I will tell you all about how things are going at school, what I am worried about, and what I would like to request...

Thank you for helping me

　～Principal Nakada's graduation～

　　２０２４/０４/０７

　Thank you for your hard work over the past two years. I have decided to resign from AASO due to personal reasons. When I first came here from a public school where I had worked for a long time, I was confused by the differences, but as time went on, each day became very fun and exciting. I wanted to formally greet the parents, but I couldn't make it until today. I'm sorry. Although I won't be at school every day anymore, I hope to be able to continue to support the school as a board member. I would like to introduce what I said to the children at the last assembly on March 22nd. I'm really thankful to you.

2024/03/21 Assembly

Everyone stand.　　　　

The assembly will now begin.

Bow.

Please be seated.

Today is the last student council meeting of the year.

First of all, I would like to celebrate this month's birthdays. There are 6 people this month.

Please come up so we can all sing together. The presenter today is LS.

Congratulations. Now let's all sing Happy Birthday.

Next we will hear from the principal.

　Hello, today I would like to tell you something important.

I have been working at this school for the past two years, but I have decided to quit this March.

The reason is that my mother, who is 97 years old, is not feeling well and I have to help my family with their work. So, it's not that I don't like this place, I actually wanted to stay here for the rest of next year, but I'm sorry. It ends here.

　I wanted to scold you more harshly. I wanted to scold you a lot and help AmerAsian School grow strong.

There are many schools called international schools in Okinawa and in Japan. However, most of the students are Japanese, and there is no other school with so many teachers and students from all over the world. Everyone is surprised. Although we are small, we are a very big school connected to the world. Today's newspaper features CK, a graduate who passed the Eiken Level 1 exam. Just like this year's graduates, do what you like and what you are good at.

School doesn't educate you.

You are the ones who will grow the school.

Tomorrow is the last day and the last graduation ceremony. Let's all celebrate.

There are many guests coming. Everyone should dress properly.

 Please do not forget. Please have your parents check their school email to see what clothes you should wear.

Please express your gratitude for raising me this far. Always express your gratitude in a tangible way.

Biggest cleaning and painting in history

　～A PTA activity～

　　２０２４/０４/０１

　Every year, when the graduation ceremony ends and spring break begins, schools reflect on the past year, clean up, and prepare for the new school year. This year, there has been a particularly large increase in the number of students wishing to enroll, so the office has been adjusting schedules, and homeroom teachers have been busy securing desks, chairs, and teaching materials for the increased number of students, as well as adjusting timetables. However, it is a very happy time as the number of students and staff has increased. It was a very fulfilling time from the beginning to the end of spring break. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who cooperated with us during this time and to those who provided external cooperation. Please take a look at the classrooms, which have become so beautiful that it looks like no other. We look forward to welcoming you.

Elementary graduation - March 22nd

　～There is no wasted effort. Your efforts will support you in a different way.～

　　２０２４/０３/２２

Principal's speech

Congratulations on graduating.

Following last week's junior high school graduation ceremony, today is the elementary school graduation ceremony.

This year, we had 13 graduates, the largest number in a long time.

To all of you, I would like to tell you some important words on this important milestone of graduation.

"Destiny lies in one's character"

 Have you heard this before? These are the words of Ryunosuke Akutagawa.

What makes someone successful is not their talent, but their character.

A person's fate largely depends on his or her character and mindset.

It can be said that the hint of a person's happiness depends on how deeply they understand their own personality. However, although it seems like we know ourselves well, it actually takes a lot of experience and time to understand ourselves. You often repeat "No?" and "Why not?" over and over again. When this question comes up, it is an important moment for you to grow. Please continue to take good care of yourselves and keep a good mindset.

　Compared to the six years of elementary school, the three years of junior high school go by in a flash. Three years later, students are faced with the choice of whether to get a job, go to higher education, or where to go. All four of this year's junior high school graduates chose different paths. But everyone's graduation speech was the same.

"I'm glad I went to AmerAsian School."

　Everything that is important takes time and is difficult. Nothing can be done effortlessly and easily. And the more one puts into it, the more difficulties they encounter. That's why something that you have built with time and patience will not be easily destroyed. It will give you confidence and support you.

