About Sano International School
Learn about Sano International School and its vision and values. Meet the staff.
ABOUT
Sano International School is a unique international school located in Sano, Tochigi catering for children from preschool to grade 9.
Sano International School provides an enriching spiritual, moral, academic, artistic, and athletic environment every day and at every grade level. Teachers provide moral and ethical training consistent with Christian values on a daily basis to help students develop positive self-esteem and respect for one another. Students are taught to think for themselves and become independent lifelong learners who accept responsibility and work effectively with others.
One of the key strengths of Sano International School is our focus in both the English and Japanese language, allowing wider possibilities for high school and university. Sano International School also offers a high teacher-student ratio that allows each student to receive close attention and support. High expectations are set and guidance is provided for students to achieve their personal best.
Sano International School is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.
Raising Leaders to Impact Nations
Sano International School seeks to provide students with the skills they need to thrive in the real world; to stand firm on their own beliefs and opinions; and to be a positive influence in the environments they find themselves in. This is based on the Biblical foundation "Train a child up in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
STUDENT OUTCOMES
SIS applies a Biblical approach to life and learning. The curriculum is designed to address the whole person and equips students to stand strong in society and to be a positive influence wherever they are. Sano International School has developed a program designed for students to graduate from SIS Junior High as students who are:
Rooted in Love
● Planted in the love of God
● Joyful in loving and serving others
Growing in Strength
● Becoming lifelong learners
● Growing in strength of character
Flourishing in Excellence
● Effective communicators in both English and Japanese
● Leaders demonstrating critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, and collaboration.
CORE VALUES
SIS Board of Directors, faculty and staff are committed to the following core values to reach the hearts of the students. These core values define the school in terms of its priorities, decisions, and accountability to its staff, parents and students. These core values are as follows:
WHAT OUR LOGO MEANS
Shield: represents protection, strength and safety.
Globe: international, all nationalities are welcomed.
Fish: salmon that swim upstream against the tide. We want to raise up children strong enough to swim against the tide & stand up for what they believe in.
Leaves: oak leaves that represent strength and righteousness.
Isaiah 61:3 They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Bible: based on Biblical principles our desire is to train a child in the way he should go. To guide our students to make good decisions and choose to do what is right.
STAFF
Rachel Sawka, UK
Principal
Since moving to Japan from England in 1999, I have come to realize the invaluable tool of becoming bilingual in today’s society. Changes in the business market and technology have created a smaller global community. These changes indicate that speaking at least two languages has become more and more important. The leadership and communication skills we teach at Sano International School will enable our students to go into any culture and speak the global language of respect and kindness.
Sano International School provides a loving, caring environment for students to excel and to grow in every area. We look forward to welcoming you into the SIS family!
Maki Yagisawa, Japan
Administrator
Music
Ms. Yagisawa joined the team at Sano International School in 2013. She is a licensed music teacher and has over 10 years experience of teaching music at Elementary. Maki is also takes care of administration in the school.
Ginalyn Letana, Philippines
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Letana is a licensed teacher with specialization in Religious Education at the Baptist Bible Seminary Institute. She earned her certificate in teaching at the Philippine Normal University and Laguna Northwestern College. Ms. Letana has handled students from Preschool up to High School, with the later part of her teaching years focused on teaching and caring for Preschool pupils. She also earned her TESOL Certificate last June 2016 at the American Tesol Institute as a certified English to Speakers of other Languages (ESL) Instructor. She is currently earning her Master’s units in Early Childhood Education at the Philippine Normal University, Manila.
Rika Matsumoto, Japan
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Matsumoto is a licensed preschool teacher who has worked in the field of preschool and nursery education for over twenty three years. She started working for Sano International School at the very beginning and has been with us ever since. With her years of experience and patience she is a pillar of the school!
Naoko Hirasawa, Japan
Preschool Teacher
School Nurse
Mrs. Hirasawa is a licensed nurse and also has over six years experience working in a preschool. Naoko is bi-lingual and speaks primarily to the students in English throughout the school day.
Philip John Cajote, Philippines
Grade 1-2 Homeroom Teacher
Mr. Cajote earned his Bachelors Degree in Industrial Education from Laguna State Polytechnic University, Philippines. Mr. Cajote is a licensed professional teacher who has worked in the field of practical arts secondary education for over ten years. He also worked as a school paper adviser and studying Bachelor of Laws before joining Sano International School in 2019.
Yusuke Ishibashi
Grade 3-4 Homeroom Teacher
Mr. Ishibashi earned his Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Handong Global University (Korea) and his Master's degree in Divinity from Torch Trinity Graduate University (Korea). He has various experiences in teaching English and the Bible to children and adults. He also helps people for their emotional and spiritual health as a counselor. He joined SIS from September 2021 as a bilingual teacher.
Glyzusset Bondad, Philippines
Grade 5-6 Homeroom Teacher
Mrs. Bondad earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Laguna State Polytechnic University, Philippines. She had 5 years of experience working with children in grades 1-4 and 8 years of experience working with children in grades 5–6 in the Philippines. Prior to joining Sano International School, her dedication and hard work gained her a promotion to assistant principal at her previous institution.
Lucas Burhan, Indonesia
Junior High Homeroom teacher
Mr. Burhan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Victory Bible College, Calgary, Canada and a Master’s in Christian Education from Theological School Moriah, Indonesia. He is a certified Cambridge English Teacher, TEFL instructor, Google Educator and Pearson IELTS Expert Trainer. Mr Lucas brings over 12 years of experience in education and leadership experience serving as Vice Principal of a Christian School in Indonesia.
Leandro Bondad, Philippines
Academic Director
Mr. Bondad obtained his Bachelor’s Degree major in Physical Science from Laguna State Polytechnic University, Philippines. Mr. Bondad is a licensed teacher and taught elementary and high school science subjects for over seven years before joining Sano International School. He is also a textbook author writing grade school and junior high science textbooks. He earned units for a Master of Arts in Science Education with specialization in chemistry at Philippine Normal University-Manila and completed a Diploma in Pedagogical Leadership from Creative Council Education, Finland.
Hatsuko Nakamura, Japan
Japanese Language Teacher
Ms Nakamura got a licence for teaching Japanese in Junior College of Showa Girls’ University. She joined SIS from September 2020 as a Japanese teacher.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
There are 4 members of the Board of Directors of Sano International School including the Principal. The Board of Directors are given the responsibility for the establishment, guidance, and spiritual headship in the operation of the school. The Board is the policy setting body of the school, with the school principal having the responsibility for the implementation of the Board's policies.
Current Board Members:
Dr. Ron Sawka - Chairman of the Board
Kazuyoshi Iijima
Eduard Thayer
Principal - Rachel Sawka