--Elementary School--
This leaflet was produced by the Intercultural Information Corner with the cooperation of parents of children and school teachers who have made use of the services offered by the I.I.C.
2015/11/11 作成 〈Contents〉
Forward 1. Papers necessary for transferring school 2. School term and school time 3. Money collection 4. Going to school in groups “Tsugaku-han” 5. Subjects and Report cards 6. Things to prepare 7. School events 8. The school lunch program “Kyushoku 9. School events 10. Health 11. Action flow in a Disaster Check list for the first day
Whenever you go to your child’s school・・・, ・Remember to take your indoor slippers or shoes. ・Take an ID card for school safety (This system is different depending on the school)
Parents join the PTA (Parents and Teachers Association) when their children enter school. PTA Class representatives will be chosen at the first parents meeting in April, but through the year parents cooperate to help their children and the school. The PTA does some activities like class recreation, school clean up and cooperating with the athletic meeting and other school activities. The PTA also cooperates to ensure the traffic safety of the children while walking to school. There is a monthly fee of the PTA.
“Kotsu shido” system by PTA To ensure safety in the morning when pupils go to school, parents take turns doing traffic patrol at the designated spots with a yellow flag. You are expected to do traffic patrol and will be notified about it.
Forward
Ａ）Foreign residents are eligible to enroll their children in Japanese public schools.(under “Convention on the Rights
of the Child”)
*Contact Intercultural Information Corner or Board of Education School affairs division if you can’t get resident
qualification for a long time
Ｂ）If your child attends a public elementary school, they must enroll in the designated school at your residential area.
.
Ｃ）There are 6 years of elementary school (children aged 6-12 years) and 3 years of junior high school (children
aged 12-15years) (For children of Japanese nationality, these 9 years are compulsory Education)
(A child’s legal guardian must send the child to school in this period)
Ｄ）Has your child finished the needed immunization shots?
Intercultural Information Corner has a check list. Please check
Ｅ）Parents are expected to cooperate and be involved with their children’s school life:
・ Daily life ≪Hanko(Inkan)≫
Be responsible and aware of your child’s general health Check “Renrakucho” correspondence
(Check their temperature etc.) notebook every day and put Hanko for
Read the messages and the dairy correspondence notebook confirmation
“Renrakucho” from the teacher carefully. You’ll need “Hanko” for swimming
Make sure your child takes the necessary items to school class, marathon permission and to
Do not make your child forget anything participate other school activities.
・ PTA activities Contact Intercultural Information Corner
Even if you are not a class committee member, if you don’t have “Hanko”, you can
your cooperation with PTA and school events is appreciated. order.
・Telephone network “Renrakumo”
There are 2 types of telephone network (class and PTA). Messages from school or the PTA comes via the
network. After receiving the message, you have to pass it on to the next person. If you have difficulty in
hearing or speaking Japanese, talk your classroom teacher or contact the Intercultural Information Corner.
The school may provide urgent information and information about school activities to the Parent(s) through
computer email address, cell phone email address. (You need to register in advance)
Study
Encourage your children to complete their homework.
≪shukudai (homework)≫
Japanese school has homework almost
everyday. What to do is written in
“RENRAKUCHO”
Ｆ)There is difference between the Japanese ability required for daily conversation and for study. Even if your child
is good at daily conversation, be sure to give them the chance to learn “Japanese for studying” when going to
school. This is especially important if your child will stay long term in Japan. Practice reading numbers, Hiragana
or anything you can do at home.
1. Papers necessary for transferring school
(1) Residence Card and a Resident registration are required.
(2)Submit an application form to Board of Education. After that you will have an interview at school. ※You need to submit some documents ( Family background questionnaire, Pupil’s health questionnaire, insurance) to the school. ※Visit The Intercultural Information Corner! We will help entrance interview for the school, buying items, writing documents and studying Japanese. We also help procedure to Board of Education
2. School terms and school time
jyugyoujikan The school year begins in April. ≪GAKUDO HOIKU≫ (1) The first term “Ichi gakki”:
April ( ) ~July ( ) There are child care centers if for some reasons (work
(2) The second term “Ni gakki”: etc.) you are unable to look after your child after
September ( ) ~December ( ) school. (You need to pay)
(3) The third term “San gakki”: For more information, inquire at the City Hall
January ( ) ~March ( ) Kosodate-Shien-Ka (Tel.922-0151 ext.3224)
＊ On the first few days and the last few days of school, there will be no school lunch, fewer classes and your
child will be let out of school early. Read the notices from the school carefully to know of the each day’s
schedule. (The school provide a letter.)
