Good morning, everyone.

It is with great pleasure that we gather here today to celebrate the graduation ceremony of Suwa Kindergarten. To our graduating students and their families, I extend my heartfelt congratulations.

To the members of the Lion Class,

Over the past three years, you have experienced and learned so much here at Suwa Kindergarten.Under the presence of Suwa Shrine and surrounded by abundant nature, you discovered flowers in the spring, enjoyed the feel of the earth in the summer, sensed the gentle winds in the autumn, and quietly admired the snowy landscapes in the winter.

You also learned about food and agriculture from organic farmers in Hokkaido, cultivating vegetables in our brick garden and experiencing the joy of growing and nurturing life.Embraced by the rustling of trees and the songs of birds, each of you has grown steadily and meaningfully.

Suwa Kindergarten is a small, close-knit community.Through rich dialogue with your teachers and friends, you have learned to value each discovery.You have also taken your first steps toward the wider world through your experiences with the English language.

There may have been times when you struggled to express your thoughts,and moments of frustration.Yet, you listened to one another, encouraged each other, and continued to move forward together.That kindness and empathy you have developed will become a great strength in your lives ahead.

To our parents and families,

As you reflect on these past three years, I believe you can see how the accumulation of small, everyday growth has led to this bright and meaningful day.Your children, nurtured by your warm love and support, have grown through their experiences with nature and through meaningful dialogue with teachers and friends here at Suwa Kindergarten.I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude for your continued support.

To the members of the Lion Class,

When you grow older, I hope you will remember this day.This place, where you learned, shared, and grew together with your teachers and friends, will always remain in your hearts.Be as flexible as the trees swaying in the wind,as calm as the flowing river,and as strong as the earth beneath your feet.
Please walk your own paths in your own way.
We have also been greatly supported by many people—from Hokkaido, Tajimi, Kanagawa, Tokyo, and our local Gifu community, including administrative partners.May your future be filled with happiness and possibility.Congratulations once again on this very special day.

Suwa Kindergarten
Principal
Keiko Takai

皆さん、おはようございます。
本日ここに、諏訪幼稚園の卒園式を迎えました。卒園生の皆さん、そしてご家族の皆様、心よりお祝い申し上げます。

ライオン組（卒園生）の皆さん。
ライオン組の皆さんはこの三年間、この諏訪幼稚園でたくさんのことを経験し、学んできました。「諏訪神社」のもと、豊かな自然に囲まれながら、春には花を見つけ、夏には土の感触を楽しみ、秋には風を感じ、冬には静かな雪景色を眺めながら過ごしました。また、北海道の有機農家さんから食農を教わり、園のレンガ畑では野菜を育て、食べ物が育つことの喜びも学びました。木々のざわめきや鳥のさえずりに包まれながら、皆さんは少しずつ大きく成長してきました。諏訪幼稚園は少人数の幼稚園です。先生や友達とたくさん対話をしながら、一つひとつの発見を大切にしてきました。英語に親しむ時間もあり、世界に向かう小さな一歩も踏み出しました。時には、自分の思いをうまく伝えられず、
もどかしい気持ちになったこともあったでしょう。でも皆さんは、お互いの話に耳を傾け、励まし合いながら前に進んできました。その優しさと思いやりは、これからの人生で大きな力になります。

保護者の皆様。
お子さまの三年間の歩みを振り返ると、
日々の小さな成長の積み重ねが、今日のこの晴れやかな日へとつながっていることを感じておられるのではないでしょうか。お子さまたちは、ご家族の温かな愛情に包まれながら、ここ諏訪幼稚園で自然に触れ、先生や友達との対話を通して、大きく成長してきました。これまでお子さまたちを支えてこられた皆様に、心より敬意と感謝を申し上げます。

ライオン組（卒園生）の皆さん。
皆さんが大人になったとき、今日の日を思い出してください。
先生や友達と語り合い、共に学んだこの場所は、いつでも皆さんの心の中にあります。風に揺れる木々のようにしなやかに、川の流れのように穏やかに、そして大地のようにたくましく。それぞれの道を、自分らしく歩んでいってください。また、北海道、多治見、神奈川、東京、そして行政を含めた岐阜の地域の皆さまから、多くのご支援をいただきました。

皆さんの未来に、たくさんの幸せが待っていますように。
本日は本当におめでとうございます。

園長　高井 京子

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We would like to share with you a heartwarming donation recently received by Suwa Kindergarten.

We were honored to receive a gift of handcrafted bamboo dragonflies (taketombo) from a former elementary school principal in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, who also served as Principal of the Japanese Weekend School of New Jersey (New York Area).
https://jwsnj.org/about-school

Although now retired, the donor has long cherished traditional Japanese bamboo craftsmanship. Each bamboo dragonfly has been carefully handmade, one by one, reflecting both dedication and skill.

Having devoted many years to Japanese education across national borders, and with a deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship, this donation represents a truly meaningful gift imbued with the spirit of tradition and craftsmanship.

For Suwa Kindergarten, which values tradition while also being blessed with international connections, this generous gesture is a great joy and a reminder of the importance of cultural ties.

We will continue to cherish opportunities that nurture the hearts and curiosity of our children.

Sincerely,

Suwa Kindergarten