Friday, March 29, 2013

A Beautiful Season

Spring has brought the Northern Hemisphere bright colors.  My friend asks, "Do you guys have the spring break in America?"  As I reply, "Of course, yes,"  my visual image is separated in two different school systems across from each other over the Pacific Ocean.  Here we are, finishing report cards and then will relax.  Most teachers would say, "Do what you want when you want."  As soon as the school bell rings at 3 pm, teachers are so ambitious and hopeful on whatever they would do on a week.  Some would decide to plant colorful flowers in their garden while others would frantically start sorting dusty junks in the closet under the name of "Spring Cleaning".  One whole week sounds luxurious enough for family trips, too.   Everybody can not stop smiling......until towards the end of the week.  Many teachers reluctantly, yet forcefully would go back to classroom to prepare.  The brightest beginning turns into the dreadful ending.  Even if you are on the beach, your anxiety would start itching your bottom on third or forth day of your dream vacation.  It is, I call, teacher's mantra.  I am a typical American teacher who is deeply doomed in every spring break. 

Conversely, the Japanese spring break gives us unique perspectives.  Spring time is called the "Farewell" and "Fresh" season.  Around the time when multi pink hue of cherry trees begin blooming, graduation ceremonies are held all around the country including preschool, elementary school, junior high school, high school, college, and even companies.  If you are an employee in the literally large company, they may ask you to transfer regardless of your wish as your promotion or demotion.   It is a very complicated emotional period.  Leaving the beloved schools, companies, colleagues, and friends is extremely difficult and nervous especially for the youngsters.  And yes, Japanese children depend on each other in the small school community more than I observe in the United States.  Unlike Americans, more students appear to be lacking  confidence and independence when they have to do something by themselves.  Thus, the end of Japanese school year in March turns out to be the most emotional event for teachers and parents, too.  Look at the end of school here in June.  Kids are waving excitedly to teachers, yellow buses are all honking as loud as they can be.  No one shows any anxiety.  All happy campers.  It is an unbelievable ending compare to Japanese wimpy tearful one.

But don't discount Japanese spring.  After a couple of weeks from the graduation, the new school year begins.  This is the most beautiful season of the year in Japan with the nations symbol, Sakura, the cherry blossoms.  Before millions of tiny pink petals, new school year's ceremonies are held everywhere with ambitious youngsters.  Congratulations.  Smiles.  Shaking hands.  Bows.  New uniforms.  New faces.  No one is dreadful towards the end of the spring break.  Starting school year in the same time the nature is waking up is ideal, in my opinion.

Would you like to discuss about spring start schools or year round schools now?