Graduation and Stuff...

Me with my Graduating 3rd years. One is going to the English School!
& Me with Nakamura Kyoko sensei, my JTE.

Graduation was two weeks ago. Unfortunately, it occurred on the same day at both of my schools, but I was able to go to Tenryu's graduation to see off my students there. It was a little bitter sweet, of course, having to say goodbye to my students. But it was certainly more difficult for the other teachers and the students. In Japan, teachers are cycled around usually every 3 years to new schools. This can be VERY difficult for them socially, as it will often separate them from their friends and family by a couple hours drive. So after graduation, there are tearful goodbye speeches from the departing teachers. The students cry. Understandable, considering they spend more time at school then home and teachers, particularly homeroom teachers, end up becoming almost like another parent. I also had to say goodbye to my JTE in Tenryu, Nakamkura Kyoko sensei (pictured). The new JTE will arrive tomorrow.

Me with my 3rd and 4th grade Elementary students after a Christmas lesson
& Me with my beard at the village restaurant after two weeks in India.

Aside from that, I've been keeping busy with goodbye parties and snowboarding. The snowboarding has been fun, and I even went out and picked up a board. It's strange to have something I really enjoy doing in the winter. I'm almost sad to see it go. Spring has really come, and the Cherry Blossoms are blooming around Tenryu. So on that note, this post has a few photos that I've been sitting on for a while. Hope you like 'em.

Me teaching in Urugi with Usami Sensei.


Snowboarding with Kyoko, her two coworkers, and son. I hadn't bought my board yet.

Me Snowboarding with some of the Iida area ALTs. Now sporting my hot new board.

Finally, it looks like I will be coming home this summer for 2 weeks. Those 2 weeks are: August 17th - 30th or so. Block it off now.