INTRODUCTION

Welcome!
by Sue Lin, asistant English teacher of IZUMI HIGH SCHOOL

Izumi High School (Izuko) was founded in 1901. This past year, Izuko celebrated its 100-year anniversary. There were two events to commemorate the schoolfs anniversary. The 1st one took place at Festival Hall in Osaka, where all the staff and students watched and listened to a symphony. During the finale, a chorus, consisting of some staff from Izuko and some Alumni, sang Beethoven B12 while the symphony performed.

The next event took place at Madoko Hall in Haruki. During the ceremony, 3 graduates from Izukosei gave moving speeches. One was a climber, the second was a famous designer, and the third cafe owner. Many graduates from Izuko go on to university or colleges and some have become famous athletes, designers, or businessmen or women.

Every fall, Izuko has a school festival; it lasts for two days. Students, their friends from other high schools, and their family members often come and enjoy the festival. During the school festival, many homerooms have a theme. For example, one homeroom set-up their room to be a haunted house while another served various dishes they prepared. There are many events that happen during these two days. There is a battle of the band concert, students put on plays, and there are other various performances. My favorite was Cinderella. It wasnft your typical fairytale. The play was funny and entertaining. Some boys dressed up in womenfs clothes and the students themselves designed the set. Students often make new friends and make some great memories during this time.

To end this two days school festival, there is a big bonfire on school grounds around 6 pm. During the finale, students play bingo, winners win various prizes; such asca disposal camera and some treats. Afterwards, students and some teachers join in this crazy dancing. The students and teachers join hands to form this enormous circle and they skip to the left then the skip to the right, then suddenly everyone charges to the center. In the center of this dance, it looks like a moshing pit. Itfs quite fun, but itfs can be a little dangerous too. So you best take some precaution when you join this dance. Students and teachers also do another dance, which resembles a bunny hop.

Not only does Izuko have a 2-day school festival in the fall, they also have a sport festival. Itfs an all day event and students and some teachers participate in various sport competitions. For example, there was a cheerleading competition, where each team designed and made their own costumes and choreographed their own dance and cheer. There were relay races, chicken fights, etc.

High school in Japan is very different than the states. Students must wear a school uniform and students and teachers are required to be in school all year round. Even if the teachers arenft teaching and students donft have classes they still have to go to school. Why? Well, students still have club activities and the teachers have to supervise the clubs they are in charge of; also teachers are extremely busy correcting examines, testing, or preparing for the next term.

Some clubsf have practice almost everyday, even on Sunday. Even though club activities are optional, students are very dedicated to their club. They will even go when they are sick. I think Japanesefs students are very devoted, who else would dedicate 2-3 hours everyday after school to a club activity and several hours during the weekend too? I think that clubs are a good way for students to make lots of friends and build life long friendships. It also helps them to work together and accomplish goals together. Izuko have many clubs. If you are interested in finding about more about the school and the club, you can email us at:m11481p@edu-c.pref.osaka.jp