Japan Club!

Teri-Aki 2011 :D

2011-08-01T20:57:00.002+01:00

This post is a little belated but as it's been a year since any of us have posted I thought I would update you all. Last year was the final year in Japan Club for us 'year 11s' who are technically year 13s (now that's scary!) but even though we don't go to SVC anymore, we thought that we would keep up our anual tradition of going out for a meal at Teri-Aki. For us lot that have left we haven't seen the rest of JC for pretty much the whole year, so it was great to catch up with everyone again! It seems we've all grown up rather alot since we went to Japan, Emily and Andy will be year 11 next year, Asuka is nearly as tall as me which means no more short jokes for her ( peony has to face those by herself now), 3 of the year 13s have passed their driving tests and the rest are learning (yes that does mean Miss Murray is getting behind the wheel...) but in all seriousness it was so lovely and nostalgic to see the old Japan Club together again although unfortunately not everybody could come :(

The meal was AWESOME. There was SO much food <3 We shared a variety of dishes which included, Japanese curries, noodles, sushi and ramen as well as mochi for dessert. After we stuffed ourselves silly we went outside to take our also traditional PHOTOOOOOS :D Which you can see below, and you can clearly see we are a sensible, shy and definitely not mad, bunch ;)

I think that we're definitely going to keep up this tradition as it just shows that no matter what schools we go to or the age gaps between us, we're always going to be our great big dysfunctional family and our trip will be a memory which we'll keep for the rest of our lives and one which we'll treasure forever <3

Sayonara xx

Teriaki 2010!!

2010-08-12T11:54:00.003+01:00

On the last Wednesday of the school year, Japan Club held the 5th annual Teriaki trip. Yes, this tradition has lasted 5 years so far! It was also a chance to say goodbye to our responsible year 11s. The original members who had stuck with Japan club and kept it together, which, for me was quite sad as we had all become like family especially after our amazing trip. How will we cope without Sophie keeping everyone quiet? I just don't know.

We all left our lessons at 12:30 (apart from the Year 11s, who didn't have to go to school anyway) and got on the minibus. We got off in Cambridge and it was a beautiful day. Fortunately, we had most of the restaurant to our selves. Unfortunately there were no Japanese speaking waiters or waitresses serving on that day.

So, instead of just forgetting about ordering in Japanese altogether, we called out our own, mini, Japanese speaking waitress. Cue Asuka-Chan. We all helped each other to "order" the food. And magically, it arrived!

There was more food than a sumo wrestler could eat! And we ate it! Oishiiii!

We gobbled up edamame, sushi, udon, yaki soba, dumplings, miso, rice, green tea, bean-sprouts, mochi and sooo much more.

After gifts, a group photo and lolly pops, we hopped back onto the boiling minibus feeling full and satisfied.

Thank you Mr Fehr, for using your own time to organise this trip. I know we all enjoyed it!

And again, thank you to all the year 11s for sticking with Japan Club throughout your time at Swavesey. It won't be the same without you and you will be missed.

Despite the lack of year 11s and Mr Fehr's important new status as head of maths (congrats!), Japan club will continue next year starting in October. More details to follow.

Thank you Mr Fehr, parents, teachers and everyone who supported Japan Club this year, whether you baked for and organised our parents evening fund raisers (thank you so much Mrs Adshead!!) or simply bought a cup of tea.

I hope to see everyone soon, have a good summer!
Emily :D

Quizlet – Check out our quizzes!!

2010-04-29T19:38:00.001+01:00

This week Japan Clubbers have been making their own Quizzes using an website called Quizlet. Normally quizzes are accessed through their website (www.quizlet.com). One of the great features is that these quizzes can be used on loads of different mobile devices, like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Palm OS and Android devices.

Step 1: Access the app store on your device.

Step 2: Search for Quizlet

Step 3: Browse the choices available and choose one to download. Some are free, others are not.

Step 4: Search and add flashcards from users “clfehr” or “svcjapanclub”.

Step 5: Enjoy quizzing yourself on things like… Japanese Snacks & Sweats, Fruit, Colours, Sushi, Anime Characters, Japanese Clothing, Animals and even Japanese Airplanes!

(See here for more details on using quizzes on your mobile device.Click here and here to see all our quizzes.)

Bowling

2010-04-05T14:14:00.002+01:00

I know the post is a little late but I thought I'd sum up what we did anyway. First of all we met with all the Japanese girls in Frankie and Benny's. I think in total there were 13 girls and 10 JC members and so we had to have two long tables to fit us all in at F&B's. It was good fun even with the language barrier, although I have to say they did speak really good english. The meal was really nice but the downside was that Mr Fehr chose me and Vanessa to collect all the money. This meant that we had to figure out what everyone had ordered not just on our table but on the other one as well, not to mention we had to collect all the bowling money as well. I think its safe to say that me and Vanessa will not be doing that again!

After that we went bowling. We split into 4 teams each with JC and japanese students. I was by far the worst at bowling out of all of the group. Mind you, I managed to double the score I got in the first game in my second so I think I earnt the title of 'Most Improved Bowler' ! My group managed to have the broken lane and so every five minutes Mr Fehr had to go to the desk and ask them to reset it :P

All in all it was a great day and it was nice to be out with JC again and I think we all enjoyed meeting the japanese students. :)

Soph xx

Bowling Event 2010

2010-03-21T10:57:00.001Z

Call to action!

2010-03-07T09:46:00.001Z

Hello all,

Remember when we met up with that group of students from Japan to go bowling and for dinner at Frankie & Benny’s? You may also recall that we decided in Japan Club a few weeks back to do it again!

The group of students are arriving on Saturday, 13th March and staying for three weeks. We need to decide a date and plan our activities!

Head over to Edmodo (www.edmodo.com) to take part in the poll and offer your comments. If you haven’t registered yet, do so with this code: vta488.

See you Wednesday.

-Mr F

Weird...

2010-02-20T11:57:00.001Z

This week has been really weird hasn’t it? I mean this time last year we were in Japan! And this year part of the club have returned to Japan to absorb themselves once more into the culture and language of Japan. I on the other hand, have had my Japanese Exchange Partner, Mayuka, to stay. This time last year I was staying in her home in Japan and when I left I thought that I would never see her again, as she would not be returning on the second part of our exchange. Instead she moved to live in Guilford, near London, for 7 months, and since we have met up twice. I first met up with her in October half term last year, where I showed her all the major sites of London (there is an earlier post with more information). Then this week on Tuesday, after a slight delay due to me being ill, she came to Cambridge to stay with me. On Tuesday I took her round my friends house and watched a film! It was really good fun and we all had a laugh! Then on Wednesday we went to town and went to the cinema to see Valentines Day. I then took her into Kings College Chapel and then we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping! On the next day, Thursday, Mayuka had an exam to go to in London so I showed her around Swavesey before we took her to the train station. She returned later on the train and we grabbed a few Fish and Chips on the way home for tea. On Friday we took Mayuka to Ely, where we had a look around the Oliver Cromwell Museum and had lunch in the smallest cafe I have ever seen! We then looked around Ely Cathedral, before heading home to grab Mayuka’s luggage and taking her to the station. She is unfortunately leaving England in about a months time and returning to Japan. Although this may make seeing her a little harder, I have no doubt that we will meet up again in the near future. I just can't believe it has been a year since our trip to Japan!!
Vanessa

Japanese Immersion Course 2010

2010-02-14T20:55:00.000Z

Ohayo gozaimasu!

