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SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Ocean Star High School Corporation (Kaisei Gakuin) was founded in 1934 by Benedictine Sisters from the College of St. Benedict. The Corporation is composed of a Senior High School and a Kindergarten. Since its foundation, the school has been providing quality education for the youth of Muroran and its surrounding communities. The School Corporation employs approximately 30 teachers. Of these teachers, twelve are employed as Kindergarten teachers. The others work in the Senior High School, teaching subjects such as Japanese Language, English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Religion, Ethics, Home Economics, Health and Physical Education, and Science. The High School is a co-ed private high school. While this school is run by a Catholic administration, nearly all teachers and students are not Catholic. Most importantly, the class atmosphere of the school is very positive and receptive to learning. Students and teachers work well and cooperatively together.
LOCATION
Ocean Star High School is located on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, in the port city of Muroran. Muroran is conveniently located near renowned spa areas near Lake Toya, famous for hot their springs. Sapporo (population approximately 2 million) the capital of Hokkaido, is just a little over one hour away from Muroran by train.
THE SCHOOL'S CAMPUS
The School Corporation is comprised of four basic buildings: the Kindergarten, the IT Computer Lab, the dormitory, and the Senior High School. An auditorium and gymnasium are connected to the Senior High School. The school grounds also contain a three-court tennis complex and an outdoor sporting field.
ACADEMIC LIFE - THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The staff of the Senior High School strives to provide its students with a competitive education to enable them to enter a university of their choice. The curriculum focuses on preparation for the university entrance examinations, preparation for the social and public requirements of daily adult life in Japan, and increasing international and cultural awareness. In Muroran, the Senior High School is renowned for its focus on English Language instruction. For its small student population, the corporation employs six English Language instructors, two of whom are native English speakers.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
After school, many students enjoy extracurricular club activities. The activities focus on traditional Japanese culture, such as the flower arrangement club (chado) and the tea ceremony club (sado). There are still other cultural activities, such as the chorus club and the art club. Other activities focus on sports and health, such as the badminton club and the tennis club. Other clubs focus on academic improvement and international awareness, such as the English Conversation club.
ANNUAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Throughout the year, the students take part in several exciting and challenging activities. In the summer, the student government sponsors a two-day school festival, filled with food, music, and creativity. In the fall, the students take part in various volunteer activities. Also during the fall, the students are able to experience hiking through the nearby mountains. In the winter, each student
takes lessons from a professional ski instructor during their physical education class. Then, throughout the winter term, the students and teachers enjoy a ski trip somewhere in the beautiful mountains of Hokkaido. Entertainment events (music, dance, games, sports, comedy skits) are scheduled for holiday occasions throughout the year.
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