A globe-trotting teacher has taken up a leading role at International School Aberdeen (ISA).
Morio Kajiwara is the Cults-based institution’s new elementary school principal.
He first joined ISA in 1998 as a classroom assistant and he has been a 5th grade teacher specialising in computing for the last 13 years.
Mr Kajiwara was born and raised in Berkley, California and graduated with a degree in history from the prestigious Brown University.
He took a job teaching in Kuwait before returning to ISA in 2001 where he taught 5th grade and coached basketball.
In 2007, Mr Kajiwara and his family moved to Bangkok in Thailand but just two years later he came back to the Granite City.
Last year, pupils at ISA secured some of the best exam results in the world.
‘We are Aberdonians’
Mr Kajiwara said he and his family consider themselves Aberdonians due to their lengthy association with the city.
He said it is a “privilege” to work at ISA and to be teaching “amazing” young people.
Mr Kajiwara said: “I was delighted to return to ISA. In fact, each time I was approached and asked to come back to join the team, I jumped at the chance.
“Aberdeen is a unique city, and a very special place; the city holds much appeal for us as a family and we are delighted to call ourselves Aberdonians.
“At ISA, we are immensely proud of our vibrant international identity of expats and locals.
“It is a privilege to work here with the most amazing staff and parent community, but most of all our amazing students.”
Praise for outgoing predecessor
Mr Kajiwara takes up the reigns as elementary school principal following the retirement of Don Newbury, who spent more than 30 years with ISA.
He has paid tribute to Mr Newbury for his efforts at the school.
Mr Kajiwara said: “Don has seen the school grow over the years, and through all the changes the last three decades have brought, he has maintained a clear philosophy that the child should remain at the centre of teaching and learning.
“Don is well-respected and an integral part of our school community, and I am honoured to follow in his footsteps to continue supporting every child to find their place in the world.”
Nick Little, head of school at ISA, praised Mr Kajiwara and said he was the “outstanding candidate.”
He added: “Morio was the consistently outstanding candidate in an impressive field and we are delighted he has accepted the role as our new Elementary School Principal.
“Morio is a truly outstanding teacher with an enthusiasm and passion for teaching that is second to none. He is a supportive and inspiring role model for our students and I am confident that he will continue Don’s legacy of care for each and every child.
“On behalf of the entire ISA school community, I would like to wish Morio the very best in his new role and to wish Don a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
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