Remember that we have five of our classmates, including three Japan Club members, in Osaka over the next two weeks for the Japanese Immersion Course.

We'll be regularly updating our blog (http://jic2010.blogspot.com) just like we did a year ago when it was the Japan Club travelling throughout Japan.

Please also leave comments of encouragement for our brave world travellers!

Mata ne,

Mr. Fehr

Japan Clubbers Unite!!!

2009-12-26T20:15:00.003Z

Just a short post for the J-Club members.

All J-Clubbers out there unite together and start getting on Mr. Fehrs nerves so he will start updating the blog. OR... start writing blog posts yourself! You'll have to ask Mr. Fehr for details on this one since I don't know the rules on permission to edit the blog.

Last thing, even though it's a little late, happy holidays! 　
メリクリスマス!

またね! (see ya later!)

Chris (クリスさま)

Another Haiku!!!

2009-12-12T18:51:00.003Z

First off, the haiku with Andy's name on it is mine. (Mr. Fehr Can't see my name at the bottom of the poster!)
And secondly I thought I would write a post becuse there hasn't been one in ages.

Here it is, my haiku on kendo, (a japanese sport(try googling it))

Hard bamboo flying,
Feet shuffle without a sound,
Next time try harder.

The REAL Haiku...

2009-12-03T20:45:00.002Z

Ooki midori Big, green
Takai sensei Tall teacher
baka desu ne! What an idiot!

This is the real poem. It works beetter too :P

Haiku!

2009-11-25T19:26:00.002Z

Japan Club has been researching and writing Haiku over the past three weeks. Check out some of our own creations! (Learn more about Haiku here.) Enjoy!

ii haiku                             Good Haiku

ima tsukurimasu                I now make

muzukashii na                   Hard, isn’ t it?

                                                         - Emily Amas

The heart of the forest cry                Flowers start to bloom

The trees weep as they sway            The season is bright

It is suspicious                                 Here we go again

                                                         - Unknown

An eye in the blue

Saw a small eye in the green

Sunshine on daisies

- Peter Johnstone & Vanessa Hart

Spring                                      Summer

A new life begins.                     The summer wind’s calm.

Seasons changing.                    Kid’s play in the sun.

Green leaves grow.                  The plants have all grown.

Autumn

Everything’s dying.

The cold is arriving now.

Christmas is on it’s way.

                                                           - Christine

Yagi no mizu,                          Goat’s water,

Mushi ga nomimasu,                Insects are drinking,

Ka noyou ni.                            Like mosquitoes.

                                                          - Andy Adshead

A rainbow will shine,

In the sky bright and burning,

Throughout the whole day.

- Unknown

Snowflakes falling,

Icicles forming,

I can’t feel my hands.

- Molly Murray, Charlotte Peet, Rebecca McEneany

Calm and flowing brooks                      Mom watched over me

Water goes through the big cracks      ‘till I could manage myself

Soft sounds fill the air.                        I still hear her though.

                                         - Published poems chosen by Jessica

Ooki midori                                        Big, green

Takai sensei wa                                 Tall teacher

kashikoi desu ne                                Wise, isn’t he

                                                                 - Emily Amas

Vanessa and Mayuka's Trip to London :)

2009-10-28T08:38:00.003Z

Hey!!! Although this isn't about the whole of Japan Club, it is sort of to do with it so I thought I would write something to tell you all about it :)
My Japanese host partner Mayuka who I stayed with in Japan did not come back with the other Japanese students a few weeks ago because she has been living in Guilford, England for the past two months. Yesterday I met up with her in London! :)
After successfully finding each other in Waterloo Station we set of for a fun-filled day! :)
We started off by showing her the London Eye, and the people dressed as statues, and then walked across the bridge to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. We then went inside Westminster Abbey, something I have never done before and was rather exciting. We even saw the corronation chair!!! :)
We then ate lunch in St James' Park, after meeting some very friendly squirels, before taking a few photos infront of Buckingham Palace! Next we took the tube to Oxford Street for some quick shopping! Before taking the tube to the Tower of London, where we went in the Gift Shop and admired Tower Bridge!
We then walked back along the river to the wobbly bridge (Millenium Bridge) and had a quick look at St Pauls Cathedral.
Next we took some photos of the Globe and then took the lift up to the top floor of the Tate Modern to have a look at the view! :) We then walked back towards Waterloo Station, stopping of at a Fish & Chip shop restaurant for some tea! :)
We walked Mayuka back to Waterloo and showed her where to get on the train. We then said goodbye and promised to meet up again in Febuary half term!! :)
It was a very fun filled day and I throughly enjoyed it!!! :)

Day 6: Farewell Kyoto Gakuen!

2009-10-17T14:38:00.001+01:00

Time seems to have flown since we greeted our Japanese friends in the GERC 5 days ago, but today unfortunately they had to leave. I think we all really loved the experience, and over the last few days, both our languages have improved and I personally have built a strong friendship with my host-partners. So today (ridiculously early) we showed our friendship by sending off our guests in true Japan club spirit, with smiles, waving, pictures and last messages. Most of us ended up chasing after the coaches, either shouting ¡§We¡¦ll miss you!¡¨ and ¡§bye!¡¨ or shouting ¡§TAKE ME WITH YOU!¡¨
I hope you have all enjoyed this experience as much as I have. I already really miss them, and will keep in contact by email, I hope you all manage to keep in contact too.
Feel free to comment and share your experience with everyone!
Emily ƒº

Day 5: Mepal and Partay

2009-10-17T14:36:00.001+01:00

Sunday dawned bright and early for Japan Clubbers, with people having to be at SVC for 8:30. An unpleasant experience on a Sunday! After a relatively short coach trip (Japanese on one coach, English on another) we arrived at Mepal. We tried a variety of things including air rifle shooting, fencing, climbing, high ropes and the trust trail. I enjoyed both of my activities, as I am pretty sure everyone else did :D
After a quick picnic lunch and a group photo in true J-Club style, we returned home to prepare for the party, both setting up the hall and setting up ourselves! The evening began with a gathering in the main hall, with speeches from Mr Fehr, Alice, Makino Sensei and some quick info about logistics from Vanessa, who had coordinated most of the evening. Some of the things included a game of basketball in the gym, which was initially played Japanese vs English, and ended up becoming overcrowded before Mr Fehr’s intervention, and Guitar Hero, which was set up in St. Cecilia Hall. Other people just chose to chill playing cards or play a bit of football outside the front of the school, before the lovely buffet dinner, coordinated by Mrs King. The evening continued until 6:00, when people began to leave, due to the horribly early start the next day! Unfortunately, this meant virtually the end of out exchange! :’(
Peeweeeeee :)

Day 4: Trip to London

2009-10-17T14:33:00.001+01:00

This day saw the KG group spend most of the day in London. SVC students stay back on this day to get some rest and do some homework. I don’t have any photos but see the panel on the right for a fun video.

