[2016.04.08] Principal Hidetoshi Hanyu’s Address at the School Entrance Ceremony

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1098594416849926&id=697030440339661 (originally from 
http://www.shiogama3-jh.shiogama.ed.jp/tayori_2016_01.pdf) 

 

 

Principal Hidetoshi Hanyu’s Address at the School Entrance Ceremony 

 

*(Hidetoshi is father of Yuzuru Hanyu. Selected passages translated for their beauty and meaning)

 

Spoiler

“This morning, in my own parking lot, just as in years past, just as in early spring, I was lucky to see the figure of the blue-and-white flycatcher, a bird known to bring happiness, resting on a tree branch. This little blue bird had flown thousands of kilometers across the vast Pacific Ocean, all the way from the southern lands. With its tiny wings beating strong and true, it soars toward the Zao Mountain Range and Mount Funagata, where spring waters flow toward the mountains. (both mountains span the Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.) Truly, it felt like the spirit of spring, full of life, had arrived.”

 

“Spring marks a new school year, new classrooms, new encounters. From this starting point, I hope each of you will dream, speak of your dreams, and work hard to realize them over the coming year.”

 

“Our school’s educational goal is: ‘To foster students who are physically and mentally healthy, rich in spirit, and able to act with independence and self-discipline.’”

 

“Students who act with self-reliance and independence are, in my view, those who are well-balanced in body and mind, and who show kindness and discipline not only to themselves but also to others. Among all human emotions, the ability to care for others is one of the most important.”

 

“I’ve heard that students at this school have always filled their days with this kind of care for others. I hope that this year as well, you’ll continue to let that kindness fill the entire school.”

 

“It has now been five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Each of you carries many different thoughts and memories of that time. But from now on, we must shift our mindset from recovery to renewal. We’ve received so much support and encouragement from others, so let us carry that kindness with us in our hearts with gratitude. As students of our school, as citizens of Shiogama City, as residents of Miyagi Prefecture, let’s move forward together proudly and with strength to overcome the challenges of the earthquake, and let’s share that spirit with others. It is through these efforts that we connect ourselves to a future of renewal. And we, the teachers and staff, will work alongside you every day — in classes, club activities, and daily life — doing our utmost.”

 

“To our 81 second-year students, who now stand in the middle of their school journey: we place great hope in you. To our 78 third-year students, who are now the leaders of the school: I hope you will act with a sense of responsibility. Congratulations on moving up a grade.”

 

“All of the teachers and staff promise to support your health and your admirable ambition. That is my message for the start of this school term.”

 

[yuzurujenn]

**additional info**

 

2017.03.24

 

"As We Conclude the 2016 Academic Year" - Principal Hanyu Hidetoshi

 

Spoiler

Third Junior High School Newsletter
March 24, 2017 (Friday) Issue 19
Shiogama City Third Junior High School
985-0831
2-1-1 Kasagami, Tagajo City
Tel: 022-362-0969
Fax: 022-366-1551

 

~Shiogama "Interaction" and Exercise~

-Go to bed early, get up early, eat breakfast

-Set consistent time for “TV and games”

-Have warm conversations – “Dream Time”

-Work together on “Building physical strength”

 

"As We Conclude the 2016 Academic Year"

Principal: Hanyu Hidetoshi

 

Today, we were able to safely bring the 2016 school year to a close. The recent graduation ceremony and today’s closing ceremony were both wonderful events that proved just how much each student at Third Junior High School has grown over the past year.

I realized how invaluable the experiences we accumulate each day, 365 days a year, are. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and I truly believe that is the case. Going forward, we the faculty and staff must also grow day by day to support the growth of our students. As “Team San-Chu (third junior high),” we hope to work together to create an even better school.

 

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parents and guardians for the support and cooperation you’ve given us throughout the year. Thank you very much.

 

On the day of the graduation ceremony, Mr. Gunji Chiba of the Nishiki-cho Tonan Association, presented us with a haiku (pictured right). He said, "When I attended the graduation ceremony, from the gymnasium window, I could see each and every branch of the trees stretching vigorously toward the blue sky. It reminded me of the aspirations of all the graduates preparing to leave the nest." It's a truly heartwarming haiku, and I thank you very much.

 

 

~In the new school year, new second-grade students will have standard class sizes (two classes)~

This year, with permission from Miyagi Prefecture, we have implemented a flexible class size (three classes with 75 students per regular class) for current first-grade students, due to educational considerations surrounding their first year of junior high school. However, we would like to inform you that as students advance to the second grade, they will return to the standard class size (two classes). As a result, in the 2017 school year, our school will have a total of nine classes: three new first-grade classes, two new second-grade classes, two new third-grade classes, and two new special needs classes.

 

 

“Each budding branch,

With shared aspiration,
San-Chū students”
↑ A haiku received from Mr. Gunji Chiba