Gerald Teramae, Head of School, welcomed a standing-room only crowd of parents, faculty and staff at the first Community Meeting of 2015-2016 last night. All parents are invited to attend Community Meetings, held in the multi-purpose room, throughout the school year. Updates about the school are shared at these meetings held in a “town hall” format; parents have the opportunity to ask questions with Administrators, school Trustees, faculty and staff in attendance to provide answers and more details.
Teramae recapped the recent acquisition of the school’s land and facilities by the Watumull family and how this transaction has changed the financial landscape of Island Pacific Academy’s future. (Read more about the Watumull purchase here.)
Head of School, Gerald Teramae, speaks to parents at last night’s Community Meeting.
Uniform concerns were the main topic of discussion at last night’s meeting. Parents were assured that the school is aware of the fulfillment issues with the current vendor and that research is being done should the school decide to opt for a different vendor. “Several parents had suggestions on what we can do, other vendors that we can look at,” says Teramae. “It’s good to have discussion and for our parents to know that we appreciate their input.”
Island Pacific Academy Parents Association (IPAPA) president, Michele Devine, spoke to the parents and explained the function of the organization. “Our IPAPA events are meant to bring people together, to let us get to know one another, and to create opportunities where our families can come together to have fun,” Devine said. The two main IPAPA events are the Fall Family Festival and Chili Cook-off.
Bernadette Axelrod, Director of Advancement, shared information about the school’s two main fundraising events: the IPA Golf Tournament and Grand Expedition. IPA’s 9th annual Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, November 13. For more information and registration, click here. A discounted golfer entry fee is being offered during the month of September.
“Our food and auction event, Grand Expedition, is at the planning stage now where a theme will be picked. The city or country picked as the theme will be big since everything from food, music, decorations, and invitations will key off of it,” Axelrod explained. Parents were invited to attend a Grand Expedition Committee meeting on Friday, September 4. Interested parents should contact Yvette Anseeuw, IPA fundraising Event Coordinator.
Molly Ripton, Director of Admissions, let parents know that there are now regularly scheduled tours every Thursday at 8:30am. “This is a great opportunity for parents of an elementary grade student to get a preview of the middle and upper grades. Or for a current parent of any grade to get a refresher,” Ripton said. “The tours alternate each week so you can schedule which division, K-5 or 6-12, that you want to learn more about. Our parents can help by sharing how to tour the school with a friend. Word of mouth is our best marketing.”
Complimentary child care provided by Leeward YMCA is offered during Community Meetings so that parents with young children can more easily attend. Advance notice of the meetings is shared with families in the weekly Friday eNews email.