-CF

Day 3: Japan Day

2009-10-17T14:30:00.001+01:00

On Friday, 9th October, the Japan Club and staff and students from Kyoto Gakuen took part in a full-on Japan Day.

We started with an assembly at SVC which included speeches from Sophie, Emily and Peter, and also Mr Bacon, Mr Makino and myself. St Cecelia and the Folk Group provided an excellent musical welcome.

After the assembly, the 50 KG staff and students were deployed in three different directions. One group taught lessons to our own year 7s, while the other two visited Swavesey Primary School and Somersham Primary School. KG students also spent half their day experiencing SVC style lessons in Science, Maths, Geography, PE, Spanish and German.

Watch the column on the right for photos from the day.

-CF

Updates and photos on the way

2009-10-13T22:39:00.001+01:00

Hello all,

I’m currently sorting through the hundreds of pictures and videos taken on various camera’s throughout the Japanese Exchange visit. Look out for new libraries added to this blog over the next week.

In the meantime, I’ve prepared one particularly fun photo to share. Enjoy!

-CF

Day 2: A Visit to Cambridge and Open Evening

2009-10-08T23:00:00.001+01:00

Today the Japanese students and staff headed to Cambridge with 15 Swavesey students and 3 volunteer guides.

In the morning they visited St John’s College, Trinity College, King’s College and Great St Mary’s Church, before stopping to eat their pack lunches on Sheep’s Green by the Mill Pond. I hear the boys took this opportunity to engage in a game of rugby.

After lunch, Swavesey students made the journey back to Swavesey in the mini-bus with the Japanese students returning an hour later after some shopping.

At this point, most Japanese students were able to return home, while a few students (namely mine!) stayed through to open evening, killing time by playing cards, basketball and badminton and also by exploring the school.

The Japanese staff found touring our open evening very interesting and after some medical attention for a student with an insect bit, made their way to the White Horse for a drink in a English pub.

If you are reading this and did something interested tonight, post a comment and let everyone know!

-CF

Day 1: The Japanese have arrived!

2009-10-07T18:49:00.001+01:00

After months of planning and one rescheduling, 46 students and 3 staff arrived today from Kyoto Gakuen around 10:30am.

The students started their day with some refreshments in the GERC before an hour long tour led by Japan Club members. The Japanese students then had an opportunity to sample the meals on offer in the SVC cafeteria and attracted huge amounts of attention sitting in the main hall. After lunch the students had about an hour to prepare for their activities on Friday.

At 2:30pm, each student was matched with his/her host family. This proved to be an exciting time for everyone. Finally, at 3:15pm all the Japanese students and exchange hosts headed home.

I imagine the Kyoto Gakuen students will sleep very well tonight having been awake for 30+ hours.

Stay tuned for pictures from today and further updates throughout their stay. (Mr Fehr forgot to bring his camera home and therefore can’t upload any pics tonight!)

-CF

A Massive Thank you :D

2009-09-14T20:00:00.007+01:00

I know that Mr Daines has already said how amazing the presentation evening was but I just want to say it again! You guys were fantastic and the evening couldn't have gone better.

I also want to thank you all for your hard work and for putting up with me nagging you at the development day and also for putting up with me yelling at you when we were setting up, I was actually so surprised that you all came back ;)

All the teachers and parents watching said the evening was fantastic and I think it was also one of the best performance of SVC 50 we've ever done so I am very proud of you all :)

(Oh, and I hope that the adults liked their pressies :P)

Sorry about the soppy thank you,
But you guys are amazing

From Soph :D

P.S. I apologize for all the smilies

What a fantastic presentation evening!

2009-09-11T22:11:00.002+01:00

Dear Japan Club,

The evening of Wednesday, 9th September 2009 was a fantastic evening and I will never forget it.

I was so impressed with the level of detail, enthusiasm and effort towards the production of the evening. For me, it felt like we had done the trip all over again!!! Brilliant!

Thank you very much for the present, a very good choice!

I look forward to future Japan club events. Keep me posted.

Daineserama, Dainerific and all the others, you know what they are!

Presentation eve. - Are we ready?

2009-09-04T16:12:00.006+01:00

Today Japan club met up at school to make final preparations to our presentation evening on Wednesday. We made sure that our display boards, speeches and of course vocal chords were all ready.

We are all pretty much ready, but there are still a couple of things that some of us need to tweak in our own time. So don't forget to finish anything that you haven't already done so.

Also I'd like to remind everyone to practise there speeches if they can, and have a nice sing song while you're in the bathroom, so that Sophie can be happy with our not-so-rehearsed singing.

If you are reading this and have no idea what were talking about, we are having a presentation evening on Wednesday, to share and celebrate our experience of Japan. There will be talks from each member, photos, research groups displays (technology, Arts, History), and even the chance to try some fantastic Japanese food, such as sushi.
This will all take place on Wednesday, so if you need more details, contact Mr Fehr or even comment on this post.

Emily Chan :)

(If Mr Fehr, Sophie or anyone else in JC would like to add anything, please log on and feel free to edit and add in.)

Ps. If your wondering about all the colours, don't. I just felt random XD

July Update

2009-07-18T21:25:00.001+01:00

A few things to share:

1. The Teriaki trip was a great success. In it’s fourth year, the annual trip saw it’s biggest ever Japan Club and we also had our own private room for the first time! See photos on the right.

2. Peony, Sophie and Chris visited Swavesey Primary this week to promote our Presentation Evening on Wednesday, 9th September. J-club members, it may be useful to do some preparation over the summer. Time is short once we return.

3. On Friday I sent in our grant reviews to the Daiwa Foundation and the Japan Society. Hopefully they are so pleased with what we’ve done that they award us repeat funding in the future.

4. On Friday, 4th September (9am to 3:30pm), we will have another Japan Club Development Day. Bring a lunch and everything you need to prepare for the Presentation Evening. (Note: The club has chosen not to run a car wash this September.)

5. We need to decide which day we will run Japan Club next year. Please follow this link to contribute to a doodle poll.

6. Finally! I’m incredibly grateful for the truly meaningful gifts I was given on Thursday by members of the Japan Club. Thank you everyone for your contributions and special thanks to those who dedicated hours into putting the gifts together! It really means a lot. You guys are the best :)

- C. Fehr

News Update

2009-06-15T22:08:00.005+01:00

In brief:

1) Mapal Trip & Event Event were huge successes. See photos on right.

2) Presentation Evening is post-poned. Stay tuned.

3) Teri-Aki meal will be rescheduled to previous week. Stay tuned.

