When Does the New School Year Start?

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.