The End of School

As you can probably tell by now, the Japanese are very big on ceremonies. Each school, be it middle school, high school, elementary school, or even pre-school has a graduation ceremony and closing ceremony. The closing ceremony actually takes place at the end of each of the three terms, just before students begin their vacation.

Last Friday was the closing ceremony at the middle school, and then the graduation and closing ceremony at the elementary school. The ceremony at the middle school was especially touching, because this is when the students find out which teachers will be leaving. The teachers names are called out and they stand in front of the student body. Each teacher then speaks to the students briefly, and they are all given flowers by student representatives. A few of the middle school girls cried, and I felt a little weepy, too, since my friend Ayaka will be leaving us.

The elementary school ceremonies were very similar. However, these younger kids were more emotional, and when five teachers stood, I could tell from the gasps in the audience that the students really didn’t know who would be going until now. Previously, another teacher told me it was kept a secret until closing ceremonies. I believe her now. The crying began quietly at first, just a bit a weeping. It quickly became an all out sobbing fest. At one point, the teachers could barely be heard over the hysterical crying. I think all 48 students were crying at one point or another. Teachers were crying, too. Five teachers is a lot to lose, and they were quite good friends. At the end, I asked a teacher if it is always like this and he said yes. Wow. Such drama to go through every year. Those kids were really devastated, poor things. As for me, I was tired of repressing all my emotions and listening to sad speeches in Japanese I couldn’t understand. It was a relief to get back to my desk and take a break (I’ve learned how to download books for free and I have been reading Jane Austen’s Emma during my free time at work).

Last Friday night was the “good-bye” party for the middle school teachers. Monday night was the “good-by” party for the pre-school moms. One of the teachers, Ridge’s teacher, actually, is retiring. Tonight is the other “good-bye” party for both the middle and elementary schools. In a couple of weeks, there will also be at least three “welcome” parties. When all is said and done, I could easily have spent $200 to attend parties (remember: I have to pay to go to the parties). I tried to skip the pre-school one on Monday, but the social pressure was just too much. I’m glad I went; it was a sight to see! Those women really know how to get drunk! They were much crazier than any other group I have been to parties with, and I told them. They just laughed and had another beer.

The picture on top is a shot of some of the middle school first grade (7th gr.) girls after they "bought" one of my apple pies at my English Auction. I pass out fake money when they speak English to me outside of class, and then I had an auction for them to spend it on baked goods. It was very popular! The girls, from left to right, are: Akane, Rina, and Fuuka.