ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY welcomed 150 new parents to the IPA ‘ohana at the 2019 New Parent Reception on July 26. This annual event held annually before the start of the new school year is a wonderful way for new families to ask questions, meet some of the faculty and staff, and socialize with other new parents.
“Every summer, just before the start of the new school year, our staff and community extend a warm welcome and aloha to the new families joining the IPA community,” said Eileen Novak, Director of Admission, whose department hosted the reception. “We want all our parents to know that we are all very happy and excited to have them as part of the Navigator ʻohana.”
The reception started with introductory remarks from some of the school administrators, including Gerald Teramae (Head of School), Steve Ross (Elementary Principal), and Michelle Bradley (Interim Secondary Principal).
“All of our new parents are invited to this special reception just for them. Having a community with strong parent involvement is an important part of the success of our school and we want our new parents to feel welcomed and let them know how important they are to IPA,” said Gerald Teramae, Head of School.
Also on hand were officers and directors from the IPA Parent Association (IPAPA). Parent involvement and support is so important for the activities and events IPAPA puts on throughout the year, and ensuring parents feel comfortable and included from the start is important to IPAPA.
“I want to be one of the first to congratulate you as parents and family members of students coming into IPA. You are all now our newest official members of IPAPA,” IPAPA Vice President Beata Triplett told the new parents. “We encourage you all to get to know us, because we would love to get to know you!”
IPAPA Grade 11-12 director, Paul Chapman, was pleased to see so many new parents take the time to come to the reception. “I missed the reception when my children started school, but being part of the IPA family for the past 12 years, it’s neat to see the excitement on the new parents’ faces as they’re coming into our incredible school.”
Following the program, parents socialized on the lānai and enjoyed heavy pupu and drinks. Desserts were provided by the Student 2 Student Project, conceived of and run by an IPA student as a way to pay it forward by providing financial assistance for students who would otherwise be unable to to participate in class trips, camps, and athletics.
We warmly welcome all of our new families joining the IPA community for the 2019-2020 school year!