4) J-club will be promoting for new membership from the 30th June.

Mata ne.

Edit - TeriAki will go ahead as first planned. There is no conflict with the variety show.

こんいちは！！ I can type Japanese! XD

2009-06-07T16:09:00.006+01:00

(Please note that you need to see the post below for important stuffs before you start reading all of my junk)

Hello fellow Japan Club people, I (well, my dad) recently stumbled over some detailed instructions on how to not just have your computer recognise all Japanese text, but also write it yourself :)

Thanks to this website I can now see Japanese text on all programs, and not just Internet explorer. It also means you can switch between writing Japanese and English text just be pressing alt+shift, just like they really do in Japan. Once it's all set up you just write romaji and it changes it for you.

Oh yea, enough of my blabbing on- the link you need is:

http://www.coscom.co.jp/japanesefont/index.html

and

http://www.coscom.co.jp/learnjapanese801/howtotypejapanese.html

Hope you enjoy as much as I do :)

Emirii

PS- note that you will have to be logged on to an admin account first.

Arrangements for Annual Restaurant Trip

2009-06-03T21:09:00.002+01:00

Japan Club Members, I need your input.

Follow this link to comment on which day you would like to go out for our annual meal (in the afternoon).

Follow this link to state your opinion on which restaurant you would prefer to visit.

Please respond immediately, onegaishimasu!

Project Mepal is a Go!

2009-05-22T20:34:00.001+01:00

Despite some glitches in the trip arrangements today, our trip to Mepal will go ahead as planned. All Japan Club members and interested exchange hosts should have been delivered a letter today by a student receptionist. This letter with payment must be returned by Tuesday, 2nd June. If you didn’t get a letter today, you may download an electronic version here to print and return.

Also, the evening event at the Kings’ residence will also go ahead as planned. Stay tuned. More details on the way.

Finally, the development day will take place on Tuesday, 26th May. (Sorry Peewee. Any chance you can make it?) Japan Clubbers, remember to bring items needed for our display, presentation evening & time capsule as well as a lunch.

Edit: The development day will start at 9am and finish around 3pm.

That’s all for now. Have a nice weekend in the sun.

Mr. Fehr

Responses Needed (Mepal & Evening Event)

2009-05-19T20:00:00.001+01:00

Japan Club members,

Please complete the doodle polls below regarding:

1) our activities on Sunday, 14th June,

http://www.doodle.com/b558bwxfxmdm4nqq

2) and which days are best for a development day over half term.

http://www.doodle.com/78ucufiau2zd5ezb

Thanks,

Mr. Fehr

2009-04-29T16:01:00.005+01:00

Konichiwa Japan Club!

I just wanted to post a very big thank you for the fantastic framed picture given to me during Monday's lesson. All of my work colleagues were extremely impressed with what you presented to me to say thank you.

Its been a difficult decision about where to hang it, but after much deliberation I've decided to put it on the wall in my office. I've even provided a couple of pictures.

The trip was brilliant and I enjoyed every moment of it. The picture will certainly be reminding me of the many memories we all had, for years to come.

Arigatou gozaimasu

daineseriffic, dainesarama, etc, etc

Car Wash Chaos

2009-04-21T15:54:00.006+01:00

Yesterday (Teacher Training Day) the Japan Club were rudely awakened at a ridiculous hour in the morning to come to school to come and wash cars even though we could have been in bed! After pestering the teachers to let us wash their cars we got started at 9:00am, way too early for the holidays :P

We had good business and luckily after a chilly start it warmed up to be a very sunny day which made a welcome change to the usual wet, cold mondays. Of course the good work couldn't last for long as some of the responsible black shirts (ie Laura & I) ran some errands for the teachers and while we were gone a massive water fight broke out and I think it is safe to say that Peony was a walking lake after it had finished!

After a long day we made a successful and rewarding £100 which will be going to our Japan Club fund ready to hosts our Japanese exchanges who we can't wait to see in June. Ok so after a tiring day we're off to get ready for school tomorrow, oh joy ;)

Sayonara

Sophie & Laura (supposidly!)

P.S Pictures to follow

Japan Club Development Day

2009-04-15T13:33:00.003+01:00

Today the Japan Club dragged themselves out of their beds and came into school for the half-termly development day. I had to wake up at 7:00!!!!! (says the Codfather)

We had a packed itinerary to catch up on unfinished business, discuss the presentation evening etc.

We discussed the plan for the KG visit, worked on our research projects and came up with some inventive ideas for 'get-to-know-you' games at the evening social event in June.

Asuka was really helpful to me and peony by teaching us how to make beautiful spinning tops and flapping cranes. (see picture above)

When we were eating lunch, we watched 'Doraemon' and 'Naruto'. Then while we were eating outside, Laura got extremely stressed out by ants. then in a incredible act of heroism, Peewee removed the ant fom Laura's vicinity.Then after lunch, we had a little rest and we carried on with our work. Then, Dainsorama magicaly appeared after a hard days rowing.

all in all, it was good day! mu ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

By Ali Ba Ba and the Codfather

Japan Club Bowling 09

2009-03-30T21:01:00.004+01:00

What a fab weekend!
This saturday Japan Club and several japanese students went to Frankie and Benny's and TenPin in Cambridge for a fun-filled afternoon!
The Japanese students are over from Japan for a few weeks to study English in Cambridge and one of them is staying with MC Fehr.
Several years ago, Japan CLub took part in a similar event- but only a few girls from the club attended last time, nearly everyone was here on Saturday :)
We had a fantastic time, bonding over lots of food and chat in F&B's.
Many pictures, strikes and ma-ma (so-so!) bowls later, we posed for group photos outside Cambridge Leisure Center, this involved a lot of falling over- Takeshi's fault, not mine!
Takeshi and Asuka were really helpful, helping to translate any tricky phrases and menus. Well Done to them!

(I'll bully MC Fehr until he puts the pictures on)
alice x

We've started something!

2009-03-28T09:50:00.002Z

Our successful use of the blog to share information and photos has prompted Miss Monument to use this technology with the French Exchange.

Emily, look what you've started!

Check it out here: http://svcfrenchexchange.blogspot.com

Japan on the BBC

2009-03-16T21:11:00.001Z

Did anyone see “In search of Wabi Sabi with Marcel Theroux” on BBC Four? This led me to find this interesting BBC website on Japan. Check it out (and ignore the video below please)!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/japan/

-Mr. Fehr

Vanilla Ice Ice Baby!

2009-03-15T21:47:00.002Z

I raised 26p above the £50 target for Comic Relief- this means I won!

Mr Fehr & Mr Daines are now singing "Ice Ice Baby" for the whole world to see! Grab your family and friends and laugh out loud at them trying and failing to sing a very funny song.

SVC March Newsletter

2009-03-13T20:40:00.001Z

We have been privileged to have had photos chosen by Sophie and an article written by Peter featured on the front page of the March edition of the Swavesey Village College newsletter. See the photo below and click the link to download the newsletter. Thank you Sophie and Peter for your excellent work!

