We are Friends from Today (Elementary School)

～ Guide for Parents/Guardians of Children with Foreign Nationalities, Japanese Children Who Have Returned from Abroad, or Children in Similar Situations ～

Welcome to Yokohama

Japanese schools are probably different in various ways from those of your country. This guide will provide you with information so that you can more easily understand school practices and school life in Japan. If you have any questions, feel free to ask a teacher. We hope your child will enjoy his or her time with us.

February, 2015

英 語

City of Yokohama

Contents

1. Japanese schools ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 1～3 2. In preparation for entering school ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3～5 3. School life ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5～9 4. School events and parents/guardians’ involvement ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 9～11 5. Grade promotion and moving to the next-level of school ・・・・・・・・・ 11 6. A few words directly to the children・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 12 7. Various support organizations ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 12～15

1. Japanese Schools

① Japanese educational system Education is compulsory for the first nine years (from age 6 to age 15).

Children whose sixth birthday is on or before April 1 enter the first grade of elementary school in April of that year, and continue there through the 6th grade.

◆Grade level is based on the child’s age. (Children born from April 2 to April 1 of the following year are in the same grade.)

◆Which school the child attends is based on where he or she lives. ② A typical year’s calendar at elementary school (events and timing vary slightly from

school to school)

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

★Shin-Gakki (new school term) starts ★

Nyugaku-shiki (Entrance ceremony): To welcome new 1st graders (p. 5).

Shigyo-shiki (Opening ceremony) Previous 1st to 5th graders move up to the next grade; there may be some

shuffling among classes depending on grade.

Shintai sokutei (Physical check-up): Height and weight are measured by school nurses.

Kenko shindan (Medical check-up): Doctors examine the children, checking the state of their health and

growth.

Katei homon (Home visits): Homeroom teachers visit children’s homes to discuss home and school life

with parents/guardians (p. 10).

Swimming (pool): Part of physical education class.

Kojin mendan (Individual interviews): Consultations between homeroom teachers and parents/guardians

about their children (p. 10).

★Natsu Yasumi (Summer Vacation)★

Long vacation of about 30 – 40 days. Homework is assigned to children.

Kojin mendan (Individual meetings): Consultations between homeroom teachers and parents/guardians

about their children (p. 10).

Junior high school (3 years) – compulsory

University/college, junior college, technical school

※All applicants take an entrance examination for admission.

High school (3 years)

Enter the workforce, etc.

※All applicants take an entrance examination

Elementary school (6 years) – compulsory

Please read Point! on

“Long Vacations” on the

next page

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January

February

March

★Fuyu Yasumi (Winter Vacation)★

Approximately two-week vacation.

Sotsugyo-shiki (Graduation ceremony): To mark completion of study at elementary school (p. 10).

Shuryo-shiki (Completion ceremony): To mark the end of the academic year.

★Haru Yasumi (Spring Vacation) ★

Approximately two-week vacation.

A new school term starts in April, after the spring vacation. In principle, all children are promoted

to the next grade (p. 11).

＊Four or five Jugyo sankan (class visits) by parents/guardians per year (p.10).

③ A typical day at elementary school (exact times vary slightly from school to school)

ポイント！ Long vacations There are long vacations in spring, summer and winter. If children are absent beyond the vacation periods, or miss significant school at any other time, they will fall behind in their schoolwork. Please ensure your child’s attendance except during the vacation periods scheduled by the school.

Arrive at

school

School children go to school using school-designated routes, called tsugaku-ro (school route) (p. 5). At some schools children living near each other meet first and go to school together.

Morning meeting Teachers tell the children about the day’s schedule, etc. They also make sure the children appear healthy (health observation).

Classwork

Children and teacher eat lunch together in the classroom (p.8).

Cleaning/afternoon break Children clean their classrooms and common areas at the school (p.9).

During a long break, they play in the schoolyard or classroom.

About 8:00

About 12:30

Teachers explain the next day’s schedule and remind the children of any special preparations.

Children go home with their friends. Time varies according to grade and day of the week.

Schedules vary according to grade and day of the week. There are brief breaks between classes.

Afternoon study varies according to grade.

Lunchtime

Classwork

Afternoon meeting

Going home

Point！

PM

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Basic Rules of Japanese Schools

▶ Attend school every day according to the school schedule ▶ ※If a child will be absent or late, a parent/guardian must

inform the school no later than that morning, by

delivering/sending the communication notebook

(renraku-cho) to the school. ▶ Do not leave the school premises for security reasons after

arriving at the school.

