened friendships, and developed the curiosity and confidence that will carry them forward. The seeds of inquiry have been planted, and their journey as lifelong learners is just beginning.
Soon, they’ll no longer be my little “Junglese” but the newest members of Mountain Class. I have no doubt they will continue to shine, bringing their energy, enthusiasm, and love for learning with them. Soaring high in the endless sky of learning… up, up, and away, Junglese!
To all the families, teachers, and students: thank you for making this year so special. It has been an honour to be part of this journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these incredible young learners.
Please enjoy this photo collection of the children at the very beginning of their Jungle Class adventure. Some were nervous, some were sad to be away from their families, but the teachers were always there to support them and bring a smile to their faces! You might even spot some familiar, nostalgic faces.
We Love You, Jungle Friends – Thank You So Much!
Thank you so much for your warm support during our recent COL. While some children were a little nervous in front of the large audience, they were still able to present with confidence, joy, and enthusiasm. Their ability to stand tall and enjoy the moment was a beautiful reminder of how much they’ve grown.
It’s hard to believe, but our time in the Jungle class has already come to an end. Although I joined as homeroom teacher partway through the school year, I was warmly welcomed by the children and all of you, which made every day fun and fulfilling. At first, many children were focused only on themselves, but over time, they learned to do more and more. They developed stronger relationships with their friends and teachers, and began tackling challenges through cooperation and teamwork.
Looking at the class as a whole, what stood out most was how lively and full of laughter and energy the children were each day. Lately, they’ve also started learning how to balance fun with focus—showing that they know when it’s time to play and when it’s time to get serious. There may be some feelings of nervousness as they move on to the next grade, but I truly believe that with their strength, kindness, and the incredible growth they’ve shown this year, they will thrive in their new environment with confidence.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the parents and guardians for your continued understanding and support. It has been a true privilege to be part of your child’s growth journey, and I hope to continue cheering them on as they move forward.
Thank you so much!
Ocean A
(2-year-olds)
Exploring the Magic of Shadows and Light
This month, the Ocean A class was deeply engaged in preparing for their COL. But their curiosity has also led them to explore the fascinating world of shadows and light. What started as a simple question during outdoor time - “What is this?” - sparked an exciting journey of discovery that not only captured the children’s imaginations but also provided a unique and creative way for them to express themselves. The inquiry began when the Ocean A friends noticed their own shadows outside. This simple observation opened the door to a deeper exploration of how shadows form, what they are, and how they interact with light. The concept of shadows became an engaging hands-on learning experience where the children were encouraged to experiment and explore independently. Through various shadow learning centers, Ocean A friends had the opportunity to problem-solve, experiment, and investigate at their own pace. They tested different materials and objects to see how they cast shadows, learning the role of light in this process. As the children explored the concept of light in relation to shadows, they discovered that light can do much more than just create shadows. They experimented with how light interacts with various materials—how it can pass through some objects, be blocked by others, or be manipulated in different ways. This opened the door for children to think critically about the world around them, fostering a sense of inquiry, creativity, and problem-solving.
Throughout the exploration of shadows and light, the Ocean A friends demonstrated various traits from the IB learner profile. They were inquirers, asking questions and seeking answers through their own investigations. They showed open-mindedness as they explored new ideas and approaches. As thinkers, they considered different possibilities and solutions, and as principled learners, they respected the process of discovery. This exploration has not only been a fun and educational experience but has also helped the children develop important skills for lifelong learning. The process of experimenting with shadows and light has sparked curiosity, encouraged teamwork, and deepened their understanding of the world in a way that will continue to inspire them as they move forward in their learning journeys.
Ocean A's COL Performance: A Celebration of Growth and Achievement
As the Ocean A class comes to the end of their learning journey, we are filled with pride and joy as we reflect on their hard work and growth throughout the past months. The culmination of their efforts was beautifully showcased in their COL performance. Every single Ocean A friend played an essential part, and the final result was nothing short of amazing.
