Sendai Ikuei Gakuen Shukoh Middle School Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School Principal Takehiko Katoh	For us here at Sendai Ikuei, last year was challenging indeed. With the declining birthrate being a serious concern for all educational institutions and Japan's economy at its lowest level in a decade, we are having to respond with innovative new policies and programs. As a result, in order to adapt to both the economic and societal shifts in Japan, Sendai Ikuei has formalized fresh strategies to insure the continued educational advancement and quality of its students. 　 In light of this, I would like to share some of our major new developments. I am proud to announce that Sendai Ikuei will implement two new educational programs in 2003. The most inventive change will occur to our Shukoh Course, which was previously affiliated with Sendai Ikuei High School proper. From next year, however, it will be registered with the Japanese Educational Board as a separate educational facility. This will allow students the unique opportunity to enter and complete their junior and secondary education at the same institution. Sendai Ikuei is at the forefront of this relatively novel idea in the Japanese educational system and one we are confident will be positively received. 　 The second significant structural change to Sendai Ikuei will be the introduction of a new High School 'Flexi Course' program. This program places a great emphasis on students taking personal responsibility for the direction of their school studies. Fundamentally, students are enabled to make individual choices about their educational future. Students will be able to choose what classes they wish to participate in and decide what subject credits they will submit towards the completion of their high school diploma. 　Sendai Ikuei has always believed that in the cause of advancement in education we must continually adapt our school programs and not be timid in testing new ideas. With the aforementioned changes Sendai Ikuei is determined to remain true to its founding principles while at the same time advancing its educational policies. Through the implementation of these new programs our students energy and commitment to learning will be refreshed and thus underpin the positive atmosphere that permeates our school already. 　This year's Ikuei Informer reflects the wide range of our school's activities and programs in the spirit of globalization. I hope you will enjoy the variety of experiences, feelings, and opinions presented here. Sendai Ikuei sends many students to study abroad each year and in turn receives exchange students as well. It will be obvious as you read about them how successful Sendai Ikuei's international programs are working. With the implementation of our newest changes we hope to improve even more our educational foundations.
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