▶ Attend all the classes and school events, unless there are

special reasons.

2. In preparation for entering school ① Items to be used at school

Randoseru Fude-bako Empitsu

(Satchel) (Pencil case) (Pencils)

Keshi-gomu Shita-jiki Uwa-baki with a bag (Eraser) (Plain plastic sheet) (Indoor shoes with a bag)

Kyushoku-bukuro Dogu-bako Bosai-zukin (School-lunch bag with (Case with scissors, glue and (Disaster prevention hood) Napkin, face mask, towel origami or colored folding pager) To wipe mouth)

※In the case of absence or lateness, contact the school before the time school is scheduled to start (p.6).

Point！

Point！ Confirm before buying Please confirm with the homeroom teacher what items are needed because necessary items are different according to school and grade.

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Taiso-gi set Zokin/sentaku-basami Pool set

(Gym wear and cap) (Wiping cloth and laundry clip) (Swimwear, cap, towel)

Noto Pastel colors Kureyon

(Notebooks for Japanese, (Different from crayons) (Crayons, 12 colors) arithmetic, other uses)

Kakikata-pen Namae-pen Sero-tape

(Pen for writing practice) (Permanent marker to write names) (Cellophane tape)

Renraku-cho Renraku-bukuro Abura-nendo/nendo-ban (Communication notebook) (Communication bag) (Clay in a case & working board)

Point！ Write the child’s name on all belongings

Write clearly, with a permanent marker, the grade and name of the

child on all belongings.

Be sure to write in hiragana so that the child can also read it.

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② Expenses for elementary school education Japanese public elementary schools are tuition free and textbooks are also free. Parents/guardians are, however, required to pay for school lunches (4,000 yen/month paid to Yokohama City), charges for field trips, school excursions, items/supplies the children use at school, PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) membership fees, etc.

Expenses are paid automatically (basically monthly) from your account at a bank specified by the school. If you do not have such an account, it will be necessary for you to open one.

If you have any problems, please contact the school. If family income is not sufficient to pay the expected expenses, a School Expense Subsidy system is available. Please consult with the school.

③ Nyugaku-shiki (Entrance ceremony) An entrance ceremony is an official event to welcome new first graders. The students, their parents/guardians and teachers gather in the school gymnasium to celebrate the occasion. Parents/guardians should attend in appropriate attire, not everyday casual clothes. At the ceremony, the school principal makes a speech, the teachers are introduced, and information on school life is provided. Children’s class assignments are also announced, but there are no classes that day. The ceremony ends before noon.

3. School Life

① Going to and from school School children must go to school using the school-designated route, called tsugaku-ro (school route). For their personal safety, they must walk only on the designated roads.

Some schools conduct group commuting. (The group is called toko-han.) Children meet first at a designated place and proceed to school in groups. If this applies to your child, please find out the correct place and time.

Point！

※School Expense Subsidy The School Expense Subsidy system is available for those who cannot pay expenses for school supplies and school excursions (p. 9). You may apply for it at the school. An income certificate will be required.

Rules for commuting to school ▶ Do not use routes other than

tsugakuro. ▶ Walk. Do not use bicycles. ▶ Ask the school about

toko-han.

Point！ Traffic rules ▶ Be attentive to safety; cross at

pedestrian crossings and obey traffic signals.

▶ Parents/guardians and children should always follow traffic rules in daily life.

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② Absence, lateness and leaving early If a child is going to be absent or late, a parent/guardian should inform the homeroom teacher. Please write the reason in the communication notebook (renraku-cho) and deliver it or ask a sibling or friend of the child to deliver it to the teacher. When a child is sick and must leave school early, a parent/guardian is asked to come to school to pick the child up. The child will not be allowed to leave school alone.

◆How to write Japanese English How to write

けっせき します My child will be absent. Kesseki shimasu

ちこく します My child will be late. Chikoku shimasu

そうたい します My child must leave school early. Soutai shimasu ◆Reasons

ねつ My child has a fever. Netsu

きもちが わるい My child feels bad. Kimochi ga warui

はきけがする My child is nauseous (or is throwing up).

Hakike ga suru

せき My child has a cough. Seki

かぜ My child has a cold. Kaze

インフルエンザ My child has the flu. Infuruenza

あたま が いたい My child has a headache. Atama ga itai

みみ が いたい My child has an earache Mimi ga itai

は が いたい My child has a toothache. Há ga itai

けが を した My child was injured. Kega o shita

びょういん に いく My child will see a doctor. Byouin ni iku

おなか が いたい My child has a stomachache. Onaka ga itai ◆Examples of “How to write”

Ex. 1: My child will be absent from school because he/she has a cold. Kesseki shimasu. Kaze desu. Ex. 2: My child will be late for school because he/she is going to see a doctor.

