“Is this where it all began?” a student once asked. Right here at Hiroshima City Ishiuchi Kita Elementary School history unfolds. This school is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to resilience and community.
Ishiuchi Kita Elementary School has a long history. It goes back to February 10 1875. It started as Jufuku School in the Aza Gun area. Education evolved and the school changed its name. In 1881 it became Joshoba Elementary School. By 1882 it was called Joshoba Elementary School.
In October 1887 it became Ishiuchi Simple Elementary School. A new location in Aza Magariyama was chosen in 1887. In August 1891 it was renamed Ishiuchi Ordinary Elementary School. The term of study was three years.
The school added a sewing department in 1896. By 1899 the study period was four years. Higher elementary courses were added in 1900. This made the school a two-story building.
Graduates donated a school flag in 1908. In 1909 ordinary courses lasted six years. Higher courses lasted two years. A children’s library opened in 1915.
A wooden two-story school building was rebuilt in 1927. The school song was created in June 1936. Kenji Nagai wrote the lyrics and Takeo Nagai composed the music. In April 1941 the school was renamed Ishiuchi National School. Elementary and higher courses were offered.
In April 1947 the name changed again. It became Ishiuchi Village Ishiuchi Elementary School. A parents and teachers association formed in March 1948. Another school song was created in October 1953. Akira Yoshimoto wrote the lyrics. Mitsuru Watanabe composed the music.
School lunches began in June 1955. A school badge was designed in July 1959. It was designed by Haruto Tsuchihashi. The swimming pool was completed in August 1962. In June 1963 the school flag was raised. A health monument was unveiled in October 1964. A biology pond was created in November 1964.
The indoor gymnasium was finished in May 1965. School lunch operations moved to a lunch center in June 1966. In July 1966 a covered walkway to the gymnasium was added. A three-story reinforced concrete school building was completed in September 1971.
In April 1972 the school was designated as a traffic safety promotion school. Traffic safety education centers were completed in December 1973. Prefabricated classrooms were built in 1976. Waterworks were completed in October 1977.
Gogatsu-ga-Oka Elementary School opened in April 1977. This caused a split in students. In 1978 the school was designated a “Nurturing Strong Ishiuchi Children” promotion school. Small athletic equipment called “Ishiuchi Kids Space” was installed in 1980. The schoolyard was expanded in November 1982.
In March 1983 a physical education storage building was installed. A low-grade sandpit was installed in July 1984. Exterior walls were repaired in August 1984. In March 1985 the school became Hiroshima City Ishiuchi Kita Elementary School. This happened after a merger with Hiroshima City.
Water supply equipment was upgraded in August 1986. The indoor gymnasium was completed in March 1987. In June 1988 the school was recognized for traffic safety. The current pool was completed in July 1988.
Athletic fields were completed in September 1989. A PTA was recognized in November 1991. Starting in September 1992 school was held five days a week. Staff rooms were renovated in September 1994.
A breeding shed was completed in February 1995. In February 1995 the school celebrated its 120th anniversary. A machine security system began in November 1995. The school was recognized for traffic safety in April 1996.
Elementary school flowers may scatter. The school has a movie. It is called “Ishiuchi Ordinary Higher Elementary School Flowers Have Scattered Too”. Athletic meet at Gogatsu-ga-Oka Elementary School.
New school buildings and rice paddies were created in 2009. AEDs were installed in the gymnasium in December 2010. In 2010 it was designated as a school to promote academic improvement. Air conditioners were installed in classrooms in June 2011.
Ishiuchi Kita Elementary School continues to focus on education today. It promotes community and cherishes its history. It stands as a beacon of learning for generations to come. It is a place where children grow and thrive.