School on a Sunday

My head English teacher asked me to come in on Sunday to help the speech contest students practice their speeches. I didn't mind helping out, and since I had nothing really important to do on Sunday, I told her it would be alright, so today, I headed out to school on a Sunday morning. The last time I can remember being at school on a Sunday was well..........never. I really can't think of the last time I was at school on a Sunday. In Toronto, we never have school on Sunday, at least not that I was aware of.

When my English teacher asked me to come in, I had the idea that it would just be me, her, and the 3 students at the school. However, when I biked over to the school, and began walking up the hill, I could hear the sounds of brass instruments. As I walked into the school, I saw 4 or more cars parked out in front of the school. When I entered the building, I saw the music teacher talking to a student. He bowed and said "ohayo gozaimasu". I did the same, and before I entered the teacher's room, he told me that the English teacher was across the hall near the gym. I walked over there, and saw her practising with the students. In the gym, there were students playing sports, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a student doing his laps around the school grounds. Holy moly. I was definitely wrong when I thought it would just be me and the English people. It seemed as though everyone was at the school practicing their club activities.


After I finished the practice with the students, I headed into the teacher's office. Yes there were a few more teachers sitting at their desks. Not everyone was there, but more than I had thought. The day finally ended at around 3pm. It was definitely an eye-opener. I guess school never really ends in Japan, at least not where I am. I wonder if these kids ever have time for other things, or if these teachers ever have free time for themselves. It felt really good though - the school here is more like a community centre/school. Basically open everyday, it's a place where students can come and practice sports and a place for them to study. There really aren't any community centres or any real places for kids to go and participate in activities over here, so the school is where all the action is. Without it, the kids would not have activities to do.

When I finally left, I headed over the small library at the town hall to return a couple of CDs I had borrowed. Then I went to some stores to purchase pens and folders, and other stuff that I needed. On my way back at around 5pm, I saw two kids with bikes, but I couldn't really tell who they were. Then I heard one of them scream "Jon sensei". It was a student of mine. He was in his baseball uniform. I said "hey, see you tomorrow" and continued on my way. These kids never stop practicing. It's definitely different from where I'm from.

Since I live so close to the school, it really isn't much of a hassle to go in for a few hours.

In fact, I might just go in again next weekend and participate in some more activities. I might even be able to get some Japanese studying done.