This morning, the children returned to school full of energy, and the campus was once again alive with their voices. The second term has begun.

On the playground, elementary students were happily playing together, as if they had been eagerly waiting for this day. Meanwhile, in the library, junior high students were quietly studying. Among them were some Grade 9 boys who had spent their mornings playing soccer during the first term. Perhaps the approaching entrance exams were on their minds. Seeing them focused on their studies, I sensed a growing determination to work toward their goals.

Kindergarten and elementary students gathered in the gym for the opening ceremony. Representatives from Kindergarten and Grades 2, 4, and 6 reflected on the first term and spoke about the events they were looking forward to and their goals for the new term.

The Kindergarten representatives’ speech was particularly memorable. Standing before so many students, they spoke confidently in English about what they had enjoyed in the first term and what they were looking forward to in the second. Speaking in front of an audience is no easy task, even for adults. Their presentation was both heartwarming and impressive. Experiences like this, one small step at a time, help children build confidence and learn to express their thoughts and feelings.

The Grade 6 representatives spoke with the maturity we have come to expect from our oldest elementary students. They hardly glanced at their script, expressing their feelings in their own words. They acknowledged that some friends would be moving on to other junior high schools after graduation. Although they felt sad about that, they clearly wanted to make the most of their remaining time together. When they mentioned the graduation ceremony, I felt a lump in my throat as I realized that, in just about six months, these children would be graduating from elementary school.

At the end of the ceremony, I addressed the students. I shared once again the words that the junior high student council president had quoted at the first-term closing ceremony:

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift.”

Why is today a “gift”? Here is how I see it.

We cannot change the past, and we do not know what tomorrow will bring. But we can decide what to do today, right now. We can play with friends, try something new, or say “thank you” to someone. There are so many things we can do with the day we have been given.

There are many exciting events to look forward to this term. Still, I hope the children will treasure the ordinary days as well as the special ones. My message to them was to enjoy school life and value each day as an opportunity to think for themselves and take action.

Our teachers and staff have also begun the new term in good spirits. Their cheerful greetings this morning brought me joy and renewed energy.

This term, we look forward to working together with you, our parents and guardians, to make AMICUS an even better place for our children to learn and grow. Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Ken Oshiro, Headmaster