Welcome to KEISEI!~グランツパス高校歓迎セレモニーで国際交流開幕!~
2024年6月13日 歳時記
早朝よりテンション高めでスタートした昨日・・・朝読書の時間から1時間目にかけて、全校あげてグランツパス高校を「歓迎セレモニー」でお迎えしました!セレモニーショットをご覧ください!
I felt high energy from early in the morning… During the time for morning reading and extending into the first period, the entire school came together to welcome Grants Pass High School with a “Welcome Ceremony”! Take a look at the shots from the ceremony!
“Everyone, let’s do a ‘G’!” During the welcome ceremony, one of the leaders, Mr. Nishimura, called out, “Everyone, make a ‘G’ for Grants Pass!” This was the final commemorative photo shot of the welcome ceremony. Including the 40 members from Grants Pass High School, everyone posed with a ‘G’ for the memorial shot! For Keisei High School, with its 102-year history, this is a significant memorial shot!
“Ready… OK!” Class representatives gathered to form the welcome ceremony formation, each holding a “Welcome Board.” In the background, the Japanese drum club began their preparations for their first international debut. The excitement was palpable!
“All Students… Entered!” Keisei students eagerly awaited the arrival of Grants Pass High School, with the “Welcome Boards” at the ready. And then…!!
“Welcome to KEISEI!” Led by Mr. Louis, four staff members, six parents, and 30 students from Grants Pass High School’s band entered with bright, smiling faces. Spontaneous cheers erupted from the Keisei students.
“Here I am! Look at me!”… Pay attention to the third row from the front of the Keisei students. Did they recognize who they were supporting? They called out to the 30 Grants Pass High School students lined up in a row, “I’m right here!”
“Welcome to Keisei High School!”… First, Principal Ito gave a greeting. In addition to discussing the spirit and appeal of Keisei High School, he introduced Mount Aso and Kumamoto ramen, which are unique to the region. From the MC’s table, Ms. Nishimura provided wonderful translations. The translation of “tonkotsu soup” was especially well done!
“On behalf of Grants Pass High School, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality from the teachers, students, and parents of Keisei High School!” These were the first words spoken by Mr. Lewis, representing Grants Pass High School. Next to him, Mr. Kodama, one of the band advisors and a key figure in this international exchange, provided an excellent translation. In the back, at the MC’s table, was Ms. Tamura, the Director of International Education, and next to him were Keisei students, nervously waiting for their turn.
“Welcome to KEISEI HIGH SCHOOL!”… Student Council President Hirakawa gave the welcome speech on behalf of the students, delivering it entirely in English. Wonderful!
“Japanese Cultural Performance Part Shodou・Calligraphy … The demonstration of Japanese culture by the calligraphy club began, synchronized with the background music. Each stroke was carefully crafted with heartfelt meaning. The passion of the calligraphy club members radiated from the stage.
“This is the spirit of Keisei!”… Five Keisei calligraphers expressed the charm of traditional Japanese culture with their whole being! A loud round of applause erupted not only from the students of Grants Pass High School but also from all the Keisei students in the audience. I’m sure even Ms. Saito is watching this live stream!
“Japanese Cultural Performance Part 2 Japanese Drum” … The taiko club, now with seven members including four new recruits, took the stage. Along with Coach Iwasaki-sensei and his sister Rino, they delivered the traditional sounds of Japan to the students of Grants Pass High School.
“Deliver! The resonance of Nippon!” Each strike was infused with soul. The first piece was “Kumamoto Castle,” followed by “KAGAYAKI,” an original composition by Coach Iwasaki-sensei. We were overwhelmed by their power. Taiko drums, known for their world-class volume, were struck with full force. After the performance, the teachers from Grants Pass High School gave a standing ovation! Witnessing the moment when emotion moved people was truly remarkable!
“Now it’s our turn!” As mentioned on the school’s website recently, three students from the second-year advanced course (from right to left: Mr. Mori, Ms. Kuwahara, Mr. Watanabe, who participated in a short-term study abroad program during spring break) had their moment to showcase the results of their practice. They presented alongside a video created to commemorate Keisei High School’s 100th anniversary two years ago (produced by Mr. Furukawa and Mr. Yamazaki), adding explanations in English. Their heartfelt explanations conveyed the essence of the project, warming our hearts.
“In such a wonderful production…” The parents from Grants Pass High School were holding smartphones, capturing the hospitality of Keisei High School in videos. It was evident that they didn’t want the emotions of the moment to end here; they wanted to preserve these wonderful memories. Their sentiment of wanting to hold onto these memories was palpable, and it moved us as well.
“Keisei High School’s 100-year history…‼” While the students from Grants Pass High School certainly felt it, I believe that all Keisei students, upon revisiting the history of Keisei High School’s 100 years, each interpreted it in their own way.
“The introductions of each subject, course, and club activity were led by Okada from 3rd Year Class 3, in the Advanced Course, and Suzuki from 2nd Year Class 5, in the Liberal Arts Advanced Course.” These two students also participated in short-term study abroad programs during spring break, gaining enriching experiences. Their introductions, drawing on these experiences, captured the warm attention of everyone in the gymnasium.
“Thank you for your special kindness!” The group from Grants Pass High School bid farewell to the gymnasium. Later, it was revealed that all the parents, teachers, and students from Grants Pass High School were deeply moved by the warm hospitality of Keisei High School.