Made the Cut
So, I made this year’s cut. I’m not actually all that suprised, because it is rare for a JET who wants to recontract to be denied - although I’m sure that it has happened a few times and will continue to happen once in a blue moon. Anyway, by going to Korea, I missed a couple of big announcements. Therefore, I came back to the office this morning to find that things have changed a bit. I noticed that on my desk there was a letter of initial confirmation, which basically states that I may continue this job for another year provided that nothing changes anytime soon. (I assume they mean injury, or some other incapacitation that would royally screw up my ability to teach.) The letter was signed by the head of the prefectural board of education (or at least a stamp that resembles his Western-style signature). After reading this, my thoughts drifted back to what I had missed. I suddenly recalled that there was an announcement about teachers being told who was staying at Hakata and who was leaving while I was in Korea. There was a nomikai for them before the announcement (while it was still anonymous) and then another nomikai after the announcement (with everyone’s future fully known). I remember thinking that it would have been incredibly awkward to be at the first nomikai. Anyway, I was expecting 2 people or so to be transferred out to other schools. I moved over to my supervisor’s desk and asked. She listed 7 people or so! Some of them were my good friends! Both of the people who made initial contact with me are leaving. (Yamamoto kyoto-sensei [vice principal] and Iio-sensei came to get me from Matsuyama airport when I first arrived.) Half of the people I hang out with during cleaning time and free time are leaving too. It’s rough. I hope they bring in some really good folks to replace them. I also wish them all the best in their transfers. I tell you what, you leave the school for a week, and look what happens. Does anyone know why Japan shuffles its teachers around so much? Must feel strange to go through the cycle every few years. And it must strain personal relations. I heard someone once make the claim that young teachers are sent to the islands or other rural areas for three years or so - but it seems that they can be of any age. Can anyone enlighten me?