Kyoto teacher explains cultural differences KYOTO HIGH' school teacher, Rika Tomita, will be taking back to Japan from West Vancouver many happy memories. By OLGA RUSKIN Contributing writer She will also take a colorful Gleneagles T-shirt, a ‘thank-you’ from Janice Gaminon’s Grade 6 Gleneagles class. The T-shirt was recently pres- ented to her after she demon- strated a Japanese tea ceremony to 25 fascinated Grade 6 students in the school. The students took part in the tea ceremony, the elements of which Tomita has been demonstrating to West Van elementary students over the past two months. She explained to students that to learn the tea ceremony she went to school once a week for three years. Students were also told that the ceremonial tea cup could range in cost from $50 to $8,000, and that the package of powdered green tea Tomita had with her cost $10. Before drinking the bright green tea, people are offered a sweet biscuit because the tea is bitter, Tomita explained. Tomita also showed slides of Japanese life and Japanese toys, a big hit with the Gleneagles class. Elsewhere in the school district she has- taught origami, demon- strated Japanese foods, and shown videos and slides. When showing her slides, Tomita points out that the Tokyo area has 25 million people — prac- tically the population of Canada. But she aiso says that ‘tkids in Japan are like kids in Canada."’ Teacher Janice Gammon said that Tomita’s visit taught her stu- dents aspects of Japan in a way that ‘‘no books could tell.”” Tomita, who teaches English in Kyoto, has been in the West Van School District on an Internaticnal Internship program. She is improving her English and in return, teaching about Japan. Based at Hillside Middle School, she has helped in the Japanese fanguage and Asia Paciiiy classes there. Asia Pacific Coordinator, Emily Thomas, introduced Tomita to the district’s Grade 6 teachers at an Asia Pacific workshop, where she met with an enthusiastic response. As a result, Tomita was invited to Chartwell, Caulfeild, West Bay. Irwin Park and Ridgeview schools, as well as Gleneagles school. Thomas states that Tomita has been ‘‘a valuable asset to West Van”’ in Asia Pacific studies. As for Tomita, she feels she has learned « lot herself from her West Van experience. The classroom methods she has observed here she will introduce intu her own class in Japan. What differences has she found in our way of life from Japan? “Your body language is dif- fereni,’"” she observes. Another difference she comments on is that Japanese parents are ‘*‘very formal with the teacher,’’ whereas here teacher/parent relationships are informal. Also, the public displays of af- fection we have in Canada are not seen in Japan. She has found “people are very friendly herve,’ and emphasizes, ‘1 won’t forget them.” She leaves shortiy for Duncan, BC! . * Restuarants open later mm i Phone: 985-6261 @ & ALL | CHRISTMAS PARTIES The Dining Area easily seats 250 or more for parties and banquets. DINNER SPECIALS DINNER FOR DINNER FOR DINNER FOR 2 4 6 14.95 21.95 39.95 DI M SUM DAI LY 883. 3.3888 ng Court Haid i Come to the Quay tor the special crafts you'll find only at Christmastime. Handmade, home- spun, and heartfelt, that’s how you'll find chings at Lonsdale Quay Market's Christmas Craft Fair. All around you'll find cheerful service, caroling choirs, wondrous gifts, and market (resh foods fer every occasion. uN i vi Ye A festive oasis in the midst of the holiday storm. _ 5 Open 7 days a week A 9:30 a.m—6:30 pm. Friday until 9:00 p.m. 21 - Friday, December 1, 1989 - North Shore News aD Bayside inn NVA Resort On Boanifel Farhi Bony NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY Three Nights, Four Days From $199.00 per person Double Occupancy Run away to Parksville Bay and enjoy 4 days of West Coasi hospitality. Indoor pool, jacuzzi, saunas, exercise room and fabulous food. Your package inctudes 3 night's accommodation and tax, 3 butfet breakfasts, 2 dinners including New Year's Eve Party and dancing to live music, party favours and refreshments. 2 Night Package fram 149.00 per person Double Occupancy (604) 248-8333 Reservations 1-800 663-4232 P.O. Box 3000. 240 Dogwood St.. Parksville. B.C. ¥ Bring your gift ea of non-perishable food or cash to the @ Christmas Bureau Tree at the International Food Court. god watch the holiday spirit grow!