Beginnings and Endings
Today seems to be one of mixed emotions. I arrived at school today to find a little package on my desk with a photo of a baby attached. The PE teacher's wife gave birth to a cute little girl a few weeks ago, and today we all received some sort of "Osewaninatta" present. I haven't opened it yet - will save it for later. But it made me realise that this young baby is at the very beginning of her life. She has nothing behind her and everything in front of her. What an awesome position to be in. I know we have all been in that same spot, it's just we don't have the memory of being there. Being able to watch someone experience things for the first time is priceless.
My one and only class today was the final class for my 3nenseis. We did one final practice sheet before watching the video of the plays they all made a few weeks ago. They were awesome - one in particular had me laughing the entire time. And then Mr S said "Now Grant has something to say." The time had come to say goodbye to these kids; the kids I have been teaching here for the past 1.5 years. My speech was short; I told them that when I first arrived here, I became their teacher. During my time here, I hope I became not only their teacher but also their friend. Now, I am no longer their teacher but I hope I remain their friend. I gave each student a good luck card, and in return they gave me a little book with a message from every one of them. It's amazing. They never cease to amaze me. What an ending to 1.5 years.
After class I went to the Primary School for their 6nensei Okurukai (farewell party). Again, these kids are amazing. Each grade gave a performance as their farewell gift to 6nensei. There was music, singing, acting, storytelling... Then, after 2 hours, all the students and parents made an archway for the 6nenseis to exit the gym through. I didn't see any tears, but I'm sure some kids were on the verge. My schools are very small, so the students build strong relationships with their teachers. It will be hard for them to say goodbye.
And then I came back to the Junior High School to find sekihan (red rice) on my desk. This type of rice is served on special occasions; graduations, weddings, and apparently Okurukais. I guess you could call it celebratory food. Anyway, I didn't eat breakfast this morning so I snuck some of it into my mouth just as I sat down, and man it's good.
So, a bit of a funny day today. After lunch, we have the Junior High School 3nensei Okurukai. Again, each grade will give a performance. And so will the teachers. We will sing.
I wonder what kind of emotions it will evoke?
My one and only class today was the final class for my 3nenseis. We did one final practice sheet before watching the video of the plays they all made a few weeks ago. They were awesome - one in particular had me laughing the entire time. And then Mr S said "Now Grant has something to say." The time had come to say goodbye to these kids; the kids I have been teaching here for the past 1.5 years. My speech was short; I told them that when I first arrived here, I became their teacher. During my time here, I hope I became not only their teacher but also their friend. Now, I am no longer their teacher but I hope I remain their friend. I gave each student a good luck card, and in return they gave me a little book with a message from every one of them. It's amazing. They never cease to amaze me. What an ending to 1.5 years.
After class I went to the Primary School for their 6nensei Okurukai (farewell party). Again, these kids are amazing. Each grade gave a performance as their farewell gift to 6nensei. There was music, singing, acting, storytelling... Then, after 2 hours, all the students and parents made an archway for the 6nenseis to exit the gym through. I didn't see any tears, but I'm sure some kids were on the verge. My schools are very small, so the students build strong relationships with their teachers. It will be hard for them to say goodbye.
And then I came back to the Junior High School to find sekihan (red rice) on my desk. This type of rice is served on special occasions; graduations, weddings, and apparently Okurukais. I guess you could call it celebratory food. Anyway, I didn't eat breakfast this morning so I snuck some of it into my mouth just as I sat down, and man it's good.
So, a bit of a funny day today. After lunch, we have the Junior High School 3nensei Okurukai. Again, each grade will give a performance. And so will the teachers. We will sing.
I wonder what kind of emotions it will evoke?
posted by GrantPGranthm | 12:01 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home