Japanese school information service "Kotokoto"(ことこと)
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March
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At a farewell school lunch party children will eat together with the 6th grade children to celebrate their graduation. Some schools don’t hold this party. This will be the last day for them to go to school. At the ceremony they will be given a graduation certificate. Parents will be able to accompany them. They will put on a formal wear. Dresses or suits for the ceremony are available at large supermarkets such as (AEON), or online shopping at (Amazon、Yahoo!、RAKUTEN). Shirts with collars and trousers or skirts will also do. Parents also wear formal clothes.
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After the graduation party a thank you party is occasionally organized by the 6th grade children’s parents to show their gratitude to their teacher. The thank you party will be held after the graduation ceremony. Some schools do not hold a thank-you party.
News
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On 3 March every year, we celebrate the girls for thier growth. It is also called doll’s festival and the hina dolls (in old wedding clothes costume) are decorated. We eat hina arare (rice crackers) and hishi mochi (three colored rice cakes) and peach blossoms are decorated.
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On the White Day, 14 March we give some sweets to the person who gave us a present on the Valentine’s Day.
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There is a spring holiday between the 3rd term and the beginning of the next academic year, around the 25th March to 5th of April. Please ask the school for more information.
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There are public and private schools. Public schools are managed by the state or the local government. Private schools are founded by private bodies.
In Japan children go to primary school for 6 years. The year your child turns 6-years old, s/he will enter primary school in April. You will be informed by the local government in August of the year your child turns 5-year-old. You are requested to reply to the school replying that you would like to send your child to the primary school. Otherwise, your child may not be able to attend the public school. Please be sure to reply to the local government.
In the case your child is more than 6 years old, you are supposed to ask the school affairs department in the local government in your area. Please bring your child’s passport and residence card. Your child will talk with the principal at school. Afterwards it will be decided whether your child goes to that school.
If you are thinking of sending your child to a public school, providing s/he goes to school within your district, It is free of charge. You also have the choice of a private school. To enrol at a private school, you will need to take an exam and pay the tuition fee.
Please make sure what your child needs to bring to school, as each school differs. There are resources provided by school and things you have to buy by yourself. Write your child’s name on all items to be taken to school. Stickers on which the names are printed are also available online. -
During the equinoctial week in March and September, there is a custom to go to a grave yard to pray the deceased family members. The week is different every year. There is a custom to eat ohagi or botamochi, both of which are sort of rice cakes.
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In Japan, parents attend their child’s Entrance Ceremony and Graduation Ceremony. What kind of outfits can parents wear on these occasions? Below is some information for parents about what to wear and bring when attending the ceremonies.
No Dress Code in General
Although there is no dress code for parents attending their child’s entrance or graduation ceremony, formal attire is recommended, as it is one of your child’s celebratory occasions. In general, many parents wear suits to attend these ceremonies.Most parents try not to wear outstanding clothing (i.e. bright colors and/or designs) at these ceremonies.
Many fathers are seen in their dark colored suits, which could be what they wear for work. A nice shirt and jacket would be fine as well.
Many mothers are seen in their suits or dresses. You will see a ceremonial clothing section for mothers at shopping malls or department stores before the school entrance ceremonies. They are also available for purchase online if needed.
What to Bring When Attending the Ceremony
Both the entrance ceremony and graduation ceremony are often held at the school gymnastic hall and it is requested that parents take their shoes off to attend. Therefore, make sure to bring a bag to put your shoes in as well as your indoor shoes or slippers. Bringing a bag that is large enough to fit A4-sized or larger items may be helpful, as some informative material and/or paperwork are often handed out on the same day.
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On a report card scores of a child will be recorded. It will be given at the end of each term.
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In Japan, elementary school classes include Kokugo (Japanese Language) , Mathematics , Science , Social Studies , Social-environmental Studies , Music , Arts and Crafts , Home Economics , Physical Education , Moral Education , Foreign Language Activities , Hours for Comprehensive Studies , and Special Activities .
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There are some other activities besides usual lessons at a primary school in Japan. A weekly plan varies depending on each grade each week. Please ask school staff if you have any questions.
Arrival and departure from school
Meeting
Classes
Recess timeActivities
Teacher Activities
Parent activities
Other
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You may receive a portion of the money needed to raise your child from the state or town. Each has certain rules, so please check them.
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You can borrow a part of the money you need to raise your child from your country or town. Each has certain rules, so please check them.
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In Japan, a fellow mother who you met through your child is called “Mamatomo” (mom friend). How do you get to know each other? How do you interact with each other?
Where and How to Meet “Mamatomo”
There are several occasions to make “mamatomo”. You may meet some mothers at a neighborhood playground or children’s center while having your child play there, as well as at a kindergarten or nursing school when dropping off or picking up your child. As your child gets older and starts going to elementary school, your children may become friends with each other, which helps mothers meet.
Is Making “Mamatomo” expected?
Just because you became a mother doesn’t mean you have to make “mamatomo”. The relationship may be different from one you had in the past, as “mamatomo” friendship is through your children. There is no pressure to make “mamatomo”, but it may be nice to be friends with mothers who you get along with.
What are advantages of having “Mamatomo”?
As introduced in our other articles, Japanese schools have many school events, and there are many school supplies that children are expected to bring. There are also some parent-led activities, including PTA (Parent Teacher Association). You may get confused as there is lots of information to comprehend. Having “mamatomo” at your child’s school may help you confirm the information. They may also help you with parenting as your child goes through different stages.
Are There Any Relationship Troubles Among “Mamatomo”?
