This year’s spring language study trip saw thirty-nine students and two teachers head off to Canada. During their stay, the girls showed just how passionate they could be when it came to knowing about Canada and using their English skills.

Despite only having twelve days, this writer could see that all the students managed to find a slightly different “version” of themselves as they quickly adapted to their new surroundings.

"The basketball club headed off to Asahikawa Fuji Senior High School for a game on the weekend of the 10th and the 11th of March.

Asahikawa Fuji’s basketball club members showed themselves to be not only very accomplished basketball players, they were also extremely considerate and kind to us; they came to meet us at the bus stop, and they started setting up the court on their own without needing any instructions from the teachers. They were all amazing people, and, thanks to them, we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend.

To everyone who helped us with our trip in Asahikawa, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts." A. I. (5th year student)

The current fourth year students have had the pleasure of being involved in many activities connected with diging wells in Cambodia since they were first years. Specifically, they have done their best to support the Dharma Aiikuen Orphanage, founded by Buddhist priest Koji Uchida. It was throught this connection that two young ladies, and , came to Fuji this week to experience life in a Japanese school.

Both women, who were pupils at the orphanage, joined the fourth year students for the week. They attended lessons, enjoyed a cooking lesson, and spent their time interacting with the students at Fuji. The experience was a very valuable chance for all involved to learn about something new and forge new friendships.

Juanita, one of the teachers who look after the students when they go to Australia, came to the school today for a short visit.

A large group of students composed from 3rd years up to 5th years gathered on the seventh floor to first sing her a song, and they then enjoyed reminiscing about their time “down under” while lapping up the delightful Australian accented English.

The art club have almost completed their snow statues. In freezing cold temperatures, the girls are working hard to bring a little bit of shine to Sapporo’s dark winter. Can’t wait!

Jiro’s in trouble!!

Today, the fourth year students learned about how to resuscitate someone. Using “Jiro” the doll, students went over what steps they should take when they come across someone in trouble, and they then put into practice what they had learned.

Girls, please don’t ever forget today’s lesson.

Today, 187 sixth year students made their way up on to the stage to receive their graduation certificate from the headmistress. Faces brimming with hope for the next stage of their adventure, the girls seemed to give off an air of readiness for the many challenges they will take up in the years to come.

After listening to the words of encouragement given by the headmistress, the Bishop of Sapporo, the head of the Fuji PTA association, and a representative of the fifth year students, one of the sixth years gave a moving speech to convey her feelings, and those of her peers. Although it is a rather solemn event, the ceremony was actually a very moving and reflected the bright futures that await these accomplished young women.

Hearty congratulations indeed!

The final day of January at Fuji is the eve of graduation day. As such, the traditional farewell party for sixth year students was held to much acclaim. All of the students had a great morning watching a variety of events and slides, and the laughter showed how thoroughly they enjoyed themselves.

Approximately seventy girls headed across the road to the Fuji kindergarten for a rather special home economics class. Although the kindergarten is right beside the school, students don't have much of a chance to meet the children who are there. Today, however, was different. The students had fun spending time with some of the youngest members of the Fuji family, and the children were only too happy to see the "young ladies" who had come to visit them.

The tea ceremony club performed their "hatsugama" today. This is the first brewing of matcha tea for the new year. Many students came together for this important event and, treating each other to their first year's serving of tea. There can surely be few ways to start the year in as tranquil and peaceful a fashion as this!

Today marked the first school day of 2012. Students had a morning assembly and seemed over the moon to see their friends again. The teachers were, as ever, happy to see their charges again after the long break, too.