- Mr Fehr

Lunch with Mr Mochida

2009-03-10T15:21:00.007Z

On Monday, Mr Kengo Mochida visited Swavesey Village College, from KyushuUniversity, to research English Trust schools.

Jenni and Sophie gave him a tour of the school in the morning and the entire Japan club met with him for lunch.

We discussed our trip to Japan, the difference between English and Japanese schools and our school in general over a sandwich lunch.

Mr Mochida was fascinated to hear about our trip and was pleased about our interest in Japanese culture.

His wife taught us about how to make Japanese origami spinning tops.

We enjoyed hosting him and hope he has a positive view of our school.

Seven Polls to Complete ASAP

2009-03-09T16:32:00.006Z

In order for us to organise these seven upcoming events, please participate in the following polls:

Japan Day 2009 at the Kaetsu Centre

2009-03-03T16:56:00.002Z

Come experience Japanese Culture at the 2009 Japan Day hosted at the Kaetsu Centre on Huntingdon Road in Cambridge.

Activities include Calligraphy, Flower Arrangement, Oriental Painting, Origami, Tea Ceremony, Japanese Films and more.

Click here to download the full program. All are welcome!

-Mr. Fehr

Raise money for Comic Relief- and annoy Mr Fehr

2009-03-02T18:47:00.002Z

Recently I've made an agreement with Mr Fehr- If I can raise just £50 for Comic Relief, I can post a video of him singing 'Ice, Ice Baby' right here on the blog for the whole world to see.

If you want to live those funny times all over again, with your friends, and in the comfort of your own home, please give in your donations via me, Emily :)

If we can get to Japan and back this should be a doddle.

We can do it!

We did it!

2009-03-01T08:29:00.003Z

After years of preparation, we made it all the way to Japan! And now I'm happy to announce that we are all back in one piece.

Going to all the way to Japan has been an amazing experience. Not only have we practised language, we've learned to adapt to a different culture and importantly, we have learned to work together.

I think that we can all agree that over the trip we became less Japan Club Group and more The Japan Club family.

I personally loved every second (OK, maybe not the second where I was throwing up) and I hope everyone else did too!

If you are reading our blog for the first time, you will see that on the right side of this post there are many photo albums of our trip for you to explore. Enjoy!

And finally, I encourage everyone to read some posts of this blog, right from the very beginning, its amazing to think that at one point we weren't even sure if we'd get there!

Well done everybody!

We're back safe and sound!

2009-02-22T21:38:00.001Z

Trip photos for all days are on the sidebar. Stay tuned for further blog posts and videos from our Japanese adventure.

-Mr. Fehr

Chorus Competition (Day 9)

2009-02-20T09:11:00.005Z

hi again,
today was an exciting, although extremely nerve wracking day (well for some anyway!) as we took part in the Kyoto Gakuen annual Chorus Competition. We started off with a full　run through of the competition at 9:00am lasting until 12:00. Unfortunately we found out that were first on the list to sing so my nerves were in shreads!!! We were in an amazing concert hall with several expensive looking red velvet chairs and an awsome grand piano on a big stage. We were allowed 10 minutes rehersal so we took that time to organize where we were going to stand (only for me then to decide to swap people around 2 minutes before the real deal!). The run through was great and the accoustics were fantastic in the hall, luckily Steven was feeling better so we didn`t have a Takeshi sized hole in our order ;)（I apologise for the spelling)

After listening to all the other classes reherse we finally got the chance to have our lunch while the other guests arrived at the hall. We all sang really well even Ｍｒ Daines who rembered the words (I on the other hand didn't)　at the end we got a certificate for participating in the competition　which we are trying to get back in one piece so we can frame it and put it in the entrance hall. I might be biased but we were one of the best choirs there　as we didn't have as Miss Monument would say　any 'ouch' moments.

Sorry about the rushed entry but we are all busy packing　(Laura having to stand on her suitcase to get it even remotely closed!).

Bye
Sophie

P.S. Well done everyone for singing so brilliantly.

I almost forgot...

2009-02-19T13:34:00.002Z

Yesterday at about 6:30am we experienced an earthquake in Kyoto! This is the first I have ever felt and I have to say the sensation was incredible. Clearly news of small earthquakes like this in Japan doesn't reach the UK, or I'm sure I would have received a flood of calls and e-mails!

When I asked my host, "Was that an earthquake?!", the reply was something like "... uh yea. So?"

The magnitude at the epicentre was 4, and in Kyoto far less than that. No damage, no harm done... just some excited UK tourists!

-Mr. Fehr

Day 8!!!!!

2009-02-19T10:36:00.003Z

Today we met up in the school so that we could go on a sight seeing day in Kyoto. We went to Nijo Castle. This is a very old Japanese Castle that was built in the 17th Century for the General of the army at the time so that he could keep an eye on the emporer!! We had to take off our shoes before went entered the castle because of the delicate floor, this meant that we spent the whole time complining our feet were cold!!! Inside the castle it seemed very plain because there was no furniture in the castle, as the Japanese just roll out futons to sleep on, but on a closer inspection we saw that all of the walls were covered in beautiful and very decorative artwork. Also along the walls there were cupboards and certain cupboards had red tassels hanging on the door handles, this was where the bodygaurds would hide and they would jump out if there was dnger. I think this was a very good idea but I wouldn`t like to be locked in a cupboard all day, so there is no way I would become a bodyguard!!!
We then got on a bus, after of course a visit to the castle gift shop!!! We travelled to Shinnkyogoku, a shopping district, very popular as you can imagine! We spent around half an hour shopping, which unfortunately wasn`t quite enough time for most of us, Mr Fehr included!!! And so we could not help but to go into shops on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple!!! On the way we went to the area where the Geishia`s (sorry if I spelt it wrong!!) live. We saw two very beautiful Geishas. When we arrived at the temple I thought that it was very beautiful and colourful and so we topok group photo infront of it. We then got the bus back to the school to meet up with our host partners!!!!
It was a very fun and eventful day!!!
Vanessa.xx

Day 5 & Day 6 Photos

2009-02-18T13:46:00.003Z

Two new albums added today. Enjoy!

Staying with host families makes it difficult for students to write daily blog updates. The photos will have to do for now.

We'll post a more detailed update when time permits.

Off to explore Kyoto City tomorrow!

-Mr. Fehr

Day 5 Japan Club Trip

2009-02-16T22:40:00.002Z

Woke up early today at 7 in the morning (ouch!). This was followed by a great breakfast provided by the hostel including fruit salad, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, toast, yoghurt and cereal. We left the hostel at approximately 9. We split up into our travel groups and had a tour around the Hiroshima peace park provided by the national peace museum. Afterwards we had a talk by an A-bomb survivor, we learned about what it was like, the damage done and about the disarming of nuclear weapons. When we walked past an udon shop we grabbed a big lunch and left promptly to go to the bar with a karaoke machine. All singing together we had a great time and wasted away a couple of hours. Later we rehearsed SVC 50 in the music room/girls bedroom and Sophie was actually impressed for once! We got a little rest and calming down time before bed for an early rise tomorrow.

