Today the new first years came to school for the first time to buy their uniforms, books and bags, to have their bicycles inspected, to have their hair checked for dye and length, and who knows what else.
As a result, today when I walked around there were lots of young impressionable students-to-be, so I made a point to make all my greetings in English. Most of the kids were up to the task. I got some great reactions, ranging from fits of giggling, to complete self introductions in English. I’ve heard that this year’s students scored very well on English, so I’m hoping that is going to be reflected in the classroom.
I’ll have to wait to get them into the classroom, though. They’ve still got a week of preparation, and then next week they will spend most of the time on a student trip to build some class spirit, or something. My first class with the first years won’t be until April 15th. I’ll get to teach some 2nd and 3rd years classes soon, though.
As I walked around the school I constantly heard my name being called out, and when I turned around there would some first year student I didn’t know smiling shyly at me. I don’t know how everybody seems to know my name already, but I’m guessing they used me in some kind of advertisement or promotional material. It’s kind of weird to have so many total strangers know your name.
Mr. Hayashi needed some help with some electronics today, so I went along with him to a few stores until he found what he needed. After the electronics trip we went over to the next-door cafe and had lunch with the history teacher and the new math teacher, Watanabe sensei. She’s fresh out of college, and looking for a crowd to run with. I’m not sure why she’s spending so much time with Mr. Hayashi and the history teacher, but I’m guessing it’s because they like to have a younger woman around. She doesn’t know so much English, so she must get bored easily when I’m around – everybody speaks English when I’m there. I’ll be interested to see how long it takes the history teacher to make his move on Watanabe sensei. Shouldn’t be longer than a few days, now.
I split from school around 2 p.m., did some shopping at Ito Yokado, and then came home to clean my house a bit. I cooked up a tofu dish that Kuniko made for me a long time ago, and it turned out OK. It wasn’t as good as when Kuniko did it, so I’ll have to convince her to cook it again for me. Also working against me is the fact that I can read only about 40% of the recipe.
This weekend Kuniko and I will go to the annual yakitori volleyball tournament and hanami party. Hanami literally means “Flower viewing”, but really it means “Drink-a-thon”. The cherry trees should be starting to blossom soon, but because of the strange weather it might be a little while longer.
