CGK Times
A global learning community for discovering
and pursuing your happiness
March 2026
Contents
Preschool
Thank You for the Good Times
Thank you to everybody for this school year! There were a lot of good time but also a lot of learning experiences. These learning experiences whilst may be challenging or not ideal in the moment. But as we ride it out we also learn and grow from the experience. We sincerely thank everyone for your support, understanding, time, and kindness over the past school year. You are an essential part of our community and we are grateful for you for being a part of it. As we look forward to the next school year we will continue to lean on our valued community to make CGK the safe and welcoming environment that we aim it to be. We look forward to seeing all the children on Wednesday April 8th when preschool begins. And to you, we hope to see you throughout the school year.
To our graduating Sky students: thank you for the good times as well. It's been amazing to see you grow and watch you become the unique individuals that you are. May the good times continue for you at your elementary schools and please enjoy the journey wherever your interests, passions, and opportunities take you.
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...AND TEACHERS TO HAVE...?!?!
This month Mountain and Sky children decided to give back the praise and appreciation back to their teachers by presenting CGK Awards to some teachers and our beloved bus staff and drivers. Thank you, Mountain and Sky children for not only showing your love and care to the CGK staff but showing some classic IB Learner Profile Attributes.
Jungle A (3 year-olds)
E. - For being a risk-taker, and communicator, by trying to use a lot more English
K. - For being caring and inquisitive, showing love for his friends every day, and asking lots of questions
S. - For being balanced, taking care of himself and his belongings with a positive attitude.
Jungle B (3 year-olds)
M. - For being a Knowledge Weaver! You remember what we learned before and connect it to what we are doing right now.
L. - For her generosity. When you find something amazing, your first thought is to call a friend over so you can discover it together.
Sky A&B (5-year-olds)
Good Job Sky Classes!
What an eventful month March has been! The Sky A class has been very busy with the Sleepover event, our Celebration of Learning, Graduation Ceremony and a class picnic. Through all of these events, the Sky students have shown their growing independence and their ability to make positive choices. The Sky students have been having fun and embracing the chance to participate in all of the special activities made just for the Sky classes.
Now March is coming to an end which means it is time to say goodbye to all of our Sky students. It has been an excellent year filled with adventure, inquiry, and so many opportunities to try new things. During our Units of Inquiry, each student gradually learned a little bit more about How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, Where We Are In Place and Time, and Who We Are. On a daily basis the classes shared their ideas, supported each other's learning, and grew to be more reflective and balanced learners. Of course, the Sky students and teachers also had a lot of silly, messy, and funny times too!
It was such a fun and exciting year in Sky A and Sky B! We wish all of the Sky students all the best as they move on to Grade 1 in Elementary school! Thank you for all of your support during this school year.
Looking Back on a Wonderful Year… How Much We’ve Grown! Thank You!
As March drew to a close and both the Celebration of Learning (COL) and Graduation Ceremony successfully came to an end, the children began to realize that their time in Sky Class was also coming to a close. During the second half of March, they spent time reflecting on the year, thinking about the experiences they shared in class and the many ways they had grown.
Through various class activities, the children looked back on the things they had accomplished throughout the year. While cleaning and organizing the classroom, they revisited some of the projects they had created and fondly remembered past experiences, saying things like, “We made this during that UOI!” and “I remember when we did this!” It was wonderful to see them reminiscing about their learning journey together.
The children also took time to clean their chairs and lockers, carefully expressing gratitude for the spaces and materials they had used throughout the year. During our growth measurements, they compared their height and weight from April, when they had just entered Sky Class, with their measurements from March. They were amazed by how much they had grown, excitedly saying, “I grew this many centimeters!” and “Wow, I got so much taller!”
Another meaningful activity involved expressing gratitude to the teachers who had supported them throughout the year. The children created letters and certificates of appreciation, thoughtfully reflecting on the teachers who had helped them along the way. It was heartwarming to see each child putting their feelings of gratitude into words.
Over the course of this year, the children have developed many important skills, including the ability to think deeply, reflect on their learning, and persevere when facing challenges. They have learned how to take action and solve problems independently rather than giving up. These are skills that will undoubtedly support them as they move into new environments and continue their educational journeys.