- Chris and Josh

Video Diary of Day 2

2009-02-15T22:37:00.002Z

Prepared by Peter and available on the panel to the right! Take a look!

Saturday: day three………….

2009-02-15T12:38:00.001Z

Saturday!!

After all the painfully early mornings today we got to sleep in until 8.30 (a luxury) and ‘rested’ by writing in our diaries/going on the internet/reading etc until about 11. And after packing for ‘freezing and snowy’ temperatures, it was about 20 degrees. Atsui atsui!

Then we had a train journey (another one :|) to Tokyo National Museum where we had awesome blue chocolate covered bananas. Oh, and then we looked in the museum too and made notes/took pictures for our individual and group projects.

We then met up with Steven’s grandma and she took us to his uncle’s sushi restaurant! We had amazing top class sushi and sat at cool tables where your feet went in a hole underneath the floor. Very very kindly Steven’s grandma paid 10,000 yen (about £80!) on top of his uncle getting us a discount for the meal.

Unfortunately Emily wasn’t feeling too well so she went with Miss Monument and Steven/Takeshi to the hospital and is luckily feeling much better now.

Neeeext we went to HARUDUKU! It was extremely colourful and there were lots of cool shops. The best shop was the 100 yen shop where we all took some groovy photos in a Puri-kura, which is like a fancy photo booth. However Jenni, Vanessa, Asuka and Sophie seemed unable to work out how to take the photos and so we had to wait. for a looooong time. but we did see some ‘interesting’ outfits.

METRO GOVERNMENT OFFICE was next. the view was absolutely amazing, you can see the whole of Tokyo from there and on a clear day you can even see mount Fuji. We went there at night though, and so we got to see all the lights and Tokyo Tower lit up. However after all of us squishing in the lift on the way down we did notice something…we left Daines-San at the top…

Unfortunately he caught up in the car park.

Then my absoluteliest favouritist part which was amazingly amazing: Tokyo Tower! Mr Fehr made me write that because apparently our post was too ‘unemotional’ :P. It was really good actually, the tower is lit up a brilliant red at night and whilst we didn’t go up (it cost a bomb) we enjoyed looking at it and taking photos.

We ended up getting back it was about 11…our time keeping skills do need some work!

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS OF JAPAN:

Everybody is so nice! Completely different to London :P A couple of us have even had conversations with random people and people will really try to help and tell you good places to go
Its way busier than London but nowhere near as stressy, everything has a lovely relaxed feel.
It feels sehr safe!
Quite a lot of people wear sickness masks to keep germs from spreading… if they have a cold (:

from LAURA and peony (who is much better than Laura)… not

p.s: Peony is also beating Mr Fehr at stair racing. He is super slow.

Day 2

2009-02-14T01:38:00.001Z

Yesterday we all got up painfully early (6am) so that we could get to the Tsukiji Fish Market. In the fish market there were a lot of fish (obviously!) but they were still alive until someone wanted to buy them!! Our hoodies also attracted a lot of attention, people kept on reading ours names and yelling them at the top of their voices (‘BANESSA’)!!!!
We then went to a department store called Matsuzakaya where we all split up into our research groups. The Arts group went to look at the clothing and the traditional clothing. The History group couldn’t find anything to do with history so they just sat in the restaurant waiting and the Technology group went and tested out the children’s fairground!!!!!
We then went to a Toy Store and Mr Fehr almost bought the whole store!!! There were all kinds of things from remote control cars to earrings! (An ear on a key ring!!)
Next we went to the Sony Building after stopping at the Japanese version of McDonalds called Lotteria!! We all had a lot of fun trying out the laptops and the video cameras. A few of us also sat and watched a Japanese concert in surround sound!!
Then we went to the Honda Welcome Plaza to see a demonstration of ASIMO (a robot!) he was amazing. He moves just like a human!! We then all posed with ASIMO!!! After seeing ASIMO we al;l hung around testing out the motorbikes and cars!!
We then travelled back to the hostel before going to a sushi bar for tea. The sushi bar had a conveyer belt and we just picked the plates we wanted and then they counted up the number of plates we had so they knew how much to charge us.
Overall it was a very long but very satisfying day!!

Vanessa

Live from Japan!

2009-02-12T12:30:00.005Z

Today we arrived safely in Japan, after a long flight that we were glad to see the end of.

The flight had lots of entertainment, but hardly any of us got any sleep at all, we ate too much sweets, and ended up very, very bored

Mr Fehr escaped this because he had a whole row of four seats to lay across! He was asleep for ages.

Our long flight finally ended with a great view of Japan.

After much waiting around at the airport, we took two trains and walked to our hostel. Steven also met up with some of his relations in Japan, who also helped us find our way.

We bought ourselves some lunch from a general store and then journeyed to our hostel.

We have smallish rooms with bamboo mat floor, and a thin mattress to make it more comfy.

Later on we ventured out to the Buddhist temple, where we made wishes and found out our fortunes. We also bought ourselves our first souvenirs.

After that we spent ages getting lost, trying to find the restaurant that Mr Fehr booked. Luckily all the walking switched on our appetites!

We enjoyed our meal the traditional way with a low table and cushions. We began out meal with "Ittadakimasu!" meaning thanks to those who prepared the meal.

Mr Fehr and Sophie were in harsh competition to hold the proper kneeling position for longest.
The meal ended before anyone gave up, and they ended up with very weak legs!

Well, now were getting ready for bed, early start tomorrow and jet lag has been getting to us.

Oyasuminasai :)

Made it!

2009-02-11T11:54:00.000Z

We're at the airport. All going well. Heading to gate in 5 minutes. We'll be in touch!

It’s almost time to go!

2009-02-06T22:43:00.001Z

Japan Club met today, for the second time, to shoot a team photo. This time Mr. Fehr got the camera working right and Josh even decided to show up (though Tom nearly didn’t)!

Only a few more days before we’re on a plane for the experience of a lifetime.

*Yes, we did take a serious photo as well… buy only because we had time to spare ;)

-Mr. Fehr

Peter's Flashy Spreadsheet v2

2009-02-05T20:14:00.002Z

Peter has updated his Flashy Spreadsheet with everything we've done in our lessons in the last few weeks. Feel free to download from here. Well done and thanks again Peter!

Jazz Hands!

2009-01-27T22:04:00.001Z

Under the leadership of Sophie and our favourite music teacher, the Japan Club today made huge improvements on our rendition of SVC 50! In three weeks the group will represent SVC in front of an audience of hundreds. Are we ready? … maybe not… Will we be ready? Definitely! (As long as Mr. Fehr can learn to sway the right way…and Laura doesn’t get distracted by every camera she sees!)

-Mr. Fehr

Japan Meteorological Agency

2009-01-21T21:03:00.002Z

Mrs. Nicolaides brought this very interesting website to my attention. It shows the probability of temperature, rainfall, snowfall and precipitation being higher or lower than normal.

