In the morning, when I go through the school gate and walk up the slope, stepping on fallen leaves, I can feel the coming of winter in the cold wind. On November 17th, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was held in front of the gate as an annual event of Advent (the period of waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ). Last year, in order to prevent coronavirus infection, only members of the religious committee attended the ceremony, and we were unable to sing hymns and had to shiver in the cold. This year, however, the infection situation has calmed down a bit, so volunteers were able to gather and hold a grand event. As dusk approached, the colorful illuminations were lit and the candles in our hands were lit in turn. Then we read from the Bible and sang hymns. A peaceful time passed, and the lights lit up in the hearts of the participants, which made me feel the sacredness. Experts warn that the sixth wave of corona infections is coming as the weather gets colder. Let's make sure we take the basic infection control measures we usually do. There are also signs of a flu pandemic. For the third year students of high school, the exam season is finally in full swing. Please do your best, but take care of your health.
Every fall, the Nobel Prize winners are announced. This year, Dr. Shukuro Manabe from Shikokuchuo City in Ehime was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. He clarified the mechanism by which an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere causes an increase in the temperature of the earth's surface. In recent years, we have been having abnormal weather conditions that are believed to be caused by global warming. Every summer, typhoons become larger and larger, and disasters caused by abnormal weather, such as long and heavy rains, occur frequently throughout Japan. Climate change is a serious issue on which the survival of mankind depends. I hope that every one of you will take an interest in this issue and take action. At a press conference, Dr. Manabe said, "Curiosity was my driving force. The really interesting research is out of curiosity. He repeatedly used the word "curiosity" to describe his passion for research, and we have a lot to learn from his word.
Autumn is also the season for harvesting, and in my garden, I have harvested sweet potatoes, peppers, and broccoli, all of which were planted in the spring. I will also plant new seedlings such as onions and beans. At this time of the year, all of you will begin to see the fruits of your studies and hard work in your club activities that you started in April. Did you do well on the term-end exams? Were you able to achieve results in your club activities and other activities this term? Now is the time for you to reflect on your school life as well as your studies, and make improvements. The year 2021, when the whole world was at the mercy of Corona, will come to an end soon. I can only hope that next year will be better. Let's all spend our winter vacations in a well-planned way, practicing infection control, and make a meaningful year end and new year vacations!
Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
