This Issue
Spring 2012 - Department | News from the ‘Ohana
Spring Forward
“To everything there is a season. Turn, turn, turn.”
– Pete Seeger (adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes)
It is hard to imagine that spring 2012 is already here! Spring and springtime refer to the season that symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and re-growth.
Here at ‘Iolani, we are experiencing the essence of spring. The ‘Iolani community is busy with the fair Global Getaway in April. The planning started last year under the experienced leadership of Cheryl Wong and James Lee ’74. This dynamic duo has worked tirelessly with many student and parent volunteers to ensure a fun-filled weekend.
The Class of 2012 has held their Senior Luau, which was a memorable event. They are now getting ready for Senior Prom, Baccalaureate and Graduation. This is an incredible time for our seniors! Their life as they know it will be ending, but a new journey begins with so much promise.
We, the ‘Iolani ‘Ohana, in preparation for next year and are currently seeking energetic parent volunteers to assist as grade level representatives and various committee chairs. The work is fulfilling and allows parents an opportunity to experience ‘Iolani as a participant. The effort and energy of these parents allow the ‘Ohana organization to bring new thoughts and ideas that enrich interaction within the ‘Iolani community.
I interpret Spring 2012 as growth and change. At our first ‘Ohana meeting on September 21, 2011, I addressed change and transition as it impacted the organization. I applaud the ‘Ohana membership for handling many of the changes with understanding and confidence. At the end of this school year, our Headmaster Dr. Val Iwashita ’67 and our Director of Institutional Advancement Jane Heimerdinger will retire after long and respected careers as educators and leaders.
I have been a parent at ‘Iolani since 1997 and Dr. Iwashita has been the only headmaster I have known. He has led this school with a commitment to excellence that has benefitted my children, and I am grateful. I believe leadership is 70 percent effort, 20 percent talent, and ten percent luck, and that self-improvement and the development of mental preparation to seize opportunities as they arise are essential leadership traits. It is this leadership that Dr. Iwashita has executed and that has given ‘Iolani School the national recognition it now receives. Thank you, Dr. Iwashita, for your commitment, effort, and talent you have shared with the ‘Iolani community.
I first met Jane Heimerdinger back in 2003 while working with the general store for the ‘Iolani fair. She was an incredible force, diplomatically handling several situations at one time and keeping everyone happy. She hasn’t changed! As the director of the Institutional Advancement office, Jane oversees fundraising, capital campaigns, alumni relations, communications, public relations, interactive media, and the ‘Iolani ‘Ohana. It has been my pleasure to work with Jane over the years and I have learned much from that experience. Most important, I have learned to listen to those around me in order to learn, grow and make mindful decisions. Jane, you will be missed. Thank you for all you have given to the ‘Iolani ‘Ohana.
Me Kealoha Pumehana,
‘Iolani ‘Ohana President 2011-12