    The next three years of junior high school will be a really important three years. I think everyone has their own thoughts. Just like your predecessors, please be patient and become strong enough to cross the river of patience. At that time, the wings of freedom will grow on your back. Just like today, please take off with a smile on your face.

I am looking forward to seeing you all again as you have grown a lot.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　March 22nd, 2024

AmerAsian School in Okinawa

Principal Tsukasa Nakada

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Please grow up slowly

Graduation ceremony - March 22nd

　～The importance of kindergarten～

　　２０２４/０３/２２

　We had a graduation ceremony. Every time I played with these kids, I thought, "That's true..." This is a ceremonial address that reflects this feeling.

 Congratulations to all the kindergarteners and parents.

I worked as a junior high school teacher for 40 years. When I first came to Amerasian School and spent every day with the kindergarten children, I realized that it was really difficult. And I realized that it was a really important time. Seeing them lined up nervously in formal attire, I am reminded of Robert Fulghum's masterpiece, "All the wisdom I need for life was learned in the kindergarten sandbox."

I will introduce it here.

　"I was taught all the things that humans really need to know about how to live, how to behave, and how to spend their days in kindergarten. The wisdom of life was not found at the top of the mountain called graduate school, but in the sandbox of Sunday school. What did I learn there?

　Share everything with everyone.

　Don't cheat.

　Don't hit people.

　Always return used items to their original place.

　If you make a mess, clean up after yourself.

　Don't touch other people's things.

　If you hurt someone, say sorry.

　Wash your hands before eating.

　When you go to the toilet, flush it properly.

　Freshly baked cookies and cold milk are good for you.

　Live a balanced life. Every day, study a little, think a little, draw a little, sing, dance, play, and work a little.

　Be sure to take a nap every day.

　When you go out to the public, be careful of cars, hold hands, and make sure you don't get separated.

　Cherish the feeling of wonder. Don't forget the little seeds you sowed in the Styrofoam cups. A seed sprouts, roots grow, and flowers grow. No one really knows why this happens.

Let's remember the first words we learned from a children's book featuring Dick and Jane. Words with meanings that are more important than anything else. 'Look' "

Robert Fulghum: "All the wisdom I need in life was learned in the kindergarten sandbox."

I have nothing to add. I think what is written here is exactly as it is.

　Although it may seem like the children are just spending the day playing, they are actually learning a variety of things during their time at the kindergarten. We adults need to be reminded of this, and we want our children to learn the basics of being human.

Congratulations, I hope you become wonderful elementary school students.

                                  March 22nd, 2024

AmerAsian School in Okinawa

Principal Tsukasa Nakada

Junior high school graduation - March 15th

　～Fate is something you accept and change with your own power.～

　　２０２４/０３/１５

　We had the junior high school graduation ceremony. The students graduated from school on this day. This is the actual graduation ceremony of Amerasian School in Okinawa. There were four graduates, each of whom has followed a completely different path to this day in a different country's culture. They are now leaving the nest from the same place. The path ahead is also different for each person.

Looking back, this past year in particular was the most active year I've ever had. The four students have truly opened a wonderful new door for their juniors. On the day of their graduation, all four performed as a guitar ensemble. The songs were "Lord, Joy of Man's Desire" from Bach's "Cantata No. 147" and "Blue Bossa Nova," a light music piece. However, just before the graduation ceremony, K.Y. fell ill and had to take a week off, leaving only the other three students practicing. They were struggling with the continuous theme in 9/8 time until the end, and they still couldn't get it together. It's not something you can put together in one day. I was considering whether to cut the performance from the ceremony or to have them do it as a group of only the three of them. However, the four of them, including K.Y, showed up at the assembly hall together for the first time in a week, saying, "It's okay, it's perfect!" with their usual irresponsible cool faces...? I thought about a lot of things, but it wasn't a competition, so I decided to leave it to them and said, "Okay, do whatever you want." And the performance was just as everyone in the audience had heard.

I was so surprised, so moved that I cried! Why? When I asked later, every time the three students practiced that week, they sent the video to K.Y., and K.Y. practiced on his own at home. I was once again surprised by his unexpected efforts and ideas. However, it is a mystery as to how they were able to perform in such a way that was so harmonious and moved people. They were a mystery until the end...

Principal's speech

Congratulations on graduating.

