The 3rd year study trip to Australia, which was moved from its original schedule in July because of the influenza outbreak, took place during the spring holiday. Based in a primary school in the town of Gawler, on the outskirts of Adelaide in the south of Australia, the sixteen students joined local families to experience Australian culture through a home stay. A warm welcome was given by the local school and community, and the students enjoyed spending time with Australian students, be it during class or at playtime.

This year’s Catholic Calligraphy Exhibition was held in the Citizen’s Gallery in Sapporo from March 26th (Fri) to March 28th (Sun). In addition to the twenty seven recipients of various awards and their families who came to the awards ceremony from all over Japan, Bishops Jinushi and Nomura were also in attendance.

Six students from Fuji were selected for individual awards, and the school was also presented with a group award. The ceremony proved to be an extremely enjoyable event and will no doubt be remembered fondly to all those involved.

On the 26th and 27th, the retreat for senior students was held at Seminar House in Hanakawa. Sixteen students took part in the retreat and enjoyed a peaceful couple of days surrounded by the lovely nature of the Hanakawa campus. Father Morita from Tsukisamu Catholic Church came to give a talk, and the girls enjoyed exploring themes such as “sharing” and “What is my treasure in life” in an environment of stillness and quiet. The students and sisters were able to pray together during Taize prayers and the morning Mass, finishing off two days of peaceful retreat in which the students reflected on many things.

Thoughts of a student:

These two days gave me many chances to look inside myself. Being able to listen to the message of the Bible, as well as chat with other students, teachers and sisters, gave me the kind of time I am never able to afford in day-to-day life. For this, I am very thankful. As for what my treasure may be, it is being able to remain humble and not forget to show compassion when I come into contact with other people.

The final event to mark the end of the junior high stage at Fuji, the third year graduation assembly, has been held. A Mass also formed part of the solemn ceremony as the students marked the end of the first half of their time at Fuji and prepared for the three years of senior high which now await them.

The spring study camp was held with 18 fifth-year students and 4 teachers in attendance. Despite it starting immediately after the year end assembly, the students spent their time diligently studying the classes on offer, as well as using their free time to brush up on any areas in which they were lacking confidence. In the midst of the long periods of quiet study, one could sense the strong conviction of the soon-to-be sixth year students.

The ENEX 34th Energy Conservation Month Awards Ceremony (motto: “stable technology and a stable future for a low carbon society”) were held on Wednesday the 10th of this month.

Project focus

Teachers were properly aware of energy conservation.

Teachers successfully conveyed this awareness to their students.

A 20% reduction in electricity consumption was forecast despite an increase of electrical appliances being used at the school.

“Successful diffusion of and implementation of energy conservation awareness”

Energy conservation projects were successfully passed on from school administration staff to teachers, and from teachers to students. The topic of energy conservation was then incorporated into classes, thereby providing the unique platform for encouraging students to put this into practice in their respective family homes. The lending of machinery used for measuring and analysing electricity consumption to students helped them put their respective energy conservation projects into practice and, after adequate self evaluation and observation, they were able to submit reports of a very high standard.

The annual Carta Competition was held today during 5th and 6th period. Those who came top in their own class in the trials put their acumen to the test against students from other classes in competition for the year prize. Individual matches were also held which added to the feverish excitement, as hands moved at lightning speed towards the tiles throughout the entire gym.

The eagerly awaited junior high ball day was held with the traditional events for "balls in the basket", table tennis, volleyball, and basketball. The students, even if just for one day, forgot about their age differences and enjoyed putting their all into competing against each other with a view to reaching the finals.

As morning turned into late afternoon, the shouts and squeals from the gym steadily increased in volume and, by the last match, the school corridors were reverberating with the frenzied cries of support from those watching and effort from those playing.

A sweet slumber now surely awaits the girls this evening!

Fumino Saito, a second year student has been awarded the Japan Library Association Director's Prize for an essay she submitted for the All-Japan Bookreading Youth Essay Competition. From a total of 4,400,000 applicants, 70 were chosen to receive a prize, and Fumino found herself to be one of the those people. The crown prince of Japan, various authors, and officials connected to the Ministry of education were all in attendance as Fumino was presented with a certificate after winning third place in the junior-high school category.

Hearty congratualtions indeed!

The 2010 elections to decide the executive members of “Fujinami” student council were held today. One student each had put their names forward for the three posts of president (high school student), and vice-president (junior and senior), and they were all given a vote of confidence. Here’s to a good year!

The 61st graduation ceremony was held in the Fuji auditorium today. With many family members, staff, and students in attendance, each of the 6th year students made their way onto the stage to collect their graduation certificate. Some talks were given by Bishop Jinushi, the head of the PTA association, and the headmistress, no doubt impressing upon the students that today marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Girls, continue now with hope along the path you have chosen, and don't forget that your Fuji family are always praying for you.