Community School News    May 2005

 

PresidentÕs Message

By Makoto Osawa

 

As everyone knows, our relationship with Richard Secord  School is very important for our school. Recently, there have been people using the west entrance doors, and it has been reported that some people who are not associated with our school have entered the building after classes have started. Therefore, we would like to take the following measures:

 

1.     Do not use the west entrance doors (the doors opposite the entrance that everyone usually uses).

2.     The East entrance door should be closed all the time including the recess time. Toban will stand inside by the doors to let in our students.

3.     Before entering the school, students should empty sand out of their shoes outside. Parents are responsible for monitoring this.

 

On June 11th, in partnership with the Edmonton Japanese Community Association, we will hold our undokai. This brings back memories of the fun we had at last yearÕs undokai. IÕm sure that this yearÕs undokai will also be great.

 

 

PrincipalÕs Message

By Sanae Ohki             

 

In Edmonton, after the Victoria Day holiday, we can plant flowers without fear of frost. The students play with vigor outside during recess, and itÕs time for our undokai – itÕs a great season, isnÕt it? In the May teachersÕ meeting, results of the April grade meetings were shared. During the grade meetings, the plans and goals for the year were explained, and some parents proposed some study ideas. We will certainly consider the proposals in accordance with each classÕs situation and progress.  Also, as is the case every year, during our meeting there was discussion about each student's strong and weak points.    Teachers will enhance their strengths in order to develop self-confidence and assist students with their weaknesses by keeping them interested in their studies.   The teachers are working very hard to enhance student learning.

 

The Kanji no Tatsujin ni Naru Zo! program has received strong interest from some students. They even study during the recess time. The teachers in charge continue to develop exercises and build the program. Wonderful! Although I have said it many times before, please work at your own pace and enjoy yourself as you increase your vocabulary.

 

Regarding student absences, there are usually more in June each year. If you are going to Japan, please inform your teacher as soon as possible. Also, homework for the summer holiday will be handed out on June 24th, so if you are leaving before then, please arrange, with the teacher, for plans to get the homework before you go. If you need homework sent by mail, please leave a large self-addressed envelope with the teacher. The office will prepare the bill for postage later.

 

 

From the Executive

 

As a way of introducing Japanese culture, our school will once again operate the food station for three days in the Japanese Pavilion at the Heritage Days Festival (July 30, 31, and Aug 1). We are planning to do the yakitori preparation on Sunday, July 24th. The volunteer list has started so please sign up.

 

Also, because the workload for the job of treasurer is large, it has been decided that this will be a salaried position. The salary will be similar to the one for

 the office and library positions. If you are interested, please contact the Executive Committee.

 

 

Looking for a Teacher

 

We will be losing one of our teachers in September. If you would like to be a teacher at our school, or if you know of someone who may be a suitable candidate, could you let us know? In order to teach at our school, a Canadian working permit is necessary. We are looking for someone with at least one or more of the qualifications below. Please forward resumes (English or Japanese) to Sanae Ohki by June 23rd.

 

1.     Has taught in a Japanese school.

2.     Holds a Japanese teaching license.

3.     Has taught Japanese either in Japan or abroad.

4.     Has interest in the teaching of Japanese to children.

 

For more information, please contact Sanae Ohki. If possible, interviews will be held on June 24th.

 

 

Picnic and Undokai

 

When: June 11 (Sat) 10:30-3:30

Where: EJCA Centre (rain or shine)

 

In the last newsletter, it was announced that this event would be held on June 18th, but because of a scheduling conflict at the EJCA, the date has been changed to June 11th. We will begin at 10:30, so please gather at about 10:20.

 

The EJCA will provide BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers. Our school will prepare a potluck style buffet, so at minimum, each family please bring a dish (i.e., enough for your family) to share. In order to balance out the potluck selection, we have posted a Ōwhat we will bringĶ list on the bulletin board. Please have a look and write down what you plan on bringing.

 

Also, from Friday of this week until the day of the event, we will be preparing undokai equipment and making needed materials, so please come and help out if you have some free time.

 

Atsuko Hill

Undokai Committee Representative

 

 

 

 

Parent Shifts (Toban) for June and September

 

May 27       Jones, Morita

June 3                  Chen, Stein

June 10       Kobayashi, Abe

June 17       Oh, Yamamoto

June 24       Motoda, Van

Sept 2                  Jackson, Liu

Sept 9                  Kaide, Frankiewicz

Sept 16                        Fedrau, Kawamoto

Sept 23                        Hill, Kondo

Sept 30                        Kin, Stein

 

 

If you need to make a change in the toban schedule, please contact Setsuko Dunwald (437-3457).

 

 

 

 

The Community School News is printed in the fourth week of each month. If you have any questions and/or comments, please let us know. 

 

Translated by Terry McLean