Notes:
assembly 集合、(小学校などの)朝礼(など);
national anthem 国歌;
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My students spend each day at a primary school or kindergarten. They watch classes to see the differences between Australian education and education in Japan. I visit the students every day to make sure that everything is fine. We watched assemblies at the primary schools last Monday and Tuesday. First, the principal (the head of the school) talked about important things, and then the children sang the national anthem. Finally, there were special awards to several children in each grade for working hard in class and at sports. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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(image from http://www.iaca.int)

Notes:
Labor Thanksgiving Day 勤労感謝の日;
used to 以前は～したものだった;
mashed potato　マッシュポテト
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Yesterday was a holiday in Japan. Do you know its name in English? It is called Labor Thanksgiving Day now, but it had a different name before 1948. The day used to be called “Niinamesai.” It was a harvest celebration that goes back to the time of the “Kojiki.” Today is a holiday in the U.S. called Thanksgiving Day. It used to be a holiday to celebrate the harvest, too. These days, however, people just think of food. Families get together and eat a big meal. A big turkey is usually roasted in the oven and served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Pumpkin pie is often served for dessert.
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