Good Evening Everyone! はるやすみ (Spring Break) has started or will be starting for most, this week. Most people will be gearing up for a small getaway before the new school year. The new school year will start between April 5th-10th in Okinawa, depending on the schools and cities. My kid’s have been in the Japanese school system since 2015, so I’ve been at this for a while. I wanted to give a few reminders before the school year started.
*Please note that this information is for LOCAL JAPANESE SCHOOLS* (Yochien/Hoikuen, Shogakko, Chugakko, Koko) Not for INTERNATIONAL schools.*
*Some of these things may pertain to older children in 1st- 12th grade*
Parents are expected to be HEAVILY involved. You are expected to attend school events and if possible volunteer when opportunities arise and to seek help outside of school if your child is struggling with school. Some schools make volunteering mandatory at least once a year for parents. Please attend try to attend the school events, especially the weekend ones. The Sensei and children work very hard for these events. They practice and prepare what they are going to do for weeks. Various events such as Parent’s day, Happyokai, Undokai, etc may even be on the weekend. They have them on the weekend so even working parents are able to attend.
2. If you do not speak Japanese, you should hire a family translator to be on call.
They can be your in-between for school. Here in Okinawa, it doesn’t seem like it’s mandatory but on mainland, it was Mandatory to have a fluent
Japanese POC for your child to attend schools off base. This person you choose should be able to respond to you quickly as some papers and phone messages need to be handled in a timely manner. Japanese schools send tons of paperwork. 
If you would like more information about this interpreter, please feel free to send us a message.They offer services for all types of school translating work. Please utilize them.
3. Try not to send Japanese-speaking teachers messages in English, if they’re not comfortable speaking English or can not communicate in English.
It's your responsibility to figure out how to communicate with the teachers. The schools shouldn’t have to track someone down to speak English to you. I know it’s hard but also try not to always use translating apps on phones to speak with teachers. Sometimes translations aren’t as accurate.
We've heard that some parents sometimes rely on English-speaking teachers who are not their child’s homeroom teacher as interpreters. This has been a challenge for the school. Japanese teachers are already very busy, and it’s difficult to find time for meetings, especially with teachers from different grade levels. Using an English-speaking teacher as an interpreter places a burden on both teachers, as it requires extra time for them to share information. This could also delay communication about your child, which is not ideal. We recommend hiring a professional interpreter to ensure prompt and effective communication.
4. You have signed your child up for Japanese schools. That means you are agreeing to the Japanese school schedule.
We all love a good vacation but try to keep vacations to within Japanese holidays and school breaks. Yochien/Hoikuens are more lenient on attendance but for 1st-12th grades,
children are expected to be in school, unless they are sick, bad weather prevents school. This also goes for medical appointments. (Routine ones, not for illness) Try to schedule when school is not in session or on days when they get out early. If your child will be late or early PLEASE notify the schools at least 1 day in advance.
5. Get your child support.
Some schools have Nihongo Kyoushitsu (Japanese as a Second Language) to help children who are struggling with Japanese Language Arts. If your school has this, Wakaba, a Juku, please utilize it. These programs are put in place to help your child. However, these classes may not be the ONLY source of help your child needs. Some Japanese schools have large classes, 30- 40 students with 1 teacher. Do not expect your child to get special help IN class. It’s not possible with that student-to-teacher ratio. It's on YOU to get your child a tutor / extra support (ex Kumon) outside of school to get them to where they need to be.
6. At some schools, Parents are expected to check and help with school.
(This fast-tracked me learning Hiragana and Katakana to help my 1st grader with her HW 
In elementary school, there is swimming practice every year. For students to participate, a morning health check and a parent’s signature are required. Without this permission, students cannot take part in the class. You can submit the permission form either on paper or online.
Please make sure to submit all the necessary forms requested by the school.
Additionally, elementary school homework often includes reading aloud. When your child has finished reading aloud, please sign the reading card. The homeroom teacher checks whether a parent’s signature is present. By signing the card, you can show that you are actively supporting your child, even if you do not understand Japanese.
7. Some schools have an email service you can sign up for or an app.
I highly recommend using them for your school. It’s very easy to translate those messages. They go directly to your phone. Email services and apps, send out reminders about events, reports of suspicious people in the area/incidents reported by children, school cancelations, etc.
8. They test kids for pinworms and do urine tests every year.
1st-12th grade schools will also do vision, dental, back, and heart checks. (The school vision test is how I learned my oldest child needed glasses.)
If you have any concerns about the examination, please consult with the homeroom teacher or the school nurse in advance. Additionally, explaining the details of the examination to your child beforehand can help ease their anxiety on the day of the examination.
9. You have to label EVERYTHING with their name lol. 
In Yochien or Hoikuen it doesn’t matter if you use Hiragana or Katakana for their name. In 1st grade, use Hiragana. (I did not know this and had to relabel all my daughter's stuff) After 1st grade, you can relabel with katakana... if you want to. Daiso has little label stickers as well as Nishimatsuya. Nishimatsuya has a label maker which makes things 1000% easier.
