St Michael's International School

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Give Your Child a Flying Start: Admissions at St. Michael’s International School

For parents, choosing a school is like choosing a flight path for the years ahead. It is about more than reaching a destination; it is about the journey, the support, care, and guidance offered along the way. At St. Michael’s International School in Kobe, admissions is more than a process. It is a boarding pass into a community where children are given not just a seat on the plane, but the wings to soar.

Get Ready: Exploring the Destination

Every good journey begins with planning. At St. Michael’s, families are encouraged to “get ready” by finding out more about the school through virtual information sessions, school tours, or Open House events. These moments are like scanning the map before a flight,  they help parents see the route, ask questions, and picture the exciting destination that lies ahead.

From the very first contact, the Admissions Officer is there to welcome families warmly and guide them through the options. Rather than rushing families into forms and fees, the emphasis is on dialogue, clarity, and making sure SMIS is the right fit.

Check-In: Preparing for the Journey

Just as travelers check in at the airport with passports and tickets, families take the next step by submitting an online application. Alongside the application fee, parents provide supporting documents such as a recent photo, proof of birth, and previous school reports where relevant.

At this stage, honesty and preparation are key. Families are asked to share not only their child’s achievements but also any learning or medical needs. This transparency ensures the school can provide the right seat for every passenger, creating a smooth journey ahead.

A confidential recommendation from the child’s current school is also requested to ensure that the new learning journey builds seamlessly on the last.

Boarding: Ready to Take Off

The “boarding” stage marks the child’s first real step onto the aircraft. At St. Michael’s, this means an assessment visit and family interview. For children already in Kobe, a trial visit in the classroom allows them to experience the rhythm of the school. Teachers observe how they engage with learning, peers, and the English-speaking environment. Parents meet with leaders to share their hopes and ask practical questions.

For families overseas, boarding works a little differently. A provisional acceptance may be offered to secure the child’s place, with assessment and interview scheduled once the family arrives in Kobe. This flexibility recognises the realities of international relocation while keeping the door open to every family.

In-Flight: Learning at 30,000 Feet

Once the paperwork is in place, and the seatbelt signs are switched off, the journey is underway. The in-flight stage is where St. Michael’s offers a place and sends the official welcome email. Families receive not just confirmation, but also the practical information they need: uniforms, routines, and introductions to school life.

Like attentive cabin crew, the admissions team ensures families are comfortable, informed, and supported. Parents can relax knowing that their child’s learning journey has the right course set,  a journey guided by the school’s values of respect, kindness, perseverance, and responsibility.

Arrival: A Smooth Landing

The final step of the admissions journey is the most exciting: the child’s first day at school. Like touching down in a new country, it is the beginning of a new adventure. For some families this means joining mid-year; for others, it is the start of a brand-new academic term.

By this point, everything has been carefully prepared: fees settled, forms submitted, uniforms ready. Children step off the plane of admissions and onto the runway of school life, greeted by teachers who know them by name and classmates who are ready to welcome a new friend.

A Short Stay

Not all journeys are long-haul. St. Michael’s also offers Short Stay enrolment, from one to nine weeks, for families visiting Japan temporarily. In these cases, children can join the flight for a shorter leg of the journey, enjoying the same warm welcome and international learning environment, without the need for full uniform or long-term commitment.

The Philosophy Behind the Flight Plan

Behind this creative analogy lies a serious philosophy. At St. Michael’s, admissions is never about numbers on a passenger list. It is about finding the right seat for each child so that they can thrive.

• English Language Learners: Younger children are welcomed even with limited English, while older pupils are assessed to ensure they can thrive in an all-English environment.
  
  
• Learning Support: Mild additional needs are considered case by case, ensuring that every child has the resources they need to succeed.
  
  
• Community Fit: Just as airlines set expectations for cooperation on board, SMIS invites families to join a partnership based on trust, respect, honesty, and collaboration.

Why Families Choose to Fly with SMIS

Parents often describe the admissions process at St. Michael’s as refreshingly human. Rather than queues and paperwork, it feels like being welcomed into a family lounge. The steps are clear, but they are also flexible, accommodating the realities of international life.

The school’s motto, Growing, Working, Learning Together, is evident in every stage of the journey. From the first inquiry to the first day of class, families are treated not just as applicants, but as future partners in a shared adventure.

Conclusion: A Flying Start

For families considering international education in Kobe, the admissions process at St. Michael’s is more than a gate to pass through. It is the beginning of a journey that is safe, supportive, and full of opportunity.

By framing admissions as a flight, St. Michael’s captures what makes it unique: clear steps, warm guidance, and a shared destination. The message is simple and true:

Give your child a flying start. Start your journey with St. Michael’s International School, and watch them soar.

School website: www.smis.org

Contact: Naoko Kimura, Communications Director

Email address: admissions@smis-mail.org

• Virtual Info Session is held every month on Zoom. Please sign up via https://smis.org/admissions/
• We offer school tours on a needs basis and are happy to arrange a convenient time for the family. Please sign up via https://smis.org/admissions/