All's well that ends well. So, be serious about everything in this term.
It has been almost two years since we were hit by the corona disaster. Even now, the spread of infection is continuing due to the Omicron strain and we have to remain vigilant. We need to take preventive measures as always, such as washing hands, wearing masks, and avoiding the 3-dense environments. If you wake up in the morning and have a fever or do not feel well, do not overdo it; take a day off from school and seek medical attention. If someone else in your family is sick, do not come to school. Although it is cold in the school, please ventilate rooms regularly and make sure to eat quietly at lunchtime. Let's all do our best to get through this pinch.
Last Saturday, one of our traditional junior high school events, the "Spring Festival," was held in the chapel, where students presented the results of their year-long learning activities in public. It was a wonderful festival with a rich variety of presentations and performances. The first part started with a Koto (Japanese harp) performance, followed by presentations on the work experience and a "Dogo Tour" using video projection, and also a performance by the dance club. In the second part, we enjoyed the film performances by the drama club and the brass band club, and an original English drama by the 3rd year students. This was based on the theme of the SDGs and was even better than usual, and had subtitles on the screen. At the same time, there was an exhibition of wagashi (Japanese sweets), small boxes, and artwork made of clay by the first year students. The second year students displayed ikebana, Tobe painted pottery and the art club members displayed other works. The third year students presented haiku poems, handmade picture books, and a report on the water quality survey in Jonofuchi Park. Throughout the entire event, we were impressed by the unity of the junior high school students. I would like to thank all the students for their hard work and preparation, over many Saturday School days.
By the way, do you know Shohei Ohtani, who won the MVP of the American Major League Baseball last year? Even those who don't pay much attention to baseball must know that he achieved greatness by being both a good pitcher (throwing) and batter (hitting). He is loved not only by baseball fans in Japan and the U.S., but by other teams as well. That's not just to mention his baseball skills, but he's someone we can respect as a person. His casual attitude and proper behavior, such as picking up trash at the ballpark, the expression he shows to the umpire, and the way he takes care of his equipment. Even when he hits a home run or becomes the winning pitcher, he doesn't get carried away; he calmly sets his sights on the next goal and takes on the challenge in a humble and positive manner. It is wonderful to see that with his appearance, the value of humanity is being reevaluated beyond his great achievements in baseball. Do you remember the educational goal of our school? It is "to nurture women who acquire dignity and integrity and can live flexibly." I hope that every one of you can learn something from Ohtani's character.
As the saying goes, "January is the month to go, February is the month to run, and March is the month to leave." January goes quickly, February runs away, and March goes away. There are only a few days left in the school year. The term-end exams will be announced soon. I hope that each of you will study diligently to prepare for them. For the third year student, please do what you need to do before you graduate.
All's well that ends well. So, be serious about everything left in this term.
３学期は、一年の締めくくりの学期であります。１、２学期と違い、日数的には短い学期ですが、「本気でやれば」十分に使える時間があります。中学１年生から高校２年生にとって、３学期は、学年の総仕上げの学期、特に中学３年生にとっては、義務教育最後の学期でもあります。全学年とも勉強はもちろんのこと部活動等の諸活動に東雲生としての自覚をもって、一人一人が、やれた、やったという成就感を持てるよう、早く正月の休み気分を一掃して、新しい年の第一歩を踏み出してください。高校３年の受験生にとっては、いよいよ大学共通テストですね。これまで蓄えた力が充分発揮できるよう願っております。また中学３年生は修了式、高校３年生は卒業式という人生の大きな節目を間近に控えています。まさに本校での３年間あるいは６年間の集大成とも言える時期となりました。All's well that ends well.「終わりよければすべてよし」という言葉がありますが、一人一人が「本気」になって、自分の目標の達成に向けて努力し、「有終の美」が飾れるよう切に願っています。
Let's get started for your own goal. Thank you.
Happy New Year to you all. I hope you all had a meaningful winter vacation. As it is said that "The whole year's plans should be made on New Year's Day," have you set your goals for the new year? The 4th year of Reiwa, or the year 2022, has just begun. Last year, the Chinese character representing last year's social situation in Japan was "gold". The reason seems to be success in sports and games; Japanese athletes won many gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and Sota Fujii, a shogi player, achieved the youngest four crowns. I hope that Corona will blow over and that this year will be as brilliant as "gold," too.
