Welcoming new students in April

Do you remember your first day at school? Was it in the first chill of autumn as it is in Canada, the US, or the UK? Or perhaps you were ushered into school in January in Australia’s summer?

I vaguely remember the chaos of the first day at a Vancouver high school, scrambling to find my name on a roster with a crowd of other kids, some I knew, some I would soon make friends with. Most of us were accompanied by parents pushing us along in various languages (it has always been a multicultural city). We briefly met our homeroom teachers and then it was full throttle into lessons.

The cherry blossoms coincided with the school opening in 2024, photo Luriko Yamaguchi

It’s a very different experience in Japan with a lengthy induction of new students culminating in an entrance ceremony. Each scholastic milestone - elementary, junior, senior high, and university has a ritualized way of bringing new students, 新入生, shinnyusei, into the student body.

A formal start

Earlier this year, I told you about受験シーゾン, juken season, the grueling test regime for entrance into private six-year high schools, and prefectural senior high schools. Admission to these schools is recognized with highly ritualized entrance ceremonies. They typically feature the national anthem, the school song, a reading of letters from various community leaders, and speeches. At junior and senior high schools you’ll hear from members of the school’s committee, the principal, and a representative from the current student body, the 在校生 zaikousei. The last speech is from a representative of the incoming students. It’s lovely to hear the fresh voice of a new member of our school.

If you’re embedded in the first-year teacher staff, you may have to appear on stage with your fellows, which requires you to dress the part. Many schools go all out with 礼服 reifuku, black formal dress - black suits, corsages for women, and white ties for men. This year, Those of us in other year groups were instructed to wear dark suits and white shirts.

Orientation

At our school, orientation is a full two days. Students are introduced to the school, club activities, the rules and expectations, and introduce themselves to their fellows. The orientation precedes lessons for the new students. I’m already starting other grade lessons at our school and have a lot of time for preparation and paperwork. Most years I put in a brief appearance to say hello to introduce myself and the English club that I lead.

Curiosity and warmth

On the first day, I noticed a new boy inspecting some of the architectural details of our school. It was fun to chat with him about the unique design and show him around the garden to see the plantings. On the second day, while my colleague and I were in a meeting, some new students on a break stopped by to say よろしくお願いします, yoroshiku onegaishimasu, the all-purpose greeting to say hello and ask for cooperation. It was lovely to see these proactive young people feeling at ease and ready to go.

Are you a teacher who experiences entrance ceremonies? What were the highlights for you?