Chikoku shimasu. Byouin ni ikimasu. Ex. 3: My child will leave school early because he/she is going to see a doctor.

Soutai shimasu. Byouin ni ikimasu.

Point！ ① Try not to miss school If a child does not appear at school, the school’s primary concern is whether a parent/guardian is aware of this. Unless sick or in poor physical condition, children should always come to school, even if late. Otherwise they will fall behind in their studies.

② Being absent for health reasons When a child is in poor health, has a fever, etc., he or she should remain at home and rest. If a child becomes sick at school and must leave early, a parent/guardian must come to pick him/her up.

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Please inform the homeroom teacher immediately in the following situations: ▶ When your home telephone number, cell phone number

and/or address have changed. ▶ When your workplace or emergency telephone number have

changed. ▶ When it has been decided that your family will leave Japan.

In the event of a large earthquake while children are at school

Children may be kept in the custody of the school and parents/guardians may pick them up at the school.Please contact the school in advance to learn how to respond when an earthquake occurs.

③ Subjects and contents One lesson at elementary school lasts 45 minutes.

Subjects/classes Contents

Kokugo (Japanese) Shosha (Japanese calligraphy)

The Japanese language

Sansu (Arithmetic) Calculations and diagrams Seikatsu (Social studies) (1st – 2nd graders)

Daily life

Shakai (Social studies) (3rd – 6th graders)

Geography, history and politics

Rika (Science) (3rd – 6th graders)

Nature and science

Ongaku (Music) Songs, musical instruments, music appreciation, etc.

Taiiku (Physical education) Physical exercise and study about the body (gym clothes needed)

Zuko (Arts and crafts) Pictures and manual arts Eigo (English) English Kateika (Family and consumer science) (5th – 6th graders)

Cooking, sewing, etc.

Sogo (General) (3rd – 6th graders)

Research and study on self-selected themes

Dotoku (Moral education) Living as a human being Japanese schools are places where children develop their personalities as well as follow academic paths. Schools aim to help children acquire “scholastic ability,” “rich personalities” and “health and physical strength,” all as part of the “power to live.” In this sense, such subjects as music, physical education, and arts and crafts are as important as math, science, history, and so on.

Point！

Point！

Sharing a Child’s Heart Children in an environment different from the one they knew can feel confused and at a loss, not only at admission and entry, but at any time thereafter. Even if parents/guardians do not understand Japanese, they are urged to stay close to their child when he or she is doing homework, to ask the child about school and so on.

Point！

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Notes on preparing obento

Be especially careful about food poisoning in the rainy season

▶ Drain liquids well (wet foods spoil more readily).

▶ Do not pack hot and cold items together in a lunch box.

▶ Allow freshly cooked items to cool before closing the lid.

▶ Prepare only the amount your child can eat.

④ Fukuso (Clothing) There are no school uniforms at elementary schools. Please dress your child in clothing that allows free movement. Shoes should be suitable for vigorous activities and be ones the child can put on without assistance. The child should also have a handkerchief and a package of tissues.

⑤ Kyushoku (School lunch)

School lunch is provided at elementary schools. Children have lunch with their classmates and teachers in their classrooms. Lunch is prepared according to menus created by professional nutritionists as best for children’s sound growth.

Within each class, children take turns serving the prepared lunches to the rest of their class for a week. White aprons and caps are provided by the school. At the end of the week, Friday, the children who served take the aprons and caps home to be washed and ironed, and bring them back to school on Monday. Children at Japanese schools do not bring their own snacks or drinks for lunch. Please do not let your child do so.

⑥ Obento (Japanese box lunch / home-made lunch)

On sports days, for excursions and the like, when ordinary school lunches are not served, children eat homemade lunches (obento) brought from home in the morning. When preparing such a lunch for your child, be sure that the items you include will last the day without refrigeration. There is no need to prepare anything special. If you cannot make the lunch yourself, you can buy ready-made foods or side dishes and place them in a lunch box. Some schools ask that children also bring their own drink bottle, and sometimes the content is limited to water or tea. Please check this with the homeroom teacher.

Point！

If your child cannot eat certain foods for religious reasons, or has an allergy to a particular food, please discuss this with the school.

