For the last few months, the Foreign Language Club has been very lucky to have Joto High School's current exchange student, Andrei, join our activities. Andrei is from Canada and has been very active in both school life and the Foreign Language Club.

Recently, Andrei kindly taught our club members how to make Brazilian Brigadeiro’s, a sweet treat that is often enjoyed at family gatherings in Brazil.

The students did a great job making the sweet chocolate dough balls. Interestingly, even though each group used the same ingredients and followed the same recipe, every group's Brigadeiro’s turned out a little differently!

This activity also served as a farewell party for both Andrei and our third-year club members. We would like to thank them for all their hard work and contributions to the Foreign Language Club. They have done a wonderful job over the years, and we wish them all the best in their future.

Thank you, Andrei, for sharing a taste of Brazilian culture with us, and good luck to all of our graduating members!

外国語部でブラジルのお菓子作りと送別会を行いました

外国語部では、本校に留学中のアンドレさんに教えてもらいながら、ブラジルの伝統的なお菓子「ブリガデイロ」作りに挑戦しました。生徒たちは協力しながら楽しそうに調理を進めました。同じ材料・同じレシピを使っていても、それぞれ少しずつ違った仕上がりになり、盛り上がりました。

また、今回の活動はアンドレさんと3年生部員の送別会も兼ねて行いました。これまで外国語部の活動を支えてくれた皆さんに感謝するとともに、新たな場所でのさらなる活躍を願っています。異文化に触れながら、思い出に残る温かい時間となりました。

May 30th is known in Japan as Gomi Zero (ゴミゼロ) Day, or Zero Waste Day. It is a day that encourages people to think about waste reduction and take action to keep their communities clean.

To celebrate Gomi Zero Day, members of the Foreign Language Club gathered at Komatsu Beach for a beach clean-up activity. We were also joined by seven Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) from America, Canada, and Ireland who currently live and work all over Tokushima Prefecture.

Working together, we collected litter from the beach while enjoying spending time together. The event was a great opportunity to think about the environment, practice English, and connect with people from different countries. We would like to thank everyone who participated and helped make the event a success. 

Thank you to all the students, teachers, and ALTs who joined us. We had a wonderful time together and we are proud to have left Komatsu beach a bit cleaner.

5月30日の「ゴミゼロの日」に合わせ、外国語部は小松海岸でビーチクリーン活動を実施しました。徳島県内で勤務するアメリカ、カナダ、アイルランド出身の7名のALTの先生方にも参加していただき、生徒たちと一緒に海岸の清掃を行いました。環境保全について考えるとともに、英語でのコミュニケーションや国際交流を深める貴重な機会となり、参加者全員で協力して小松海岸をよりきれいにすることができました。

２月１１日（水）外語部は、第8回徳島県高等学校英語ディベート（即興型）大会に参加しました。
本大会に向けた練習期間は決して長くはありませんでしたが、部員たちは限られた時間の中で集中して準備に取り組みました。

生徒たちは、英語で話す力を磨くだけでなく、論点を整理する思考力、相手の意見を聞き取って柔軟に対応する力、そしてチームで協力して戦略を立てる姿勢を身に付けることができました。大会を通して、生徒一人ひとりが課題と成長を実感し、今後の学習や活動につながる貴重な経験となりました。

＜結果＞

Round 1　VS　徳島北高校　（LOSE）

[論題] THBT generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini) does more harm than good in education.

Round 2　VS　徳島市立高校　（WIN）

[論題] This house would introduce a mandatory retirement age for politicians.

The Foreign Language Club’s annual English Camp returned for its second annual incarnation. Held in Hiwasa on July 31- August 1, students and teachers enjoyed the seaside town with beautiful sunshine and hot weather occasionally tempered by ocean breeze. The camp brought together students determined to improve their English, and surprisingly, their fitness levels.

To encourage full immersion, the camp had one rule: English only! Anyone caught slipping into japanese had to drop and give the group squats or push-ups. By the end of the weekend, everyone got a tiny bit stronger; teachers and ALT’s included.

