Grades 3, 4 & 5 participate in a fund-raising concert in aid of Refugees International Japan (RIJ) - An uplifting experience!

 

On Thursday, November 10th, Seisen third, fourth and fifth graders gathered in St. Mary's International School together with students from St. Mary's and the British School in Tokyo, for a wonderful evening of song, drama and dance in aid of Refugees International Japan (RIJ).

Jane Best OBE, President and CEO of RIJ previously visited Seisen in September, prior to our Global-Mindedness Day and spoke to the girls about Refugees. Jane's message to the girls was that refugees are often girls just like themselves, living ordinary lives until one day they are forced to flee their country because of violence, war or persecution. The girls learned that most likely, refugees cannot or are afraid to return home.

After an unsettling week when the ideals and values that we share at Seisen were decidedly challenged in media reports of the US election campaign, it was uplifting to listen to the girls sing "Just a Single Voice." The grade 5's integrated dance/drama performance, "Origins," about the life of refugees poignantly reminded us of the aims and ideals of an IB PYP education; to develop caring students "who recognizing their common humanity, help create a better and more peaceful world though intercultural understanding and respect" (IB, 2011). This piece was then followed by the elementary grades energetic performance of "Better when I'm Dancing."

Gr. 5s dance/music performance - Origins

A little over a  million yen was raised through ticket sales, donations and the sale of art work during the  concert. A very, very BIG THANK YOU to all our Seisen families - parents, grandparents and friends for their involvement in the concert. We are extremely proud and grateful for the contribution and support of our Seisen Community. Congratulations to our Seisen performers and thank you for a wonderful evening's entertainment! Congratulations and special thanks also to our  Elementary Music Teachers; Ms. Kampa, Mrs. Handel-Johnson, Mrs. Hashimoto-Uesaka and Dr. Dallaire for all their hard work and dedication in helping to bring this concert to fruition. Congratulations to Mr. Brittain, for the wonderful drama performance and stage management. A special thanks and congratulations to Ms. Diana Parker, our Elementary Art Teacher for the wonderful dolls created with our grade 3s which helped raise nearly 22,000 yen towards the final amount. Much appreciation also to our grade 3, 4 & 5 Homeroom Teachers for their invaluable support and involvement on the night. We acknowledge also the support of Ms. Amanda Marcon, HS Head of Arts at Seisen.

Please visit: http://www.seisen.com/student-life/live-broadcasting/concert-archive/index.aspx to see the RIJ performances!

Thank you Seisen Parents! 

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, I'm possible!" (Audrey Hepburn)