午夜剧场

午夜剧场 Shiki Senior High School is located in a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has a vast site of 107,345 square meters, which includes a biotope, a bamboo grove, and a farm. It is surrounded by a lush forest that retains the character of the Musashino thickets, home to over 180 species of trees, over 400 species of wild plants, and many wild birds and insects. I believe there are few schools in the city that possess such a natural environment within their grounds.

Since the first nesting was confirmed in 1993, spot-billed ducks have visited the fire cistern on the grounds every year to raise their chicks. Unfortunately, there have been years when not a single chick survived to leave the nest due to attacks by crows or snakes, but several chicks have successfully fledged each year. Both students and staff are heartened by the sight of these fledged chicks finding partners and returning to the fire cistern once again.

Taking advantage of this rich nature, we have held a "Nature Observation Event" twice a year since 2007. Although the event has been suspended in recent years due to the impact of COVID-19, we consider it a place for interaction to help local residents get to know our school better. A total of 1,802 people have participated in the 27 events held so far. During the Nature Observation Event, participants observe the seasonal flora and fauna while taking a walk. Third-year students taking biology classes serve as student instructors. At observation points set up across the vast grounds, they provide various explanations to groups of visitors, helping them learn about the characteristics of each organism. At the same time, we also include a tour of the "Nobidome Canal Ruins," a historical and cultural heritage site remaining on the school grounds.

After the Nature Observation Event, there is an optional session where our full-time faculty members hold lectures. In May, the theme is "Introduction to Identification Keys: How to Research Unknown Plants Yourself," and in September, "Classification of Various Acorns and Fallen Leaves at Shiki High School," providing a time for learning together with the participants. Many families participate, and the event is very well-received, with many inquiries coming in as the event date approaches.

Furthermore, the school's natural environment is introduced over two pages in the school brochure under the title "The Four Seasons of Shiki High School: Learning with Nature."

We hope that through this familiar natural environment, not only our students but also the local residents will develop a sensitivity to think about the environment of Japan and the world at large. Finally, all faculty and staff hope that through these events, our students will lead a fruitful student life.

(Shinji Okamoto, Administrative Director, 午夜剧场 Shiki Senior High School)