Beginnings

Thursday, April 8, marked the beginning of a new school year here in Uki. It was a day filled with ceremonies and speeches. The newly second and third grade students gathered in the gym and were lectured on the importance of becoming sempais to the incoming first graders (7th graders). The following day, Friday, there was an opening ceremony where the first graders were welcomed to Matsubase Junior High and were given their homeroom assignments. In most cases I am unaware of what is really happening at the ceremonies/assemblies, but on this day I was asked to remain in the teachers room. I was alone. I was a bit confused as to why my Kyoto Sensei (vice principal) who speaks no English, knew enough to say “stay here.” Nonetheless, it was nice to be still without all the hustle and bustle that accompanies and work place in Japan. I am often found sitting and waiting for instruction in this environment, which although easy is sometimes a bit stressful, so given a solid instruction to stay was a new experience. I was able to read an entire book, which helped to prepare me for my upcoming trip to China, one can only organize a desk so much! With the new school year I was told internet was being installed for each desk…I spent time today trying to connect to a network….but nothing. If internet really is installed that could change my work life tremendously. Right now there are three computers for about 100 staff members and because I don’t really need the computer it is very badly received when I check email or read the news, whether anyone else needs the computer or not. I can’t imagine the amount of productive things I could do with internet at my desk, ie BLOG. Ill try again tomorrow.