A typical class
Relaxed & friendly
We also use our classroom as a mini gallery Tuesday, February 10, 2009
School Photos
Here are a few photos to give you an idea of what the school/an average class looks like.
A typical class
Relaxed & friendly
We also use our classroom as a mini gallery
A typical class Relaxed & friendlyWe also use our classroom as a mini gallery 
Spring Picnic Photos
We hold a big picnic for our students and friends under the cherry blossoms every spring.
A little rain never hurt anybody!
Those glasses are perfect for cherry blossom viewing!
I don't know?!
The cleverest man in Osaka!
A little rain never hurt anybody!
Those glasses are perfect for cherry blossom viewing!
I don't know?!
The cleverest man in Osaka!Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day Photos
September 19th is International Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day -- one of the silliest “holidays” we’ve ever heard of! We just have to celebrate it!
September 19th is International Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day -- one of the silliest “holidays” we’ve ever heard of! We just have to celebrate it!
Halloween Picnic Photos
We hold a Halloween picnic for kids at the end of every October.
Some costumed dads
Twice the fun!
A 2-headed Alien
I think I forgot something!
Front & Back
Some costumed dads
Twice the fun!
A 2-headed Alien
I think I forgot something!
Front & BackUnfortunately, it rained last year so we had to move the picnic inside. You can check out photos from last year’s party at Be & Me Halloween Party for Kids.
Christmas Party Photos
It’s been a few years since we last held a Christmas party. Hopefully, we’ll be holding one at the end of this year!
The Be & Me Santa
Rigby & Mayumi enjoying a party with some old friends
A party in full swing
Playing "Pass the Present"Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Online Calendar & Announcements Pages Updated in Japanese!
We've just updated our online Calendar & Announcements pages. By visiting them, you can check our Service Lesson time, Kids' Classes Model Lesson dates, holidays, and special events – all in Japanese!
To check them out, go to http://www.be-and-me.com/ Then click on the “スクールカレンダー” or "生徒のみなさんへ" buttons. Or click on the links below;
スクールカレンダー [The School Calendar]:
To check them out, go to http://www.be-and-me.com/ Then click on the “スクールカレンダー” or "生徒のみなさんへ" buttons. Or click on the links below;
スクールカレンダー [The School Calendar]:
生徒のみなさんへ [Be & Me Announcements]:
Monday, January 26, 2009
Australia Day
On April 20th, 1770, Captain James Cook and the crew of his ship, HMS Endeavour, became the first Europeans to see the east coast of what we now call Australia. He named the land New South Wales, after his homeland of South Wales, and claimed it for Britain.
Back in England, the jails were overflowing with prisoners. Despite the fact that Captain Cook had made contact with the Aborigines, the British declared that New South Wales was uninhabited [no one lived there] and sent 11 ships full of prisoners there to start a colony. These ships are now known as the First Fleet. The First Fleet arrived in Sydney on January 26th, 1788 – 221 years ago today!
A ship like one of the First Fleet in modern-day Sydney Harbour
The Australian Flag – The Union Jack [British Flag] represents Australia's connection to Britain; the 7-pointed star, the 7 states of Australia; and the other stars, the Southern Cross [ a group of stars you can usually see from the southern half of the Earth].
Some anti-Australia Day graffiti on a wall in the Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney
The Australian Aboriginal Flag – The black represents the people; the red, their land & blood; and the yellow, their sun
Back in England, the jails were overflowing with prisoners. Despite the fact that Captain Cook had made contact with the Aborigines, the British declared that New South Wales was uninhabited [no one lived there] and sent 11 ships full of prisoners there to start a colony. These ships are now known as the First Fleet. The First Fleet arrived in Sydney on January 26th, 1788 – 221 years ago today!
A ship like one of the First Fleet in modern-day Sydney HarbourJanuary 26th is now celebrated as Australia Day, a national public holiday that is marked by special events around the country. Many towns & cities hold special ceremonies & fireworks displays. The Prime Minister of Australia gives a special address to the nation [a speech that is broadcast on TV & radio stations], and special awards are presented to Australians who have done good things. Also on this day, there is usually a special cricket match, as well as some big outdoor music festivals.
The Australian Flag – The Union Jack [British Flag] represents Australia's connection to Britain; the 7-pointed star, the 7 states of Australia; and the other stars, the Southern Cross [ a group of stars you can usually see from the southern half of the Earth].Not everyone thinks that Australia Day should be a celebration! Aborigines hold “Invasion Day” and “Survival Day” events, protesting the fact that their country was invaded [taken over by force] by the British and celebrating that their people & culture somehow survived.
Some anti-Australia Day graffiti on a wall in the Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney
The Australian Aboriginal Flag – The black represents the people; the red, their land & blood; and the yellow, their sun Monday, January 12, 2009
Coming-of-Age Day
Today, 20-year-olds across Japan will be celebrating their coming of age. To “come of age” means to become an adult.
Traditionally in England, people were considered to come of age on their 21st birthday. In modern Western countries that used to be English colonies, you are legally [by law] considered to be an adult on your 18th birthday (in some states of America it’s still 21), however, many people still hold a special party for their 21st birthday.
In Australia & New Zealand, 21st birthday parties are big events. All of your friends and family are invited to the party. So many people come to the party, it usually has to be held at a special party hall or in a marquee [a big tent] in the back yard of your parents’ house.
At the party, your father gives a speech in which he formally recognises you as an adult. As a part of this speech, he usually “gives you the keys to the house.” This is showing that you are now an adult, free to choose when you’ll leave and come back home. Key’s are an important symbol at 21st birthday parties.