It is exciting to imagine how each child will continue to use and strengthen these abilities in the years ahead. Although their time in Sky Class has come to an end, we hope that the experiences, friendships, and memories they have built here will continue to support and inspire them in the future.
Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of the parents and families who have supported the children and our class throughout the year. All of the Sky A and Sky B teachers will continue to cheer on the children’s future growth and success.
Mountain
(4-year-olds)
Thank You, Goodbye, and Good Luck!
As the cherry blossoms begin to bloom once again, signalling new beginnings and the coming start of a new school year, it is hard not to reflect on the incredible growth of our Mountain friends.
Each child in our class has been a joy to learn with. Everyone is so full of curiosity, creativity, and kindness. From our early inquiries into Who We Are and Sharing the Planet, to our more recent explorations of How We Express Ourselves and Where We Are in Place and Time, the children have continuously amazed us with their questions, ideas, and reflections.
Through play, learning centres, and daily interactions, Mountain friends have, in addition to their academic skills, developed a deeper understanding of both themselves and others. They have grown as communicators, thinkers, and caring members of our community, learning that their voices matter, their ideas are valuable, and their actions can have an impact on the world around them.
This year, we have explored so many big ideas: identity, relationships, creativity, culture, and change, among others. Along the way, the children have shown resilience, collaboration, and a genuine excitement for learning. Watching their confidence grow, their friendships deepen, and their independence flourish has been truly special.
To our Mountain friends—thank you. Thank you for your energy, your wonder, and your willingness to explore, question, and grow. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of your journey this year.
We are so proud of each and every one of you, and we look forward to seeing where your learning takes you next!
Fly High to Sky Class, Mountain Friends!
A year has passed in the blink of an eye, and our time together is now drawing to a close. As we prepared for COL, which marked the culmination of this wonderful year, the children worked hard to practice their dances and lines, shared many ideas, and came together to create one special performance as a class.
On the day of the performance, their serious and motivated expressions were truly impressive. Although they felt some nerves, they stood on stage with confidence and joy, showing the results of all their hard work through a wonderful performance. Seeing them shine in this way was a heartwarming moment and reminded us just how much they have grown.
Throughout this year, the Mountain class children have spent each day full of energy, valuing their many questions of “Why?” and “How?” as they deepened their learning with enthusiasm. Their curiosity and growth, shown through activities and play, have brought us so much joy and learning as teachers.
We have also seen great growth in the way they interact with their friends—expressing their feelings, listening to one another, and gradually showing more caring and thoughtful actions.
To all of our families, thank you very much for your warm understanding and support throughout the year. We look forward to seeing the children continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
Jungle A
(3-year-olds)
Out of the Jungle and up the Mountain!
And so our journey as Jungle friends has come to an end! We've had the best time learning, growing and playing together and it has been wonderful as teachers to see the progress of the children first hand! Looking back on pictures of our first days together its hard to believe how tiny they were! With the move up to Mountain the students may find it challenging to adjust in the beginning but we are more than confident that they have the confidence and the skills thrive in their new environment! As the year comes to a close we will focus on making some lasting memories - going for picnics with our friends and having fun with our teachers! Whilst we may not see our Jungle friends every day, we hope they know that we will always be there to support them, even after their time at CGK comes to a close, and wherever they may end up in the world! Thank you, Jungle A!
Ms. Nina, Mr. Steven, and Ms. Yurika
Are You Ready to Become Mountain Friends?
Time has flown by, and our time together in Jungle A is now coming to an end. In March, the children had a big opportunity to take the stage for COL, where they presented and shared the learning they had built throughout the year. As they developed their ideas for the performance, the children used their ability to express themselves with words and share their ideas with others. Through repeated practice with their friends, they also experienced the importance of cooperation and the sense of achievement that comes from seeing something through to the end. We were very happy that families were able to see just how much the children have grown over the course of this year.
When the children first joined CGK in April, there were times when they missed their families and felt unsure. However, through daily life with their teachers and friends, Jungle A gradually became a place where they could feel safe, happy, and comfortable. At times, children had different opinions or found it difficult to understand each other’s feelings. In those moments, we continued to value the importance of “using words” to communicate. With support from teachers, the children gradually and steadily developed the ability to express their own feelings and ideas in words.
