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)

Note:
fate 運命、宿命;
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Five years ago, I told my wife that I wanted a new smartphone. On the same day, I went swimming with my old phone in my pocket. Of course, it stopped working, and I had a good reason to get a new one. Last week, the same thing happened. My daughter changed her cell phone company and got a new phone for less money. I wanted to do the same, but I couldn’t decide when to do it. Then, on Saturday morning, my old phone suddenly stopped working. I had a good reason to get a new one. Once again, thanks to fate, I have the phone I want. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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