- Mr. Fehr

SVC 50

2009-01-20T21:00:00.002Z

As promised, you can download the SVC 50 lyrics here and the MP3 file here. (Courtessy of Sophie)

Please take the time to memorise the lyrics and practice singing along to the MP3.

It's only three and a half weeks before we sing in front of an audience! We need to be ready!

-Mr. Fehr

Our Hostel in Minami Senju

2009-01-10T16:08:00.008Z

Our hostel in Tokyo is in a region called Minami Senju. Mrs Sheath shared with us some intesting information about this region in our Japansese lesson on Tuesday, 6th January. Please see below.

(E-mail to Mr. Fehr from Mrs. Sheath.)

We have had a look at the internet and found these clips of the area and hotel which you are planning to stay at in Minami Senju. The specific area of Minami Senju is called Sanya.

The area has many cheap hotels and used to be mainly used by day labourers who came to Tokyo looking for work. It became known as an area for cheap hotels and is now mainly used by foreign visitors on a budget.

This first clip http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=vk3rS9QjxoE was posted on You tube in October 2008 so is recent. The hotel you are booked into is featured between 4:20 and 6:37 on the clip. The man shown at 4:20 is the French manager and the man shown wearing a black and white Tshirt is the owner describing how this is the first hotel in the area to be managed by a westerner.

Other clips of the area with reports in English are;

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=YBPOvknvrEs&feature=related

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=RgCL6-uPUeU&feature=related

Steven has been to the temple featured.

I have sent these to you so you can check them and decide if you would like to circulate them within the club. I could describe the area whilst we watch the clips on a big screen at Japan Club if you would like.

- Mrs. Sheath

Emailing

2009-01-09T07:35:00.003Z

Ms Jordan has kindly asked Tech. Support to unblock some things on the email server, due to the problems we've encountered sending and recieving emails from the Japanese students.

I tried a test email to my email buddy in Japan, and it worked! So anyone who has been having trouble sending emails, try again and see if it works, and please tell me the result.

Good luck,
Emily.

Peter's Flashy Spreadsheet

2009-01-07T21:07:00.002Z

Peter has put a great deal of effort into creating a great spreadsheet summarising most (if not all) of the vocabulary and grammar that we have learned so far.

Peter's flashy spreadsheet can be downloaded here. Be sure to pay attention to the tabs at the bottom.

Also, there have been a few request for a packing list. A paper copy with be coming to you soon with other trip info, but if you are eager you can get it here.

-C. Fehr

2nd Video Conference with Kyoto Gakuen

2008-12-21T21:00:00.004Z

On Tuesday, the Japan Club took part in its 2nd video conference with the students of Kyoto Gakuen. Again this time we met bright and early at 8am, which was 5pm in Japan. This time the topic for discussion was the video tour of Cambridge that we put together a couple weeks ago. The SVC students were asked a series of questions about things like their favourite Japanese foods, the kinds of shops there are in the Grand Arcade and whether they would like to go to King's College in the future. Again, most communication was done in English, although Steven had them confused by his fluent Japanese until we explained that he was in fact part Japanese! I expect in future we will try to meet them halfway by preparing questions in Japanese.

I noticed today that Kyoto Gakuen has also been sharing our events via their own blog in Japan! Follow this link for the original blog post.

http://www.kyotogakuen.ed.jp/~fujii/weblog_jhs/2008/12/swavesey_village_college.html

Follow this link for a (very) rough translation by Google Translation.

http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.kyotogakuen.ed.jp/~fujii/weblog_jhs/2008/12/swavesey_village_college.html&usg=ALkJrhj40kbGoI2PwgTrW4CHm0epeGYGFg#more

Have an excellent Christmas everyone. Please be sure to keep up to date with our upcoming events in January through the calendar at the bottom of this page.

-C. Fehr

Video to Japan

2008-12-03T22:05:00.002Z

Unfortunately, Sunday's video punting trip was canceled, due to terrible weather and health/safety regulations. But we're Japan club, that wouldn't stop us! So instead we gave our Japanese friends a video tour of Cambridge, and although we all came back slightly damp, we all enjoyed making the video.

We all took part in the making the video, and had individual parts of Cambridge to talk about. Chris filmed and edited the video.

You can see our masterpiece on the side bar to the right. >>

Punting on the River Cam

2008-11-25T21:30:00.002Z

The Japan Club has decided that on Sunday, 30th November, we will be recording our video to send to Kyoto Gakuen whilst punting on the river Cam. This video is part of our on-going e-mail and video-conferencing exchange with our partner school in Kyoto. You can see the video they sent us on the panel on the right.

Fortunately we have an expert guide in Mr. Timbo Dainsey!!

We'll meet at Quay Side, in front of the Teri-Aki Restaruant at 2:30pm. Japan Club members should come prepared for cool weather with about 4 pounds each to cover punting. We'll likely finish around 4:00pm.

Japan Club members should see me during school this week to get a permission slip which will need to be filled in and returned to conform with school trip policy.

For this event, parents are asked to provide transportation for their son or daugther. Surely, there is potential for carpooling and I will leave this up to students to organise. Seeing as our punting will only take about 1.5 hours, parents may wish to stick around and watch us clumsily punt down the river or maybe go for a cup of tea.

Nihongo Club Concert

2008-11-20T17:24:00.002Z

We have been invited by the Cambridge Nihongo Club (of which Asuka and Steven are members) to attend their Nihongo Club Concert on Saturday, 6th December at 11:00am - 12:30pm.

This is a free event which will include Japanese songs, poems, origami and a play called "The Restaurant of Many Orders". Much of the programme will be in Japanese with English subtitles provided.

This is a great oportunity for the SVC Japan Club to learn more about Japanese culture and language. I hope we can all attend.

The event will be held at the Kaetsu Educational & Cultural Centre, Huntingdon Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0SH.

Financial Woes

2008-11-16T19:39:00.004Z

I thought I would provide an update on our financial situation. The image above is a currency table comparing the Pound to the Yen over the last 6 months (courtessy of http://www.xe.com). Clearly you can see that the amount of Yen that can be bought with a pound has dropped dramatically. I finalised our first trip budget in April in order to submit applications for our Sasakawa and Daiwa grants. This initial budget used an exchange rate of around 200 Yen to the Pound. The current exchange rate of 140 Yen to the Pound shows a massive 30% drop in the value of our currency. This has put our healthy budget with a comfortable contingency fund in a vulnerable position. To help make up the shortfall I applied for a 3rd grant last month which I found out this week was not successful. Presently, I don't expect this to threaten our trip, though it will certainly require some creative trouble-shooting.

Live Video Conference!

2008-11-09T19:54:00.003Z

Thursday morning the Japan Club came in to school extra early(8am) to video conference with our exchange partners in Kyoto. The nine-hour time difference means this is the only time we are able to meet with them online.

