Presiding over

Along with Ben there was another child, of the principal of the college where I worked, who had decided to make the move to the new school. The fact that Jaya and I were working two jobs each to meet expenses and the timing of the interview prevented us to collect the child from the old school and to be present at the scheduled time for the all-important interview process. So the principal suggested that he and his wife will pick up both the children from the old school and bring them to the new school while I went to pick up Jaya from the other college where she was working and reach the new school.

Ben was fed his breakfast along with his friend by the friend’s mother (the principal’s wife) and reached the school. We reached soon after and his condition caused a minor heart attack for Jaya, who proceeded to clean him up to make him presentable for the interview. She borrowed a handkerchief of mine, wet it and wiped his dusty knees and elbows, straightened his hair, retrieved his tie from his back to its normal position all the while tucking his shirt back into his shorts. I tried to ensure that his standard issue sports shoe lost some of its weight by emptying the sand out of them. During this time his friend finished the interview process and her confident answering and talking inside brought jitters in us reminding us of a similar interview at another school a couple of years ago.

The other school interview that he attended after the church school was at a girl’s school run by nuns that had co-ed classes till the 4th standard. That interview did not go well as he clammed up and would not say anything under any circumstances. The nun was pleasant and friendly but I guess her clothes intimidated him. In hindsight, it was a blessing that he did not get through because we would have the more difficult task of getting an admission in the middle of his school education. So when this interview happened, we were suitably concerned. But it was a needless worry, because he did well and got through.

Denis, on the other hand, had a more interesting interview. Despite getting preference of a brother already in school, we were justified in our fears due to his ebullient nature. To calm him down, I showed him the drawings and colourful charts and also the coloured glass roof over the central corridor. I also showed him a magic trick involving a piece of paper and crossed fingers. Denis entered the Headmistress’ chamber and insisted on showing her the trick giving least importance to the questions she was asking. He also went about the room and trying to look at the books on the shelf. On asking him what he liked about the school, he mentioned the coloured glass and stuff. I think she was impressed because he got himself a double promotion and he moved from Prep II to class 2, skipping class 1 altogether.

And thus began their school education of their next 9 years or so, where the trials and tribulations, the success and struggles and their career choices were explored. Life lessons were also learnt on their journeys to school via school van and bike, which gives content for future blogs.

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