Point！

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Learning the importance of cooperation through group activities Shukuhaku taiken gakushu and shugaku ryoko are not vacations, but educational activities. In Japanese schools, children learn rules and manners through group activities.

In principle, all should participate.

⑦ Soji (Cleaning) Children clean the school after their afternoon break or after school. This is an important part of their education – classmates working together to clean the place where they study and play.

⑧ Club activities (for 4th – 6th graders) and committee activities (5th and 6th graders)

Various club activities are available for 4th – 6th graders. Choosing among them and participating is compulsory. Time for them is included in the school schedule. Please ask the homeroom teacher for details.

⑨ Health

◆ If a child gets sick or is injured at school Attention and first aid are provided in the school nurse’s office (hoken-shitsu). If necessary, the school will contact a parent/guardian, who may be requested to come and pick the child up. The school has no oral medicines available.

◆ Health examination The school conducts health examinations including check-ups by a general physician, dentist and an ear, nose and throat specialist. There is also urine analysis and a pinworm egg test to check for parasitic worms in the digestive tract (samples brought from home).

4. School Events and Parents’/Guardians’ Involvement ① Shukuhaku taiken gakushu/shugaku ryoko (Overnight trips)

Overnight trips are usually taken by 4th and 5th graders (details vary from school to school) and 6th graders go on somewhat longer school excursions (shugaku ryoko). These offer opportunites beyond those available at school to learn about local nature and culture, to deepen mutual understanding, and more. They are important educational activities. If there are concerns about ※expenses, meals during a trip, bathing, etc., be sure to consult with the teachers.

Ex.) Soccer, athletics, basketball, badminton, hip hop dancing, table tennis, music, science, drawing, handicrafts, and more.

Point！ If concerned about ※expenses

There is a system called School Expense Subsidy (p.5). An application can be made to the school.

Part of education Cleaning, and club and committee activities do not have academic curriculums, but they contribute to the sound growth of the children in school and in life.

Point！

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② Events with participation of parents/guardians

There are various school events every year, including entrance and graduation ceremonies and sports days, and parents/guardians are sometimes asked to come.

③ Bosai/bohan kunren (Disaster/crime prevention drills) ◆ Hinan kunren (Emergency evacuation drill)

Drills are staged in which the children evacuate to the schoolyard or to the school gymnasium under the guidance of teachers, as they might have to do in the event of a fire or earthquake. Children learn the evacuation routes and practice safe, quick movement. A bosai-zukin (disaster prevention hood) is used.

◆ Fushin-sha shin-nyu taio kunren (Drill in response to intrusion by a suspicious person) This is a drill on how to act if a suspicious person enters the school. ◆ Hikitori kunren (Drill on releasing children to their parents/guardians)

This is a drill on ensuring safety and certainty when handing children over to parents/guardians after an earthquake or disaster. Be sure to come to school as part of the drill to learn the procedures and meet your child.

④ Jugyo sankan/kondan-kai (Class visit by parents/guardians)

Parents/guardians visit school and observe their children in class. This is also a good opportunity to see how your child gets along with classmates. Some schools undertake this event on Saturday or Sunday for the benefit of working parents/guardians. Please be sure to attend.

⑤ Katei homon (Home visit)

The homeroom teacher visits the home of each of his/her students to talk with a parent/guardian about the child’s life at school and at home. Each visit is about 10 – 15 minutes. If necessary, an interpreter can be requested at school.

⑥ Kojin mendan (Individual meeting/educational consultation)

This is an individual meeting at school between a parent/guardian and a homeroom teacher, sometimes with the child present, to talk about educational issues, but can also address personal problems and worries. Kojin mendan take place at a specified time and day. The homeroom teacher will explain this in writing (letter) in advance. You may ask the school to arrange an interpreter. Please be sure to attend.

Entrance and graduation ceremonies are the

school’s official events to celebrate major points in

the children’s life. Children and parents/guardians

should attend them in clothing appropriate to the

occasion, not casual attire (p. 5).

On sport days, children take part in organized events and games, while parents/guardians witness their growth and cheer. For lunch, children eat obento with their families (p. 8).

School volunteer interpreter You may ask for an interpreter when you talk with teachers in individual meetings, home visits, etc. Please consult with the school.

Point！

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⑦ PTA (the name varies depending on the school)

PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is an organization for parents/guardians and teachers with the goal of improving the quality of life of children through cooperation with each other. Parents/guardians can come to not only understand their child’s school life better, but become acquainted with other parents/guardians.