The students of Kyoto Gakuen had made us a video of a recent school trip to farm sweet potatoes and also to a train museum(see right). The Japan Club watched the video and prepared questions to ask them on Thursday morning.

We had a great time as students of both schools took turns asking and responding to questions for about 20 minutes. Most communication was done in English, though the Japan Club members did introduce themselves in Japanese at the start and use a few phrases throughout.

The next step is for us to make a video to send to them. Then we will video conference again to discuss.

Stay tuned!

Japan Club Development Day 28/10

2008-10-28T14:42:00.003Z

Today members of SVC Japan Club dragged themselves from their half-term holiday lie-ins and came into school for a full day of trip planning, discussions and other creative tasks. We started off the day with anupdate on the itinerary and budget from Mr Fehr. We then moved on to some personal and group research on activities to do in both Kyoto and Tokyoduring our ‘free days’ there. Then members compiled lists to use whilst packing, taking into account the custom to give their hosts gifts- Jammie Dodgers were a favoured idea! After a quick photo shoot for our ID cardswe split up to do various ‘tidying up’- finalising hoodie orders, working on the Japan Club displaying, sending emails to exchange partners and taking a new group photo! (see above)
All in all, a very productive day.
-Alice

Sushi Workshop

2008-10-11T19:11:00.006+01:00

On Monday, 6th October, members of the SVC Japan Club and their parents got together for a special workshop on Japanese cuisine. Mrs. Sheath and Mrs. McRobbie, Japanese parents of two Japan Club members, skilfully demonstrated how to make "Onigiri", "Inari-zushi" and "Maki-sushi".

Japanese Exchange on Google Maps

2008-09-28T18:23:00.002+01:00

I've been working on putting together a map that will show geographical locations for our activities in Japan. Click here to see the locations of:

- the three hostels we will staying at (3rd one confirmed just today),

- our partner school in Kyoto,

- some of the sights we will be visiting,

- and more to be added as our itinerary is finalised.

Parents can expect to recieve a fill itinerary fairly soon, which will include where we are and when, in addition to how we can be contacted if needed.

Now that all major expenses are confirmed, the accuracy of our budgetting is becoming clearer. Currently the exchange is opperating just under even (0.4% over budget). In order to have a sufficient contingency fund, the Japan Club will need to be sure we hit our fundraising target of 1680 pounds, a further 670 pounds to go!

- Mr. Fehr

Japanese Lessons

2008-09-18T22:41:00.002+01:00

On Monday, 22nd September will be the first of a series of Japanese Lessons for Japan Club members. These lessons will help the students to prepare for their visit to Japan in February 2009, and for hosting the Japanese students in June, 2009.

Parents of Japan Club members are welcome to join us. After all, some Japanese language ability will come in handy when the Japanese exchange comes our way.

Lessons will be led by Mr. Fehr, with both Miss Monument and Mr. Daines in attendance.

All those attending the lessons are asked to bring a 1 or 2 inch binder as well as something to write with.

Please find your way to the Meetings Room (near reception) in time for a 7pm start.

Just a little update...

2008-09-16T18:14:00.002+01:00

-Japan club held a fund-raising car wash on the 1st September. We raised about £50. Woo!

-Japanese lessons will now be held every Monday at 7pm (yet to be 100% confirmed).

-New Japanese learning website link! www.GenkiJapan.net For cute minigames, and anoying yet affective songs :D

Teriaki Trip

2008-07-18T18:07:00.002+01:00

Today, the Japan Club made it's annual visit to Teriaki restaurant in Cambridge. Our aim is to learn to use some important Japanese phrases and experiment with some Japanese cuisine.

Both new members and veterans tried something new today. I was really impressed by the willingness of everyone to try everything and boldly communicate with the Japanese restaurant staff.

The fundraising continues...

2008-07-05T12:17:00.005+01:00

This past week, the Japan Club worked hard to raise more funds for their exchange. On Monday and Thursday, tea and cakes were sold to parents and students attending the musical events at SVC.

You'll notice an addition to the panel on the right. This is a widget called Chipin that allows for secure donations through Paypal over the internet. Whether you are a parent, relative, member of the community, teacher, student or someone entirely unrelated to the exchange, we would greatly appreciate any contribution you can make towards our fundraising efforts.

Our next event is a trip to Teri-Aki Restaurant. Students will sample some of the food they will come across in Japan and also practice their language skills when ordering their meals. Check back for photos in the coming weeks.

Visitors from Kyoto Gakuen

2008-06-15T19:29:00.004+01:00

A big thank you to those that were able to make it today. You put on an incredible tour and our Japanese guests were seriously impressed. They are really excited about bringing their students here.

I also think the boss (Mr. Bacon) was impressed by your knowledge and enthusiasm and I think we have raised the profile of our club through our efforts today.

This was another important task in establishing our exchange and you all handled it with maturity and real class. Well done!

Check your e-mail!

2008-05-19T18:08:00.001+01:00

Our first letters from our Japanese pen pals are arriving! Check your school e-mails!

E-mail exchange ready to start!

2008-05-05T19:54:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone,

I've spoken with Mr. Kuromiya from Kyoto Gakuen about his upcoming visit and also about the upcoming e-mail exchange.

On Tuesday, we'll gather e-mail address and work further on our self-introductions.

See you then!

-Mr. Fehr

Grant Application Update

2008-03-27T17:29:00.002Z

This morning I sent off our grant applications for the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. We are asking them for financial support to go towards our flights to Japan (Feb 2009) and to help cover expenses when the Japanese pupils visit us (June 2009).

At the end of May, both foundations will let me know the outcome of our applications.

In the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed and continue fundraising!

Great news!!

2008-02-26T15:49:00.006Z

We have brill news! We have made contact with a Japanese school and they are very enthusiastic about the exchange. A teacher from the school will be over to visit us in June and we will be having some video conferences with kids from the school. We are also applying for loads of grants which will help us to have a great visit. In the meantime, we are selling cakes etc at the Y9 choices fair and at several parent's evenings.

More updates soon!

5th February

2008-02-05T16:19:00.000Z

This week we have been making final preperations for the open evening tomorow , making posters, and making sure we are all prepared.

Please come and see our stool, we'll have lots of cakes and might be able to teach you some japanese!

Hopefully see you then!

fundraiser updates

2008-01-29T19:11:00.000Z

hi everyone,

just to keep you updated on whats going on.

We are hoping to do some more fundraising by selling refreshments for the parents evenings coming up.

We will be selling teas & coffees as well as some yummy cakes!!!
There will be more updates posted soon so watch this space!
Japan Club

Japan Club

2008-01-29T16:02:00.000Z

Emily and Alice here from Japan club.

We are a club studying the language and culture of Japan at SVC.
We are hoping to go to Japan in the school year of 2009, and we are working very hard towards that goal.
We have regular visits to resturants, and places linked to the culture of Japan, in order to help us learn more about this amazing country!

We have decided to set up a blog to document our experiences, travels and what we learn.

Enjoy!