　This year's G9 members have spent a year leading up to this March thinking about their futures. You asked, "should I go to higher education or get a job?" All four of you chose to go on to higher education. To that end, you needed to know what kind of high schools are out there, what courses they offer, what sports they do, whether it's close to home, whether you can get there by bus, and what kind of exams are needed to get in. You looked up this information yourselves. In the end, you chose the high school you wanted to go to, not the high school you could go to. You valued learning classes and improved yourselves to the level of the school you wanted to attend. It was decided that each of you would go on to the high school of your choice. Your public schools also supported you.

　The four of you are not graduating just because March 15th has arrived. You are graduating because you have done everything you were supposed to do at AASO. I think this mindset is very important. You can't do it alone. It's about creating that atmosphere with everyone in the class. If everyone is serious, there will always be people who will support you.

　Dear graduates, from tomorrow onwards, you will proceed on your own path, each of which you have chosen for yourselves.

  I believe that new challenges will appear in the future, but I hope that you will continue to grow and shine with the confidence that you have gained through overcoming these challenges.

　I'm looking forward to seeing you all again as you've grown a lot.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　March 22nd, 2024

AmerAsian School in Okinawa

Principal Tsukasa Nakada

Looking towards March 15th

～What G9 left behind～

　　２０２４/０３/１３

This year, the four members of G9 have spent a year leading up to the end of March. They thought, should I go to higher education or get a job? All of them chose to go on to higher education. They then researched on their own what kind of high schools there were and what courses they offered. In the end, they chose the high schools they wanted to go to, not the high schools they could go to. Cherish learning lessons. It was decided that each student would go on to the high school of their choice. The public schools they attended also supported them. Students do not graduate just because March 15th arrives when they become 9th grade students. They are graduating because they have done everything they were supposed to do at AASO. I think this mindset is very important. You can't do it alone. It's about creating that atmosphere with everyone in the class. If you are serious, there will always be people who will support you.

Looking towards March 15th

～Student Council Handover Ceremony～

　　２０２４/０３/０７

　The graduation ceremony is finally approaching. The student council officers who have led the school will also be replaced. A handover ceremony was held from current officers to new officers. Here are excerpts from the moderator's words.

　　　　　　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Friday's student council meeting will begin.

Today is the student council handover ceremony.

The handover ceremony means the end of this year's student council and the beginning of next year's new student council. First, let me introduce this year's officers. Please line up in front.

Student council president C.K.

Vice Chairman HY

Secretary N.M.

Accounting L.S.

A.S.

R.K.

M.G.

J.Y.

  Thank you to C.K of the student council and all the student council officers. This year, the coronavirus has started to subside, and many school events have returned. All of this was planned by the student council officers. Thank you very much.

Next, I would like to introduce the new student council officers.

Chairman N.M.

Vice Chairman M.G.

Vice Chairman R.K.

Now, I will hand over AASO from the student council president to the new student council president.

＊＊＊＊Pass the plate from C to N. ******principal

Thank you to everyone on the student council. Until last year, everyone had a hard time at school due to the lack of fun events due to the coronavirus. But this year, all events have returned.

  It was a fun year. Sports Day in June was held at the wonderful Sports Dome at Ginowan Citizens' Sports Park and was a very fun day. The school festival was also held at a community center with a stage. Everyone was wonderful.

  It was a fun year with so many other things coming back, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day. The entire event was planned by the student council officers. The student council took the lead in preparing and cleaning up. There were many painful times, but I have fond memories.

　Everyone from 4th grade onwards is part of the student council. Please cooperate with and support the student council president, vice president, and officers. Thank you.

Birth science

～Thinking about life～

　　２０２４/０３/０１

　We invited Ms. Nahoko Chinen to give a lecture on sex education for all students and for each grade level. The midwife, Ms. Chinen, spoke mainly about the birth of her life based on her extensive experience as a midwife. How did we, who were just 0.1mm eggs, grow to this point? The lecture started with confirmation of the size of 0.1mm. The second half was a very lively and meaningful time centered around workshops.

Open a new page!

