Upper Elementary Willow concluded their annual three-day Niigata ski trip today. The weather was mostly clear and the conditions were excellent. During stretches of the first afternoon, Willowers had most of the slopes to themselves.
Head of School James Moore recalls his first ski trip over two decades ago. “The first year I joined MST we went to Hokkaido. But after that we went to our current resort, and every year since.” Many of the major international schools in Tokyo also make annual trips to a ski resort, but the beginnings of this tradition is murky. “I think one or two schools started doing it, and then other schools joined, and now it’s a local tradition.”
The Education of a Skier
The ski trip gives kids who had never skied a chance to hit the slopes. Through the three days, beginners, which constituted the largest group, "overcame challenges and built confidence in themselves," observed Willow Teacher Kelly Godsoe.
They were zipping down the slopes by the second day. Several children reported aches and pains on the last day, but all persevered and made the most of the fresh snow.
Beyond the skiing itself, Willowers practiced appropriate public behavior, cooperative living, and conflict resolution, with all the relationship complications of being in close quarters with friends. Most significantly, in marked contrast to the fall camp, children seemed largely free of homesickness–a heartening milestone in their maturation.
It Takes a Village
The faculty and staff also get to flex their teamwork muscles. Willow teachers, Kelly, Koji, Kari and Yukimasa, spent weeks preparing the students (and parents!) in the lead-up to the week; meticulously assigning seating, room, and walking groups; and planning the itinerary. And during the stay, on top of the logistics of moving a large group through the week, there was the usual coaxing, prodding, reminding, herding, reasoning, mediating and encouraging that teachers do every day.
Hats off to Chisa of the Many Hats for booking and rebooking rooms, tickets, and rentals. A deep bow to School Nurse Shoko for organizing the 11 pages of medical and dietary information and keeping track of the dozens of medications. And a fist bump to James whose decades-long knowledge of how to do a ski trip kept us from repeating past missteps. Parent chaperone Praya also stepped in with an engrossing crafts workshop, an unexpected welcome surprise!
Kids, teachers, staff, and parents all worked together to create an unforgettable experience of growth and adventure.
–Wind Edward Kim