She's baa-aack. Jessica Watson is back at our elementary school. For 3 months.
It seemed longer ago than last September that I first met the then 9 year old, pint-sized Australian blonde, whose father referred to me as a "Negro" and whose mother owned a horse of a questionably peculiar name.
A couple of teachers had informed me prior that she would be returning at the end of April, but the time came so fast.
When I got to school this morning, immediately the principal quickly came up to me, before I got into the staffroom even, and said "Jessica's here! Please come into my office." I took a second to get my hat off and rest my bag.
I went into the principal's room, and there she was, little Jessica, now in the 5th grade, along with some Japanese lady who I presumed was escorting her.
"Hi Jessica, welcome back!," I politely offered.
"Hi," she coyly replied. She seemed much more shy than when I first met her.
I chatted with her a bit and shared my greetings. Everyone else just stood by smiling while we conversed in English. I felt like some sort of English ambassador. The lady escorting her handed me a folded piece of paper. "This is from Ian," she said. It was a handwritten letter to me from Jessica's father.
I read the letter silently to myself. In it, Mr. Watson expressed that he would like for Jessica to be able to come discuss any school matters, if any, with me, since I would be the only person with whom she could communicate with in English. So, Massuh Watson wants the Negro-boy to tend ta lil Miss Jessica, now does he? OK suh-boss! (j/k)
No really, it's no problemo. I relayed to Jessica that it would be OK for her to come to me anytime at school if she needed. Wow, though.--10 years old in a foreign country where you can't speak the language? Good luck to her! ..Then again, that could be a dream for a kid--she won't have to do any homework because she can't read or write any of the assignments. Wow, cakewalk for her!
Apr 26, 2004
Apr 15, 2004
U.S. TAX DAY '04
Today was the deadline for filing U.S. taxes. Got mine done and sent over spring break, so I should be straight with the IRS.
It was also my birthday today. I had a pretty normal day, mostly. In the morning teacher's meeting, Yamada-sensei asked me to stand at my desk. At first I didn't know why, then he said
"Today's your birthday?"
"Yes, it is," I answered.
Then everyone proceeded to sing the 'Happy Birthday Song' in English. That was a nice surprise.
I taught the new 1st graders for the first time today. In class 1-1, the kids sang the birthday song in English, which the teacher had prepped them right before class. They did a good job. In class, I formally introduced myself to them for the first time. Afterwards, the kids got to ask me questions in Japanese, which I answered in English. One boy asked me "Why is your hair like wool?," which the kids got a chuckle out of. The homeroom teacher went on to explain that everyone has different types of hair. It didn't take long for the kids to start grabbing me. After a few minutes I had a small swarm developing about my legs and waist. I couldn't take a full step without being yanked and inappropriately probed. One little boy was relentless, almost pulling my pants down. The homeroom teacher had to peel him off of me. I guess, to them, I was like a walking swing set.
In class 1-2, the kids wished me happy birthday, and some little girls had plucked some tiny little flowers from the school garden. Somebody handed me a leaf, someone else, an acorn. By the time I got all my "presents," I had a tiny little bouquet in hand. It was probably one of the cutest scenes ever.
At 4th period, I was invited to class 2-1, where the 2nd graders gave me a stack of handmade birthday cards, and origami animals. Real heart-warming stuff, I tell ya.
I've been having lunch with the 6th graders of Class 6-1 all week. Today at lunch, one boy asked me how to say "You make me sick" in English. I didn't want to give them any ammo, so with a straight face, I said "I love you." They were kinda doubtful at first, but once I said it in a disgusted tone, they started buying it. They started testing it out on each other right away. Heheh. Bad sensei.
Another kid asked me about the "f-word." I just looked at him and pretended like I didn't know what he was talking about. He kept repeating it, as if to jog my memory. "Is that English?" I asked.
It was also my birthday today. I had a pretty normal day, mostly. In the morning teacher's meeting, Yamada-sensei asked me to stand at my desk. At first I didn't know why, then he said
"Today's your birthday?"
"Yes, it is," I answered.
Then everyone proceeded to sing the 'Happy Birthday Song' in English. That was a nice surprise.