On stage, Ocean A friends shone brightly. Their confidence, energy, and excitement filled the room, and it was clear that they had a wonderful time performing in front of their audience. Their smiles, laughter, and vibrant expressions were a testament to the joy they felt in the moment. It was a celebration not just of their hard work, but of their growth as individuals and as a team. Backstage, the pride and excitement continued. Ocean A friends exited the stage with big smiles, laughing with one another, and expressing their joy in what they had accomplished. It was evident that each child felt a deep sense of achievement and connection with their peers. As teachers, we couldn’t have been prouder of how each student embraced the opportunity to perform, demonstrating both courage and teamwork throughout the entire experience.
Reflecting on this journey, we are incredibly proud of how much the Ocean A friends have grown. From the beginning of the school year to this moment, we have witnessed their increased independence, confidence, and ability to work together as a team. Their performance was not just a display of their talents, but a reflection of how far they have come in their learning and development. This performance was just one of many milestones in their ongoing learning journey, and we can't wait to see what they will accomplish next.
New Discoveries Through Experiments
This month in Ocean A class, the children deepened their learning through various hands-on science experiments, making exciting new discoveries along the way.
We began with an activity using baking soda and vinegar. The children explored the materials with their five senses—some sniffed the vinegar and exclaimed, “It smells sweet!” while others wrinkled their noses and said, “Yuck!” Beyond smell, they also explored with their eyes and hands, saying things like, “Can I touch it?” and “I can draw with it!” These multisensory experiences sparked curiosity and anticipation for what would come next.
The children then selected colors to mix with the vinegar and observed how the colors changed and how the substances reacted. As the activity progressed, they began to take initiative—mixing their colors with their friends’, changing the amount of water used, and testing out their own ideas. It was wonderful to see their curiosity blossom as they made new connections and explored freely. Many also shared their discoveries and cooperated with one another, demonstrating key aspects of the IB Learner Profile such as being communicators and collaborators, while also developing important thinking and research skills.
In another experiment involving lights and colors, the children observed how light creates shadows. They discovered how changing the angle and direction of the light, as well as the object being illuminated, affected the shape and movement of the shadow. Their discoveries extended to experiments using scales to compare weights and colorful counters to test volume using containers of different sizes. Their focused engagement during these activities was truly impressive.
As the children in Ocean A prepare to move on to their next classes in the coming month, they are filled with excitement and anticipation for becoming the “older kids.” Thanks to the warm support and cooperation of all our families, we were able to enjoy a fulfilling and successful year together. The time I spent with the children in Ocean A will always be a treasured memory for me.
Thank you so much for a wonderful year. I hope to continue watching your children grow and thrive in the years ahead.
A Year Gone in the Blink of an Eye – Look How Much We've Grown!
As the school year for Ocean A comes to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. It feels like such a long time ago that the children first joined us, and yet, this year has flown by. Over these months, each and every child has learned and grown in so many ways. Their individual progress has become clearly visible in their daily routines and actions.
For example, many of the children who once found it difficult to put on their own shoes can now do so confidently, taking care each morning to prepare themselves independently. They’ve also learned how to put on and take off their sweatshirts and smocks by themselves, making changing time much smoother. Friends who once needed a helping hand now proudly show off what they can do on their own. They’ve built stamina too—walking longer distances during outings, with smiles and energy all the way.
We’ve seen big leaps in independence: using the toilet on their own, remembering the next steps in their daily routines, and following through with confidence. Each of these milestones has been a joy to witness, and we’ve truly felt the power and importance of their steady growth.
These accomplishments are not only exciting for the children but also incredibly rewarding for us teachers. The progress we’ve seen is the result of their daily efforts, their interactions with peers, and the supportive environment created through teamwork and gentle guidance. The children didn’t just learn these skills alone—they grew by learning alongside their friends, with the support of their teachers and the experiences they’ve shared together.
Lately, we’ve even seen them take on leadership roles: helping teachers, encouraging friends, and showing kindness when others are in need. When a classmate is struggling, they don’t hesitate to lend a hand or offer words of support—something that speaks volumes about how much they’ve matured. Their willingness to help, and their interest in the people and world around them, show us that they are growing not only in ability, but in heart as well.
Soon, the children of Ocean A will take their next steps into Jungle class. We’re so excited to see what new experiences await them, and what kind of growth they will show in this next chapter. As they continue to build on everything they’ve learned so far, we’ll be right there with them—supporting, guiding, and cheering them on every step of the way.