Well, the corona infection situation had calmed down through the end of last year, but now that the New Year has started, people have suddenly started to be infected in our prefecture, and we are worried that the number of people who are positive for the Omicron strain will increase. The Omicron strain is said to be three or four times more infectious than the Delta strain, so we need to take more preventive measures than ever to avoid infection. First of all, when you wake up in the morning, if you have a fever or are not feeling well, please refrain from coming to school and see to your physical condition. It is cold in the school buildings, but please ventilate the rooms regularly. Please make sure to keep quiet at lunch. Also, please do what you have been doing to prevent infection, such as washing your hands, wearing masks, and avoiding the 3-dense environments. Let's all do our best to get through this difficult time.
This third term is about to begin. Unlike the first and second terms, it has a smaller number of days, but there is plenty of time to make a good use of it if you are serious. For students from the first year of junior high school to the second year of senior high school, this is the final term of the year. For the third year students of junior high school in particular, it is the last term in your compulsory education. I hope that each of you will take the first step into the new year by shutting the door of the New Year's vacation so that you can feel the fulfillment of having done it. For the third-year high school students, the Common Test for University Admissions is finally upon us. I hope that you will be able to fully demonstrate the academic ability you have acquired so far. In addition, the third-year students of junior and senior high school will have their graduation ceremonies, which are the major events in your school lives. There is a saying, "All's well that ends well," so I hope that each and every one of you will become "serious" and work hard to achieve your own goals and make efforts so that you will see success.
Let's get started for your own goal. Thank you.
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!
また、９月開催から延期になっていたクローバーデイですが、生徒会を中心にさまざまな工夫とアイデアを出し合いすばらしい行事にすることができました。午前中のステージ発表は、琴同好会の演奏からスタートし、部や同好会、有志が歌にダンス、楽器演奏と練習の成果を発表しました。舞台狭しと躍動を感じる演目や東雲らしさが感じられるものなど、演出も抜群で見応えがありました。時がたつのも忘れ気がつけば最後の「しのすい」の演奏になっていました。ランチタイムに、皆さんがやりたかった焼きそばやカレーなどの屋台を出すことは今年もかないませんでしたが、ＰＴＡ役員の皆さんが地元飲食店に呼びかけて特製弁当を手配していただき、文化祭を盛り上げていただきました。午後は、文化部等の展示や模擬店。デジタル技術を巧みに使い、先生が登場するパロディのビデオ作品を鑑賞する教室もあり盛り上がりました。皆さんのこれまで一生懸命やってきた成果が随所に示され、本年度のスローガン「千紫万紅（せんしばんこう）」の言葉どおり、色とりどりの花が咲き誇りました。今年も、保護者には観覧を遠慮していただきましたが、後日配信する動画で楽しんでもらえればと思います。
コロナの感染状況も落ち着いてきましたが、油断することなく基本的な予防策を取りながら、東雲スクールライフを楽しみましょう。 Go for it ! Shinonome!
It's getting colder in the mornings and evenings, but during the daytime, we can feel the pleasant autumn breeze. The kumquats, which bloom around the time of the local festival every year, have been delayed in blooming this year due to the sudden change in temperature, but they are finally starting to bloom and we can smell the good scent from everywhere. I hope everyone is doing well. How were the results of the midterm exams? Please review and remember what you did not do well on and prepare for the term-end exams at the end of this month.
On the day after the midterm exams ended, we enjoyed a play at the Botchan Theatre and went on a field trip. When we first planned this, we were worried that we would not be able to do it because of the corona, but fortunately, the level of corona restriction in our prefecture has been lowered to a reduced level since then. How was the musical at the Botchan Theatre this time? John Manjiro was born into a poor fisherman's family in Kochi and lived a checkered life, but later became a bridge between Japan and the United States. The story is told from the perspective of his wife, Tetsu. Her powerful life at the mercy of the waves of change overlaps with today's world, and I'm sure many of you sympathized with her story. Various songs and dances were performed, and at the end, it was a fun memory to have the finale together with the cast while waving penlights. After that, you were divided by junior high school and high school grade and went to different field trip destinations. Did you discover anything new?
