January Newsletter

Vision & Mission	Student Expected Learning Outcomes
Vision: Empowering students through quality English Christian education in a safe, loving, family-like environment.	God-Centered• Apply Bible principles to daily life
Mission: Nurturing God-centered students who reach out to others, actively express themselves with purpose, and love learning.	Outreaching• Show respect and warmly welcome others• Love our neighbors as ourselves
	Actively Express• Participate actively in class• Be self-driven, productive, and responsible• Communicate ideas clearly in English and Japanese through oral, written, and digital formats
	Love Learning• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills• Apply 21st-century skills effectively• Pursue lifelong learning

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season.

Above, you will find our school’s mission, vision, and student learner outcomes. These statements guide our work at NLIS and reflect our commitment to supporting your children as they grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

Thank you for taking the time to complete last month’s parent survey and for your encouraging feedback. We review survey responses carefully as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen programs and enhance the student experience. NLIS teachers and staff work hard to support student growth, and we believe this work is most effective when done in close partnership with families.

Below is information about our teaching staff and the grade levels they will teach beginning in April 2026. NLIS is truly blessed with a team of highly qualified and dedicated educators. During our recent WASC visit, the visiting committee repeatedly asked, “Where do you find your teachers?” It’s unusual for a small international school to have such caring and talented teachers. We are truly blessed!

Faculty Assignments (April 2026)

Miss Khristine Ilagan, Grades 1 & 2Miss Ilagan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, an elementary teaching license, IB PYP training. and a 120-hour TEFL certification. She brings five years of teaching experience in the Philippines and Japan and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Language and Literacy. She supports the after-school program, and serves as the NLIS Technology Director.

Miss Claudia Stadius, Grade 1 in 2025-26

Miss Stadius teaches 1st grade.  She is retiring this year.  She has a  BS in education and an elementary teacher's license. She is an American with many years of teaching experience in Japan. She also watches children in the after-school program.

Miss Sarah Gandy, Grades 3 & 4Miss Gandy, from England, will join NLIS in April 2026. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education for all elementary grades, also Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degrees in English Literature and Applied Theology, and a TESOL certification. She has over fifteen years of elementary teaching experience in England and overseas.

Mr. Christian Brown, Grade 5Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Dallas Baptist University and has over fifteen years of teaching experience. Born and raised in Japan, he is fluent in Japanese and is appreciated by families for his bilingual communication. He also teaches ukulele to Grades 5–6 and serves as the school’s Student Protection Leader.

Mr. Kyle Olsen, Grade 6Mr. Olsen holds a Bachelor of Science with a major in Political Science and a minor in English and History, along with a teaching certificate for Grades 4–8. He brings five years of teaching experience in Texas and Japan. He also teaches Physical Education for Grades 5–6.

Dr. Glenn Brombuela, Math & Science (Grades 7–12)Dr. Brombuela teaches all secondary math and science courses and serves as the junior high homeroom teacher. He holds degrees in Science Education, Religious Education, and a Ph.D. in Education, Leadership, and Management, and he has a certificate for teaching grades 5-12 with an endorsement in Science. He has seven years of teaching experience in the Philippines and Japan. He will begin a boy’s Teen Bible club after school beginning in January, and will launch a Robotics Club in April 2026.

Miss Andrea Boko, English (Grades 7–12)Miss Boko teaches all secondary Language Arts courses and serves as the Grades 9–10 homeroom teacher. She also teaches TOEFL preparation and electives including Home Economics, Drama, Art, and Photography. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (English), a secondary teaching license, Drama certification, and a TEFL certification, with six years of teaching experience. She will soon lead a girl’s Teen Bible club after school.

Mr. Martin Pretorius, Social Studies (Grades 7–12)Mr. Pretorius teaches Social Studies and serves as the Grades 11–12 homeroom teacher. He also teaches the electives PE, Introduction to Psychology, IT, as well as PE for Grades 1–4. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in History and a secondary teaching certification. Mr. Pretorius is starting an after-school Sports Club.

As you can see, NLIS is supported by a diverse team of educators from around the world, each teaching in their area of expertise. As the school continues to grow, we remain committed to seeking outstanding teachers for your children. In our next newsletter, I will introduce our Japanese teachers, who are also highly qualified and deeply valued members of our community.

See below for special activities and learning for January and February.

JANUARY 2026

Jan. 8               Welcome Back!

Jan. 9 & 23      Library Days (23rd is last library day)

Jan. 12             OFF (Coming of Age Day)

Jan. 13             Teacher Meeting (3:35–5:00)

Jan. 16             Assembly (9:05)

Jan. 20–22       Standardized Testing & PSAT

Jan. 27–28       Schoolwide Writing & EFL Testing

FEBRUARY 2026

Feb. 6              Field Trips, Grades 1–6: Earthquake Center and obento at a park; Grades 7–12: lunch & fun at the castle

Feb. 11             OFF (Foundation Day)

Feb. 12            Special Speaker: Chiaki Tanaka (1:30–3:00, Gym)

Ms. Tanaka is an award-winning artist and is training to play Boccia in the next Paralympics.

Feb. 13            Valentine Parties; Assembly (9:05)

Feb. 23             OFF (Emperor’s Birthday)

Feb. 25             Last Day of Japanese ClassesFeb. 26             Science Fair (Parents welcome!) 8:50 – 12:30

Thank you for your continued trust and support of New Life International School. We appreciate every one of you!

Warm regards,

Suzy Brown