Welcome Parties

Welcome parties are a big part of the culture of working at Japanese schools. Everyone at school goes to at least two welcome parties: a departmental welcome party and a welcome party for all faculty and staff members. Most teachers go to at least one more party, however, since clubs also have welcome parties (I think we might be having a welcome party for the new members of the baseball team) and there's also the party to welcome the new neighbors.

All these parties, no matter how big or small, have a semi-formal feel, mostly because they always start and end at an official time and with a brief statement or two. But for the most part, they are fairly relaxed events.

The English Department held its welcome party for the three new English teachers this past Thursday at the local izakaya, Masa-chan.

One of the three teachers, Mr. A, is taking over for my supervisor, who was transferred (against his wishes?) to a junior high school in Miyazaki City. He and I are getting along great so far, and I hope our good relationship continues for a long time.

The other two new English teachers are the new junior high school Vice Principal as well as the new Principal. The outgoing Principal was not an English teacher, so our department picked up a member. That gives us a total of eight teachers and makes us the school's biggest department.

I haven't talked very much with the new Vice Principal so far, for whatever reason, but I am happy to say that I have already had a few discussions with the new Principal. He has a really laid-back manner and his English is excellent, so I have an easy time approaching him and talking to him.