Introduction
In Japan the school year begins in April. Under blooming cherry trees, new students in their new school bags or uniforms are welcomed at an entrance ceremony, the nyūgaku-shiki. From elementary school to university, each entrance is a big step, and people often give a card or a small gift. For Christian families and churches, it is also a time to pray that God will keep and guide each person in a new setting. This page offers 17 messages: from parents, grandparents, Sunday school and church, plus a few very short lines for a card or a text. Adapt them to the person's age and school, add their name and a memory, and send them.
Messages from Parents to Their Child
A parent's words carry the weight of all the time spent together. Rejoice in who your child is, not in their grades, and assure them of your prayers.
"Congratulations on starting elementary school, [name]. Seeing you with your school bag filled my heart with joy. I will pray for you every morning before I send you off. If anything weighs on you, come and tell me at any time."
"Congratulations on starting junior high, [name]. Your uniform suits you so well. Many new things begin, but you don't have to carry everything alone. Always remember that God is with you."
"Congratulations on starting high school, [name]. I am so proud of the road you have walked. These three years will be a time to think and choose for yourself. When you hesitate, make it a habit to pray before you decide."
"Congratulations on starting university, [name]. A new life begins in a new city, but even from far away, we pray for you. Write to us on hard days. Your home remains here."
Psalm 121:8
"Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more."
"Your going out and your coming in" means the days spent away from home as well as the days spent at home. For parents who watch a child head off to school, a new commute or a new life, this verse is a great comfort. Add it to the congratulations card to recall God's keeping with your child. Read all of Psalm 121.
Messages from Grandparents to a Grandchild
Grandparents' words are gentle and unhurried. They go very well with a small gift or an envelope.
"Congratulations on starting elementary school, [name]. When we saw your photo with your school bag, Grandpa and Grandma looked at it again and again, so happy. We pray to God every day that you will go to school in good health."
"Congratulations on starting junior high, [name]. How you have grown, and how dependable you have become! We pray every day that meeting new friends and new teachers will be good for you."
"Congratulations on starting high school, [name]. You worked hard through the entrance exam. Now take your time discovering what you love and what you are good at. We always cheer for you."
"Congratulations on starting university, [name]. A new life in a new city can be frightening, but God is with you wherever you are. Come and see us during the holidays."
Luke 2:52
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
The young Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Learning, growing physically and being loved in relationships all grow together. When a grandparent gives this verse at the start of school, it says a wish to see the whole person grow, not only the results. Read all of Luke 2.
Messages from Sunday School and Church
Teachers and church friends write with the child at worship in mind. Saying that church remains a place to come back to always brings joy.
"Congratulations on starting elementary school, [name]. Hum the songs we sing on Sundays at school too. Jesus is with you there as well. Your teacher is praying for you."
"Congratulations on starting junior high, [name]. The days we spent together in Sunday school are a treasure to me. Even in your new school, don't forget that God loves you and that you are precious."
"Congratulations on starting high school, [name]. Even if sports and classes take up your time, I look forward to seeing you at church on Sunday. Don't push yourself too hard, and come when you are tired."
"Congratulations on starting university, [name]. Let's look for a church in your new city together. Even from far away, your church family keeps praying for you."
James 1:5
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
In a new school, there is much to understand and decide. James invites anyone who lacks wisdom to ask God, who gives generously and without reproach. It is a verse that suits a high school or university student, and it closes a message from church well. Read all of James 1.
Short Lines for a Card or a Text
A few words are enough to carry joy and prayer. Here are lines to tuck into the corner of a card or send in a message.
"Congratulations on your entrance! May God bless each of your new days."
"[name], well done! Your new uniform looks great. I pray for you every day."
"A good start to your new life. May God be with you."
"Congratulations on starting school. So many good things await you! I'm cheering for you."
"[name], congratulations. May you make many friends. Jesus surely rejoices too."
How to Write Your Own School Entrance Message
Use the name and the type of school. Mentioning a school bag for elementary, a uniform for junior high or a new city for university brings your message closer.
Rejoice in the person, not the results. Writing "you worked hard" and "congratulations" is enough. Avoid any comparison with other children.
Walk alongside their worries. A line like "if you don't understand something, ask me any time" reassures someone entering a new world.
Adapt the tone to the age. With a little one, use very simple words. With a high schooler or student, speak as to a full adult.
Voice your prayer for God's keeping and guidance. A sentence like "may God be with you" gives your message its Christian color.
Promise prayer only if you will pray. "I pray for you every day" carries weight only when it is true.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I give an entrance gift?
Usually a month before the ceremony, and at the latest the day before. If it is only a message, the day itself or even a few days after is perfectly welcome.
How long should a school entrance card be?
Two to five sentences are enough. A word of congratulations, a specific line about the person and a prayer make a well-balanced card.
What can a church do when a Sunday school child starts school?
Many churches pray for the children concerned during worship and give them a card or a small gift. Giving a Bible or having the whole congregation sign a card is a lovely idea.