I taught the new 1st graders for the first time today. In class 1-1, the kids sang the birthday song in English, which the teacher had prepped them right before class. They did a good job. In class, I formally introduced myself to them for the first time. Afterwards, the kids got to ask me questions in Japanese, which I answered in English. One boy asked me "Why is your hair like wool?," which the kids got a chuckle out of. The homeroom teacher went on to explain that everyone has different types of hair. It didn't take long for the kids to start grabbing me. After a few minutes I had a small swarm developing about my legs and waist. I couldn't take a full step without being yanked and inappropriately probed. One little boy was relentless, almost pulling my pants down. The homeroom teacher had to peel him off of me. I guess, to them, I was like a walking swing set.
In class 1-2, the kids wished me happy birthday, and some little girls had plucked some tiny little flowers from the school garden. Somebody handed me a leaf, someone else, an acorn. By the time I got all my "presents," I had a tiny little bouquet in hand. It was probably one of the cutest scenes ever.
At 4th period, I was invited to class 2-1, where the 2nd graders gave me a stack of handmade birthday cards, and origami animals. Real heart-warming stuff, I tell ya.
I've been having lunch with the 6th graders of Class 6-1 all week. Today at lunch, one boy asked me how to say "You make me sick" in English. I didn't want to give them any ammo, so with a straight face, I said "I love you." They were kinda doubtful at first, but once I said it in a disgusted tone, they started buying it. They started testing it out on each other right away. Heheh. Bad sensei.
Another kid asked me about the "f-word." I just looked at him and pretended like I didn't know what he was talking about. He kept repeating it, as if to jog my memory. "Is that English?" I asked.
Apr 14, 2004
THE BREAK-THE-BANK BANQUET
My elementary school had its beginning of the school year kickoff shindig on Friday evening. Since teachers often leave and change schools each year, the first drinking party of the school year serves as a farewell and welcoming ceremony for the outgoing and incoming staff. Just a few days before the dinner, Sone (pr. so-nay) -sensei, one of the special education teachers and one of the organizers of the event, came to me and asked would I be attending. I told him that I definitely intended to go--after all, it was my elementary school's first staff party of the school year ( which is the most important one). Plus, my name was included on the party itinerary passed out at school. "Amen-sama" was printed in Japanese, under the "Special Guests" section.
"How much is it?," I asked Sone-sensei.
"It's a little expensive...," he said.
"How much?," I asked again.
He said "Nine thousand yen."
9,000 yen?! Good Lawd! When I heard the price, I was tempted to decline right then and there. That's almost $90 US! Tokyo Disneyland isn't even that expensive, and you get to meet Mickey Mouse for goodness's sake (not that I would pay to see Mickey Mouse--this is just for comparison's sake). I mean, spending $90 for a 2-hour event went against my spending principles, my fiscal morals. For that amount of cash, a limo needs to be picking me up to take me to see some world-renowned performer on their farewell tour. You get the point.
It's just that up until then, the school had always treated me, covering or defraying my party expenses; but it seemed now that my "guest" status had depreciated a bit: this time I had to pay as if I were Japanese. I have no problem paying my own way, but to go from paying nothing to 90 bucks for a party is a leap. Actually, the prospect of being treated with more normality relative to my Japanese counterparts presented its pros. However, paying ninety bucks for a couple hours of "finger food" and a few rounds of beer was definitely a con.
But with all those thoughts, I found myself, seconds later, in typical Japanese fashion, saying "Wakarimashita" ("OK"/"I understand"), the most commonly-used phrase of compliance within the Japanese language. It was too hard to say no, although I felt well within my right to--I felt obliged to go, simply because of the hospitality the elementary school principals and teachers had shown me throughout the school year, and because I didn't want to come off as shallow for skipping such an important school affair, over money.
On Friday, the day of the dinner, Asano-sensei, the assistant vice-principal, who'd also acted as my coordinator for the past year, and Hamajima sensei, the former 4th grade teacher, came to school by invitation of the principal, to officially say goodbye to the school staff. Asano-sensei distributed wrapped gifts to all the teachers, including me--sets of small handtowels with cute little graphics on them. Two teachers who'd just days earlier been integral parts of our staff were now guests for the day, lounging humbly in the principal's room. I went in to speak to them briefly and thank Asano-sensei for the gift.
She was happy I came and spoke to them. She'd been promoted to an administrative position within the Aichi prefectural board of education "teaching other teachers," as she said. I told her it sounded like she would be getting paid some nice paper--she just smiled and laughed when I said that. I had no idea she was leaving. I wished them luck in their new locales, and she went on to say my Japanese was fluent. I immediately denied that remark, because I know my Japanese, although much improved, is still pretty broken. I thanked her for being kind anyway.
