パトリック先生から写真の送信がありましたので、掲載内容を変更しました。

Hello, everyone!

How are you?

This is going to be my last post as an English teacher at Utajima Junior High School (歌島中学校), Utajima Elementary School (歌島小学校), Mitejima Elementary School (御幣島諸学校), Nozato Elementary School (野里小学校), Kashiwazato Elementary School (柏里小学校) and Kamino Elementary School (香蓑小学校).

I had a great time teaching you during my three years in the area. It was a lot of fun! I wish everyone nothing but the best and I hope you all do well in the next school year and in the future! I will be teaching at different schools in Osaka City, but I will never forget the times I taught here.

This is NOT a good-bye, but it is more of a "See you later!". Chances are you will see me in the area, so feel free to say hello! Hopefully, we will meet again sooner rather than later!

Take care for now! And remember...

CANADA #1!!! ;-)

Until next time!

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

This message is made for the 3rd graders who are graduating this year.

Congratulations!!!

I had the pleasure to teach you for almost three years! I remember when we first met and you all were 1st graders when I started teaching at Utajima Junior High School. It's amazing how much you have grown over the time here.

As you enter high school, enjoy your life and always strive to educate yourself to the world around you. Learn by studying at school. Learn by reading and watching the news. Learn by talking to friends. Learn by making mistakes. The more you learn, the wiser you will become.

Unfortunately, I will be away from Utajima Junior High School for the next few weeks starting tomorrow. However, I will still be around the area. If you see me, feel free to say hello!

Good luck in going into high school and beyond! Hopefully, we will meet again!

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

Did you enjoy your winter vacation? What did you do? For me, I stayed in Kansai. I played ice hockey and did some hiking around Nunobiki Falls (布引滝) in Kobe. This coming weekend is a 3-day weekend. What should I do?

Now, it the start of the third semester. You have three more months before the end of the school year. Study hard and do your best!

And for the third year students - please enjoy the rest of your time at Utajima Junior High School!

Until next time...

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

How are you?

Last weekend, I went to hike Minoh Falls (箕面の滝) with my friends. The waterfall is very nice to see! Also, it is a great place to do an easy hike and to be with nature. Many of the trees were still green, but some of them changed into fall colours (such as red and orange). Maybe this weekend or next weekend, the leaves will be rich in fall colours. It will be beautiful to view with family or friends!

Do you know any good places for hiking? If so, please tell me! I like to hike around and visit nature!

Until next time!

　 Patrick

Hello, everyone!

Did you enjoy Silver Week? What did you do?

For me, I did a lot of things. First, I did a Zombie Run. I had to run away from zombies. I survived! Next, I went to my friends' wedding. I was very happy to see two of my friends get married. Later, I went to a BBQ. I enjoyed eating a lot of meat! Finally, I hiked at Asuka in Nara Prefecture with some friends. The weather was beautiful that day.

Please, let me know what you did on your Silver Week!

Now, you are training for the Sports Festival coming up! I hope you all work hard and perform well! Fight!

Until next time...

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

Did you enjoy your summer break? What did you do?

Last week, I went to Tokyo. I have not been to Tokyo in nearly five years. I visited famous places, met friends, and played ice hockey. I had a great time!

Now, I have returned to Osaka. Soon, our summer break will end and we will start the 2nd semester.

Enjoy the rest of the summer! :-)

Until next time...

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

How are you?

Let me tell you about last weekend. I went back to my old home in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. My friend and I hiked up to the Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城跡). It was great to see the view of Asago City. Also, it was a good exercise. We hiked to the castle twice!

If you have the chance, please visit it one day!

Until next time...

- Patrick-

Hello, everyone!

Are you enjoying your new school year? I hope you all are studying hard and enjoying spending time with your new classmates!

Last weekend, I went to Wakayama for the first time. Wakayama has a lot of scenic nature. I saw Nachi Falls (那智の滝). This is the tallest waterfall in Japan. It was very beautiful! Also, I did a hiking trail called the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道). The trail was part of a World Heritage Site. It was tiring, but it was fun.

You should go and visit Wakayama one day!

Until next time...

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

Do you like the sunny weather? Also, it is getting warmer. Spring is coming!

Yesterday was the graduation ceremony for the 3rd graders. I wish the very best for the graduating students who will move on to their next phase in their lives! Study hard and do your best in reaching your dreams and goals! :-)

For the 1st and 2nd graders - enjoy the next couple of weeks! Soon, you will move up one grade and help the new 1st year students who will come to this school. You should represent this school with pride!

Until next time...

- Patrick

Hello, everyone!

How was your weekend?

This past weekend, I went back to my old home in Tajima (但馬). It is in Hyogo Prefecture. I went back to the first school I taught when I came to Japan over eight years ago. It was great to see the students and teachers again! At this school, there are only 90 students. But I remember them and they remember me. I was very happy!

This picture shows the motto for my old school for this year. What is the motto for your school? Your class? Please, let me know!

Until next time...

- Patrick