January 13, 2016
Happy New Year!
Welcome to Heisei 28- the year of the monkey, everyone!
Everyday life has returned to Seiritsu, with everyone refreshed after the winter break. As New Year is a very important time in Japanese culture, there were many stories of traveling to grandparents' houses far and wide, hatsumode (the first temple visit of the year), toshidama (money given to young people at new year by their relatives), and lots of seasonal food!
Of course, the third year high school students may not have had such a relaxing time, as university entrance exams are fast approaching, but we are hopeful that this year's results will be even better than last year's great efforts!
Important times are coming for other students too. The first year high school students must choose which path between maths and sciences, or literature and humanities, they will take for the rest of their time at Seiritsu. The second years must also decide which universities they want to try to enter, and do well in the end of year test in order to be allowed into the appropriate level class. In junior high, the third years are preparing to make the transition to high school. Good luck Everyone, we are behind you all the way!
Trials aside, 2016 is promising to be an exciting year, with many school trips, visit schools and international students to look forward to. We have some great plans for Seiritsu International Department, and can't wait to get everything started!
We wish everyone a very happy and prosperous 2016.
Peter Williams
International Department Coordinator