Summer Vacation Countdown

I have to admit I have been slack about posting for the last few weeks. It is coming up to summer vacation here in Japan which means for me - 7 weeks off from school.

Many of the students however, when asked about what they are doing over the break answer - study very hard. At the school Mel works they actually have summer classes. Luckily for us, Mel doesn't have to teach so it's off to Vietnam in less than two weeks. (^_^)

Back To School

Today was my first day back at school for the new school year.

- New students to "talk to" and to teach.
- New teachers to meet - I am working with 3 new English teachers at this school alone. I also spent part of the day trying to work out which teachers had been transferred.
- A new staff room to work out of - Well, it's not actually new but it has been extended which means I now have a bigger workspace. (^_^)

All in all, a good start to the year.

Graduation Day

A couple of weeks ago I attended the graduation ceremony at one of the Junior High Schools I teach at. It was the first time I had attended a Japanese graduation and it was quite an experience.

Unlike Australia, where most students attend the same school for junior and senior, graduating Junior High in Japan, is a true rite of passage. Students who have been together for Elementary and Junior High now separate and attend a myriad of High Schools in the area.

Like most official events, the ceremony was very formal, the school song was sung, the certificates were presented and the dignitaries gave their speeches. On the other hand, it was a very moving experience full of emotion and pride on the part of the students, parents and teachers.

Given that it was the last time I would see many of the students, I was very glad that I could share the day.

Teaching In Japan

Wow - it's coming up to the end of my first year of teaching in Japan.

Yesterday was my last day at one of my schools. The students and teachers have been great to work with, and when I was saying goodbye, they all said that they want me back again next year. (^_^)

I'm not sure if I will be going back to the same school, but given how welcome everybody has made me feel, I hope so.

Cherry Blossoms and Graduation

When I walked into the staffroom at school today, I was a little surprised to see some 10 foot cherry tree cuttings in a bucket.

I found out that using the warmth of the room, the teachers speed up the flowering of the buds. They can then use the spectacular cherry blossom laden branches to decorate the auditorium for the upcoming graduation ceremony.