That evening, on the 25th floor, the very top floor of the International Center, we held our dinner. It was easy for me to get there, as the Int'l Ctr. was less than a 10 minute walk from Nagoya Station's JR Central Towers, where we'd had our last function. I'd gotten to go home just early enough to shower, change into some dress clothes and jump right back on the train to only be 10 minutes late for the event, at 6:40. This time I went on my own because I knew exactly how to get there. At school, I'd even told one of the teachers who wasn't familiar with the building how to get there from the train station.
When I arrived, I was surprised to find that our dinner wasn't in a restaurant at all, rather a private party next to the restaurant in a moderately large Western-style room. There were 3 tables to seat our 20+ member group. There was a large picture window which offered a great view eastward over downtown Nagoya, with a clear view of the monumental Nagoya TV Tower in the Sakae district. I sat at the table closest to the window with the principal, Yamada-sensei, the 2 new teachers, and the 2 outgoing teachers. The menu for the evening was Chinese cuisine, catered from nextdoor. The dinner started off with some words from the principal, followed by short speeches from the 2 departing teachers. Asano-sensei spoke for over 5 minutes, expressing her refelections and parting thoughts. I understood little of her speech, as she spoke pretty quickly, and used some "big words" I hadn't learned yet, though I could tell it was pretty sentimental, as she got choked up towards the end. Holding back tears, she finished with a dry face.
When she sat down, and Hamajima-sensei began her speech, Asano-sensei immediately broke down, quietly sobbing in her seat.
In Japan, company farewells can be emotional events. As Yamada-sensei would freely tell me later that evening post-inebriation, Japanese culture is such that "Company is first, then Family and then Self." Indeed. Many times I've seen Japanese people, particularly salarymen, who put their jobs before their families, although compulsorily. In this case, Asano-sensei, an unwed, childless middle-aged woman, had spent her career working in schools, now only to say farewell to a staff who, in essence, was like her family.
After the speeches, it was time for the grub. The waiters brought the first round of drinks: bottled Asahi brand beer--which is like the J. equivalent of Budweiser. I was thinking, "They brought out "Budweiser" for my 90 bucks?! Tap beer is better than this!" Of course I said nothing of the sort aloud. Best believe I was trying to assess where all my money was going. I'd already figured a great sum of cash was going into the rental of the private room on the top floor of a public administrative building--no question.
After the beer, they brought out the appetizers--at least that's what I took them as. They were small appetizers, served in typical Japanese-sized portions: small. It was definitely Japanese-style Chinese food. There were small platters of meat garnished with small vegetables, including some chicken which I ate. The rest were pig-bred, including some pig ears, which I had to chuckle to myself about when I found out--it made me think of some American Black folk. There was some sort of clear gelatin with peas and crab meat inside. It looked sketchy, but I tried some anyway. Soon after, they brought tiny shot glasses, lemon slices and Chinese sake, which was 16% alcohol. They started pouring that stuff and things got festive real quick. By this time teachers were walking around with bottles of beer, filling each other's glasses--typical Japanese drinking etiquette. As usual, I was taking it easy on the alcohol, so my glass was always nearly full, but people kept coming over trying to pour me beer. At first I was like "Oh, my glass is already full," so then they would kind of hesitate before trying to fill the last 10 millimeters of the glass to the brim. It suddenly hit me, that the polite thing to do when your glass is full is to take a swig, . After about 2 or 3 people came and tried to fill my already-full glass, someone mentioned that I was supposed to take a swig, to allow room for the pourer to fill my glass again. After 2 years here, I never actually realized that was proper thing to do--I guess that's why it's called a drinking party, because your glass is being filled, so you don't stop drinking. I decided to make my own rounds and pour brew. I went to the guests of honor first. This time Asano-sensei commented how I'm "Japanese," which was complete and utter lie. Again, she was trying to show how much I was accepted among the teachers, but I have no intention or desire to be Japanese. I just politely shook my head "No."
Next on the menu were big chili sauce-covered shrimp balls, and chunks of fried Tai fish, which were served straight off the platter, with head, tail and fins still attached. They were both tasty. Though, as delicious as they were, I still didn't see my 9,000 yen's worth of grub. Then they brought out some brown soup with mushrooms in it.
"What's that?," I asked Yamada-sensei.
"That's shark-fin soup--very expensive," he replied.
