2006 3rd Grade Graduation

The most important day of the school year in Japan is graduation day. Today the 3rd grade students said their goodbyes to each other and to their teachers.

I felt sad to see the students leave for the last time as I've taught them for the whole of my time at Shimogo JHS and today was definitely the day for me to use the traditional 'British stiff upper lip'. The students will all go to different schools in different places and it will be difficult for them to meet up with each other again. The life of a Japanese student is certainly much harder that the life of a Scottish student. I'll miss them all.

The top picture shows the Shimogo JHS Principal addressing the students at the start of the graduation ceremony. He can just be seen behind the bonsai tree which is brought out for special occasions. I am told that this bonsai tree is very old and also very valuable. Behind the Principal is the flag of Shimogo Town and the Japanese national flag (called the Hino Maru). The Japanese national anthem is sung at the start of the ceremony with people facing the flag. Some teachers in Japan choose not to sing the anthem. On the podium, the school logo can also be seen (3 fountain pen nibs).

The bottom picture shows the 3rd grade students leaving and saying their farewells in cold and wintry weather. My message to the students was DO YOUR BEST and GOOD LUCK.