Summer Protest
28th January 2004
Dear Board of Education,
We are just writing to discuss matters surrounding AET duties during the summer vacation. We have all largely enjoyed our time in Japan, especially teaching English to the children of Shiraoka. Due to our (Andrew and Adam) decision to re-contract for a second year, we would like to suggest some alternatives to AET duties during the summer vacation.
For the benefit of incoming AETs it may be best to reconsider the summer situation. As new AETs last summer, Jeffrey and I (Andrew) found it difficult to adjust to life in Japan, even with Joshua’s help. For new AETs especially, it is important to have time to get acquainted with a new environment. It would be easier for new AETs to settle into life in Japan if they were given sufficient freedom during the summer vacation.
Currently, AETs spend a great deal of time during the summer vacation at the Board of Education (BOE). However, when new AETs arrive it may be more useful to give us greater freedom to introduce them to Shiraoka. In particular, new AETs need to learn about the location of the supermarkets, local facilities, how to use public transport systems, how to find the local schools etc. They may also need help in organising their apartments, learning how to use the air conditioner, microwave, TV and Video etc.
Furthermore, if we were not in the BOE, we could be interacting with members of the local community, and working on the international aspect of our position.
We would like to suggest a couple of possible alternatives to the current situation:
i) The possibility of making a “signing-in” system, whereby the AET cycles to the BOE in the morning and signs a registry book. This system would ensure that the AET is in the local area. In addition to other duties such as Speech Contest, the AET could be “on call” should any other important duty arise. In addition to our Home Phone number, we would also provide our cell-phone number.
ii) Another possibility is for an AET to attend one of the Junior High Schools in Shiraoka during the summer, if they are given permission to do so by the school. The AET could participate in club activities and help with Speech Contest any time. Another benefit of this solution is that it would help to build familiarity between students and AETs outside of the classroom environment.
In summary, we believe that an alternative system for AETs in Shiraoka during the summer vacation would be beneficial for all parties concerned.
Yours Sincerely,
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