Wow. We have endangered species on the menu. A few people echoed the sentiment about it being expensive, so I knew it had to be pricy if the Japanese folk said so. Rarely does one hear a Japanese person say that something is expensive because everything in Japan is expensive. Each table received a bowl of soup, from which smaller, individual bowls were served. The soup wasn't bad, although I wasn't particularly impressed by the flavor; it was little thicker than your average soup and it tasted...fishy. But from what I heard, I think each table bowl ran upwards of $100 US. So that's where my money went.
After a little while of more drinking and socializing, it was time to wrap things up. We all stood for some final words from the assistatn principal, then we did the loud cheer and single clap thing again. After that, everyone formed a human tunnel, by bridging our hands, for the farewell guests to exit through. As they passed everyone applauded and individually bowed to them and wished them off. A couple of people gave them hugs, which I was a little surprised to see, as hugging is rare amongst Japanese. The whole thing was over before 9:30.
Afterwards, everyone made their way to the train station. Coincidentally, I found out that Kawamura-sensei, the new assistant principal who'd replaced Asano-sensei, was heading to my stop. Her daughter lived in the same area as me she was staying with her for the night. It was her first time staying with her daughter, and she didn't know the trains well, so I said I'd guide her to the right platform. We were the only ones headed in our direction, which meant we had to pair off and split from the rest of the teachers. Kawamura-sensei fretted aloud amongst the teachers, wondering if she would be okay going with me alone. I guess the prospect of walking alone with a foreign man at night worried--never mind we work in the same place. But immediately, the former 6th grade teacher, also named Kawamura, told her, "Don't worry at all."
So after we caught the train together and made it to our stop, I walked with her for about a minute to make sure she had her bearings, before we we parted ways and said goodnight.
"How much is it?," I asked Sone-sensei.
"It's a little expensive...," he said.
"How much?," I asked again.
He said "Nine thousand yen."
9,000 yen?! Good Lawd! When I heard the price, I was tempted to decline right then and there. That's almost $90 US! Tokyo Disneyland isn't even that expensive, and you get to meet Mickey Mouse for goodness's sake (not that I would pay to see Mickey Mouse--this is just for comparison's sake). I mean, spending $90 for a 2-hour event went against my spending principles, my fiscal morals. For that amount of cash, a limo needs to be picking me up to take me to see some world-renowned performer on their farewell tour. You get the point.
It's just that up until then, the school had always treated me, covering or defraying my party expenses; but it seemed now that my "guest" status had depreciated a bit: this time I had to pay as if I were Japanese. I have no problem paying my own way, but to go from paying nothing to 90 bucks for a party is a leap. Actually, the prospect of being treated with more normality relative to my Japanese counterparts presented its pros. However, paying ninety bucks for a couple hours of "finger food" and a few rounds of beer was definitely a con.
But with all those thoughts, I found myself, seconds later, in typical Japanese fashion, saying "Wakarimashita" ("OK"/"I understand"), the most commonly-used phrase of compliance within the Japanese language. It was too hard to say no, although I felt well within my right to--I felt obliged to go, simply because of the hospitality the elementary school principals and teachers had shown me throughout the school year, and because I didn't want to come off as shallow for skipping such an important school affair, over money.
On Friday, the day of the dinner, Asano-sensei, the assistant vice-principal, who'd also acted as my coordinator for the past year, and Hamajima sensei, the former 4th grade teacher, came to school by invitation of the principal, to officially say goodbye to the school staff. Asano-sensei distributed wrapped gifts to all the teachers, including me--sets of small handtowels with cute little graphics on them. Two teachers who'd just days earlier been integral parts of our staff were now guests for the day, lounging humbly in the principal's room. I went in to speak to them briefly and thank Asano-sensei for the gift.
She was happy I came and spoke to them. She'd been promoted to an administrative position within the Aichi prefectural board of education "teaching other teachers," as she said. I told her it sounded like she would be getting paid some nice paper--she just smiled and laughed when I said that. I had no idea she was leaving. I wished them luck in their new locales, and she went on to say my Japanese was fluent. I immediately denied that remark, because I know my Japanese, although much improved, is still pretty broken. I thanked her for being kind anyway.