Also, the Clover Day which had been postponed from September was held. The student council and other members came up with various ideas to make it a wonderful event. The stage performances started with a performance by the Koto Club, followed by songs, dances, and instrumental performances by many clubs and volunteers. The performances, some of which were very dynamic, and others were very unique to Shinonome, were very well staged and worth watching. We forgot about the passing of time and before we knew it, it was time for the last performance of "Shinosui". This year again, we failed to have the yakisoba and curry stalls that everyone wanted to have for lunch, but the PTA members called on local restaurants to arrange for special lunch boxes to make the festival more exciting. In the afternoon, we enjoyed the exhibitions and booths by the cultural clubs and other groups, as well as a classroom where you were able to watch a parody video in which the teachers appeared, made skillfully using digital technology. The results of everyone's hard work have been shown everywhere, and just as the slogan for this year's event, "Senshibankou : A Thousand Violets and Ten Thousand Reds," suggests, the event was filled with colorful flowers in full bloom. Again this year, parents were not allowed to watch the event, but we hope they will enjoy the video that will be distributed later.
The infection situation of corona has almost settled down. So let's enjoy Shinonome school life while taking basic preventive measures and precautions for the corona.
Go for it ! Shinonome !
You will have mid-term exams soon. Please prepare well for them.
This time of year, I am always reminded of the poem, "秋来ぬと目にはさやかに見えねども 風の音にぞおどろかれぬる" (Kokin Waka Shu). Although we can't clearly see that autumn has arrived, the sound of the wind makes us realize that autumn has already arrived. Don't you think it's a pretty good poem? The long, hot season has passed and the weather has finally become cooler. The number of people infected with corona has been decreasing across Japan, and the national emergency declarations and priority measures to prevent the spread of the disease were fully lifted at the end of last month. Our prefecture has also relaxed its infection control measures and is now just in a period of alert, but we cannot be too careful yet. As a countermeasure against infection, we are required to "observe the rules for eating," but I want you to ask yourself if you are really doing so. Please also remember the term called "silent eating.” I understand the desire to have lunch while chatting with friends, but since coronavirus is transmitted by droplets, we must be cautious. Please put on your mask after you finish eating and enjoy talking then.
The other day, there was a schoolwide selection for the Madonna recitation contest for junior high school students in the chapel. Each of the students representing each class was able to recite well, and I was very impressed with their excellent English that showed the results of their practice. Also, the attitude of the audience was excellent, which made the event a fulfilling one. This year's recitation had an interesting topic on gender. Speaking of gender, in the middle of last month, Ms. Yuki Ueno, a friend of Ms. Matsushita from junior high and high school who is now studying at a graduate school in France, suggested that we hold an online workshop for our students. Under the theme of "What is a girl?", the workshop was planned in three parts: "Let's talk about uniforms and school rules." What is LGBTQ+ ? What does 'girl' mean?" and "Is it embarrassing to be a strong woman?" On the other side of the screen, some French university students also attended the meeting. There was a lively exchange of opinions about gender between all sides. In Japan today, gender equality and women's activities are lagging behind the rest of the world. Girls' schools are the most liberated from gender, and spending junior and senior high school in a girls' school allows you to stay in an environment away from gender bias. I felt that it was very meaningful for all of you to participate in such a study session on gender. In the short time that I was able to participate, I realized that Japan is slowly but surely going to change in the future.
At the end of this month, we will have Clover Day, which all of you are looking forward to. We still aren't sure what will happen with the corona infection situation, but let's gather our wisdom and make it a memorable, safe, and enjoyable cultural festival.
You will have mid-term exams soon. Please prepare well for them.