School begins about 8:30am and finishes at either 2:00 ~ 4:00pm.
After school child care.
If for some reasons (work etc.)you are unable to look after your child after school, there are child care centers
“Gakudo Hoiku” where your child can go.
For more information, inquire at the City Hall Kosodate-shien-ka (Tel. 922-0151 ext.3224)
３. Money collection
The tuition fee and textbooks are free in public elementary and junior high schools.
Please pay other expenses when notified by the school ≪Financial Support to
—school lunch, studying materials, a PTA membership fee of, etc. Attend School≫”Shuugaku enjo”
(1) Collection in cash: There is a support program for families who need
A notice and envelope will be handed out. financial assistance to send their children to school.
Put the exact amount into the envelope and This covers reduced charges for school items,
have your child take it to school on the designated lunches, excursions and medical expenses. Consult
day. (In some cases, the money is collected only on with your classroom teacher.
that one day.)
(2) Bank transfers: Open an account at the designated bank. Expenses are transferred automatically. The school
will notify you of the amount and the details.
＊ Cash( )
＊ Transferring( )
Teaching materials ( )
4. Going to school in groups Tsugaku-han “ ” Pupils meet near their house and go to school in groups “Tsugaku-han”. Fill in the following at the entrance interview. A highest grader in the group mostly fifth- or sixth- grader will be the group leader.
＊Group No. ( ) Leader’s name ( ) (Leader=Hancho) Leader’s grade and class ( ) ＊Meeting time ( ) Meeting place ( )
(1)When your child will be absent from school, write the reason in the correspondence notebook ”Renraku cho” and hand it to the group leader, who will hand it to your child’s teacher at school. ＊If you have a difficulty writing Japanese, please use the correspondence cards at the back of this booklet. (2)For safety reason, pupils are not permitted to return home alone to pick up forgotten items. (3)If your child goes home alone and not in a group, they are expected to go straight home and not drop in anywhere (for playing, shopping, etc.) (4)At the start of the school year, first graders go home in groups for the first few weeks.
5. Subjects and Report cards “Tsuchihyo”
In elementary school, the following subjects are taught. Japanese language Kokugo Arithmetic Sansu ≪Gakushu Yoteihyo≫ Life Environment studies Seikatsu Learning Schedule of each week the learning (1st and 2nd grade) schedule is handed out in advance. The Gakushu Social study (3~6th grade) Shakai Yoteihyo contains learning schedule and things to Science (3~6th grade) Rika bring. Check the schedule and be sure to bring Physical Education Taiiku everything your child needs. Music Ongaku Do not make your child leave anything behind. Drawing and Handicrafts Suga-kosaku
Moral Education Dotoku
＊ Special activities Tokubetsukatsudo, integrated studies Sogo and foreign language activities Gaikokugokatsudo
are also taught
＊ There are swimming classes as P.E during summer.
＊
＊ The report card “Tsuchihyo” is handed to pupils on the last day of every term. “Tsuchihyo” contains student’s
academic record, how your child behaves at school and height and weight measurements.
＊ Each subject is checked by a circle. If the left side column is checked, that means your child is very good in
that category. The middle column means average and the right hand column indicated a less than average
grade.
＊ After you have read the report card, you put your (Hanko/Inkan) on it and send it back to school after the
vacation. (In March, when pupils complete each grade, they bring the report card home so remember to keep it
in a safe place.)
《SOJI》
Pupils clean the classroom, hallways, lavatories, etc. which they themselves use.
In Japanese school, cleaning is considered an important part of the students’education.