Ocean B
(2-year-olds)
A Year of Growth, Discovery, and Learning
The journey of Ocean B friends over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. From their first steps into the classroom, where tears and uncertainty marked the beginning, to becoming confident, joyful, and eager learners, these young minds have experienced an incredible transformation. In just one year, they have not only adapted to the structure of school life but have grown in ways that will stay with them forever.
A Journey of Emotion and Adaptation
When our dear Ocean B first arrived, many faced challenges with managing their emotions. Tears were common as they parted from their parents each morning, unsure of what the day ahead would bring. However, with the gentle support of their teachers and the encouraging presence of their friends, they quickly learned how to navigate their emotions. They began to understand that it was okay to feel sad, but it was also okay to feel happy, excited, and proud of their accomplishments.
As the days passed, the children began to recognize the comfort of the daily classroom routine, which provided a sense of security and stability. Each morning, they greeted their teachers and friends, learning the importance of these social interactions. From simple waves and “Good morning!” to more meaningful conversations as the year went on, the classroom became a space where everyone could express themselves, make friends, and build connections.
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Morning and Afternoon Routines: A Sense of Stability
Ocean Ocean B Class thrived on their routines. The morning activities, which included greetings, circle time, and engaging in educational outdoor play, became a foundation for the day. They developed a sense of responsibility and teamwork as they helped each other settle into the classroom and prepared for the learning ahead. Morning routines gave way to the excitement of exploring new topics and engaging in inquiry-based learning that introduced them to fundamental concepts and fostered their curiosity.
The lunchtime experience was also a key part of their school life. Sitting together and sharing meals, Ocean B friends not only nourished their bodies but also learned valuable social skills, including taking turns, asking for help, and being considerate of others. The lunchtime environment allowed the children to bond, engage in conversations, and share stories about their day, fostering relationships and making the classroom feel like a second home.
Afternoons in Ocean B Class were equally significant. After a quiet nap to recharge, the children were always greeted with a delicious snack that fueled their next round of activities. The transition from rest to play was seamless, and they eagerly dove into the various engaging activities set before them, whether it was a fine and gross motor activity, a group game, discovering new things around them, or an exploration of a new subject area. Each activity was designed to help develop their skills, as well as their social and emotional growth.
Building Physical and Social Skills
Throughout the year, our dear Ocean B friends engaged in countless physical activities, from running and jumping during outdoor play to more focused exercises that helped refine their fine motor skills. As they learned to hold crayons, build with blocks, and engage in arts and crafts, their hands and fingers grew stronger, giving them the ability to complete their work with greater precision.
In addition to physical development, social skills were a major focus. They learned how to share, cooperate, and negotiate with their friends and teachers. Group activities, role-playing games, and team-based activities helped to foster teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution. They grew more confident in expressing their needs and understanding the needs of others, creating a supportive and positive classroom environment where every child was encouraged to participate.
Emotional development was just as important as social and physical growth. They learned how to recognize and manage their feelings, a skill that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Teachers used various approaches, such as storytelling, role-playing, and calming techniques, to help the children understand and express their emotions in healthy ways. By the end of the year, our Ocean B friends were able to approach challenges with confidence and resilience, knowing they had the support of their friends and teachers to help them through.
A Year of Discoveries and Accomplishments
Each day Ocean B brought new discoveries. They explored the world through sensory activities, experiments, and play. They discovered the joy of learning, the excitement of making new friends, and the pride of accomplishing tasks on their own. The growth they experienced in just one year was astounding. From taking their first independent steps in the classroom to mastering essential skills in communication, physical coordination, and self-regulation, everyone blossomed into independent learners and thinkers.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As the year draws to a close, the progress of Ocean B friends is evident in the growth and development of each child. They have learned to navigate the world of school life with confidence, joy, and curiosity. Their emotional, social, and physical skills have blossomed, and they are now ready to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.
We are so proud of Ocean B friends' journey, and we can’t wait to see how these young learners will continue to grow in the years to come. From the first tearful goodbyes to the final day of school, they have shown us what it means to grow, adapt, and embrace the adventure of learning. It has been a year filled with courage, discovery, and unforgettable memories.
Preparing for Jungle Class – Toilet Training Progress
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The children are becoming familiar with the “toilet song” as they learn how to use the toilet properly and understand the importance of using it for their bodily needs.