Throughout this year, we have also valued the importance of first trying things by themselves, even when something felt difficult or unfamiliar. By showing examples and gently asking, “How about trying it this way?”, we have watched over the children so they could take on challenges using their own strength. From learning to fix clothes that were inside out to finding their own names, each small experience helped nurture perseverance and confidence.
When we spend every day together, it can sometimes be hard to notice each small change, but the children have truly grown in so many ways over the past year! We hope they will continue to use the skills they developed in Jungle A and shine even more brightly in Mountain class.
To the children and families, thank you so much for a wonderful year.
Jungle B
(3-year-olds)
So Long and Thanks for the Memories
Just before the end of the term, the Jungle students made their way to Kannai Campus for a mini UOI lesson. The students took turns attending in groups similar to the new classes they will be in placed in next year, and walked all the way to Kannai for a lesson with the big boys and big girls! They sat nicely, listened attentively and asked many questions! They were shy, but very curious! I think the highlight of the trip for a lot of students was realising that they will be able to play with all sorts of new toys at CGK Kannai!
It`s been a busy month filled with lots of laughs, surprises and even tears. From presenting their class performance at the CoL, all the way to a lovely class picnic! The Jungle Friends have done it all!
Which means it is time to say goodbye to Jungle Class. Goodbye old lockers and chairs, goodbye nap times and beds, and sadly also goodbye Bashamichi teachers and Ocean friends. Thank you to all the teachers at Bashamichi that made our time special. Goodbye Ms. Chieko, Ms, Heather, Ms. Mai, Ms. Mami, Ms. Megan, Mr. Mhar, Ms. Narisa, Ms. Nina, Ms. Reiko, Ms. Sayaka, Mr. Steven, and Ms. Yurika. Goodbye Ms. Emily, Mr. Lam, and Ms. Miyu!
But still come back to Bashamichi and visit us! We love how you`ve all grown and given us so many special moments!
Thank You, Jungle B Friends♡
Time has flown by, and this is now the final CGK Times article for the 2025 Jungle B class. Throughout this year, the children have grown so much, both physically and emotionally. They are now able to do more and more things by themselves, and there have been more days when they finish all of their lunch. Through these everyday experiences, we have been able to see their steady and meaningful growth. Each “I did it!” moment has helped build their confidence, and it has been wonderful to see them spend their days with such bright and lively expressions.
Their relationships with friends have also deepened. It has been both heartwarming and reassuring to see them express their feelings in words, cooperate with one another, and expand their play and activities together. At the beginning of the year, some children cried because they missed their families. Now, more often, their tears come from feeling disappointed after losing a game, or from realizing that their feelings may differ from those of their friends. We feel that this, too, is a sign of how much they have grown.
The days we spent with the children—laughing, learning, and sometimes shedding tears—were truly irreplaceable. They have taken each step forward with steady growth, and we as teachers have also learned so much from them. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the families for your warm support, understanding, and cooperation throughout the year.
After moving up, the children will experience changes in their classmates, teachers, and campus environment. Along with excitement, they may also feel some nervousness or uncertainty. Even so, we believe they will use all the experiences they have gained so far as strength, and continue to grow with confidence.
To our beloved Jungle B children and families, we sincerely wish you continued health and happiness. Even though the campus will change, we look forward to seeing you again. Thank you so much for everything!
Ocean
(2-year-olds)
Story Time
It feels that the school year has only just begun, but here we are saying goodbye! Ocean Class' Celebration of Learning was a joyful and meaningful celebration of our little learners. The students transformed into friendly, hungry little ghosts, and although they were excited to show their families their hard work, some friends were still a little shy. In the end, everyone did an amazing job! The class sang loudly and danced beautifully.
We then took time to reflect on the big day. Looking back at photos from before, during, and after the show, the children began to recall their own experiences. Some bravely stood in front of the class to share how they felt and why, showing thoughtful reflection and growing confidence in expressing themselves. We then used stickers, crayons, and pictures to represent our feelings, working in small groups to allow time for individual reflection. It was wonderful to see such a range of emotions and responses, while others also enjoyed quiet activities like alphabet colouring and imaginative play, bringing a calm and balanced end to a very special experience.