6. Things to prepare
See the enclosed sheet “Things to prepare guide for the each school” (1) School bag “Randoseru”: All pupils use these satchels. Everyday students should look at the class schedule and take the necessary textbook and note book to school in the Randoseru. (2) Indoor shoes “Uwabaki”: Pupils must wear indoor shoes at school. Place your shoes properly on the shoe box after you take them off The color of the indoor shoes is ( ). (3) PE (physical education) clothes “Taisogi”: PE clothes are worn in PE classes and school events. Buy them at a designated store. 《BENTO》 (4) School cap “Anzen-bo”: A yellow cap with the school emblem on it is worn on the way to and from school. Buy one at a designated store. (5) Name card “Nafuda”: For safety reasons pupils should always wear a name card at school with their name, grade, blood type, etc. (Some schools require to put name tag during going to school and leaving) (6) Safety hood “Bosai zukin”: Ordinarily, this is used as a cushion on the chair. In case of an emergency, such as an earthquake, the pupil wears it for protection. (7) Umbrella “Kasa” Prepare 2 plastic tripped ends for safety umbrellas for children. Leave one umbrella at school in the case of sudden rain. (“okigasa”) (9)School lunch set: Chopsticks, napkin, etc. wash school lunch set every day. Bring clean items. ＊Cell phone, Money, toys, jewelry, watches, games etc and other items not regarded necessary for study are not permitted at school.. ＊Write your child’s name on all belongings, including each pencils and erasers and other small things . ＊For some of the items the name must be written in the designated place. See the guide book “Tennyu no shiori” to know where to write your child’s name,
≪SUITO≫ Tap water at school is safe to drink. However pupils may not have enough time to drink water during the short recess in summer therefore it’s permitted to bring your own bottle
for prevention of heat stroke.
(you’ll receive a letter from school when the time comes . Write your signature and hand in to the teacher.)You can bring only water or Non-sweet tea
７．Clothes
Clothes should be comfortable to move . Students feel hot when they exercise so It’s convenient to wear adjustable clothes.
*Students change into gym clothes for physical education classes. So the clothes should be easy to put on and take off by yourself. *The gym clothes are half pants and short sleeved shirt even in winter. Students have to take off long sleeved under shirt . so It’s better to wear short sleeved under shirt. *Shoes should be comfortable for running and for outdoor sports. Wear Sports shoes. sandals are not permitted. Students have to wear your own shoes in P.E class. *accessories(pierced earrings etc.) are not allowed at school. Nails are also not allowed. It’s dangerous to dangle a charm from your child’s neck. *Camisoles are not suitable for school. *Tie up her hair if your child has long hair.
８. School lunch program “Kyushoku”
Lunch “kyushoku” is served at school. Everybody eats the same menu.
(1) Your child has to bring a place mat, chopsticks and spoon, a toothbrush, and gauze mask etc.
(2) Each month the menu is handed out in advance.
(3) If your child is allergic to certain foods, please notify the school.
(4) If your child can’t eat school lunch for religious or health reasons, talk with the teacher about it. In the case of (3) or (4), you need to notify the school teacher when you have the first interview at school. (5) The fee for the school lunch program must be paid on a predetermined date. (Refer to 3. Money collection)
(6) Class groups take turns every week serving lunch. When serving food, the pupil must wear a school apron and a gauze mask. The apron will come home on Friday, so please wash and iron it and send it back to school on the following Monday. (7) Lunch start after 12:30. Pupils would be hungry so please make your child eat breakfast every morning.
９. School events
Various events are planned at schools.
(1)Athletic meet “Undo kai”: Pupils perform what they have learned in PE classes (running races and rhythmic exercises.)
This is a family event so if you can take a day off, you are welcome to come to school and enjoy the event. At lunch time everyone enjoys a picnic so bring lunch for the whole family (including your child).
If you can’t attend the Undo-Kai make a packed lunch for your child.
(2)One-day excursion “Ensoku“, Field trip “Shakaika kengaku”: The purpose of the excursion and field trip is often to enjoy nature, have
physical activity or observe various things. A packed lunch is necessary. Pay close attention to what your child has to take. You have to be aware of what will happen, in case of rain, whether they will have classes or go
even if it is raining. (Read the notice carefully) ※ You can buy photos after the events, There is a place you can see photos near your child’s classroom. Go to school and write the number of the photo you want to buy to the envelope and put the money in it. Bring it to school.
