As the first term of this academic year draws to a close and as we bid farewell to 2024, I am inspired to reflect on all that the RSJ community has achieved during our second year in operation – beginning with our pupils.
It has been heartening to see how our “veteran” students welcomed their new class and housemates with open arms, despite the strong bonds forged during RSJ’s first year.
It could have been all too easy for a “them and us” divide to manifest itself, but thanks to our pupils’ kindness and open-heartedness, our new joiners have integrated wonderfully into the RSJ family. Because of this, the warm community spirit we were so proud of last year remains something our pupils, prospective parents, and official visitors regularly comment upon.
For example, during our recent COBIS assessment, representatives noted how “students commented that they felt every member of staff genuinely cared about their well-being and referred to the school as ‘home’ on more than one occasion”. COBIS also recognised our high levels of pastoral care, awarding us the prestigious Beacon Status for Student Welfare. This is a level of recognition which has been awarded to only one other school in Japan, and a remarkable achievement just one year after opening.
In the autumn, we welcomed a royal visitor to Rugby School Japan: Her Imperial Highness, Princess Akiko of Mikasa. During her visit, she was delighted by our pupils’ enthusiasm for learning and the respect they showed to one another.
But it is not just their enthusiasm and kindness that our pupils can be proud of. They have also demonstrated incredible academic, sporting, and creative ability during events like the Harrow Appi vs RSJ derby, the Winter Showcase, our Open Mic Night, numerous inter-house competitions, and most recently during GCHQ’s CyberFirst Challenge – where RSJ pupils dominated the leaderboard against other international schools.
Of course, none of these achievements would be possible without the immense hard work and dedication of our teaching and support staff. It is thanks to their passion that our community can continue to thrive.
And finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention our RSJ parents, many of whom have supported our ambitions since the days when RSJ was little more than a set of architect’s blueprints. It is through your commitment to developing your children that we can create such a positive and nurturing environment.
So, it is with great optimism that we look forward to the start of term 2 and to a successful 2025. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