A Year Full of Growth and Discovery!
Our time together in Ocean Class is now coming to an end, and the children will soon move up to the Jungle class they have admired since April.
This March, the children experienced their very first COL (Celebration of Learning). With many different feelings—such as the joy of expressing themselves and the nervousness of performing—each child showed wonderful growth. From the preparation stage, the children took the lead by thinking about what kind of props they wanted to make and how they wanted to decorate them. With support from those around them, they explored how to think for themselves, make their own choices, and express themselves in their own unique ways.
In our ongoing Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves, we also explored the concept of change through activities such as observing onion sprouts grow and watching how flower petals changed when given colored water. The children made their own predictions, observed carefully, and used their imagination as they wondered, “What will happen?” It was wonderful to see them enjoying new discoveries and realizations.
Over the course of this year, the children have grown so much, both physically and emotionally. At the beginning of the year, some children cried because they felt nervous or unsure. Now, they are able to express their thoughts with confidence and enjoy their days as they interact with friends and teachers.
Not only have they become able to do many more things, but their feelings of “I want to try!” and “I want to do it by myself!” have also grown. It has been truly impressive to see each child take more initiative in their daily life. Through their relationships with friends, they have experienced both joy and challenges, while gradually developing kindness, cooperation, and consideration for others.
The experiences and confidence the children have built throughout this year will surely become a strong foundation for their future growth. We are very excited to see how they continue to develop. The days we have spent learning and growing together with the children have become irreplaceable treasures for us as well.
To our Ocean Class children and families, thank you so much for a wonderful year.
Elementary School /
Middle School
Our first Interschool Tournament
CGK participated this past weekend in what was our first interschool tournament ever. Beyond the final result of each match, we value the will and energy of our team, who, despite not having many resources, gave their all to compete.
Competition in the educational context presents various facets and produces multiple interpretations, which Physical Education teachers must consider in order to never relinquish the educational role for which they are responsible. Overcoming goals and rivals as a challenge to willpower, knowledge, and personal limits (aspects that require encouragement so that young people can solve the problems they face, both individually and as a group) are an intrinsic part of sports practices and many games, which include the attempt to achieve one's own victory and the defeat of the opponent. From an educational perspective, this challenges us to put the ideas of competition into their proper context as an inherent aspect of the game, the pursuit of victory as one of the personal and group goals (for which it is necessary to prepare and overcome obstacles, both large and small), and to learn to recognize the positive and negative aspects of both victory and defeat. All of this leads us to believe that it is possible to win a game without solving the problems the game demands, and conversely, that any group can overcome obstacles in competitive situations, achieving goals even if victory is not attained in the final result. That is why the main objective of our club so far has been to learn and have fun, without pursuing sporting objectives as the ultimate goal. Being part of a group that helps us improve, teammates who encourage us to develop our skills, and even opponents who challenge our abilities and will, have been and will continue to be the main catalysts for change and improvement.
I want to congratulate our athletes again for an outstanding performance, both on and off the pitch. Amazing job you guys!
Afterschool
Afterschool Class B - Student Choice: Airplanes!
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Happy greetings from Afterschool Class B! In our Thursday Project 3 class, students recently completed an exciting student-choice engineering project focused on aeronautics and model aircraft design. At the beginning of the project, students brainstormed project ideas and voted on the topic they were most excited to explore. Their choice led to a guiding question: How can we design, build, and enter our model aircraft into our own model airplane competition? This approach gave students ownership of their learning and encouraged them to pursue ideas that matched their personal interests.
Throughout the project, students explored the science behind flight while designing and building their own aircraft. They learned key concepts such as lift, air pressure, thrust, and airfoil design, and then applied these ideas while constructing their models. Students experimented with a wide variety of materials and techniques, creating everything from carefully engineered paper airplanes to realistic styrofoam aircraft with carved wings and working propellers.
One of the highlights of the project was the incredible creativity students brought to their designs. Some students focused on testing and improving airplane performance, while others explored imaginative concepts such as a bird-inspired glider using biomimicry or even a creative airship inspired by the shape of a classic paper boat. The freedom to experiment allowed students to combine science, engineering, and artistic design in unique ways.