The first day kicked off with a beach scavenger hunt, where students raced in teams to find items and take pictures of the beautiful oceanside. Pictures with the teachers came at the price of answering English riddles, which the students took in stride. The competition quickly turned into laughter and teamwork, followed by a sweet reward of ice cream and some relaxed bonding time in the sun.

Later that evening, the group tuned into some classic summer tunes and gathered in the kitchen to prepare a veritable feast. On the menu: Spanish paella, Italian minestrone, and Tex-Mex tacos. Each dish was prepared together, with (mostly) english instructions. The night ended peacefully with stargazing.

The following morning, campers were treated to a cozy breakfast of oatmeal and French toast before heading off to the Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum Caretta. There, students learned about Hiwasa’s local history and its dedication to sea turtle conservation. The foreign language club then welcomed a new mascot: a loggerhead sea turtle named Carmen.

Before heading home, everyone enjoyed a final meal together, classic burgers and fries, and shared their favorite memories from the weekend. As the train pulled away with sleepy but smiling students aboard, one thing was clear: this year’s English Camp was a success.

With improved English skills, stronger friendships, and maybe a bit more muscle, everyone is already looking forward to next year’s adventure!

Italian cooking

The Foreign Language Club was fortunate enough to welcome a very special guest recently, Camilla, our exchange student from Italy! On June 28, Camilla graciously led a fun cultural session, giving us a glimpse into the festive spirit of Carnevale, one of Italy’s traditions.

 In Italy, Carnevale takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. It’s a time marked by celebration, costumes, parades, and indulgent foods! Before the fasting season begins, families often prepare sweet treats that have become staples of the holiday.

 Under Camilla’s guidance, the club tied up their aprons and got to work preparing two classic Carnevale desserts:

First, Castagnole! These are small, golden dough balls enriched with butter and eggs, sweetened, and perfumed with lemon zest. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and paired with custard, they were popular!

 Second, Frittelle di Mele! Apple rings are dipped in a light batter and fried to a perfect golden brown. The kitchen smelled amazing, and the taste was even better!

 It was a fantastic way to learn about Italian culture through hands-on experience, and everyone left with their sweet tooth satisfied, and happy hearts. Grazie mille, Camilla, for sharing a piece of your home with us!

6月28日、外国語部では特別な文化体験イベントが行われました。今回の講師は、イタリアからの交換留学生Camillaさん。イタリアの伝統的なお祭り「Carnevale」の紹介とともに、代表的なお菓子作りを体験しました。

Carnevaleは、イタリアで四旬節の前に行われる華やかなお祭りで、仮装やパレード、そして甘いお菓子が楽しみのひとつです。

イベントでは、2種類の伝統菓子を調理しました。ひとつ目は「Castagnole」。レモンの香りがふんわり広がる、小さな揚げドーナツです。外はカリッと、中はふんわりの食感で、カスタードクリームとの相性も抜群でした。

ふたつ目は「Frittelle di Mele」。リンゴの輪切りに衣をつけて揚げたお菓子で、香ばしい香りが教室いっぱいに広がりました。

調理を通してイタリアの文化に触れ、楽しく学べた貴重なひとときとなりました。カミッラさん、素敵な時間をありがとうございました！

6月15日（日）外語部3名は、第１４回高校生英語パーラメンタリーディベート連盟新緑杯　西日本大会（オンライン開催）に参加しました。上記3名の公式戦参加は２回目です。

初心者ながら練習を重ね、試合出場にまでいたることができました。難しく、考えたことのないトピックには苦戦しながらも、練習の成果をしっかりと発揮することができました。

今大会では、西日本各地から集まった実力のあるチームと対戦することができ、大きな刺激を受けました。英語で論理的に意見を述べ合う中で、自分たちの力を試す貴重な機会となりました。

試合後には、ジャッジの方から丁寧で具体的なアドバイスをいただき、今後生かせる多くの学びを得ました。今回の経験を糧に、さらなるスキルの向上を目指して活動を続けていきます。

＜結果＞

Round 1　VS　東海高校　（WIN）

[論題] THW make voting mandatory.