A Typical 21st Birthday Card
Traditionally in England, people were considered to come of age on their 21st birthday. In modern Western countries that used to be English colonies, you are legally [by law] considered to be an adult on your 18th birthday (in some states of America it’s still 21), however, many people still hold a special party for their 21st birthday.
In Australia & New Zealand, 21st birthday parties are big events. All of your friends and family are invited to the party. So many people come to the party, it usually has to be held at a special party hall or in a marquee [a big tent] in the back yard of your parents’ house.
At the party, your father gives a speech in which he formally recognises you as an adult. As a part of this speech, he usually “gives you the keys to the house.” This is showing that you are now an adult, free to choose when you’ll leave and come back home. Key’s are an important symbol at 21st birthday parties.
A Typical 21st Birthday Card
A Key-shaped Birthday Cake
Another common tradition at Australian & New Zealand 21st birthday parties is to scull a yard glass. “To scull” means to drink without stopping. A yard glass is a special beer glass that is about 1 meter long. It holds about 1 ½ to 2 litres of beer.
A Yard Glass
This tradition usually means the 2nd day of your “adult life” is spent nursing an adult-sized hangover!
Coming-of-Age Day is a national holiday in Japan so Be & Me is closed today. Don’t forget that you can check future Be & Me holidays, Be & Me Kids' Model-Lesson Times, and service-lesson times at The Be & Me Calendar. You can also check for future events at the Be & Me Announcements Page.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Welcome Back!
And welcome to the Year of the Cow! Be & Me classes start again from today. Yippie-ki-yay! (This is cowboy English. It basically means, “let’s go!” It’s famously used by Bruce Willis’s character in the first Die Hard movie.)
Don’t forget that if you want to check out our holiday, Service Lesson, and kids’ model lesson dates and times, you can do so by visiting The School Calendar.
You can also check the same information plus any special events (friend or students’ concerts or exhibitions, parties, and so on) at The Announcements Page.
Many people are feeling very nervous about this year. They are worried about the economy, the environment, terrorism, and so on. However, I think this year is going to be special. I think this year…
Anything is possible!
Here’s wishing you all a great 2009!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Online Calendar & Announcements Pages Updated
I've just updated our online Calendar & Announcements pages. By visiting them, you can check our Service Lesson time, Kids' Classes Model Lesson dates, holidays, and special events.
To check them out, go to http://www.be-and-me.com/ , click on "生徒のみなさんへ" (the Students' Page), then click on "The School Calendar" or "Be & Me Announcements."Or click on the links below;
The School Calendar:
Be & Me Announcements:
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Don't Forget the Milk & Cookies
If you have been good this year, tonight Santa will climb down your chimney and leave presents under your Christmas tree. (If you don’t have a chimney, don’t worry – Santa uses magic to change your air-conditioner into a fireplace. If you don’t believe me, check out Disney's The Santa Clause.)
Santa gives you presents. Did you know that you are supposed to give Santa something? In North America, most children leave some milk and cookies for Santa on a table near the Christmas tree…
Santa gives you presents. Did you know that you are supposed to give Santa something? In North America, most children leave some milk and cookies for Santa on a table near the Christmas tree…
Santa has milk & cookies at every househe visits – that’s why he’s so fat!
In Australia, Christmas is celebrated in the middle of summer. Instead of milk & cookies, Australian children usually leave Santa some beer and fruitcake. It’s true!
Also, in Australia it’s too hot for Santa to use reindeer. Instead, he uses 6 white kangaroos known as…
Also, in Australia it’s too hot for Santa to use reindeer. Instead, he uses 6 white kangaroos known as…
The 6 White Boomers
Of course, there’s no such thing as a white kangaroo...
Or is there?!
Have a very merry Christmas!
And don’t forget the milk and cookies!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Live Concert at Covent Garden Tomorrow Night
Our friend Simon is the music man! I first met him when he was playing for Tripod Jimmy, one of the best bands to ever come out of Osaka…or anywhere! Since then, he has been in so many different bands, I can’t begin to list them.
His latest band is called Goodman Bad. It features Simon on guitar & vocals, Glenn on bass, and Spleen on drums.
Every month, Simon organises Inner Sky, a concert at Covent Garden, a friendly bar in Kita Horie.
This month, Goodman Bad are going to be joined by special guest Deron "The Geminiac" on keyboard.
Here are the details...
When? Friday, July 25th, from 8:00 till late!
Where? Covent Garden, Kita Horie (06 – 4391 – 3177)
How much? 1000 yen, which includes 1 drink
In Japanese: 今月の「インナー・スカイ」ライブは1２月1２日(金)に行われます。Goodman Badというベース、ドラム、ギターの三人組が80年代のポップスや90年代のGrungeをAcoustic風に再現します。今回のライブにKeyboardの達人Deron"TheGeminiac"もゲストとして参加してくれるので、さらにレベルの高いパフォーマンスを期待しています。予定のない方は是非おいでください。忘年会があっても居酒屋を出る場合、カラオケではなくて、ライブを見に来て盛り上がりましょう。
Unfortunately, I have to work until late. I'll get there around 10:00 pm. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Online Calendar & Announcements Pages Updated
I've just updated our online Calendar & Announcements pages. By visiting them, you can check our Service Lesson time, Kids' Classes Model Lesson dates, holidays, and special events.
To check them out, go to http://www.be-and-me.com/ , click on "生徒のみなさんへ" (the Students' Page), then click on "The School Calendar" or "Be & Me Announcements."Or click on the links below;
The School Calendar:
Be & Me Announcements:
To check them out, go to http://www.be-and-me.com/ , click on "生徒のみなさんへ" (the Students' Page), then click on "The School Calendar" or "Be & Me Announcements."Or click on the links below;
The School Calendar:
Be & Me Announcements:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)