Tamagawa Gakuen of Canada Society
TAMAGAWA AT A GLANCE
Volume 1, Issue 4
Serving local and international communities through education
May 2010
YOKOSO! ようこそ Wow!! What a busy month! The grade 8 students have come and gone. They certainly were put through their paces while they were here. They spent a day at Cedar Intermediate demonstrating different aspects of the Japanese culture, such as Origami, Calligraphy, Kendama (games) and Judo. One of the boys even joined in on a lunch time football game. Everyone had a great time, there were even exchanges of email addresses. They Kayaked to Newcastle and learned a valuable Wet, err, West, Coast lesson… Just because it looks like it is going to be a beautiful sunny day doesn’t really mean it will be. They got soaked while camping on Newcastle Island, and then they had to kayak back to the Brechin Boat Ramp in the rain. Once they got back, exhausted as they were, they very stoically went to Romper Room and climbed for 2 hours. Needless to say, they were asleep before their little heads hit the pillows that night. They learned different “team building” skills, the Tozan Society came in and taught them how to make “pinch pots” and a couple of other styles of pottery, and the boys enjoyed going to the dock in the mornings to see if they could catch a fish. I guess it is called “fishing” and not “catching” for a reason. Not even a nibble. All in all the students left with a greater knowledge of the English language, and a lot of photos and wonderful memories.
We have a new addition to the Tamagawa family. A Little girl for Yuho and Kathy. Congratulations to you both!! We had a visit from Shaw TV. Kelly and Bonnie were very lovely. They came to do an interview with us on the recommendation from Vickie Suddaby from the Cedar Skate Park. They came, they saw, they enjoyed some sushi, and they interviewed us. Alas, they did not, in fact make me look like Angelina Jolie. I am a little disappointed but as Yuho stated…”They just don’t have the technology yet!” Thanks for that Yuho. So, you can all look for us on channel 4 on Monday, May 3rd at 6pm. The Sterling Awards was a great experience and it really was an honour just to be nominated. Best that we WON though!! Thank you all for your support! Your cheques will be mailed out shortly. The Tozan Cultural Society has once again fired up the “Dragon Kiln”! On Friday May 7th at 5:30pm they will open it up and see what has developed. The pieces that their guest potter Robert Barron made while here last month will be revealed also. I, for sure will be there to see the results. We now have a Facebook page so if you are a “face-booker”, please check out what we have been up to, and if you have any suggestions or comments, we would really appreciate your input.
For more information on availability and a free estimate on your next retreat or workshop, give us a call at 250-7222511, Fax us at 250-722-2254, email us at info@tamagawa.ca or you can look us up on the web at: www.tamagawa.ca
Phrase of the month 今月の日本語 Can you tell me where this bus goes? Kono basu wa dokoni ikimasuka? このバスは、どこに行きますか？
May 5th is KODOMO NO HI or CHILDRENS DAY Kodomo no hi is a national holiday in Japan it is on May 5th. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. From about 628 AD Kodomo No Hi was called Tango No Sekku “The Boys festival” but recently in 1948 the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude towards mothers. The Girls day or Hinamatsuri, is on March 3rd. Mochi rice cakes wrapped in Oak leaves and Chimaki (a kind of sweet rice paste, wrapped in an Iris or Bamboo leaf) are traditionally served on this day.
Tamagawa is a proud supporter of both the Tozan Cultural Society and the United Way.