When I arrived in Tadami, one of the things they asked me to do was write a short article in the town newspaper each month. The newspaper is called the Koho Tadami, and it's a free newspaper that is delivered to every home to let them know what's going on in the town. Apparently my activities are of much interest as I am the only foreigner. I write them in English and one of the teachers translates them for the paper, which is why the English is usually quite simple. I thought I would put the English versions up on this blog so I can keep a permanent record of what I wrote.
Bryn’s Diary Entries – March
March has nearly come and gone now, and there are signs of spring all around. Having said this I was a little surprised by the recent snowfall. I thought spring had arrived at the beginning of March but it seems winter is not ready to go yet.
In England spring is a very important time. It marks the beginning of new life and nature is possibly at its most beautiful. I think this is the same in Japan. I hear the cherry blossoms in this area are spectacular. Where I am from in England many of the trees don’t blossom and the trees that do, blossom at different times. So it is less spectacular. I am looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms very much. I have heard a lot about them. I have just finished reading a book called “Hokkaido Highway Blues” which is about a Canadian man who follows the cherry blossoms from Kyushu to Hokkaido. It is a very interesting book, and the descriptions of the cherry blossoms make them sound very beautiful so I am very excited to see them for myself.
Another moment that marked the start of new beginnings was the student’s graduation ceremonies. In England the academic year runs from September to August so graduation is usually in the summer. But in many ways I think that it makes sense that graduation should take place at this time. It marks the end of the year, but also the start of new beginnings, as the natural world around us does the same. Over the past few weeks I have said goodbye to many 3rd grade students. It was sad to say goodbye, as they have all been such good students. I wish them the best of luck, and I’m sure they will all be successful in the future. I am also looking forward to teaching a new group of first grade students. I have met most of them before during visits to elementary schools, and I hope they will enjoy the challenge of Junior High School. I am also very excited about the opening of the new Tadami Junior High School next month. I know there will be many changes but I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
Below is a photo with some of the students from Tadami Junior high school, the day before their graduation.