Round 2　VS　鶴丸高校　（WIN）

[論題] THW require doctors to report all cases of suspected domestic violence.

Round 3   VS   藤島高校　（LOSE）

[論題] THBT the narrative "experience of hardship and agony is necessary for success" does more harm than good.

Round 4  VS 　藤島高校　（LOSE）

[論題] THBT developing countries should require their citizens to work for a minimum period of time in their country of origin after graduating from university.

To mark the beginning of a new school year, the Foreign Language Club has started offering monthly French lessons open to all interested students. The first session took place in May and introduced participants to basic greetings, common expressions, and cultural insights about life in France. Like ‘la bise’ a french greeting where people greet each other cheek to cheek and make a kissing noise!

With an emphasis on communication, the lessons aim to spark curiosity and build confidence in using French. Each month, students can look forward to a new theme and vocabulary, ranging from food to everyday conversation and travel (and a little bit of grammar!). Whether you're a beginner, a french speaker, or just curious about French culture, all are welcome to join!

希望する生徒を対象に、毎月フランス語レッスンを開催しています。第1回は5月28日に行われ、参加者はフランスの基本的なあいさつやよく使われる表現、そして文化について学びました。たとえば「la bise」という、頬と頬を寄せてキスの音を立てるフランス独特のあいさつも紹介されました！

フランス語への興味をもってもらい、フランス文化に触れることを目指しています。

毎月テーマが変わり、「食べ物」「日常会話」「旅行」などにまつわる語彙（時にはちょっとした文法も！）を学ぶ予定です。

初心者の方も、フランス語経験者の方も、あるいはフランス文化にちょっと興味があるという方も、ぜひ気軽に参加してください！

This spring, on April 3, the foreign language club held a hanami picnic under the blooming cherry trees in the city park. Students brought snacks, got to know each other, and enjoyed the warm weather together. Petals drifted through the air as everyone sat on picnic sheets, laughing and chatting in Japanese, English, French, Italian, and Indonesian.

Joto is happy to welcome a new Italian exchange student this year, and the hanami was a perfect chance for students to practice their language skills and make new friends beneath the cherry blossoms.

As the petals began to fall, the scene captured a quiet appreciation for the fleeting beauty of the moment. The blooms will soon disappear, just as students continue to grow and change with each passing season.

It was a simple and meaningful event. Students opened up, shared cultures, and celebrated the season of change, beautiful while it lasted.

今年の春、4月3日に外語部は市内の公園で満開の桜の下、お花見ピクニックを開催しました。
生徒たちはお菓子を持ち寄り、暖かい陽気の中で交流を深めました。レジャーシートの上では、日本語、英語、フランス語、イタリア語、インドネシア語、ドイツ語が飛び交い、桜の花びらが舞う中、生徒たちは笑い合い、会話を楽しんでいました。

今年度、城東高校にはイタリアからの交換留学生が新たに加わり、 お花見は言語を練習したり、新しい友達をつくったりする絶好の機会となりました。

Red bean paste seems to be a decisive ingredient.

Since October 18th, Joto High School has been thrilled to host 21 exchange students from Saint-Joseph High School in Le Havre, France. Joto and Saint-Joseph are celebrating 25 years of partnership, and this year marks the first in-person reunion in six years due to the pandemic.

To welcome the French students and foster new friendships, the Foreign Language Club organized a mochi-making event on Thursday, October 24th. Of the many cultural connections between Japan and France, a shared love for sweets and of meticulous cuisine stands out. 

In the kitchen, students and teachers alike dove into preparing traditional Japanese sweets: Muscat Daifuku, Chestnut Daifuku, and Sanshoku Dango. Red bean paste, a central ingredient, sparked mixed reactions from the French students. Instructions and laughter filled the room as students measured, mixed, and microwaved, transforming the kitchen into a lively and joyful place.