5. Shinkyu and shingaku (Grade promotion and moving to the next-level of school)

At the elementary school level, the child’s grade is, in principle, determined by age. Every student is promoted to the next grade and can graduate with his or her class even if academic performance has been poor. Please consult with the homeroom teacher if you are concerned about the academic performance of your child. To go to high school, however, all students, whether Japanese or non-Japanese, must take an entrance examination.

Ask anything you want to know! Share your concerns, etc.！

Class visits, individual meetings, teacher’s home visits – each is a good opportunity to talk with the teacher. If you have a problem or concerns, be sure to air them. You may talk with any teacher at the school, not just the homeroom teacher. You may also request the help of an interpreter. You may also learn more about your child’s school life by talking about school with him or her at home. Class visits, individual meetings, teacher’s home visits – each is a good opportunity to talk with the teacher. In order for children to enjoy school, parents/guardians must take an active interest their child’s schoolwork, hopes for going on to high school, etc., and must work together with the school to encourage and support the child.

Point！

Point！ Bring your own slippers！ Indoor shoes/slippers are not provided by schools for visiting parents/guardians. Be sure to have your own slippers when you go to the school.

Another consultation opportunity ◆School counselor

You may seek advice (free of charge) from the school counselor on matters related to your child. Please talk to the school if you would like to use this service.

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6. A few Words Directly to the Children ① Belongings

◆ Do not bring items to school that are not related to school life (Ex. Money, cell phone, games, comic books (manga) ,※toys, snacks, etc.)

◆ Ask a parent/guardian to write your name on all belongings with an oil-based marker

② Appearance

◆ Do not have your hair dyed or permed. ◆ Do not wear accessories, make-up, nail polish, pierced-earrings,

etc.

③ Going to and from school, and leaving school premises ◆ Go to school according to the school schedule every day. Do

not be absent. ◆ For security reasons, do not leave the school premises once you

have arrived. ④ Other

◆ School may be canceled for the day if there is a typhoon or heavy snow. This will be the case if an official warning (kei-ho) – storm warning or heavy snow warning – is in effect at 7 o’clock in the morning. (Note: A kei-ho (warning) is different from a chui-ho (advisory); school will not be canceled for an advisory.) Be sure to monitor weather reports on NHK TV (channel 1). Then please stay at home, as it may be dangerous to go out.

Note: In Yokohama, there will be no school if a bofu kei-ho (storm warning) or oyuki kei-ho (heavy

snow warning) is issued, but there will be school in the case of an oame kozui kei-ho (heavy rain and flood warning).

7. Various support organizations Various school and regional support activities are available to support study by children with foreign

nationalities, children who have returned from abroad, and so on. ① International class

An international class is established at elementary and junior-high schools where there are many students with foreign nationality. A teacher works closely with children needing help in the Japanese language or in other subjects where they are having difficulty. He or she also works personally with any child to help the child acclimatize himself or herself to the Japanese school environment. Similarly, if a parent/guardian needs an interpreter or a full explanation of something they do not understand, they may ask for help at the international class. Where there is no suc h international class, please ask the homeroom teacher.

※Follow the rules

School is for learning. School lunch is provided. It is important to follow rules, for example, on eating at the designated time and not bringing unnecessary things, in order to have a pleasant school life.

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② Japanese-language classes offered by Yokohama There are classes for children who do not understand Japanese, offered by the city of Yokohama. Please ask a teacher at your school.

③ Native-language volunteer support

The city of Yokohama can send a volunteer English speaker to school to help your child adjust to school life and to study. Inquire at the school and the school will apply for you.

④ Volunteer Japanese classes The Naka International Lounge offers Japanese classes for adults, taught by volunteers. For details, please contact the Naka International Lounge: (045) 210-0667.

⑤ Hokago Kids Clubs (After-school clubs for children)

Some schools provide a place at school where children can spend time after school, on Saturdays or during long vacations. 500 yen per child needs to be paid per year into an insurance fund. Use after 5 p.m. is at an addition charge. Registration is required. Please contact the club at your child’s school.

⑥ Hamakko Fureai Schools (After-school supervised activities in Yokohama)

Some schools provide places at school where children of different grades can play together after school. These are called “Hamakko Fureai Schools.” 500 yen per child needs to be paid per year into an insurance fund. Please register your child’s participation directly at the desired Hamakko Fureai School.

⑦ Hokago Gakudo Clubs (After-school clubs for school children)

Elementary school children whose parents/guardians work and cannot be at home can spend time together under the care of childcare officials. There is a charge for this service. Please inquiry directly at the desired club.

