Dear JIS Alumni,

The graduating class of 2010 have moved their tassels and thrown their mortar boards in the air. Monica Greeley has completed a stunning return to JIS for one final year at the helm of her beloved JIS. We move into a time of transition with Tim Carr arriving in July from the American School in Japan to be the new Head of School.

As well, the Alumni Liaison position is in transition, as I am moving on to Singapore with my family and the school will conduct a full search for a new Communications/Alumni Coordinator when the new academic year begins. I am grateful for every contact I’ve had with alumni over the past two years and will always be grateful for the privilege. Most wonderfully, I am now a JIS alum myself as a departing staff member and mother of three proud Dragons.

There’s a lot to anticipate. The new JIS website will launch next school year with a special place for interested alums at the table to consider how your needs and ideals can be satisfied in the renovation process. The 60th Anniversary of JIS is fast appearing on the horizon and we anticipate many happy returns from our alums for that celebration.

Until a new Alumni Liaison is announced, please know that Hanita Hamdani and Will Woodruff stand ready to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding the JIS Alumni Association and I have every confidence they will serve you well.

Best wishes for a beautiful year,

Mona Stuart

JIS Alumni Liaison

JIS Faculty Member Launches Latest Publication

IASAS Tournaments Approaching January 28-30, 2010

Stay tuned for IASAS Tournament results on the Alumni Site. JIS anticipates an epic event as our Boys’ Rugby will host the tournament as reigning IASAS champs.

Second Season Tournament Sports and Locations

• Basketball – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Swimming – Singapore
• Rugby/Touch – Jakarta, Indonesia
• Tennis – Jakarta, Indonesia

For Tournament Schedule at Jakarta International School, Click Here.

SnapDragon is the new schoolwide JIS photo gallery offered on JISNet and ParentNet and now available by live link. Click here to enter the SnapDragon Photo Gallery.

For SnapDragon page Click Here

A Presidential Visit with a JIS Alum at Harvard

Jessica Buck ’08 (standing third from right, front row) appears with classmates at the Harvard University Institute of Politics in late September 2009. Seated are honored guests of Harvard, Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife Kristiani. Jessica, a Psychology major, recently became one of six Harvard students to receive a Mark Schwartz Undergraduate Travel and Research Award for 2009. Jessica’s project involves Community Education related to HIV/AIDS with support for international change in Tanzania.

 Jessica writes in her project proposal: “As a first-semester freshman at Harvard, I joined multiple global health groups and also attended many of associated forums, including one on HIV in Africa by Stephen Lewis, the co-director of AIDS-Free World. These activities have piqued my interest to do more. I have volunteered at health clinics here in the United States, but feel that my work would be more consequential in areas with greater needs. I want to experience the true meaning of global health and have a meaningful impact on HIV in Africa. Support for International Change (SIC) will provide me with the tools to be able to teach others simple precautions that could possibly save their lives, and the future lives of their children.”

“Spechs” of the New HS Science Center at JIS

After years of exploring the wonders of science and planning for a new facility in the good ol' G-Module, our new building is beginning to take shape.  The new three story G Module can be seen clearly peaking over the tree tops as you head down Terogong Raya from the Metro Pondok Indah Circle, and it is an awesome sight.

With an effort to accommodate all of the science teachers' wish lists -- and keeping within the realm of money constraints and environmental concerns -- the new module has some very exciting features: project rooms for biology, chemistry and physics for all of those extended essays; enlarged classrooms with enough room for even the most awkward of freshman; a Multi-Purpose Room equal to the size of three classrooms; and a large covered amphitheater for break performances and informal conversations. Another significant highlight of the new G Module will be the roof. This area has been designated 'carbon neutral' with solar panels, water capture, and a rooftop garden that features the displaced 'Senior Pond'.  Also included in the plans is an area to set-up hydroponic experiments.

Although our current temporary home has offered a radical improvement from the old G Module, the high school science faculty and support staff are anxious to move again.  Our current location has distanced us from the energy and excitement of the main high school campus and we feel ready to re-join our colleagues and students. January 2011 is the light at the end of tunnel for our 2.5 year transition from old G to new G.

Greg Spechalske, HS Science Faculty

Response to Padang Earthquake Disaster Heartening at JIS

Thanks to all Alumni who gave to, and cared about, victims of the Padang quakes in September, 2009. While JIS responded in its own way to the quake disaster with alumni help, JIS alums also responded in myriad individual ways around the world to make their own difference. Thanks to all for your great compassion and interest.

Since the earthquakes, the JIS Community:

• Collected and sent 40 boxes of toys, sports equipment, paper and craft supplies to enrich 13 of World Vision’s Child Friendly Spaces. 1,400 displaced children now play and learn safely in these Centers around Padang.
• Raised $20,000 from individual and corporate donations to JIS Peduli for long-term rebuilding projects that will benefit children and families in the Padang region
• Raised over Rp 40 million through the tremendous efforts of HS and MS students and through grassroots coin appeals at PIE and PEL
• Colored and wrote hundreds of note cards to encourage Padang schoolchildren
• Gave $10,000 to World Vision to assist with their Disaster Risk Reduction program for teachers and students in Padang schools

Our gratitude goes to all who contributed- students and families, JIS alumni, corporate and individual donors, aides and staff at each division, KKJIS for their fundraising efforts, and our custodians. Finally, a special thanks to an anonymous family who arranged for shipping all 40 boxes to Padang.

We will keep you informed about specific rebuilding projects that emerge.

Thanks again to all. You’ve inspired us and taught us a lot.

Trish Davies, Schoolwide Service Learning Coordinator
Mona Stuart, JIS Communications