Finally, with steaming cups of green tea, the students enjoyed their handmade creations together, savoring their hard work and the connections made in the process.

10月18日から、城東高校はフランスのル・アーヴルにあるサン・ジョセフ高校から21名の交換留学生を受け入れている。城東とサン・ジョゼフは提携25周年を迎え、今年はパンデミックの影響で6年ぶりの直接の再会となった。

フランス人学生を歓迎し、新たな友情を育むため、外語部は10月24日（木）にクッキングイベントを開催した。日本とフランスの間には多くの文化的なつながりがあるが、中でもお菓子と丁寧な料理に対する共通の愛情は際立っている。

厨房では、生徒も教師も伝統的な和菓子の調理に没頭した： マスカット大福、栗大福、三色だんご。中心的な材料である餡は、フランス人学生から様々な反応を得た。生徒たちが計量し、混ぜ合わせ、電子レンジで加熱するたびに、指示と笑い声が部屋中に響き渡り、厨房は賑やかで楽しい場所に変貌した。

最後に、湯気の立つ緑茶を飲みながら、生徒たちは一緒に手作りの作品を楽しみ、その苦労と、その過程でできたつながりを味わった。

Have you ever tried Canadian food?

On Thursday, June 20th, members of the Foreign Language Club participated in a cooking event at school where Julie, Joto's current ALT, taught them how to prepare some traditional dishes from her culture. Julie comes from a small town located near Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Province of Quebec is found in the Eastern part of Canada. It has its own unique traditional culture influenced by its French roots.

 For the event, the students were split in two groups; one worked on the main dish, while the other prepared the dessert.

The main dish is called "tourtière". It is a kind of meat pie that is often eaten during the colder months. It is especially popular to eat on Christmas and New's Year Eve, as well as at the sugar shack (where maple syrup is made) during early Spring. Some students rolled the dough into flat circles while the others prepared the ground meat filling that would go into the pies.

As for the dessert, this time the students prepared some "pouding chômeurs". "Pouding" is the French spelling of the English word "pudding", while "chômeur" means "unemployed person". It is a cake topped with thick, sugary sauce. While that event's recipe only called for brown sugar, many people in Quebec usually add maple syrup to the mix. Here too, the students were split into two teams: one taking care of making the cake, while the other prepared the brown sugar sauce.

While the dishes were in the oven, Julie used the leftover dough to prepare some "pets de soeurs" (which literally means "nuns' farts"), rolled pastries made with a mix of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Once every was ready, the students sat together to enjoy the fruit of their labour.

If you have the time, we encourage you to try to make these recipes at home. Please enjoy a taste of Quebec!

6月20日（木）、外語部のメンバーはForeign Cookingイベントを開催しました。

ALTであるジュリーが、彼女の地元であるカナダのケベック州の伝統的な料理を教えてくれました。ケベック州はカナダの東部に位置し、フランスの影響を受けた独自の伝統文化を持っている地域です。

メインディッシュ"tourtière"と、デザート"pouding chômeurs"を作りました。

メインディッシュ"tourtière（トッチャァ）"はミートパイのようなもので、特にクリスマスや大晦日によく食べられるそうです。

デザートの"pouding chômeurs（プディン ショマー）"は、砂糖たっぷりの濃厚なソースをかけたケーキです。今回のレシピでは黒砂糖だけを使用しましたが、ケベックでは多くの人がメープルシロップを加えるそうです。

２つのグループにわかれてそれぞれがパイとケーキを作りました。慣れないレシピの料理でしたが、みんなで協力して楽しみながら作ることができました。

オーブンでパイを焼いている間、ジュリーは残った生地を使って、バター、ブラウンシュガー、シナモンを混ぜたロールケーキ "pets de soeurs"を作ってくれました。

すべての準備が整ったところで、生徒たちは一緒みんなで異国の料理を楽しみました。

時間があれば、ぜひご家庭でも作ってみてください。ケベックの味をお楽しみください！