～You make your own limits～

　　２０２４/０２/２９

This is a happy report. C.H of Grade 9 passed Level 1 of Practical English Proficiency Test (Eiken Level 1, the highest level). In the past, many seniors have attempted to pass the exam but were unable to make it, but this time we finally have a student from our school who successfully passed level 1. From now on, my ultimate goal in AASO will be to obtain the first grade. When there weren't many successful candidates, it seemed like the goal was to get to Level Pre-1. Everyone thought to themselves, "It's impossible for a junior high school student to pass Level 1!" and unconsciously set that as their goal without seriously trying. At our school, each student has a different level of English and Japanese. The important thing is to set your own goals. That's the start. In addition to Eiken, there are also kanji and Japanese proficiency tests. I would like everyone to have the goal of taking the Kanji Proficiency Test (Kanken), Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Nihongo Kentei), and English Proficiency Test, all starting from first grade students. I think this applies to everything, not just languages. You can't jump without a bar.

　Thank you, from the bottom of my heart

　～Supported by many people～

　２０２４/０２/２８

Sponsor credit

We have received support from corporations, organizations, and many individuals who always support the school. Thank you for your continued support.

・American Engineering Corporation / アメリカンエンジニアリング

・American Legion / アメリカンリージョン

・Awano Gospel Choir / 淡野ゴスペルクワイアー

・Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority / アルファ カッパ アルファ 女子学生クラブ

・Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity / アルファ・ファイ・アルファ・フラタニティ

・Daikin Industries, Inc. Orchid Bounty / ダイキン工業株式会社 オーキッドバウンティー

・Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. / デルタ シグマ シータ ソロリティ株式会社

・Okinawa Music Association / 一般社団法人 楽友協会おきなわ

・Ginowan City Council Of Social Welfare / 宜野湾市社会福祉協議会

・Ginowan Resident Assosiation / 宜野湾自治会

・Group Blossom / グループ・ブロッサム

・Gushinkai Public Interest Incorporated Foundation / 公益財団法人倶進会

・Japanese Culture Promotion And Management (JCPM) / 

・Kashima Jimuki Inc. / 株式会社加島事務機

・Konami Juku / コナミ塾　　

・Maehara Resident Assosiation / 真栄原自治会

・Mirai Fund Okinawa Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Ryukyu Takaharu Foundation / 公益財団法人みらいファンド沖縄 琉球宇温基金

・Mebuki Human Resource Development And Exchange Center / 

・Naha Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale Cooperative Association / 

・Okinawa Association Of Base Land Owners / 軍用地等地主連合会

・Okinawa Institute Of Science And Technology (OIST) / 沖縄科学技術大学院大学

・Okinawa Prefectural Children's Welfare Department Women's Empowerment And

・Peace Promotion Division Gender Equality Group / 沖縄県こども生活福祉部 女性力・平和推進課 男女共同参画班

・Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. / オメガ サイファイ フラタニティ株式会社

・Orchid Bounty Ryukyu Broadcasting Inc. / 琉球放送株式会社 オーキッドバウンティー

・Oshiro Tax Accountant Office / 大城税理士事務所

・Rimoto Tax Accountant Corporation / 税理士法人リモト

・Ryukyu Kajimaya / 琉球かじまやー

・Sound Of Joy / サウンド・オブ・ジョイ

・Sunshine Inc. / 株式会社サンシャイン

・Taira Bottle Store / 平良空瓶店

・The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan / 在日米国商工会議所

・The Association For International Exchange Of Japanese Music / 日本音楽文化交流会

・Tell Counseling / TELLカウンセリング

・US Army Corps Of Engineers / アメリカ陸軍工兵隊

・US Consulate General / アメリカ領事館

・US-Japan Foundation / 米日財団

・US Naval Hospital Okinawa / 沖縄米海軍病院

Those who learn should be honest, those who learn should be humble

～Everyday life～

　２０２４/０２/２３

There are three! Ah, now there are 5! That's eight! There are 11 of them! Ah! 15? Wow, there are now 17! ! ! ! ! 

~Childcare diary of a red-bellied newt~

2024/02/21

I was thrilled when the first three babies were born, but the number of baby red-bellied newts continues to increase day by day, and I am no longer impressed but anxious. However, with the help of G3's Y.K, we were able to secure the daphnia safely. The number of baby newts is starting to increase. Phytoplankton, which is food for daphnia, is also starting to increase. 17 children have been raised! There may be more tomorrow.