お盆前から降り始めた長雨は各地に被害をもたらしました。皆さんのお住まいの地域は大丈夫だったでしょうか。まだまだ土砂災害のリスクは残っておりますので注意してください。しばらくは暑さも続きます。水分補給をするなどの熱中症対策も忘れないでください。オリンピック、パラリンピック開催中は、日本選手の頑張りを願う気持ちと、コロナの感染拡大を心配する気持ちとが入り交じる複雑な思いの毎日でした。現在、愛媛県、とりわけ松山市内において、コロナの感染が急拡大し、警戒レベルが「感染対策期」に引き上げられ、「まん延防止等重点措置」も講じられています。医療の逼迫（ひっぱく）や保健所などへの影響が心配されます。非常に感染力の強いデルタ株が猛威を振るい、小中学生、高校生の感染者も増えており大変憂慮しております。そういう状況下にあるので、感染予防を最優先し、クローバーデイの延期を決めました。現在、過去最大のリスクが身の回りにあることを自覚し、これまで以上に一人一人が最大の危機感を持って感染回避行動をとらなければなりません。自分自身の、自分の家族の、そして他人の命を守るためにも必ず実践してください。そして、「家庭における感染回避行動の在り方」についても是非家族で話し合ってみてください。
さて、先日の体育祭大変お疲れ様でした。連日の猛暑の中、熱中症予防やコロナ感染対策をしながらの応援やパネル製作、そして競技練習等よく頑張りました。前日から雨天のため開催できるかどうか気をもみましたが、幸いなことに１日の延期で実施することができました。当日のグランド整備やテント張りもそれぞれがよく動き短時間で準備ができました。東雲はなんでも自分たちで考えて全員で協力して行っている、そこに女子校のよさがあると改めて思いました。感染対策のため保護者には観覧を遠慮いただき、今回は体育祭の様子を後日動画配信することとし、生徒・教職員のみで、プログラム自体も縮小しました。本年度のスローガン「Go the distance つかみ取れ青春物語」にふさわしい熱戦の連続で、観る者にさわやかな感動を与え、すばらしいものになりました。特に、応援合戦は、大声を出すことが自粛されている中、応援リーダー中心で実施しましたがどの団も一致団結したすばらしいもので観る者に感動を与えました。体育祭に向けて、自分たちが限界まで頑張ったことや感動したことをこれからの学校生活に生かしてもらいたいものです。私は、体育祭を観て、東雲生の「すばらしさ」や「底力」をまた一つ見つけたような気がしています。
秋はもうそこに来ていますね。皆さん一人一人が自分の目標に向かってこの２学期を充実させてください。
Autumn is just around the corner. Let's get started !
The long rain that started before the Obon holidays has caused huge damage in many areas. I hope that your area is safe. There is still a risk of landslides, so please be careful. The summer heat will also continue for a while. Don't forget to take measures against heat stroke such as staying hydrated. During the Olympics and Paralympics, I had mixed feelings every day, wishing the best for the Japanese athletes and worrying about the spread of corona infection. As of now, corona infection has spread rapidly in Ehime Prefecture, especially in Matsuyama City, so the alert level has been raised to the "infection control period" and priority measures to prevent spread have been implemented. We are also concerned about the tightening of medical services and the impact on public health centers. We are very concerned about the increase in the number of elementary, junior high and high school students infected with the highly infectious Delta strain from India, which is rampant throughout Japan. Under such circumstances, we have decided to postpone Clover Day, giving top priority to infection prevention. Now, more than ever, each and every one of us must be aware that we are surrounded by the greatest risk in history, and we must take action to avoid infection with the greatest sense of urgency. In order to protect your own life, the lives of your family members, and the lives of others, please be sure to practice this. Also, please discuss "how to avoid infection at home" with your family.
On a lighter note, thank you very much for your hard work at the recent Sports Festival. Our students did a great job of cheering, making panels, and practicing for competitions while taking precautions to prevent heat stroke and corona infection during these hot days. We were worried about whether we could hold the event or not because of the rainy weather, but fortunately we only had to postpone it for one day. On the morning of the event, every one of you worked very hard to prepare the ground and set up the tents in a short time. At Shinonome, you think of everything on your own and work together, and I was reminded that this is one of the advantages of a girls' school. For the sake of infection control, we asked the parents to refrain from watching the event, and we decided to broadcast the video of the Sports Festival at a later date, reducing the size of the program to just the students and faculty members. In keeping with the slogan of this year's festival, "Go the distance, Seizing the Story of Youth," you had a series of fierce battles that left the audience with a refreshing impression. In particular, the cheering competition was conducted mainly by the cheering leaders, while other members refrained from yelling in loud voices, but all the groups were united in a wonderful way that impressed the audience. I would like you to make use of what you have done as much as you can and what you were impressed with from the athletic festival in your school life. Watching the athletic festival, I feel like I have found another "wonderful point" and "potential power" of our Shinonome students.
Autumn is just around the corner. I hope that each and every one of you will make the most of this second term to achieve your own goals. Let's get started!