That evening, on the 25th floor, the very top floor of the International Center, we held our dinner. It was easy for me to get there, as the Int'l Ctr. was less than a 10 minute walk from Nagoya Station's JR Central Towers, where we'd had our last function. I'd gotten to go home just early enough to shower, change into some dress clothes and jump right back on the train to only be 10 minutes late for the event, at 6:40. This time I went on my own because I knew exactly how to get there. At school, I'd even told one of the teachers who wasn't familiar with the building how to get there from the train station.
When I arrived, I was surprised to find that our dinner wasn't in a restaurant at all, rather a private party next to the restaurant in a moderately large Western-style room. There were 3 tables to seat our 20+ member group. There was a large picture window which offered a great view eastward over downtown Nagoya, with a clear view of the monumental Nagoya TV Tower in the Sakae district. I sat at the table closest to the window with the principal, Yamada-sensei, the 2 new teachers, and the 2 outgoing teachers. The menu for the evening was Chinese cuisine, catered from nextdoor. The dinner started off with some words from the principal, followed by short speeches from the 2 departing teachers. Asano-sensei spoke for over 5 minutes, expressing her refelections and parting thoughts. I understood little of her speech, as she spoke pretty quickly, and used some "big words" I hadn't learned yet, though I could tell it was pretty sentimental, as she got choked up towards the end. Holding back tears, she finished with a dry face.
When she sat down, and Hamajima-sensei began her speech, Asano-sensei immediately broke down, quietly sobbing in her seat.
In Japan, company farewells can be emotional events. As Yamada-sensei would freely tell me later that evening post-inebriation, Japanese culture is such that "Company is first, then Family and then Self." Indeed. Many times I've seen Japanese people, particularly salarymen, who put their jobs before their families, although compulsorily. In this case, Asano-sensei, an unwed, childless middle-aged woman, had spent her career working in schools, now only to say farewell to a staff who, in essence, was like her family.
After the speeches, it was time for the grub. The waiters brought the first round of drinks: bottled Asahi brand beer--which is like the J. equivalent of Budweiser. I was thinking, "They brought out "Budweiser" for my 90 bucks?! Tap beer is better than this!" Of course I said nothing of the sort aloud. Best believe I was trying to assess where all my money was going. I'd already figured a great sum of cash was going into the rental of the private room on the top floor of a public administrative building--no question.
After the beer, they brought out the appetizers--at least that's what I took them as. They were small appetizers, served in typical Japanese-sized portions: small. It was definitely Japanese-style Chinese food. There were small platters of meat garnished with small vegetables, including some chicken which I ate. The rest were pig-bred, including some pig ears, which I had to chuckle to myself about when I found out--it made me think of some American Black folk. There was some sort of clear gelatin with peas and crab meat inside. It looked sketchy, but I tried some anyway. Soon after, they brought tiny shot glasses, lemon slices and Chinese sake, which was 16% alcohol. They started pouring that stuff and things got festive real quick. By this time teachers were walking around with bottles of beer, filling each other's glasses--typical Japanese drinking etiquette. As usual, I was taking it easy on the alcohol, so my glass was always nearly full, but people kept coming over trying to pour me beer. At first I was like "Oh, my glass is already full," so then they would kind of hesitate before trying to fill the last 10 millimeters of the glass to the brim. It suddenly hit me, that the polite thing to do when your glass is full is to take a swig, . After about 2 or 3 people came and tried to fill my already-full glass, someone mentioned that I was supposed to take a swig, to allow room for the pourer to fill my glass again. After 2 years here, I never actually realized that was proper thing to do--I guess that's why it's called a drinking party, because your glass is being filled, so you don't stop drinking. I decided to make my own rounds and pour brew. I went to the guests of honor first. This time Asano-sensei commented how I'm "Japanese," which was complete and utter lie. Again, she was trying to show how much I was accepted among the teachers, but I have no intention or desire to be Japanese. I just politely shook my head "No."
Next on the menu were big chili sauce-covered shrimp balls, and chunks of fried Tai fish, which were served straight off the platter, with head, tail and fins still attached. They were both tasty. Though, as delicious as they were, I still didn't see my 9,000 yen's worth of grub. Then they brought out some brown soup with mushrooms in it.
"What's that?," I asked Yamada-sensei.
"That's shark-fin soup--very expensive," he replied.
Wow. We have endangered species on the menu. A few people echoed the sentiment about it being expensive, so I knew it had to be pricy if the Japanese folk said so. Rarely does one hear a Japanese person say that something is expensive because everything in Japan is expensive. Each table received a bowl of soup, from which smaller, individual bowls were served. The soup wasn't bad, although I wasn't particularly impressed by the flavor; it was little thicker than your average soup and it tasted...fishy. But from what I heard, I think each table bowl ran upwards of $100 US. So that's where my money went.