They were born!

~Childcare diary of a red-bellied newt~

２０２４/０２/１９

Science fair!

~Know the basics of research~

２０２４/０２/１６

The science fair was held after everyone worked on their projects for 6 months. Each student was responsible for finding a topic of their choosing. No matter what project you look at, if you ask questions about the scientific ideas that are familiar to us, they are surprisingly difficult to answer. When I am persistently asked, "Hey, why?", I tend to answer, "Of course!". Rather than fooling yourself into thinking the answer to the question is obvious, the goal is to narrow down the main points and properly verify them using scientific methods. This method is the basis not only for science but for all efforts and solutions. Below is a basic example of how to write a master's thesis for graduate school. Looking at everyone's presentations, the basics are clearly in place. It's a great procedure. I would like to see it further enhanced in the future.

How to proceed with research

○Basic concept

   1. Location and purpose of the problem

   2. Procedure (hypothesis and verification method)

   3. Results

   4. Discussion and conclusion

○ Points to keep in mind as you move forward...I'm looking forward to it, maybe after I graduate!

　1. Is the question setting based on previous research?

2. Are the two problems logical?

　3. Is the purpose specific?

4. Are the objectives and methods connected?

5. Is the processing of the results appropriate?

6. Are the considerations based on the results?

7. Is the discussion citing previous research?

8. Is it appropriate to cite 8 documents?

It's growing!

~Childcare diary of a red-bellied newt~

２０２４/０２/１３

The newt eggs are growing smoothly. Newt eggs have now appeared in science lessons about the start of life. The eggs in the aquarium have now completed cell division and have developed vertebrae, making them look like newts and can be clearly seen with the naked eye. Please enlarge the photo. It's the round thing in among the aquatic plants.

Gary, the axolotl next door, is also doing well. However, it is difficult to collect and reproduce raw daphnia, which are food for baby newts. Does anyone know about this? The birth of baby newts is imminent.

Setsubun!

～What is setsubun～

２０２４/０２/０２

　"What is Setsubun?" This was a question from an A class student. Now that I think about it, what is it?

Everyone in JH immediately checked the answer using their Chromebooks.

'Setsubun is a day to drive out bad things with the meaning of "May everyone be healthy and happy." They throw beans and eat ehomaki while saying, "Oni is outside, good fortune is inside," which is a model demon of evil things.'

Then why today? Why are there demons? Are there really demons? Are we really chasing away demons even if they aren't there? Why can't the demons stay in the house? Why are beans thrown? Do you eat those beans? Why ehomaki? Do you eat it all at once?...??????

Why does it keep going on and on? Traditions have been created over a long period of time, and the reason they don't disappear is because there is something important about them...I want everyone to value their own reasons for doing so...I want them to look into it.　 

"Teacher, would you like a newt egg?"

~Childcare diary of a red-bellied newt~

　２０２４/０１/３１

In the morning, when I was taking students' temperatures as usual, K.B's mother asked me, "My pet newt has laid eggs, but I don't know how to care for it. Would you like to keep it at school?" I've owned newts before, but I've never seen eggs. I was a little concerned about this, but the school's pet axolotl, Gary, has been well cared for and is growing well even when he gets sick. Shrimp taken from the river also grow while repeatedly shedding their skin. Baby newts will be fine, too. We all did a lot of research and decided to keep him. The eggs are interesting, but so is everyone looking into them.

School festival and Christmas presents

～A performance showing the importance of continued growth, and Secret Santa gifts～

     ２０２３/１２/２５

This year, for the first time in a long time, we invited parents to attend the festival in person. Due to city training, we were unable to use Fukufuku, but with the cooperation of the Ginowan Neighborhood Association, we were able to rent a community center. The community center has a stage, and it's a great place to show off one's skills! Truly a hinoki stage! It was a wonderful festival with the theme of world culture, and participants ranging from pre-K to junior high. Here, I would like to once again introduce this year's theme, "Let's create a future full of smiles!", which was announced by the student council at the October 24th meeting. As the school year progresses, you can see how fulfilling the presentations are.

これから生徒集会を始めます。

今日はスクールフェスティバルとハロウィンについてです。

まずスクールフェスティバルについて、エイデンとライアンよろしくお願いします。

We will now begin our student assembly.

