Following the recent incident in Gifu last Friday, we have taken immediate steps to reassess and strengthen our safety measures.

At the core of our safety framework is the “SCP (Safety Continuous Plan)”, a comprehensive and proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of our students and staff. SCP is not merely a manual but a dynamic and evolving system built on daily awareness and preparedness. This guiding principle enabled us to respond swiftly and effectively during the recent event.

Suwa Kindergarten’s Response on the Day of the Incident

　Emergency Notification to Parents

・A rapid information update was sent to all parents via our emergency com　　munication network (email and app).

・We assessed and facilitated early pick-up requests while prioritizing safety measures within the kindergarten.

　Campus Security Measures and Student Relocation

・An additional safety update was shared with parents and staff regarding the day’s security measures.

・Non-essential outdoor activities were suspended, and movement within the kindergarten was strictly regulated.

・All entrance gates, including the main and rear gates, were locked, with staff assigned to monitor all access points.

・A full security check was conducted across the premises, ensuring all safety protocols were in place.

・Scheduled outdoor activities were relocated indoors to the gymnasium to ensure a controlled environment.

・Follow Up Notification to Parents

・Parents were requested to pick up their children as an added precautionary measure.

・Safety Assessment and Internal Review

・A staff meeting was held to confirm the well-being of all students.

・The emergency response process was reviewed in detail, ensuring lessons learned were documented.

・A consensus was reached on additional measures to reinforce safety moving forward.

Future Initiatives and Strengthening Our Security Measures

Building upon the SCP (Safety Continuous Plan) framework, we remain committed to continuously updating our safety strategies in line with emerging risks.

　Strengthening Preventative Measures

・Enhanced security protocols during student drop-off and pick-up.

・Regular training sessions for staff and parents on responding to suspicious activity.

・Closer cooperation with local police and municipal authorities.

・Routine inspection and maintenance of security cameras and surveillance systems.

　Enhancing Emergency Response Capabilities

・Upgrading our alert and emergency communication systems to ensure rapid response.

・Clearly defining and reinforcing designated evacuation zones, accompanied by regular safety drills.

・Promoting information-sharing among staff to further elevate risk management awareness.

　Post-Incident Support and Continuous Review

・Providing updates to parents on security enhancements & future action plans.

・Offering psychological support to children to ensure emotional well-being.

・Conducting regular evaluations and revisions of our security measures.

A Request for Cooperation from Parents and the Community

Even after a storm has passed, we must remain vigilant.
We will continue to reinforce and refine our safety protocols to ensure that we are always prepared for any potential risks.

We kindly ask for your cooperation in the following areas:

・Reporting any suspicious individuals or activities in the neighborhood.

・Responding promptly to emergency notifications from the kindergarten.

・Strict adherence to pick-up and drop-off safety protocols.

Our dedication to ensuring the safety of your children remains unwavering.
Together, let us continue to build a secure and nurturing environment for them.

In the meantime, we urge everyone to remain cautious until the situation is fully resolved.

Thank you for your understanding and support

Image Scene : Sora

— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

“Why Do Kindergartens Even Exist?”

Now, before you start thinking I’m trying to be a philosopher, hear me out. A kindergarten is a fascinating place. Children learn through play, while adults watch over them and contemplate life. There are tears, laughter, and—on occasion—intense negotiations over territorial disputes in the sandbox.

In a way, it’s a miniature version of life itself.

And here at Suwa Kindergarten, we are embarking on an exciting new journey to make this miniature world even better.

“A Balance of Tradition and Innovation”

For over 70 years, our kindergarten has been nurturing the growth of children in this community. Like the gentle flow of the Nagara River, we have adapted to the changing times while preserving the core values that matter most.

But the world keeps evolving. Education evolves. Even the taste of homemade miso soup changes (though, let’s be honest, we’d rather it didn’t). The environment surrounding children today is shifting—quietly, yet undeniably.

That’s why we are taking a bold step forward. Under the philosophy of “Balancing Tradition and Innovation,” we are committed to preserving what’s great about our kindergarten while introducing new approaches to prepare children for the future.

“Come and Experience It for Yourself!”