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“I can sit properly and use the toilet!”
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They are also learning to use the “big kid” toilet with confidence and skill.
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While waiting their turn, we often see them enjoying interactions with friends—another wonderful part of this learning experience.
As they prepare to move up to Jungle class, the children of Ocean B have been enthusiastically working on toilet training. With friends who have already become comfortable in underwear serving as role models, the entire class has encouraged one another, allowing each child to take on the challenge at their own pace.
Some children, eager to keep playing or still getting used to wearing underwear, needed a bit more time. However, we’ve begun to see many of them develop a routine of going to the toilet, gradually showing a more positive attitude—saying things like, “Maybe I’ll give it a try.” Having the support of their teachers and classmates helped boost their motivation, and being able to choose their favorite underwear also became a way for them to express their will and take pride in their progress.
More and more children are now able to say, “I want to go to the toilet” on their own, and even when accidents happen, they let us know honestly by saying, “I had an accident.” Whenever they succeed, their beaming smiles and proud “I did it!” moments are shared not just with teachers, but with the whole class in an atmosphere filled with warmth and encouragement.
Lately, we’ve been hearing confident declarations like, “I’m going to Jungle class, so I don’t wear diapers anymore,” and “I'm going to Jungle class. I don't pee in my underwear.” It’s amazing to see how seriously the children are listening to what the teachers say, understanding it in their own way, and moving forward toward their goals with determination.
Toilet training is not only about physical development—it’s also a vital process that nurtures confidence through the experience of success and fosters the ability to think: “What should I do next?” We've also seen beautiful moments of encouragement among friends, with children saying, “Wow, great job!” when someone succeeds, or feeling inspired to try themselves after seeing a friend give it their best.
As they move on to Jungle class, we will continue to support each child at their own pace, helping them build up many more moments of “I did it!” and celebrating their growth together.
A Fun Hinamatsuri Celebration! ♪
March 3rd was Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Day!
When we asked the children in Ocean B, “What is Hinamatsuri? What do we do and what do we eat?” their eyes lit up with curiosity and lots of questions. To begin our exploration, we decided to focus on the food traditionally associated with Hinamatsuri. Since the children had already learned about different traditional foods from various Japanese celebrations, we playfully asked, “Do we eat kagami mochi for Hinamatsuri? Or maybe the beans we threw at the oni?”
With cheerful voices, they shouted, “Nooo!”—showing us just how much they’ve already learned!
Through this new lesson, they discovered that Hinamatsuri is celebrated with hina-arare (colorful rice puffs) and chirashizushi. We deepened their understanding through hands-on crafts and playful activities related to these festive foods.
Later, all of the children from the Bashamichi Campus gathered together for a special Hinamatsuri lesson. In this shared experience, we explored more about the history and traditions of Hinamatsuri, including the origin of the holiday and the significance of the hina dolls. The children enjoyed a fun quiz and had the chance to see real hina dolls up close—many for the first time! They were absolutely fascinated, gazing intently at the beautiful decorations.
Throughout the year, our Ocean B friends have learned so much about Japanese culture and its many traditions. We hope that when Hinamatsuri returns next year, they’ll remember the joy and knowledge they experienced this year in Ocean B.
To our wonderful parents and guardians—thank you so much for your kind support and cooperation throughout the year. Though there were surely moments where we could have done better, we are incredibly proud to have spent this time with your children as part of the Ocean B teaching team.
I love you all, Ocean B friends!
We look forward to another wonderful year ahead.
Elementary School
Introducing MYP
As we know, middle school is a critical phase in a student's academic journey. It’s during these years that students begin to shape their identities, explore new interests, and build the foundation for their future learning and careers. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) plays a pivotal role in this process by offering a holistic and student-centered approach to education, and we are happy to start on this journey. We will be opening our middle school as an MYP candidate program.*
The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16 and serves as a bridge between the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP). It’s structured to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective while encouraging students to connect their learning to real-world issues.
The MYP curriculum framework consists of eight subject groups:
1. Language and Literature
2. Language Acquisition
3. Individuals and Societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. Arts
7. Physical and Health Education
8. Design
In addition to these subjects, students undertake an independent Personal Project in their final year of the MYP, allowing them to explore an area of personal interest in depth. Last year we had our first G5 exhibition and it was amazing to see the students' interests put into action, creating or even changing the reality, generating an impact in the community and the students themselves.
