Brand New School

The Japanese School year runs from April to March. The time in-between, Spring Break, is far from being a holiday for Japanese teachers. The annual merry-go-round takes place, so some teachers have left my schools and have been replaced by new ones. While this is quite a sad time because I'll be saying goodbye to some great friends, there is a chance that I could make some more great friends over teh next year. And any excuse and enkai is always welcome!

This week, both my schools will have opening ceremonies; Tokamachi Koko on Thursday, and Tsunan Koko on Friday. I will also start teaching at one of the newest schools in the prefecture; Tsunan Chuto. Niigata prefecture is restructuring its education system and a major part of that are Chuto schools (combined JHS and SHS).

The strangest thing about Tsunan Chuto is it's location; it is in the same building as Tsunan Koko. Two schools in the same building. For the most part, I think both schools will share some facilities; the hall, the students entrance, the gym etc. But, both schools will have their own seperate facilities; each have their teachers room, homerooms and a new lunchroom was built for the Chuto.

Yesterday was the official Enrolment Ceremony for the new students of Chuto. The hall was decroated with red and white curtains. The Japanese flag and school bonsai were on stage. The new school flag and school standard were displayed on stage too, both showing teh new school's embellem; a captial 'T' surrounded by four tulips. The ceremony started and the homeroom teachers lead in the students who took their seats. Everyone stood and the Japanese national anthem was played. Then each students name was read in turn for each class. The Principal of Tsunan Koko will also be the pricipal of Tsnan Chuto, so he read a speech to the students and their parents. Then there were speeches from four men, who I assume are school governers. Then the new school anthem was sung. It sounded very different from other school anthems that I heard. The words sounded quite difficult and the anthem was quite long. Maybe I'll get used to it the more I hear it. Then the ceremony ended and I came back to the office.

I wanted to meet the new teachers of Chuto afterwards, but they were having meetings with the students and their parents. This morning the students have had tests so I've arranged to meet the teachers this afternoon. Then I'll find out when have to start teaching JHS students.