An different kind of meeting
Another first. This afternoon was the first Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) meeting for 平成27 (へいせい 27; Heisei 27).
Side note....
In Japan, there are two different styles for writing the year. The first, is the "usual" 2015. The second, is Heisei 27 (abbrev. H27). Heisei refers to the name given to the current emperor, from the time he (99.95% are males) took over the role, or in a cruder way of describing it, the day after the last emperor died. So, Heisei 27 refers to the 27th year of the current emperor`s reign. When he passes away, a public holiday is given to the public in his honour.
The PTA meeting was held on a Saturday afternoon, which seemed to not visibly frustrate any of the staff except me. However, I am sure they were boiling underneath. It was another exhibition of extreme administration and careful planning. It is customary for all teachers in Japan, well my school anyway (haha...), to attend the PTA General Meeting. The teachers sat at the rear of the martial arts hall, while the large pool (150 or so) of parents sat in front. At the very front, in what would be classified as the stage area, the heads of school and PTA sat facing the audience.
It began with everyone receiving a 20-page booklet with an amazing amount of detail within. The School is very open about where the fees are being spent, with the expenditures from all aspects of the school over the past year displayed on the first two A4 pages. The school accountant read all aspects out loud and asked if there were any questions relating to this. There were none. After a message of gratitude to the outgoing members of the PTA, and an official welcoming of the new PTA, the estimated budget for all aspects of the school for the current year was explained in detail by the accountant. He clarified why there may be differences with the previous year, then opened the floor to any questions.
Afterwards, in a sign of gratitude from the PTA, all teachers and the incoming PTA members were treated to an all-you-can-drink banquet dinner at one of the town's nicest hotel-restaurants, which was obviously appreciated by all. It was very funny to see many of the teachers "unmasked", and how quickly they reached that state. The night wasn't without a few surprises though. Firstly, if you have ever experienced the uniqueness of a "wedding party" in Japan before, you would be familiar with the very structured seating plans they put in place. Well, as a newbie, I was seated with a few other newbies at the head table with the principal and other senior management at the school. As I took my place, I was informed that all new employees were expected to get up on stage and sing a solo. After a few minutes of trying to suss out whether this was true or not, I at first said "no". I later changed my mind because I guess there won't be too many people critical of my mispronunciation or skipping of a word or two. It was the most well-received rendition of "Yesterday" I have ever given, one that Sir Paul would be pleased with.
This may be similar to what happens in Australia, NZ, the UK or... wherever, but it was new to me and I wanted to share it. I think it is extraordinarily open and unambiguous, alleviating any suspicion or speculation that can sometimes tarnish a school's reputation. It portrays this school as honest and willing to involve the community in the maintenance and growth of their child's place of learning.
