Fire Station Tour

On October 9, our third-grade students visited the Ginowan Fire Department. In their social studies class, they have been studying the unit "Safety in Life and Community Development," and this field trip was part of that learning. According to their social studies teacher, Ms. Yumiko, the unit was completed by mid-September, but the visit had to be postponed due to an approaching typhoon. The children had been eagerly waiting for this tour of the fire station. Let’s take a look at their reactions through some photos.

Questions from the children to the firefighters and their responses:

1. What do you do when there are no fires? → We maintain the fire trucks and conduct training.

2. Until what time do you work? → We are divided into three teams and work 24-hour shifts.

3. How do you manage meals? → We cook for ourselves.

4. What is your favorite meal? → Curry rice is the most popular. We also eat ramen often.

5. How often do fires occur? → About once or twice a month. Ambulances are dispatched about 20 times a day.

6. Why did you become a firefighter? → I want to help people. To be popular? (laughter).

A commemorative photo in front of the fire engine. Everyone saw and experienced many things and learned a lot. Thank you to the firefighters at the Ginowan Fire Department!

The group leader explains how the tour will proceed. Everyone is listening attentively. "We will split into two groups, Group A and Group B, for the tour."

They listen to the explanation of the ladder truck while taking notes. "It can extend up to 40 meters, which is about the height of a 12-story building."

Touring the ambulance. It's my first time getting on one, so I'm feeling excited and a bit nervous!

"Are you nervous?" Inside, it's surprisingly spacious.

"It feels a bit stiff, doesn't it?" "It's designed to be just the right stiffness to limit movement as much as possible."

Trying on the fire protection suit for hands-on experience. It's heavier and warmer than I expected.

A-kun, it really suits you! Looks great!

E-kun, you look impressive! So cool!

You can't see I-san's face well with the fire mask, but I'm sure they have a great smile!

J-san and Y-san are posing together, looking like good friends. These fire protection masks are handmade by the firefighters. Amazing—they look just like the real thing!

Touring the fire truck. "There are several types of hoses. We decide which one to use based on the situation at the fire scene." Wow, that's interesting!

"There are various tools and equipment besides the hoses." Amazing!

I actually got to ride in the fire truck. Wow, this is how it is inside!

Touring the rescue vehicle. "It is equipped with various tools and equipment." Everyone is taking detailed notes.

There are various pieces of equipment in the storage compartment at the back as well, including a large cutter. Be careful with your fingers!

Sitting in the driver's seat of the ladder truck, they move the levers while looking at the panel. "Wait, it moves?! Is that okay?!"

Ladder truck experience. "Please take your time; everyone will get a turn one by one."

Finally, it's time for the fire extinguishing activity (water spraying experience). First, the firefighters start spraying water with strong pressure. The children exclaimed, "Wow!" as they watched the powerful water shoot out up close.

With the water pressure reduced, everyone got to experience spraying water. "Okay, everyone—hold on tightly!"

We wrapped up with a misting spray. We truly appreciate the thoughtfulness of the firefighters!

After the tour and activities, we asked the firefighters some questions. "How do you find out about fires?" → "Most of the time, we are notified through emergency calls to 119."

The firefighters answered the children's questions kindly and clearly. Please refer to the questions listed above for more details.

Prefectural High School Entrance Exam Preparation Course

Starting from October 1, we have launched a Prefectural High School Entrance Exam Preparation Course. The goal is to develop the academic skills necessary for the new admission examination system. Additionally, we aim to promote Japanese language acquisition. The course is designed for middle school students who are preparing for the prefectural high school entrance exam. It will be conducted by volunteer Japanese teachers. We are grateful for the teachers' heartfelt commitment and generosity.

The subjects covered are Japanese, math, science, and social studies. The sessions will take place from 15:40 to 16:10 (30 minutes).

Currently, there is one first-year middle school student, three second-year students, and two third-year students enrolled. There's a good sense of tension, and their seriousness is evident.

On Tuesdays, Mr. Takayasu will teach science, and on Wednesdays, he will teach math. He will start with explanations of science and math terminology before moving on to the problems. Extending the time for lessons is a given.

On Fridays, Ms. Aika will teach social studies. On this day, two third-year students participated. They will examine past exam questions to identify trends in the types of questions asked.

Open School

The grandmother and grandfather narrow their eyes in appreciation, sending encouragement to their hardworking first-grade grandchild.

On October 8, we held the second open school (parent-teacher observation day). Many parents arrived early in the morning, watching their children with kind eyes as they put in their best efforts. The children were particularly enthusiastic, actively participating in class. Kindergarteners and first graders waved and called out excitedly when they spotted their parents or grandparents.

However, once they reached second grade and above, the atmosphere changed; the students sat up straight and participated in class with a bit of nervousness. In middle school, even though they felt their parents' gaze on their backs, they attended class with their usual demeanor. Yet, beneath their composed exteriors, they likely felt gratitude and happiness in their hearts, silently thinking, "Thank you for coming!"

To all the parents, thank you very much for coming today for the children. Your love truly enriches their hearts. We look forward to your continued understanding and support of our school's education.

The first-year middle school students fully feel their mother's love. That's why they are putting in even more effort than usual.

They are also thoroughly reviewing the lesson content.

Sixth graders, are you feeling a little nervous?

"Connecting the life of the sunflower."

When I asked a nearby elementary school student, "Could you stand in front of the sunflower?" they immediately understood my intention and posed for me. Thank you! "Look at all these seeds that have formed!"

A large sunflower bloomed in the Grade 8 and Grade 9 flower bed. This sunflower was planted in June and grew steadily, unaffected by the typhoon. It reached an impressive height of 2 meters and produced a big flower. Not only was the flower large, but the leaves also grew astonishingly big. The children observed the sunflower's growth and exclaimed, "It's too big!" "It's a monster sunflower!" "I wish I could grow that big!" They shared various comments. The seeds harvested from this sunflower will be stored for next year. The 8th and 9th graders carefully carried out the seed collection work.