A Real Leaving Ceremony

ALT’s usually leave schools in the summer and so we just get to give a speech at the closing ceremony. The only good thing about leaving Hitsuyukan now is that I get to experience a real leaving ceremony with the other teachers who are also leaving.

It started at 8:30am when all the teachers who were leaving had to sit together and wait in the principal’s office. Then we had to have a meeting with all of the teachers (about 70 in all) and give a farewell speech. Everyone was crying and I was about ¾ down the list so of course I was very emotional by the time I had to speak. It was nice to have the chance to thank them all for their kindness and help but all I could think about was how much harder it would be to say goodbye to the kids.

A little while later we were escorted to the gym. The whole school was waiting for us and the student’s were especially nervous as they had no idea which teachers were leaving.

As we walked in you could hear the gasps of shock as students started calling to each other the names of the leaving teachers. As I was near the back most didn’t see me at first and it was only later that I heard them shouting my name. Needless to say the tears started early.

I had my speech planned but as I sat listening to the other teachers it just didn’t seem enough. There was so much I wanted to say to the students, to let them know just how much I had enjoyed working with them. When it was my turn to talk I didn’t even use my pre-planned speech and ended up making one up on the spot. At least I know I can bust out the Japanese even when I’m sobbing!

The speech seemed to go down well and many people said it was good so I spent the rest of the day saying goodbye, clearing out my desk and English cupboard (3 boxes and 3 bags worth) and crying even more.

After leaving the school, I had just one more official thing to do – attend the nighttime party. It was an emotional night but I really enjoyed it. I got drunk very quickly as I didn’t have much time to eat. Everyone wanted to talk and pour me drinks and so who am I to say no?! It was great to end on a high and I know it won’t be the last time I see everyone – love to all xxx