February & March 2026 Newsletter

Vision: Empowering students through quality English Christian education in a safe, loving, family-like environment.Mission: Nurturing God-centered students who reach out to others, actively express themselves with purpose, and love learning.

Hello Families,

It’s cold outside, but our classrooms are warm, active, and full of learning! Many exciting things are happening at NLIS, and we are grateful to share these updates with you.

1. Secondary Building Update

We are making progress toward securing a new building for our secondary students. While it is not fully confirmed yet, the outlook is very promising. Some renovations will be needed to meet school safety codes, so we expect a possible move-in by September 2026. This new space will provide more room for students, as well as convenient access to a nearby park and gym for PE. Once finalized, we will celebrate with an official opening ceremony.

2. Uniform Updates (Starting April 2026)

Secondary School:Secondary students requested uniforms and helped choose the design and colors. We will be partnering with Top of the Class, a trusted uniform provider for international schools in Japan. Prices are affordable; most items cost less than Uniqlo, and blazers are ¥12,800, significantly lower than many private schools in Kofu. All shirts and jackets will feature the NLIS logo. Ordering details will be sent soon.

Elementary School:Elementary students will begin wearing NLIS polo shirts or t-shirts, fleece jackets, and navy t-neck sweaters in winter. Since items will include the school logo, students will no longer need to wear a school badge.

3. New Students Joining NLIS

We are welcoming at least 16 new students this year, with some arriving later in the fall from overseas. Please help us warmly welcome new families and make them feel at home.

4. Classes & Teachers for Next Year

Elementary School

Teacher Grade   # Students Classroom

Miss Khristine Ilagan *1/2^nd     8 1^st grade classroom

Miss Sarah Gandy *3/4^th  12 Middle room

Mr. Christian Brown     5^th 11 Mr. Brown’s classroom

Mr. Kyle Olsen     6^th 7 Mr. Olsen’s classroom

*Combined classes are separated when enrollment reaches 14 students.

Secondary School

Dr. Glenn Brombuela, Homeroom & Bible, grades 7–8  Class: upstairs

Math: 7th, 8th, Algebra II (Grades 9–11), Trigonometry (Grade 12)

Science: Earth Science (Grades 9–11), Physics (Grade 12)

Electives: Technology, Robotics    

Club: Teen Boys’ Bible Club (Mondays)

Miss Andrea Boko, Homeroom & Bible, grades 9–10  Class: downstairs

ELA: 7–8 Grammar/Writing/Literature; 9–12 British Literature

Electives: Photography, Art, Fiber Optics, Culinary Arts 

Clubs: Teen Girls’ Bible Club (Monday) , TOEFL

Mr. Martin Pretorius, Homeroom & Bible, grades 11–12   Class:  upstairs

Social Studies: 7–8 History, 9-12 World Geography, Student Assistant, Student Research

Science: 7-8 Kesler Science & Labs

Electives: PE (2), Life Management Skills, Technology 

Club: Sports Club (Wednesdays, Grades 6–12)

February Calendar Events

6 F Grades 1–6 Field Trip / Grades 7–12 Outing

10 T  Guest Speaker Chiaki Tanaka (Artist & Boccia Paralympic Trainee)

10 T  Teacher Meeting (3:35–5:30)

11 W  OFF (Foundation Day)

13 F  Valentine Parties & Assembly (9:05) PSE 2:00 Meeting for all parents

16 M  Board Meeting

19 TH  Student Council Voting (Grades 6–12)

23 M  OFF (Emperor’s Birthday)

26 TH  Science Fair  Parents are welcome.  More details will come soon.

March Calendar Events

2 M Clean Day!

3 T Graduation practice; Teacher Meeting 3:35

4 W Class parties

5 TH Graduation and Closing Ceremony 10:45 AM to 12:00 for  6th, 9th, and 12th grade; Parents are welcome. School is dismissed at 12:00.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We are grateful for every NLIS family and look forward to another wonderful year of learning together.

Warm regards,Suzy Brown