After a little while of more drinking and socializing, it was time to wrap things up. We all stood for some final words from the assistatn principal, then we did the loud cheer and single clap thing again. After that, everyone formed a human tunnel, by bridging our hands, for the farewell guests to exit through. As they passed everyone applauded and individually bowed to them and wished them off. A couple of people gave them hugs, which I was a little surprised to see, as hugging is rare amongst Japanese. The whole thing was over before 9:30.
Afterwards, everyone made their way to the train station. Coincidentally, I found out that Kawamura-sensei, the new assistant principal who'd replaced Asano-sensei, was heading to my stop. Her daughter lived in the same area as me she was staying with her for the night. It was her first time staying with her daughter, and she didn't know the trains well, so I said I'd guide her to the right platform. We were the only ones headed in our direction, which meant we had to pair off and split from the rest of the teachers. Kawamura-sensei fretted aloud amongst the teachers, wondering if she would be okay going with me alone. I guess the prospect of walking alone with a foreign man at night worried--never mind we work in the same place. But immediately, the former 6th grade teacher, also named Kawamura, told her, "Don't worry at all."
So after we caught the train together and made it to our stop, I walked with her for about a minute to make sure she had her bearings, before we we parted ways and said goodnight.
Apr 7, 2004
BACK TO SCHOOL, pt. 2
Today was the entrance ceremony for JHS. Everyone assembled in the school's brand-spanking new gymnasium for the event. The ceremony went as usual. I easily recognized most of the new 1st year students, as they were the former 6th graders of my elementary school. A number of teachers had been moved, promoted, or changed schools, so there were new faces among the teaching staff as well as the student body. The prinicipal announced the homeroom teachers for the new school year and introduced them accordingly. All the teachers had to come in front of the gym, face the students and parents and bow. I also was called with several new teachers and was introduced. The principal did an okay job of pronouncing my name, in a goofy sort of way. Everyone knows me already so it was cool.
After the ceremony, the new class of 1st graders went to their homerooms to meet with their new teachers. Like the elementary ceremonies, the parents came to the classrooms to take pictures of their kids in their new uniforms and bookbags and whatnot. I went up with the vice-principal to observe and greet and congratulate the parents. About half of the parents knew me from elementary school so a number of them greeted me. One dad came up and shook my hand. It was interesting because although I'm not a new face, I'm still a foreign face, and I could still see a lot of hesitance and shyness amongst the parents to speak to me or greet me. I don't really think the whole Japanese foreigner complex is going to change. I was glad about the parents who did extend their courtesy.
Oustide, the new students posed for pictures with their new homeroom teachers and parents. I went out with the vice-principal and assistant principal to observe. Some of kids who knew me from elementary school came up to me and said hi. They seemed happy to see me again. I had a good rapport with most of those kids, so I'm looking forward to teaching them again.
As in all schools, the home room teachers change every year, which means that most teachers will have to teach different grades. This somehow makes every school year fresh, I suppose. A lot of the teachers at JHS also changed grade levels which, I think, hopefully, will change the dynamic of how different teachers interact with me. Hopefully, I can have a more positive year interacting with my JHS teachers. I'm npt worried about the students.
On another note, the drama between my company and Richard continues. They've officially dismissed and replaced Richard, which has put him on an extended holiday. He's pretty pissed about the whole situation and may sue, via the Nagoya labor board. The silly thing is, the company claims it didn't fire Richard, they simply didn't renew his contract. The bottom line is homie had a job before, now he doesn't, and ya'll (the company) don't want to pay him anymore, and he didn't resign, SO, if that doesn't constitute being fired, then I don't what does. The truth is, Japanese companies very rarely fire employees, so in this case, I think they just didn't have the guts to actually say the words "you're fired." It's simply outside of Japanese culture to do a thing like that. We'll see how that develops.
After the ceremony, the new class of 1st graders went to their homerooms to meet with their new teachers. Like the elementary ceremonies, the parents came to the classrooms to take pictures of their kids in their new uniforms and bookbags and whatnot. I went up with the vice-principal to observe and greet and congratulate the parents. About half of the parents knew me from elementary school so a number of them greeted me. One dad came up and shook my hand. It was interesting because although I'm not a new face, I'm still a foreign face, and I could still see a lot of hesitance and shyness amongst the parents to speak to me or greet me. I don't really think the whole Japanese foreigner complex is going to change. I was glad about the parents who did extend their courtesy.