No matter how much we describe something with words, some things just have to be experienced firsthand. Remember how your first sip of coffee was unexpectedly bitter? Or how your first ride on a swing was way more thrilling than you thought?

That’s why we believe in the motto: “Experience First.”

•What’s it like to play freely in nature?

•What kind of teachers are here?

•Is spending time with friends exciting?

If you have these questions, there’s only one answer:

Come visit us!

No brochure or website can truly capture the atmosphere, the children’s laughter, or the little acts of kindness from our teachers. You have to feel it for yourself.

And to our current parents, we have a favor to ask:

“Would you be willing to share Suwa Kindergarten with your friends?”

Your warm support is what shapes the future of our kindergarten. If you know someone looking for a wonderful place for their child, we would love for them to join our community.

“Embracing Change, Moving Towards the Future”

A new era of education calls for fresh challenges.

•Small class sizes to provide personalized attention to every child.

•Incorporating English and digital learning to equip children with future-ready skills.

•Strengthening community ties to create a family-oriented environment.

Instead of fearing change, we embrace it—enthusiastically!

“Every Journey Begins with a Single Step”

Choosing a kindergarten is a big decision for both children and parents.

But every great journey starts with just one step.

Will Suwa Kindergarten become a place of precious memories for your child? The only way to know is to experience it firsthand.

So, let me say it once again:

“Come and experience it for yourself!”

And to our dear Suwa Kindergarten families, if you have friends who might be interested, why not invite them over?

We look forward to welcoming you to Suwa Kindergarten!

そう、人生の縮図のようなものですね。

そして、諏訪幼稚園は、そんな縮図をより良いものにすべく、今、新しく動き出しています。

「伝統と革新の調和」

私たちの幼稚園は、70年もの間、この地域の子どもたちの成長を見守ってきました。長良川のせせらぎのように、時代とともに形を変えながら、それでも本質的な価値を失わないようにしてきました。

しかし、世界は変わる。教育も変わる。お母さんが作ってくれる味噌汁の味が変わるように（いや、むしろ変わってほしくないけれど）、子どもたちを取り巻く環境もまた、静かに、しかし確実に変わり続けています。

だからこそ、私たちは新しい一歩を踏み出しています。「伝統と革新の調和」 を理念に掲げ、これまでの良さを受け継ぎながら、未来に向けた教育を提供することを決意しております。

「まずは体験をぜひ」

いくら言葉を尽くしても、結局のところ、人は体験しなければ分からないことがありと思われます。たとえば、初めて飲んだコーヒーが思ったより苦かったこととか、初めて乗ったブランコが意外とスリル満点だったこととか。

だからこそ、諏訪幼稚園では「まずは体験を」という言葉を大切にしています。

そんな疑問があるなら、答えはひとつ。

「ぜひ一度、来てみてください。」

案内のパンフレットやウェブサイトでは伝えきれない空気感、子どもたちの笑い声、先生たちのちょっとした気遣い――すべてを実際に感じてほしいのです。

また、現在通園されている保護者の皆さまにお願いがございます。

「お知り合いの方にも、ぜひ諏訪幼稚園のことをお伝えいただけませんか？」

保護者の皆さまの温かいご支援が、私たちの園の未来をつくっていきます。お友達やご近所の方に、幼稚園の魅力をお伝えいただき、一緒にこの素晴らしい環境を共有できることを願っています。

「変化への対応、そして未来へ」

新しい教育には、新しい挑戦が必要です。

こうした変化を恐れず、むしろ楽しみながら進めていくのが、私たちの新しい諏訪幼稚園のスタイルです。

「すべての始まりは、一歩を踏み出すことから」

幼稚園選びは、子どもにとっても、親にとっても、大切な決断です。

でも、何事も 「最初の一歩」 がなければ始まりません。

ここでの生活が、お子さんにとっての 「かけがえのない時間」 になるかどうか、それは実際に体験してみないと分からないのです。

だからこそ、もう一度言わせてください。

「まずは体験をぜひ。」

そして、すでに諏訪幼稚園の一員である皆さま、ぜひお知り合いの方にも 「一度遊びに来てみない？」 と声をかけていただければ幸いです。