Look of the Day

Days of Hope in Friendship and Communication

　The day at Rokko High School begins with the climbing of a long and steep mountain road. We can hear the lively voices of the First Year students shouting "Good Morning!" as they approach the school building. Then all students change from their formal uniform into the in-school-wear, so that they can engage in the manifold activities of school life without worrying about making their formal uniforms dirty. It is quite a common sight to see the Junior students run about on the school playground, full of life.
　The Morning Assembly begins at 8:20 every morning either in the classroom or in the schoolyard. Then classes begin. There are 6 periods of 50 minutes each (on Saturday 4 periods). After the second period there is a break of 20 minutes. At that time all students strip to the waist to engage in their "Morning Gymnastics" by running around the playground. This "Morning Gymnastics" takes place every morning. It is a good way to increase the physical stamina and the will power of the students.
　After the classes are over, the cleaning of the school building and the club activities begin. The cleaning includes also the toilets. The students are in their bare feet and with no clothes but one pair of short pants. This is admittedly very hard, but it serves to develop the habit to do without hesitation what everybody naturally dislikes. This ability is especially highly appreciated by alumni who are now in some leadership position in society.
　Club activities end at 5:20, and are restricted to three times a week. A high percentage of our students take part, especially in Junior High School where the number comes to over 90%. Besides, there are Bible study groups once a week for those students who are interested in christianity. In a relaxed atmosphere they can study the Bible with the priest or teachers in charge of that grade.
After a full day, well spent, when the sun is setting over Osaka Bay, the students start on their way home, in lively conversation with their friends.