(3)Teacher home visits “Katei homon”: The teacher visits your home to learn about home life. It is also a good chance to talk with the teacher. (Once a year)
※ the time is limited so you’d better organize what you want to discuss in advance. (Some schools don’t have it) (4)Open days at school “Jugyo sankan”: Parents can go to school to view classes. (Once a term)
(5)Parents and teachers meeting “Hogoshakai”: Parents and teachers meet at school and talk about how pupils are
doing at school and at home. Teachers may explain school events and the PTA may have something to talk about.(Once a term)
(6)Individual consultation “Hogosha mendan”: Parents visit the school and have an individual meeting with the teacher about how the pupil is doing at school. (Once a year)
You will get a letter for detailed date and time from school. (7)Nature school “Shizen kyoshitsu”: Fifth graders take part and stay at the Oku-Nikko Nature House around
summer (In Tochigi prefecture). The four-day trip including hiking, cooking outdoors, nature observation, etc. (8)School trip”Shugaku ryoko”: Sixth graders take part and learn about the food, special products, etc. of the district
they visit. (A two-day trip) (around fall)
≪Packed lunch “BENTO”≫
Everyone bring Bento when there is an school event such
写真 as Athletic meet “Undo kai”: or One-day excursion
“Ensoku“,It’s common to put rice or rice ball and several accompanying dishes. Many people think about color combination from reds to greens to yellows. Avoid very moist food..
１０. Health
All pupils have medical checkups at school in spring. WhatThey do may vary depending on the grade, but the
following checkups are common. In some cases you have to fill in a questionnaire about your child’s health and
hand it beforehand.
≪ＨＯＫＥＮＳＨＩＴＳＵ≫
(1) Measurement of Height & weight. If a child becomes ill or is injured, he or she will
receive first aid in the nurse’s office, and when
(2) Eyesight Test: If your child wears glasses, be sure to necessary a hospital and /or the child’s home will be take them to school.. contacted.
(3) Hearing Test:
Girls can go to the nurse’s office to get sanitary
(4) General checkup: A doctor examines the pupils. goods in the case of sudden period.
(5) Dental checkup: A dentist checks the pupils’ teeth. If decayed teeth are found, or the alignment of teeth or
the gum needs treatment, the pupil must see a dentist. When the treatment is finished, use the designated
paper attached to the notice to notify the school.
(6) Urine analysis: Take an urine sample at home in the morning and take it to school. This is to test for kidney
damage etc.. ≪ Suspension of attendance ≫ (7) Life style disease prevention test 4th graders . obesity and a blood tes When you got designated sick to be (8) Tuberculosis self-check sheet will be handed out infected, you must not go to school until If your child comes to Japan recently, your child may have to go you get a doctor’s permission. In this case, designated place on designated date to take an X-ray. It’s a 「suspension of attendance」 it (9) Heart examination heart examination survey form will be handed out doesn’t count as an absent. so please fill out and answer every questions precisely as possible.
All pupils take an electrocardiogram.
≪School insurance≫ ≪Trouble with a friend≫
When your child get hurt inside the If you’ve done something by your friend school, you will use school insurance. = talk to your teacher as soon as possible
Contact your school for more If you did something to your friend information =Please contact the school to know what to look for, and to help your
child deal with the problem quickly and efficiently. In Japan parent
go to a friend house to apologize when your child breaks his or her
friend’s belongings or hart friends.
