No first day blues .. First day at school is a bit scary. Most children cry and creep reluctantly towards the school, unwilling to let go their doting parents. Some have to be dragged and some literally pushed into the outstretched hands of school ayahs and teachers.
It was a different scenario altogether with Khadija's first day at
Success The School. No sobbing, no clutching to mother or father
and no heel digging. She was all smiles and stepped happily into the
school premises. As she climbed up to the first floor she threw a smile
and waved her hand at us. In fact she was looking forward to this
big day for many days. She was disappointed when opening of her
UKG class was postponed twice from June 13 to 27.
The previous night she went shopping for her
school tiffin box, water bottle and shoes. Uniform will be supplied by
school but it is not ready yet, we are told. Last one week has been a
flurry of activity with Khadija getting ready with her school bag
and books. She was ecstatic seeing her books getting covers and
name stickers.
Khadija was not a bundle of nerves as most kids are on the first day.
On the contrary she was counting the days for her school reopening
rather opening in her case.
A pleasant surprise for all of us.
To share her excitement, I along with Arshad, were at the school at
8.06 a.m. I liked the school at the first sight. It is a 5-storeyed brand
new building with well decorated reception and class rooms.
Khadija came with Nikhat and Darwesh at the right time, 8.30 a.m.
Her grandmother also joined later. We decided to be there as the
first day is more important than the Graduation Day.
The timings are 8.30 am to 11 am for the first two days.
Time to rise
Time for school
Open your eyes
Khadija was woken up around 7 am in the morning today. Her
dress had been pressed and bag packed last night itself. In fact for
the last one week it has been early to bed and early to rise - to get
her adjusted to the new life cycle.
After initial refusal parents were later allowed to see the classrooms.
We found Khadija sharing the bench with two other kids. She was
cool and composed. But seeing other children crying, she also
started sobbing. Nikhat and Darwesh rushed to her side and
comforted her. Then she took out her notebook and started writing.
Myself and Arshad left after a while but Nikhat stayed till 11 a.m
when Khadija's class was let off. Khadija regained her composure
after sometime. She even recited the 'Johnny Johnny' rhyme. Overall
she is happy with her first day at school.
The countdown has just begun for the start of something new in life.
Education, as Yeats said, is not filling of a pail but lighting of a fire.
So have an exciting time ahead. Believe in yourself my princess.
Have a blast. Never stop learning.
J.S.Ifthekhar,
Hyderabad based journalist.
Dated June 27,2022
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