Point！ Places where children can spend time safety after school！ Hokago Kids Clubs, Hamakko Fureai Schools and Hokago Gakudo Clubs are operated at schools and in various areas. Times of services and charges vary. Please check with the school.

Point！ If your child does not understand Japanese! A teacher/instructor who can speak your language will come to the school your child attends to help him/her learn the Japanese language. Please talk with your child’s teacher.

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⑧ Organizations available for educational consultation 1) Naka International Lounge http://nakalounge.main.jp/

Building 6F, 3-33, Masago-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama (North Exit of JR Kannai Station). →1st FL. of Naka Ward Office Annex, Nihon Odori 34, Naka-ku, Yokohama (Next to Naka Ward Office) Consultation and information are available in multiple languages (English, Chinese and Japanese). Parents/guardians who do not understand Japanese sufficiently are advised to visit the lounge before talking to school officials about entrance procedures and so on. Tel: (045) 210-0667; Fax: (045) 224-8343 Open: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday)

Naka International Lounge will be moving back to its original building in the middle of March. Because of the moving, we are closed between March 13th and 17th IN 2015. From March 18th, we will be back to the 1st floor of Naka Ward Office Annex,Located next to the main building. 2) Minami Shimin Katsudo Tabunka Kyosei Lounge

http://tabunka.minamilounge.com/index.php

Urafune Sogo Fukushi Shisetsu 10F, 3-46, Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama 232-0024 (5 minutes’ walk from the Municipal Subway’s Bandobashi Station; 10 minutes’ walk from the Keihin Kyuko Line’s Koganecho Station. Consultation and information in multiple languages (Chinese, English, Thai, Tagalog and Japanese), and professional consultation on laws, residence status and education, are available. Parents/guardians who do not understand Japanese sufficiently are advised to visit the lounge before talking to school officials about entrance procedures and so on.

CERTE

(From Mar.18)

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Tel: (045) 232-9544 (Japanese) (045) 242-0888 (Other languages) Fax: (045) 242-0897 Open: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

3) Yokohama Association for International Communication and Exchanges (YOKE) http://www.yoke.or.jp/

Yokohama International Organization Center 5F, Pacifico Yokohama, 1-1-1, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-0012 Professional consultation in the areas of laws, residence status and education are available. Tel: (045) 222-1209 Fax: (045) 222-1187 Open: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. / 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

2nd and 4th Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

4) Earth Plaza Educational Consultation for Foreigners http://www.earthplaza.jp/forum/foreign_education/

Information Forum, Kanagawa Plaza for Global Citizenship (Earth Plaza) 2F, 1-2-1, Kosugaya, Sakae-ku, Yokohama 247-0007 Tel: (045) 896-2970 (Japanese) (045) 896-2972 (Other languages) Fax: (045) 896-2894

5) Multicultural Education Network Kanagawa (ME-net)

http://www15.plala.or.jp/tabunka/ Patio Fuki, Room 403, 4-50-4, Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama 232-0024

Tel: (045) 516-8911 Telephone consultation: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Fax: (045) 516-8911 e-mail me-net@jcom.home.ne.jp

6) SHINAI－JYUKU；Suupport Center For Foreigner’s Education And Life http://www6.ocn.ne.jp/~k13sin19/

101,1-1-12,Nakamura-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama 232-0033 Tel: (045) 252-7862 Fax: (045) 252-7862 e-mail sin.ai19@crocus.ocn.ne.jp

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Issued on February 16, 2015 Third edition Regional Promotion Division, Naka Ward Office 35 Nihon Odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi TEL： (045) 224-8134 FAX： (045) 224-8215

We are Friends from Today (Elementary School)

～ Guide for Parents/Guardians of Children with Foreign Nationalities, Japanese Children Who Have Returned from Abroad, or Children in Similar Situations ～

Produced by: Regional Development Division, Naka Ward Office Cooperated by: Naka International Lounge Honcho Elementary School Motomachi Elementary School Azuma Elementary School (Nishi Ward) Mimami Yoshida Elementary School (Minami Ward) Board of Education Secretariat Eastern Area School Education

Office Supervisor's Office Translated by: EXIM International, Inc.

In producing this booklet, we were guided by and made use of the content of a similar publication, “Welcome to Elementary Schools in Tsurumi Ward,” prepared in March 2013 by the Regional Development Division of Tsurumi Ward and the incorporated non-profit organization ABC Japan. We thank them for permission to do so.