Oustide, the new students posed for pictures with their new homeroom teachers and parents. I went out with the vice-principal and assistant principal to observe. Some of kids who knew me from elementary school came up to me and said hi. They seemed happy to see me again. I had a good rapport with most of those kids, so I'm looking forward to teaching them again.
As in all schools, the home room teachers change every year, which means that most teachers will have to teach different grades. This somehow makes every school year fresh, I suppose. A lot of the teachers at JHS also changed grade levels which, I think, hopefully, will change the dynamic of how different teachers interact with me. Hopefully, I can have a more positive year interacting with my JHS teachers. I'm npt worried about the students.
On another note, the drama between my company and Richard continues. They've officially dismissed and replaced Richard, which has put him on an extended holiday. He's pretty pissed about the whole situation and may sue, via the Nagoya labor board. The silly thing is, the company claims it didn't fire Richard, they simply didn't renew his contract. The bottom line is homie had a job before, now he doesn't, and ya'll (the company) don't want to pay him anymore, and he didn't resign, SO, if that doesn't constitute being fired, then I don't what does. The truth is, Japanese companies very rarely fire employees, so in this case, I think they just didn't have the guts to actually say the words "you're fired." It's simply outside of Japanese culture to do a thing like that. We'll see how that develops.
Apr 6, 2004
BACK TO SCHOOL, pt. 1
Spring break's over and I was due back at elementary school today for the entrance ceremony for the new first graders. The weather was nice and the sakura, aka cherry blossoms, at school were in full bloom. The temporal flowers properly mark the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new school year. Entrance ceremonies are almost like graduations, except the kids are coming instead of going. The setup is the same and everyone dresses up; there's still a lot digicams and short speeches, though, not too many tears. The kids come in looking totally bewildered and have to try to sit quietly in a chair for about 45 minutes; that's a toughie. We have a bunch of new first graders--70, in fact, which is the school's limit for two classes. If they'd accepted anymore kids, there would have had to been 3 first gradehomerooms made. After just one speech, about half of all the 6-year old legs were swinging like mad. Clutching his crotch, one boy jumped up in the middle of the ceremony and ran over to the principal, to tell him that he had to pee. Luckily, the school has boys and girls rooms right in the gymnasium. After the little speeches and introduction of the first grade teachers, we sang the school song and wrapped things up.
Almost all of the teachers have been reassigned as to which grades they teach, so it was interesting to see some of the upper grade teachers now teaching lower levels and vice versa. They even change desk positions in the staffroom. It almost felt like being at a new school again.After the ceremony, the teachers had a little break, while the first graders and their parents got acquainted with their homeroom teachers. I went down to the classrooms to observe. I said hello to a few little ones, and they and their parents seemed happy to see me. I suppose most of the parents have heard of me by now; I even heard aa few of the new parents and students utter my name. I think I have a pretty good rep amongst the little ones, so it's all good.
For lunch, some of the teachers splt into groups and went to different restaurants. The group I was with decided to go for sushi. We went to a family-owned sushi shop about a 10 minute drive from school. The sushi was delicious. We all had sushi lunch sets, which included green tea, miso soup, some pickled seaplant, some type of egg-based custard-like soup, and really small scoops of sherbet with fresh peppermint for dessert. All for a 1000 yen a head, which is not too bad for quality sushi. Over lunch, we talked about fish and vegetables, which normally wouldn't be the topics of an interesting conversation for myself, but they kept asking me how to say different names of stuff in English, so I had a chance to converse in Japanese.
Back at school, a couple teachers walked me around, showing me the different trees and flowers we had at school. I was surprised at the variety of plant life we have right on our school grounds. I noticed them before, but never took the chance to look at everything up close. I was surprised to learn we have a plum tree and 4 different species of cherry blossom trees at school, including a shidarezakura, a weeping cherry blossom. The light pink and white flowers of the sakura are gorgeous now--it's easy to see why they're the pride of Japan.
Since there were no classes today, everyone spent the day in the staffroom getting prepared for their first classes. Teachers were passing out snacks like crazy--someone brought sakura manju, a sweet rice and red bean pastry which was pink with with a lightly salted leaf from a cherry blossom tree wrapped around it. The leaf was edible, and the manju was pretty tasty. I gotta give it to the Japanese, they have some pretty creative and aesthetically-pleasing foods, though small.