Today we are going to talk about the School Festival and Halloween.

First of all, Aiden and Ryan, please welcome to the School Festival.

みなさんこんにちは、僕たちはスクールフェスティバルについて説明します。

まず今年のテーマです。いくつかの候補の中から生徒会役員で決定しました。

  ２０２３年テーマは「笑顔あふれる未来をつくろう！」です。

Hello everyone, we are here to talk about the School Festival.

First of all, we have this year's theme. The theme for this year was chosen by the student council officers from among several candidates.

  The theme for 2023 is "Let's build a future overflowing with smiles!"

世界では楽しいこと、素晴らしいことがたくさんありますが、厳しいこと、難しいこともたくさんあります。そのようなことを、いつも大人にまかせてばかりじゃなくて、自分たちも自分たちの未来のために積極的に関わっていきたいと思います。

「笑顔あふれる未来をつくろう！」はそうした思いが込められたテーマです。

There are many fun and wonderful things in the world, but there are also many tough and difficult things. We should not always leave such things to adults, but we should be actively involved for the sake of our own future.

"Let's create a future full of smiles!" is a theme that expresses these thoughts.

 そのためには、今日、明日のことだけでなく、昨日までの世界の歴史を知ることがとても大切です。世界の人たちがこれまでどうやって、その国の文化を育てて作ってきたか。みんなで協力して調べて、発表して下さい。

To this end, it is very important to know not only today and tomorrow, but also the history of the world up to yesterday. How have the people of the world nurtured and created their national cultures? Please work together to research and present your findings.

　各クラス最初は何から始めるか、話し合いも大変だと思います。まず文化とは何か？そこから始めてもいいと思います。例えば文化とは、人が作り出した考え方や楽しみ”のことですね。歌やダンス、物語、絵本、スポーツや料理、住宅、建築、民族衣装、釣り、ダイビング、また、生活が便利になるための研究や発明などもそうです。自動車、鉄道、飛行機やみんなの好きなIT、それに関係するゲーム、アプリなども人間だけが持つ文化です。

　大切なのはそこにたどり着くまで国によって大きく違うということです。やり方が国によって違う、そこが文化の最大の魅力です。

I think it is hard to discuss where to start at first in each class. What is culture first? I think it is a good place to start. For example, culture is the ideas and pleasures created by people. It can be songs, dances, stories, picture books, sports, cooking, housing, architecture, folk costumes, fishing, diving, or even research and inventions that make life more convenient. Cars, trains, airplanes, and everyone's favorite IT, related games, apps, and so on, are also things that only humans have in their culture.

　What is important is that the process of getting there differs greatly from country to country. The way of doing things differs from country to country, and that is the most fascinating thing about culture.

どの国にするか、何を調べるか、どうやって発表するか。今年はフクフクで保護者、お客さんも呼んでみんなの前での発表会となります。調べたことをどうやって発表するか、歌、踊り、プレゼンテーション、劇、それも各クラスの文化だと思います。発表は１２月１６日です。 もうすぐです。準備を始めて下さい。

Which country to choose, what to research, and how to present it? This year, we will be presenting in front of everyone at Fukufuku, including parents and guests. How they will present what they have researched, whether it is through song, dance, presentation, or drama, will be a part of each class' culture. The presentation will be on December 16. It will be soon. Please start preparing.

Finally, Secret Santa presents. Before opening the presents, Ms. Yumiko and Ms. Katherine spoke to the students.

"Now we're all going to open our presents. Maybe there's a gift inside that's different from what you wanted. But that may be because the gift you wanted was difficult to find, and your Secret Santa might have had to find something to replace it. It is a gift that they thought about for a long time and prepared for you. Your Secret Santa is watching the moment you open your gift. They are looking forward to seeing your happy face. Don't forget that. Seeing the Christmas tree warms my heart. It's because of your kindness and consideration. Please cherish it. Your Secret Santa wants to deliver that the most."

Guitar ensemble: two months of intensive training

～The importance of continuing the impressive national tournament～

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As introduced in the video, six junior high school students stood on the big stage this time. We continued to train for two months with the idea that we should go on stage with the mindset of "I've done everything I needed to do!" rather than thinking, "Well, this is enough." Practice was 2 hours every day after school, and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00. The Saturday just before the last week, practice was 6 hours from 9:00 to 3:00. On the day before the tournament, practice was from 9:00 to 12:00. On the day of the tournament, final preparations were made at school from 8:00 am to 9:00 am before departure.