Students will also take part in a Community Project in 8th grade, working in small groups to put their learning into action by providing an identified service to the community. Throughout IB, it’s not enough to just learn about something. It’s vital to put our learning into action. The Community Project is part of that and a good precursor to the Creativity, Action, and Service hours that are part of the DP.
One of the greatest strengths of the MYP is its emphasis on inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary connections. Students are encouraged to think beyond individual subjects and make meaningful connections between different fields of knowledge. This approach helps them develop problem-solving skills and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. This does not take place of the subject knowledge they have to learn, but rather adds complexity and context that allows them to learn deeper. We also continue to build on the Learner Profile attributes and the Approaches to Learning (ATL) that are so foundational to being a lifelong learner.
The MYP creates an environment where students can explore different academic disciplines, creative pursuits, and practical skills. By engaging in a wide range of subjects and activities, they gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and interests. Whether a student discovers a passion for environmental science, coding, literature, arts, or global politics, the MYP provides the tools and opportunities to nurture those interests.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
Afterschool
Creating our own Pokémon Trading Card Game - First Grade
In Afterschool, we believe in fostering creativity through hands-on, student-driven projects. For their final project of the year, our first-grade students took on an exciting challenge—designing and producing their very own Pokémon-inspired trading card game! From brainstorming initial concepts to final production, the students worked together to create a fully playable game filled with original Pokémon, unique card designs, and carefully balanced gameplay mechanics.
The project began with research into established trading card games, where students analyzed card layouts, power levels, and design elements. They then created their own Pokémon, setting health points and attack values to ensure fair and engaging battles. To make the game even more dynamic, they introduced a rarity system with special "Full Art" designs for the rarest cards. With each step, they refined their ideas through discussion, collaboration, and multiple rounds of voting.
Once the designs were finalized, it was time for production. The students carefully crafted their cards—drawing, cutting, gluing, laminating, and packaging them into individual packs. Each student put their heart into the process, eagerly taking on different tasks to bring their game to life. They carefully cut and glued their cards, excitedly shared ideas for designs, and helped each other when challenges arose. Whether they were drawing their original Pokémon or making sure every card was just the right size, their enthusiasm never faded. It was amazing to see their creativity and teamwork in action as they worked together to complete their very own trading card game.
For their presentation, the students participated in a live Pokémon card event with their parents. Each child was given two CGK "dollar bucks" and a pack to open alongside their family. They then engaged in trading, selling, and buying cards, with some determined to collect as many rare cards as possible, while others strategically accumulated money to purchase specific cards they needed. It was incredible to watch students and parents alike fully immersed in the experience—this small marketplace became a perfect representation of Pokémon fandom in action!
This project was more than just about making cards; it was a hands-on lesson in creativity, teamwork, and even basic economics. Watching our young game designers bring their vision to life—and then actively engage in a trading event—was a testament to their hard work and enthusiasm. We are incredibly proud of what they accomplished and look forward to seeing what they create next!
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[PS] Celebration of Learning 2025
Currently recruiting participants for study abroad programs
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Australia / New Zealand / Canada
The deadline for summer study abroad is the end of March 2025.
We will send you a separate notice via Toddle at a later date, so please check it.- Throughout the year (on weekends or during long breaks, either for day trips or overnight stays)
- You can experience a homestay with a foreign family residing in Japan.
- Deadline: Approximately one month prior to your desired dates
- For details/application, please contact Mayu at the Office.
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Accepting short-term international students from overseas - Wanted host families
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CGK has a positive stance on accepting international students from abroad with a view to encouraging multicultural cooperation. Students from different cultures and backgrounds can interact with and help each other at CGK, bringing rich diversity to the classroom. This environment of diversity provides each student with a valuable opportunity to learn different viewpoints and increase mutual understanding.
At CGK, we believe that diversity improves educational development. By learning and working together, students from different backgrounds will grow into leaders with global perspective. In addition, experiencing diverse opinions and values will help them develop tolerance and empathy.
In order to create an environment conducive to hosting short-term students, we are looking for host families; if you are a CGK family interested in registering as a host family, please contact Mayu at the Office (Toddle is OK).
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