| Some SCHOOL EVENTS of note: In September and July, the school has about 3 days of sports events. The classes compete against each other and the lesson schedule is rearranged accordingly. (You can bring workout clothes on these days and participate, or just wear the clothes and watch (as many of the Japanese teachers do).) Throughout August, students prepare for the School Festival in September. This is the most important student-led/student-run event and it lasts the entirety of a weekend, with days before and after taken for preparation and cleanup. Around October, the 1st-graders go on their annual school trip to Nagano. The location might be subject to change. This will affect your teaching schedule, too. Third-grade graduation is at the beginning of March. First- and second-graders continue to have classes for a couple of weeks afterwards. (The business attire on graduation day is as formal as it gets at this school. If you have a nice conservative suit, you can't go wrong with it on this occason.) The school-wide field trip takes place at the end of April or beginning of May. The entire student body and faculty walk about 13 km. to a park, where the students perform and everyone has lunch. (Whether you decide to walk with the students or get a ride from a teacher, this is a day for casual wear, including comfortable walking shoes.) **For a more comprehensive guide to school events, activities and extra-curriculars, please check the school's Web site. |
| CHIGUSA is considered a high-academic school and many people in the area know of it and its reputation, including its English program. |
| The Intercultural Division is housed in the Higashi-kan (East building). (You have a desk there, in addition to the one in the main staff room.) As of 2008-09, the teachers in this division you're most likely to see are: Omiya-sensei (your immediate supervisor), Shiroyama-sensei, Suzuki-sensei, Ikeda-sensei, and Jim. This division offers a selection of special courses in English and plays host to a good number of returnees (Japanese students who have lived abroad). The school has at least five part-time foreign teachers, in addition to you; occasionally has foreign-exchange students; and hosts foreign lecturers throughout the year. The atmosphere is fairly liberal (Students are allowed to dye their hair; pierce their ears; and tinker with their uniforms. Teachers are not expected to come in every morning with a feigned sunny disposition or work until 10 p.m. every night, and they'll give each other plenty of space and a surprising amount of privacy). |
| (Your primary involvement will be with the English program, which is synonymous with the Intercultural Division) |
 |
| GO TO: |
| The area. Transportation. |
|