On Friday, December 19th, the last school day of the 2025 calendar year, CIS held the 3rd edition of the Jake Hall Memorial Student-Teacher-Alumni-Guest Basketball Game. The aim of this annual event is to have fun and create spirit in the CIS community while also remembering Mr. Hall, the former PE teacher, CIS basketball coach, and Canadian university basketball legend, who passed away from cancer a few years ago.

Many students, alumni, teachers, staff, and special guests contributed to make this year’s event a success. First, the girls’ team played against Ms. Mac and a mix of female teachers and alumni, along with Principal “Mr. Buckets” McCliggott. Then the junior boys played a spirited group of former and current elementary and junior teachers. Late in that game, Mr. Moody really started cooking against his own Grade 8 basketball boys. In the final game, the senior boys played a back-and-forth match against Columbia basketball alumni, competitive teachers, and special guests. All games were played with great sportsmanship!

Led by L. Hall, the Student Council was also involved by holding a halftime raffle, with donations of 42,317 yen (including the dress-down-day donations in the morning) going to the Japan Cancer Society (公益財団法人 日本対がん協会). They showed great initiative in being part of the event and received a strong response in terms of. Thanks to all who attended, volunteered their time, and/or played in the games.

GO SPIRIT BEARS!

Mr. Bentz