10. Circle = Good, X = Bad.
HW will be marked with Hanamaru (big circle) if all is correct. For some HW assignments, the Sensei will circle a question for your child to resubmit the answer. X does not mark the spot it means it is wrong or not there. 
11. Phones are often not allowed at school.
I've seen children at school with them, but the official policy is that kids aren't supposed to have them. Give them a small coin purse or a phone card to put in their bag. The schools have pay phones (yes payphones 
12. Children change for Gym/ Swim/ uniforms in their classroom.
Children don’t usually separate to change by gender until after 2nd grade. (I don't know if all schools do it that way or not but this is what my children's schools have done.) My children didn't care at all, but if your child has never been exposed to that, it might come as a surprise.
We recommend practicing at home how to change clothes using a towel for privacy. Restrooms are often very crowded, so there may be times when changing in the restroom is not possible.
13. Children need to be prepared for school before school starts.
This means papers must be organized, and things in the correct folder (they’re kids I know they won’t have this every day 
14. You have to pay lunch fees, school, & PTA fees.
I know they bill some schools once a month at a time and others quarterly. Please pay your school fees on time. If you use a bank account, please make sure there is enough money in there to cover school expenses. Kids will be sent home with envelopes during the year where you're supposed to put money. The money pays for school supplies, school trips, etc. Put exact change unless absolutely impossible. The same goes for when you're buying books and any type of school kit. Use exact change. If your child attends a private or 7th grade+ school you will also have to pay for uniforms. For Chugakko and up please book your uniform appointments ASAP. Most schools are assigned to one or two tailor shops. Those shops will tailor the uniforms to your child’s body and stitch their names into them. Chugakkos and up will also have specific sports stores you need to go to, to purchase Gym uniforms, swimsuits, and inside shoes (which are sneakers)
When giving your child money to bring to school, please seal it in an envelope to prevent loss.
It’s also helpful to make a note in the communication notebook to inform the homeroom teacher that your child has been given the class fee.
15. Most public Shogakkos (Schools) do not have uniforms to wear daily.
Your child will still be required to buy a gym outfit, red hat, swimming outfit, and swimming cap. Your child needs to wear a swimming cap and be able to put it on/take it off themselves. You can purchase them at San-A or Aeon. They have the schools listed with which number shirts and shorts to buy. Swimsuits must be black or navy blue. Your child will also need "shikifuku" i.e ceremony clothes a couple of times a year. It's a white shirt & blue or black skirt/shorts. They usually wear them at opening and closing ceremonies.
16. Children aren't allowed to wear watches, earrings, or makeup.
Longer hair (past your shoulders) must be put in a ponytail, braids, or bun. Some Yochiens and Hoikuens are less strict about wearing earrings but may ask you to not have your child's hair in their face and put it back. Shogakko is a no on makeup, watches/jewelry and wearing long hair out. Chugakko is a no on earrings, long hair out (some schools also say no braids) and makeup with the exception of chapstick. Some Chugakko they are allowed to wear watches but no smartwatches, just a plain analog or digital watches.
17. Bentos! Some Yochiens and Hoikuens have bentos days.
Things like applesauce, goldfish, and pretzels are considered snacks and not a part of lunch. You do not need to make a Japanese-style bento but make sure there are foods in there. 
18. Don't be surprised when your 2nd/3rd grader tells you they need box cutters, hammers, a wood chisel set, a sewing kit, a calligraphy set, gardening gloves etc.
Yes, they really do use these things at school. lol. It’s one of the many reasons I love Japanese schools because they teach the children so many things.（The school will provide documents for making purchases. Please note that if the deadline is missed, you will not be able to buy the items.)
19. Take a picture of the school supplies, notebooks, pencils, art kits, etc.
So if you need more things throughout the school year you know what to get. Younger Shogakkosei are supposed to use specific notebooks for Math, Kanji, specific pencils, and erasers. Older students may only have specific notebooks but can use any writing materials. The 100yen stores, San-A, and Aeon will be your friend. 
20. Lastly, try and learn some Japanese.
Japanese is HARD. I’ve been studying for years and I’m still learning. No one expects you to be fluent, but try to make an effort. Try to learn simple phrases and words your child may use daily. The Sensei will appreciate and so will your child.
As foreigners/non-citizens (SOFA families, some ex-pats), we are not entitled to utilize the public school system here. The local community is allowing our children to attend their schools despite the fact that we do not pay taxes to support them. We are allowed to benefit from the subsidy program, after-school centers, etc. Be courteous of our local community, the schools, city offices, and etc. If you are utilizing the Japanese school system you are agreeing to adapt to the Japanese system and their way of things. Please be respectful and comply with the schools’ requests. Understand that you and your child are being provided an amazing opportunity, and if you abuse it, that opportunity can be removed for other children/families that put in effort. (Ex: certain cities not accepting SOFA students in their schools). As I stated, I’ve been at this since 2015. I am by no means an expert. I’m still learning new things. I have 3 kids, in 3 different schools that all do things differently. 
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