Greetings from Karuizawa!
The weather continues to be magnificent overall. Today we had a little rain, which was a nice change of pace and which helped to wash away the thick layer of pine tree pollen that has been accumulating recently. The amount of green everywhere is staggering!
Students have completed three days of exams, and have two more days next week. The weekend is a nice break in the middle of the exam period to rest and recover. In between studying and relaxing, students have also started packing and cleaning. It’s very difficult to believe that the year is almost at an end!!!
Here’s a recap of some of the things happening around the campus this past week:
A number of students and teachers traveled to Matsumoto to see the famous castle, and then enjoyed a visit to the Bessho onsen town. Thanks to Mao (G-11) and Ran (G-10) for showing us around Matsumoto!
Students from the CAS project, Unlock Karuizawa – have been getting some experience with farming. In the picture below, the students experienced harvesting rice on a farm in Miyota. The students are also attended a soba making class in support of the local farmers’ market. You can read more about their experience here.
Below is a picture of Ashley (G-11) interviewing one of the nearby residents, Mr. Ichikawa, for her IB Extended Essay on the repatriation of the Ohinata villagers from Manchuria to Japan. Did you know that many Japanese who were sent to work in Manchuria during Japan’s colonial period were relocated to our neighborhood, Ohinata, upon their return to Japan? It’s an incredible opportunity to get firsthand information about their experiences and reflections. Mr. Sgarbossa remarked, “I like the idea of our students exploring and discovering the memories of “our” village through personal exchange with people from the community.”
Wataru (G-11) participated in an official rugby game held by All Japan School Athletic Federation yesterday. He belongs to Nagano kogyo high school scratch players team. We’re glad that he’s able to follow his passion for rugby!
And, finally, here is a picture submitted by Yasu of some G-11 boys studying in their house after nightly check in.
Have a great weekend! ONE MORE WEEK OF SCHOOL!
– Ms. Murabayashi, ISAK Assistant Head of School
