Maple School

Today our team visited a small rural school called the Maple school, it got its name because of all the maple tree's in the surrounding area. The school has 18 students in grade 1 to grade 6. The school is beautiful in design and function with a large gym shaped like a barn. The students were shy at first, which seems to normal for Japanese students, but warmed up after we had lunch and started to play the game we brought for them to learn. The game we brought from Canada was "What time is it mr Wolf" a classic school yard game that we adapted for Hokkaido by changing it to Mr Bear. The children were quick to join in and have fun. Its still amazing to me that a group of Canadians with limited to no Japanese language can still connect so much with a group of students. When we were leaving the school they wanted to have a photo with us all on the steps of the school, another wonderful memory from Hokkaido to bring back to Canada. Our time is almost over here in Japan, its bitter sweet thinking about leaving. Bitter because of not having the time to see and taste and experience so many of the wonders of this country but at the same time sweet because of the great friends I have made and the amazing students I have been privileged to meet and teach. I look forward to seeing my friends and family in Canada and telling them about the incredible time I have had here in Japan.




Jon