After completing these two months, what do the six members think now as they stand on the big stage of the national tournament? Lastly, I would like to introduce it. Please take a look at the photo taken next to the stage right after the performance. The smiles on their faces say it all. It's the best smile that only those who accomplish something have. But those were really tough days. This was the first time we had ever experienced a rehearsal with such an uncertain future. That's why we felt such a sense of accomplishment after finishing the performance.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the students. It was a great performance that cleansed my heart.

What we each think now after participating in the 23rd National Junior High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival Okinawa Tournament

School introduction and guitar ensemble

～I want to convey the current state of AASO～

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I've posted two videos on the sidebar. One is a school introduction video by our school director Hamagami. This is a wonderful piece of work that covers everything from going to school to classes and introducing the school. The second video is a LIVE video of the 6-member JH guitar ensemble that participated in the 23rd National Junior High School Cultural Festival held at I'm Universe Tedako Hall on December 10th. This is a miraculous performance after two months of special training. There will also be interviews with CK and LS after the performance. Please look.

Thanksgiving Luncheon: I could see the gratitude

～Put your heart into words, words into action～

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First of all, this month's birthday party! 11 people have November birthdays, which is the largest number of students born in any month of the year.

Happy Birthday to you ♪

　Ｗhat is Thanksgiving? 

～Let's express gratitude～

　You can't see people's hearts. But your words and your actions reveal your heart.

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   Happy Halloween

～Happy Halloween everyone!～

　Another report last week was about Halloween plans. The main topic of discussion among student council officers the day before was about games and watching a movie. As for movie viewing, we quickly decided not to do it this year. It would be a waste of time to watch Halloween movies. We all agreed that we wanted to spend more time playing together. I was surprised. This is because we are basing our discussion on last year's experience. At AASO, we tend to insist on self-assertion without listening to the opinions of others, so it was really powerful to see everyone looking back on what had gone wrong in the past and discussing areas for improvement. Since we don't have to watch a movie, the student council has more things to do. The heated discussion continued, not about what we wanted to do, but how we could make it fun for everyone. There were times when I got frustrated because the answers didn't come out. I have attached the script of MG and LY's speech on this day.

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　I can't fly without a bar

～School Festival: what is it for?～

　"You can't fly without a bar." This phrase compares the importance of achieving a goal to a high jump. Many events have been canceled due to the influence of the coronavirus, but this year school has started to operate as usual. At last week's student assembly, the theme for the school festival to be held in December was announced. It's been a long time since we've held a face-to-face event. The theme is "Let's create a future full of smiles!" This is an initiative to investigate various cultures around the world, understand different cultures, and utilize them for a new future. I think this is a wonderful theme and practice that is common to all of us today, not only at AASO but also around the world, not only for children but also for adults. Both AY and RK introduced and gave detailed explanations about the theme. I think it may be difficult for younger students, but if you read it together with your family, I think the goals of the school festival will become clearer. Knowing a little about something and not knowing anything at all will make a big difference in the foundation of learning and the sense of accomplishment of the event.

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　　The power of words

　　～Copying the Tenseijin language～

　Starting this past April, the 7th hour of every Tuesday has been designated as visual copying time. Visual copying means copying the original text exactly as is. However, the effect will vary depending on how you transcribe it. The goal is to "transcribe sentence by sentence". This is because it is difficult to understand the meaning of the entire sentence while writing it one letter or one word at a time. However, some of the children at AASO are just starting to learn Japanese and kanji in earnest for the first time, and are not yet familiar with using them as written characters. It's a process that requires more patience than you might imagine.

There are two types of visual copying forms, which you can choose according to your level. The number of characters is 377 and 603 characters. The students copy it onto manuscript paper every week. When we first started, everyone was constantly asking me questions such as, "Why are we doing this?" and "Everyone says they don't want to do this". However, now I can see students seriously facing this issue on their own with just a pencil. I would like to introduce how children are currently working on visual copying. What you gain from this work is not just the power of letters. I think that the measuring stick of the heart will also grow.

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