Last day of School

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Sure, I could have gone with the oft-neglected gimmick I was employing of naming entries after songs, but I don't particularly care much for Alice Cooper. And everyone always sings that damn song when school ends. It's annoying.

Today was my final day of teaching at Koigakubo Junior High School #1. March is the end of the school year. It was a sad day, the kids were really nice, and I always enjoyed the work. It was the best job I've ever had, and I probably won't ever have a better one. I think I have to consider becoming a teacher. But perhaps I would just end up becoming cynical and dwell too much on the negatives that would assuredly come with a more legitimate teaching position.

I took some pictures of the school and the kids. None of the third years, because I ran out of time at lunch.

I never ate very much cheese toast (bread with cheese entered into a toaster oven) back in Canada, but it has become a staple here. Cheese toast and ramen/yakisoba/soup/noodle gratin/etc is a cheap and delicious meal.

I've become very good at living under a tiny budget. I can have two large, nutritious meals a day for less than 400yen (4 dollars or so). If I'm feeling very stingy, I can do it for 200yen. The secret is rice and cheap cup noodles. Pre-made, heat and serve curry is only 80yen, and gyoza are 150yen and provide for two meals. Of course, this just means that I am more willing to frequently indulge in buffets and inordinately large hamburger patties covered in delicious gravy and served with spaghetti and rice.

I think I'll be staying here a bit longer, maybe a month or so. It's too cold to travel right now, and I've gotten into a routine that works well for me.

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Photos

Road to school
Koigakubo is a nice small area one stop from Kokubunji (much bigger). It has farms. That's me one the left. The pollution in Tokyo has taken it's toll.

Path to school
I like how pink that truck is. There should be more bright, exuberant things in Canada. Maybe not.

Far view of school
It could be a perspective trick, but I like how the little bushes appear to be gradually increasing in height.

Sign
Sign.

Gate
Maybe a boring picture. I walk through this gate every day. I once saw a car smash into it. That's not true.

Field
The kids play many sports on this field.

School
Most schools in Tokyo look very similar, and have a similar layout inside. And very often there will be an Elementary school right beside a Junior High school.

Entrance 1
Entrance for teachers and visitors.

Entrance 2
Entrance for teachers and visitors.

Inside Entrance
Every entrance has a small step, and a place to store shoes. At this point you are supposed to change into room shoes or slippers.

Shoe Locker
A teacher made me this nametag. I had a choice of many animals. I like cows.

Room Shoes
These are the same kind that the students wear. I am the only "teacher" to wear them, but I bought them myself. The kids found that amusing.

Shoe Lockers
Many.

Hallway
Ever room has a little sign indicating what is inside. The closest room is 3-D. A really great 3rd year class. Very energetic and eager.

Hallway - other side
I don't know who that person is.

Student's Shoes
Lots.

Sink
There's one of these sinks on the stairwell at every floor.

Second Floor
Bathrooms on the left, teacher's room on the right. Soccer balls and flooring inbetween.

Teacher's Room
I'm not entirely sure why there are power cords dangling from the roof. I heard it has to do with earthquakes.

My Desk
The cow returns.

Comments

[Tony]

Congrats dude. Sounds like you might have to consider moving there. :)