I was hoping I would get to go home early, since there were no classes, but I ended up staying the whole day. It was cool, because a lot of the teachers were laughing and talking with me. Later in the afternoon, some bigwigs from the local board of ed. came around. Everyone was making a big deal about it, like the Prime Minister himself was going to show up; everyone ran out the staffroom to the school entrance and stood in a line waiting to greet the visitors. Some teachers got antsy because the visitors were running late from making rounds to some other local schools. When they arrived, everyone was acting all serious. We went into the staffroom, and the top guy, followed by an entourage of 6, came in an introduced themselves one by one, followed by a bow. We all had to make deep bows after each intro, so we bowed like ten times in 2 minutes. After the introductions, the board of ed. folks left--immediately. I was like, "That was it? That's what the big fuss was about?" One teacher said it was like a "daimyo gyoretsu" or like a "samurai lord parade." She hit that right on the head. Then in English, she said it was "nonsense." I told her I agreed. Just a show of pomp and circumstance B.S.
Anyway, I'll be doing it again tomorrow at junior high, minus the cheer and camaraderie, I expect. We'll see.
Almost all of the teachers have been reassigned as to which grades they teach, so it was interesting to see some of the upper grade teachers now teaching lower levels and vice versa. They even change desk positions in the staffroom. It almost felt like being at a new school again.After the ceremony, the teachers had a little break, while the first graders and their parents got acquainted with their homeroom teachers. I went down to the classrooms to observe. I said hello to a few little ones, and they and their parents seemed happy to see me. I suppose most of the parents have heard of me by now; I even heard aa few of the new parents and students utter my name. I think I have a pretty good rep amongst the little ones, so it's all good.
For lunch, some of the teachers splt into groups and went to different restaurants. The group I was with decided to go for sushi. We went to a family-owned sushi shop about a 10 minute drive from school. The sushi was delicious. We all had sushi lunch sets, which included green tea, miso soup, some pickled seaplant, some type of egg-based custard-like soup, and really small scoops of sherbet with fresh peppermint for dessert. All for a 1000 yen a head, which is not too bad for quality sushi. Over lunch, we talked about fish and vegetables, which normally wouldn't be the topics of an interesting conversation for myself, but they kept asking me how to say different names of stuff in English, so I had a chance to converse in Japanese.
Back at school, a couple teachers walked me around, showing me the different trees and flowers we had at school. I was surprised at the variety of plant life we have right on our school grounds. I noticed them before, but never took the chance to look at everything up close. I was surprised to learn we have a plum tree and 4 different species of cherry blossom trees at school, including a shidarezakura, a weeping cherry blossom. The light pink and white flowers of the sakura are gorgeous now--it's easy to see why they're the pride of Japan.
Since there were no classes today, everyone spent the day in the staffroom getting prepared for their first classes. Teachers were passing out snacks like crazy--someone brought sakura manju, a sweet rice and red bean pastry which was pink with with a lightly salted leaf from a cherry blossom tree wrapped around it. The leaf was edible, and the manju was pretty tasty. I gotta give it to the Japanese, they have some pretty creative and aesthetically-pleasing foods, though small.
I was hoping I would get to go home early, since there were no classes, but I ended up staying the whole day. It was cool, because a lot of the teachers were laughing and talking with me. Later in the afternoon, some bigwigs from the local board of ed. came around. Everyone was making a big deal about it, like the Prime Minister himself was going to show up; everyone ran out the staffroom to the school entrance and stood in a line waiting to greet the visitors. Some teachers got antsy because the visitors were running late from making rounds to some other local schools. When they arrived, everyone was acting all serious. We went into the staffroom, and the top guy, followed by an entourage of 6, came in an introduced themselves one by one, followed by a bow. We all had to make deep bows after each intro, so we bowed like ten times in 2 minutes. After the introductions, the board of ed. folks left--immediately. I was like, "That was it? That's what the big fuss was about?" One teacher said it was like a "daimyo gyoretsu" or like a "samurai lord parade." She hit that right on the head. Then in English, she said it was "nonsense." I told her I agreed. Just a show of pomp and circumstance B.S.
Anyway, I'll be doing it again tomorrow at junior high, minus the cheer and camaraderie, I expect. We'll see.
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