International school

FES is quite famous for its wide selection of languages the students can choose to study.  This year we have had an even more unique opportunity for language learning as we have had the chance to learn Japanese, too.  Not only has Mr Koichi M. taught our students the basics of the Japanese language but he has also brought many other international visitors with him to the lessons.  Last week, for example, the students had a visitor from Korea who taught them also something about her own language.  Quite amazing in Finland, I'd say!

I visited Mr Koichi and his class today as it was the last Japanese lesson this year. Hopefully we'll meet next year again! 

 

This year has been quite unusual in that respect that we haven't had any exchange students at our school.  We have usually had at least one foreign student a year.  So, it has been even more important to have these international visitors Mr Koichi has brought with him.  During the past few years we have had exchange students from Brazil, Germany, Russia, Switzerland and the USA at our school.  It would be very interesting to know how they are doing nowadays, so dear ex-exchange students, if you ever happen to read this blog, please comment and tell what you are doing these days.

Old dances in FES

What is the time when girls in the second grade of high school start to think about getting a beautiful dress and perhaps a new colour in their hair and when we usually notice how small number of boys we actually have in our school? – It’s time for getting ready for the old dances, of course!

 

In most of Finland’s high schools we’ve the tradition of old dances. That tradition is for the second year students and the actual event lasts one day (or for example in Helsinki two days) and then we perform at schools and usually in some kindergardens and/or in retirement homes etc. And at least in Fes we’ve a special evening ceremony at school  where relatives and friends can come to watch. After that we usually go to a restaurant and after that have some kind of ”after parties” somewhere.  In FES we start practising in period 3, about a month before Christmas, and have practices three times a week and some extra lessons before the actual dances. And usually we learn about 8 to 10 dances all in all.

So, now we are already almost in the half way of practising for the old dances (soon we’re having a Christmas break) And, I've gotta to say, it’s much easier than I had thought! Though some dances are quite fast… But, no one minds if it’s just funny! (at least I don’t). I’m sure  it’ll look spectacular when ”the day” comes! And luckily we’ve time until February… (In FES the old dances are on 17^th of February 2012)

Our lessons have included a lot of laugh, some tough moments and even more moving! Turnings, guick steps, much to remember without forgetting to enjoy dancing and those silly mistakes! 

Written by Janette Välimäki 2B

This is what it looks like now.  Quite good actually!