Between May 26-28, the graduating class of 2025 visited Izu Ōshima for their Senior Trip. They spent three memorable days on the beautiful Tokyo island, just off the coast of Izu peninsula. 

 Planning for the trip began back in the first semester of grade 12, and the Senior Trip Student Planning Committee of Alisha, Eisuke and Miju worked hard throughout the year to give their classmates a shared experience they would never forget. It's fair to say that they delivered! 

 Day 1

For some students it was a very early start, the school bus departing at 6:30am Monday morning to get most of the class to the Takeshiba Ferry Terminal in Tokyo by 7:30, where the rest of the group was already there waiting for us. A smooth 2 hour jetfoil ride later and the seniors had arrived on Izu Ōshima, scarcely able to believe that they were still technically in Tokyo.

 After a quick bento lunch at the port, most of the class opted to snorkel in the clear waters just next to the port area, while the others went and explored the island's zoo and did some hiking in the foothills of the island's volcano. The snorkelers were treated to excellent visibility underwater even with the overcast conditions, marvelling at the colorful vegetation and corals as well as marine life, before the chilly water temperatures had cut through even their well-insulated wetsuits!

 Afterwards, everyone made their way to the other side of the island to Hotel Kailani, who had been helping the Trip Committee organize this trip from the start. A pleasant surprise was to be greeted by David Green, emergency chef for the week, better known to many at Saint Maur as the organizer of the popular Nambo camp in Chiba for Grade 8 students, and a place where many older Saint Maur students and alumni have volunteered during the holidays. 

 During the downtime, students relaxed and socialized by the pool, in their rooms, or went for a wander around the scenic Habu port. One group of boys even brought their pétanque set with them, and found a suitable spot of dirt to play in! On the first evening, the students barbecued their own dinner outside by the pool, as you could tangibly see the stresses of their IB exams slipping off their shoulders. 

 Day 2

Despite the inclement weather, the seniors managed to fit in a full day of activities. First up, after a pancake, sausage and fruit breakfast, was to head up to the island's volcanic region to hike some of the most unique and varied landscapes in Japan. Due to the rain clouds starting to roll in, the route was changed to keep the students a little drier, so a walk through a densely packed forest led out into the otherworldly landscape of 'urasabaku' a black desert as a result of volcanic activity, strong winds and the difficulty for plants to take root. The knowledgeable guides were happy to answer any questions about the unique geology and ecology of Izu Ōshima. 

 In the afternoon, the group split into two, some to do fishing and some to spend time at the beach. The fishing group managed to catch a couple of large fugu (blowfish) weighing about 5-6 kgs before safely returning them to the ocean, and even spotted some inquisitive turtles who had come over to see what was going on. 

The evening was spent back at the hotel, and much like the first evening, the seniors spent their time socializing around the hotel, and even managed to fit in some time rehearsing their graduation song. 

Day 3

On the last day, the sun was out at breakfast and stayed out all day, allowing everyone to appreciate Izu Ōshima in all its verdant beauty. The morning was spent at Tsubaki-Hana Garden, who opened their doors specifically just for the seniors. The group spent time feeding and playing with the rabbits, mini-golf, and go-karting, while others simply took in the beautiful surroundings and unwinded. A picnic lunch was served in a green meadow framed by a stunning backdrop of forest, ocean, the Izu peninsula and clear blue skies. 

One last visit to a beach and it was back to the port for souvenir shopping and the jetfoil back to Tokyo. 

What stood out about this particular cohort was the abundance of kindness they showed one another, the hotel staff and everyone they encountered on the island. An enormous thank you to the Class of 2025 for making the Senior Trip such a memorable one.