先月梅雨明けをしてから暑さに拍車がかかり、松山でも最高気温が３５度以上の猛暑日が続いています。熱中症にはくれぐれも注意してください。夏休みに入りましたが、皆さんいかがお過ごしですか？１学期の学校生活で、自分自身がどのように努力を傾けたか、どれだけ成長したかをよく考え、よくなかった点については大いに反省し、この休み中に補強をしてください。そして学習や部活動の練習、大会などで忙しい毎日かもしれませんが、「夏休み」じゃないとできないことを何か一つやってほしいものです。高校３年生とっては、「夏を制するものは受験を制する」と言われるシーズンの到来です。涼を求めながら計画的に頑張ってください。
夏休み入って、ビブリオ倶楽部から招待を受け、第１回校内ビブリオバトルを観覧しました。本を身近に感じ、興味を持ってもらうという読書習慣の啓発が目的のイベント。１０人のバトラーが自分の選んだ本をそれぞれ一冊紹介し、後で観覧者が最も感銘を受けた発表者に一票を投じ、チャンプ（優勝者）を決めるというものです。今回のバトラーは皆、原稿を見ないで自分の言葉で愛読書を紹介しました。その後のディスカッションにおいても、物語の内容を追いながら、主人公の生き方に自分の生き方を重ね、自説を展開していましたが、その堂々と発表している姿に感動しました。髙橋結ホーム大下凜々花さんの愛読書、江國香織著「すいかの匂い」がチャンプ本となりました。次回は皆さんも是非参加してみてください。
もう一つ、英語キャンプがみつばホールで開催されました。中学３年生、高校１年生合わせて２３名が参加しました。ALTのジック先生の説明の後、ビーチボールをパスし、そこに書いてある質問に英語で答えるという活動からスタートしました。目隠ししたメンバーがアリゲーター（わに）に遭わないように、go straight とかleft, right, go back と声がけをするゲームには参加者全員が夢中になって取り組んでいました。なんといっても圧巻は、必要な３つの道具を選んでそれを絵に描いて皆の前でプレゼンする「無人島での生き残りゲーム」で、皆自然に英語を使っている様子がうかがわれ、予想した以上に有意義なイベントになったと思いました。
今開催中のオリンピックでは、日本選手も金メダルを量産するなど大活躍です。しかしながら、首都圏を中心に全国でこれまで以上に感染が拡大し、医療のひつ逼ぱく迫が心配されています。終業礼拝でもお話ししましたが、コロナと向き合う２度目の夏、対策を万全にして、全員元気でこの夏休みを過ごしてください。身も心もリフレッシュして、一段と成長した皆さんに、２学期の始業礼拝で会えることを楽しみにしています。
Stay Healthy ! Make this summer yours !
It's July. Do you know the origin of the word "July" in English? Please look up the meaning of the word. You will find out some interesting facts. The end-of-term examinations are over, and I'm sure you are now all breathing a sigh of relief. Please correct the wrong answers on your returned exam papers and remember them. And make the remaining days until the end of the first term fulfilling. Review what you have learned during the first term without feeling like the summer vacation has already started.
Last month, for the Saturday School, the second year high school students went to Baishinji to do a beach beautification activity as part of the "Zero Marine Litter" campaign promoted by the Ministry of the Environment. They collected cans, bottles, and plastic garbage, and in about two hours, they filled up 18 garbage bags, including combustible and non-combustible bags. ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) is now being advocated as a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through this activity, I believe that the participants were able to see the current state of environmental deterioration that is progressing in the ocean, and to take a look not only at the ocean but also at their own surroundings and think about the problems. Thank you for your hard work.
The Prefectural Athletic Meet, which was cancelled last year due to the influence of the coronavirus, was held for the first time in two years under the slogan, "Connecting- The baton that could not be passed on that day, now." and heated battles were held at each venue. Sadly, to prevent corona infections there were no spectators, but our students did their best until the end. The archery team, as expected, dominated, taking first through eighth places, and the volleyball team won without losing a single set. Unfortunately, the soccer team did not advance to the finals, but the content of the match seems to have been very good. The other teams of Shinonome were able to fully demonstrate their abilities. Two weeks later, both the archery and volleyball teams won the Shikoku Tournament held in Kagawa. As for the junior high school clubs, the volleyball team also won the city tournament without dropping a single set. One of our students winning the individual championship of Kendo is also a great achievement. I hope that each club will continue to work hard to achieve even higher goals.
The long-awaited summer vacation is around the corner. You have 34 days of vacation, so please start planning how you are going to spend it. The summer vacation gives you more free time to do what you want, but there is also the danger of falling into a world of laziness. Also, although the number of corona infections in our prefecture has been decreasing, we cannot be too careful yet. I am also worried about heat stroke. I hope you will have a healthy and meaningful summer vacation, so that you'll be ready for the start of the second term.
Stay Healthy! Enjoy your summer!
