2023.04.10
New Beginnings
I love spring. It is the time of new beginnings, when the world becomes green again with new life. In the same way, it is also a fresh start for students all over Japan.
On Friday, April 7, we held our entrance ceremony for the first grades of both junior high and senior high. I’m sure the students and their parents and loved ones had a mixture of emotions as they entered the school and awaited the ceremony including happiness (We did it!), worry (Did I forget anything??), anticipation (What club will I join?), and pride (Wow, my child is growing up…) It is indeed an important day in their lives, and we congratulate all our students on reaching this next stage in their lives and appreciate the chance to get to know them and support them as they continue to grow.
Following Friday’s entrance ceremony, the opening ceremony for all the grades was held today on April 10th. How lovely it was to see all the students in the chapel together, as rules relating to Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing have become loosened. After the principal’s welcoming comments to the students and the presentation of new teachers, this year’s theme – The Bonds of Peace – was introduced. This is in many ways a continuation of last year’s theme which was ‘Making Peace.’ Unfortunately, with the war in Ukraine and other global conflicts still happening, the need for a focus on peace and reaching peace continues.
Once again, congratulations to all our students – new and old – and all the best creating a ‘new beginning’ for yourselves this year!