The project concluded with a student-designed model airplane tournament at the park, where students tested their creations in challenges such as greatest distance, highest altitude, and longest flight time. Beyond the fun competition, students practiced important skills including teamwork, problem-solving, design thinking, and perseverance. Most importantly, the project reflected the spirit of our afterschool program, giving students the freedom to explore their interests, learn from one another, and discover the joy of creating something entirely their own.
The students are excited to present their hard work during next week's final presentation!
Best regards,
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Study Abroad and Global Initiatives
2025 Summer CGK Study Abroad
Australia
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (私立女子一貫校) CGK G3 Ako, AS G2 Yusei
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Kokone, Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Kokone, Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校）CGK G1 Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Kokone, Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Kokone, Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Mitsuki
Essendon North Primary School（公立小学校・IB PYP校） CGK G1 Kokone, Mitsuki
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne (保育園) CGK Mountain Taiki
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne (保育園) CGK Mountain Taiki
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne (保育園) CGK Mountain Taiki
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne (保育園) CGK Mountain Taiki
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (私立女子一貫校) CGK G3 Ako, AS G2 Yusei
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (私立女子一貫校) CGK AS G2 Yusei
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (私立女子一貫校) CGK G3 Ako
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (私立女子一貫校) CGK G3 Ako
Ipswich Girls Grammar School (私立女子一貫校) CGK G3 Ako
St.Pauls (私立一貫校) CGK G7 Alisa
St.Pauls (私立一貫校) CGK G7 Alisa
St.Pauls (私立一貫校) CGK G7 Alisa
Canada
Assumption College Catholic Middle School (公立中学校) CGK G7 Sedona, St. James Elementary (公立小学校) CGK G4 Nasuka
Assumption College Catholic Middle School (公立中学校) CGK G7 Sedona
St. James Catholic Elementary School (公立小学校) CGK G4 Nasuka
Global College Summer Camp, CGK AS G1 Aoba
Global College Summer Camp, CGK AS G1 Aoba
Global College Summer Camp, CGK AS G1 Aoba
Global College Summer Camp, CGK AS G1 Aoba
New Zealand
Belmont Intermediate School (公立中学校) CGK G6 Yuina
Belmont Intermediate School (公立中学校) CGK G6 Yuina
Belmont Intermediate School (公立中学校) CGK G6 Yuina
In 2025, a total of 24 CGK students have already participated in or are scheduled to join overseas study abroad programs.
This summer’s short-term study abroad programs were a great success, with solo and parent–child opportunities realized in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
✦Highlights of This Summer
- A CGK Preschool graduate and current After-School Grade 1 student achieved a solo study abroad in Canada!
- A CGK Elementary Grade 1 student became the first to study abroad at an IB PYP school in Australia!
- A Grade 7 student began their solo long term study abroad journey!
Through these challenges, each student broadened their horizons and returned with greater self-confidence.
Study Abroad Destinations:
- Australia
St. Paul’s School (Private all-through school)
Essendon North Primary School (Public primary school, IB PYP)
Ipswich Girls' Grammar School (Private all-through girls' school)
Browns English Language School (Language school)
Guardian Childcare & Education South Melbourne (Childcare centre) - New Zealand
Belmont Intermediate School (Public middle school) - Canada
Global College Camp
Assumption College Catholic Middle School (Public middle school)
St. James Catholic Elementary School (Public primary school)
At CGK, we will continue to value each child’s unique challenge, carefully supporting them with safe and suitable study abroad options tailored to their needs and duration.
On October 6, one of this summer’s destinations — Belmont Intermediate School in New Zealand — will be visiting CGK!
A special information session will be held by their local coordinator. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Study Abroad Highlights (Video)
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[Study Abroad in NZ] Owairoa Primary School
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[ES Solo Study Abroad in NZ] Gulf Harbour School
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[Study Abroad in NZ] Owairoa Primary School (5 year olds)
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[ES Solo Study Abroad in Canada] Summer Camp in Vancouver
Currently recruiting participants for study abroad programs
- 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.