On the other hand, as “mamatomo” get to know each other through their children, there are occasional relationship troubles due to having different values on things like your child and family related issues. It is important for you to remember that a “mamatomo” relationship is often different from your other friendships, and different people have different perspectives about family matters and raising children. You may want to keep an appropriate distance at the beginning of your “mamatomo” relationship.
There are some people who become friends through their children and get to know each other through raising children, and eventually build a permanent friendship. It may be very reassuring to have other mothers at your back as you raise your child.
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The entrance ceremony takes place at the beginning of the Japanese school year, in April, when children start going to school as first graders. Below is information on what happens on the day of the entrance ceremony.
Parent(s) and Their Child Go to School Together on the Day of the Entrance Ceremony
Parent(s) and their child are expected to arrive at school together (according to the schedule) on the day of the entrance ceremony. Once you arrive at school, look for the check-in table and go through the procedures as needed. You will need to submit the enrolment notice for your child that should have been sent to you by post in advance, so be sure to bring it with you. Children will be escorted to their classroom by a teacher or senior student, while parents will be led to the gymnastic hall and seated at the designated area.
Ceremony Procedure
While the procedures of the entrance ceremony may vary depending on the school, the most common procedures are:
-Entry of the new first graders
-Opening remarks
-Principal’s speech
-Guest introductions
-PTA President’s speech
-Telegram readings
-Senior student’s speech
-Homeroom teacher introductions
-Singing of the school song
There will be a class photo shoot after the ceremony. Some schools have the parents be a part of the photo. Afterwards, parents and students move to the classroom where the homeroom teacher will deliver a greeting speech, and pass out textbooks and school supplies.
Including getting to and from the school, the entrance ceremony takes about two hours. Parents and students go home together afterwards. You may want to give yourself extra time in case you would like to take some commemorative photos in front of the school gates before or after the ceremony.
Manners for the Entrance Ceremony
Make sure to silence your cell phone so that you do not disturb your child’s commemorative ceremony and keep quiet while everyone, including the principal and other teachers, make speeches. You can be accompanied by your child’s pre-school aged siblings. Take a flexible approach in case they get fussy or bored during the ceremony. Avoid disturbing others when taking photos. Many schools don’t allow photos with children from other families to be posted in public including SNS, so please be cautious when dealing with photos.
As the first entrance ceremony experience may make you feel nervous, it is recommended to contact the school office in advance if you have any questions, so that you and your child can enjoy the start of their elementary school life.
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Most Japanese elementary schools rearrange students’ classes every year or every other year. Class shuffle is when students’ placement and homeroom teacher are rearranged for the new school year.
What is Class Shuffle for?
The purpose of class shuffle is to help students’ relationship reset and widen their perspectives. For example, if there is a conflict between students, the relationship can sometimes be improved by separating them into different classes in the next year. Another purpose of changing classes is to help balance academic abilities and personal qualities throughout the grade. Meeting new classmates is expected to help children‘s personal growth.
When Will You Know the New Class Placement?
Usually, new class placements are announced when students go to school on the first day of the school year. Some students may feel stressed to be separated from their familiar classmates and having to meet new classmates. Parents may want to give positive encouragement to their child, and pay attention to see if their child is struggling, instead of putting pressure on them to make new friends.
Can You Make a Request Regarding Class Change?
Make sure to talk to your child’s homeroom teacher if you have any concerns about what is going on in their current class or friendship. Although you cannot make a special request regarding the class change in general, you may be able to help the teacher be aware of any overlooked problems in their class. In addition, the teacher may be also able to give special attention to your child’s needs.
As mentioned earlier, the purpose of class change is to help children enjoy their school lives and help their positive growth. Although children may feel nervous at the beginning of the year, they usually adjust to the new class. We hope parents are able to enjoy watching their child work hard and grow.
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The Japanese school year starts in April, after spring break, which starts at the end of March and lasts through early April. An entrance ceremony will be held for first grade students, but students who are in 2nd grade or older will attend an opening ceremony on the first day of school.
What Will Students Do on the First Day of School?
The first day of the school year normally ends after a half day. Please note that there is no school lunch on the first day. If there is a class change happening for your child’s grade, they will know their new class placements on the first day. There will be some informational talk given by a new homeroom teacher and new textbooks will be distributed. Students are expected to bring new textbooks and supplies home and put their name on each item.
What Needs to be Prepared for the New School Year?
Japanese elementary schools assign each student a number in class. Make sure to confirm the class and student number for your child, as these numbers are often required on paperwork you need to submit to school, or for personal verification. There will be handouts from school to check family situations and health conditions of the students. These are important documents that parents need to fill out and submit to school. Contact the school’s office if you have any questions about how to fill in these documents, and make sure to submit them.
Is There Anything Parents Need to Do for the New School Year?
There is a parent-teacher conference in April, where some information is given by your child’s homeroom teacher. It is also an opportunity for parents to meet each other. In addition, PTA role assignments happen at the conference. You may be assigned a role even if you are absent from the conference. Make sure to write your situation on the handout given prior to the conference if it will be difficult for you to play a role. It is recommended to attend the conference as meeting other parents in your child’s new class will help you communicate smoothly with other families, as well as understand what is happening at school.
The beginning of the school year is a busy period for parents, since they have to put their child’s name on each school supplies, and prepare all the paperwork to submit to school. Students may feel nervous about meeting new classmates, or the schoolwork becoming more difficult. It may be a good idea to try not to schedule too much for both yourself and your child at the beginning of the school year, so that you have time to spare and room to breathe.
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