１１. Disasters
(1)If there is an earthquake or any other disasters ※Parents should come to school to pick up your child. Your child stays at school until you pick up. ※Depending the weather condition such as Typhoon, it could be that students go home early. The school will send information to you. Be prepared to receive a massage from school. (2)In the case of Approaching Typhoon or other disasters. The school might change the time or cancel. The school will send you information by urgent calls, letter, and e-mail. or school HP
１2 The place to learn , The place to consult jyugyoujikan Private group that helps you study ◎ 「Nihongo」de benkyokai (NPO Living in Japan) ※Free (Yatsukabunka center) volunteers help your Japanese and subjects study (Junior high and high school students) We have an education conference every July for 3rd graders in junior high school and their parents. ・Target: junior high school students, high school students ・Day :every Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm ( the place changes or close sometimes) ・Tel :090-6123-1835
(Dokkyo University) Mainly university students help your study. You can bring up your future aim and will by contacting a university students. ・Target: Junior high school students, high school students ・Place : Dokkyo university ・Day: every Monday 1:30pm~6pm ( close at the time of university holidays or vacation) ・Tel : 080-2049-4117
( spring vacation, summer vacation) Spring vacation study classes Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays Summer vacation study classes Tuesdays and Sundays Tel : 080-2049-4117
◎ Tagengo gakushu-jyuku ※ Free Volunteers help your Japanese study and homework for school Target : elementaly school students ~ high school student ・Place : 2nd floor at the libraly ・Day : 2nd and 4th Saturday 1:30pm~4:30 ・Tel : 090 -6528-4892
◎ Other Japanese classes There are some more places you can study with local volunteer groups. Target : Adult, some are accept children For more detailed imformation please contact them ・Saturday 11am~12:30pm at chuo-kominkan by Soka NihongonoKai ・Sunday 10:00am~12:00pm at Shinden-mini community center ・Monday 7:00pm~9:00pm at Yatsuka-bunka center
※ List of Japanese Classes in Soka 」Available at The Intercultural Information Corner ※ There is a weekday morning and afternoon class if your child wants to study Japanese before admission to a school.
【consult to a school】 ◎Soka Terakoya (Saturday class)(2nd and 4th Saturday 18times a year) At each elementary school and . For elementally school students and junior high school students who want to study Basic Japanese and math and review the things they learned at school. Children have to bring their own study materials and study by themselves. For more information to enroll, contact your school. ◎ After classes at each school Schools may offer after classes after school and during long term vacations. For more information, please contact to a school.
≪Cram school “Juku”≫private schools that offer lessons conducted after regular school hours. There are
Juku that to prepare students for private junior high school entrance examinations. <
【Places to play with local children after school】
◎ After class for children. “Hokago kodomo kyoshitsu” Local volunteers offer the place where your children can stay at school facilities safety after school , weekends and long term holidays. Children can play with their friends, learn traditional Japanese games from local adults and do their homework. Local volunteers “ Zido supporters” spend time with your child together but this place is not a child care center. Each family has to take a responsibility to participate. 19 schools in the city (out of 21 schools) (2015)
The Intercultural Information Corner offers the following free assistance for your child’s school life.
○ At the entrance interview, helping you and your child communicate with your teacher. ○ Helping your child to study Japanese and getting used to classes. ○ Helping you to understand the notices from school. ○ Helping you to buy items your child needs at school. ○ Helping to check your child’s immunization record.
Intercultural Information Corner Tel. 048-922-2970 048-922-0151 ext.6121
Fax. 048-924-8672
Soka City Hall
（Open on Mondays , Wednesdays, Fridays 月・水・金 9：00am～5:00pm）
Checklist for the first day
Have you got all the information you need for your first day of the school?
1) Do you know what to take?
2) Do you know what time and where to meet the “Tsugaku-han” ?
3) Do you know where the shoe box “Getabako” is?
4) Do you know where to go after arriving at school, to the classroom or the teacher’s room?
5) Do you know what time school finishes?
6) Do you know how your child will go home? Individually?
In a group? Do you meet your child?
7) Do you feel that your child needs help on the first day? If so, juare you going to do it or are you going to ask
for help?
8) Do you know what to do if your child is going to be absent from school?
Now you and your child are ready for school life. We wish you the best for a happy school life!
≪ＮＹＵＧＡＫＵＳＨＩＫＩ≫ This is a ceremony to welcome the new first-year students. The parents of the new students also attend this ceremony. Formal clothes are . The will take a class photo. Bring a big bag. The school gives you textbooks. Parents need indoor slippers or other footwear.
Date and Time: