PRODUCED BY 品川女子学院
高等部校長

高等部終業式

本日をもって、生徒の東棟利用が終わりになります。終業式ではそのことに加えて、新しい校舎、通学路に関するお話しをしました。高等部生徒にはこれまで移動等で不便な思いをさせてきましたが、今後はだいぶ改善されると思います。逆に中等部生には通学時に不便をかけるので、高等部生は色々な面で気を遣ってあげてほしいとお伝えしました。

その後、JETプログラムで来ていたレイチェル先生が帰国されるので、本校生徒の印象や日本とニュージーランドの文化の違いなどをインタビューし、高等部生徒に聞いてもらいました。最後には、ドイツからの留学生エリーザさんのお別れの挨拶と、まだ紹介できていなかったパキスタンからの留学生イーシャさんの自己紹介がありました。今日はほとんどが英語での終業式でしたが、どれくらい聞き取れたでしょうか。レイチェル先生のインタビューの概要(+α)は以下に載せておきましたので、気になるところがあったら確認してみてください。

*今後、夏休み中のできごとは2学期始業式以降のブログでお伝えします。6年生は勝負の夏ですが、最初から気合いを入れすぎると息切れする可能性もあります。80%くらいの力でいいので、コンスタントに勉強し続けることを心がけてください。

建物のこの外観も見納めです。

 

(レイチェル先生インタビュー概要)

1. Why did you choose Japan when you decided to work as an English teacher?

When I left university, all I knew was that I wanted to travel. Since COVID made traveling difficult, I found the JET program. JET was a great opportunity because they made it possible to travel when most of the world still could not. I chose it because I knew very little about Japan before coming. I visited Japan in 2020. I loved visiting the temples and seeing the tourist spots but I didn’t experience true life in Japan. I wanted to know about traditions, history, and day to day life. The best part about choosing Japan is that it was a great way to learn Japanese and through learning Japanese language, I can better understand the culture.

2. What was the first impression of this school?

My first impression of Shinajo was the sports day – I saw how fun and energetic the students were. This was also the first of many times I was truly blown away at the dedication and talent of students to organize such an event. I thought this school showed a great balance of discipline and fun.

3. What is the impression after one year?

My impression now is how hard working the students are. They continue to be energetic and focused in class as well as give their all in club activities. One of the highlights of my time here was seeing the dance club, orchestra club, baton club, and so many others doing such amazing performances.

4. What do you think is the biggest difference between Japanese schools and New Zealand’s schools?

Long commutes to school / Cleaning the school / Clubs (many more in Japan)

5. What do you think is the biggest cultural difference between Japan and New Zealand?

I think the biggest difference is the 24-hour convenience in Japan…Here you can get anything you want, any time of the day, even in rural areas. For example, vending machines, konbinis and trains! The trains come so often in Japan! In New Zealand we only have busses and they are not as efficient as trains.

6. Where did you go in Japan during your stay and where is the best place for you?

This is a hard question because I went from to Hokkaido all the way to Ishigakijima! Everywhere I went had amazing food and kind people. The place that sticks out the most for me though is Kamakura. My house in NZ is 15-minute walk to the beach so I could swim every day! Being away from the beach now is difficult but whenever I wanted to escape to nature or swim I went to Kamakura.

7. What are you going to do after you come back to New Zealand?

I am going to spend time with my family and cats before traveling again to Europe! The first place I want to visit is Spain because I speak Spanish.

8. Lastly, please give some messages to the senior high school students.

Congratulations on finishing another term of Highschool. It is unfortunate I did not get the chance to meet many of you or teach in your classes but for all of the hard work you put into school and you clubs, thank you! If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to go traveling as soon as you can! Travel is the best school. Language opens many doors in your life and you will help you better understand the world! I hope you find something special in the world which makes you happy.

2022.7.19 [高等部校長]