Sister Marian, the Headmistress, welcomed the parents along with their children warmly and commented that more than the children, it was the parents who cried most. She assured the parents that the weeping will stop in just 4 days time, and requested the parents to cooperate. the children were led to the play ground behind the school on the first day. The parents left their children one by one, amidst wild screams of the separating children. howling and wailing, the children broke their parents' hearts for sure.Sister Marian, took to the stage once again and addressed the parents on the microphone. She consoled the parents more than the children. The teachers left the first day to the children in the play ground which was well shaded by the trees.
Day 2. The children were invited into the classrooms. Parents were asked to leave the children in the custody of the Teachers who greeted them at the gate. This caused pandemonium, and the children cried louder than the first day. Parents were once again emotional upset. Sister Marian consoled them stating, "The children will be fine in a few days, but for those parents who are crying, I will give you lollypops to stop crying". This brought alot of laughter and parents spoke amongst themselves and made new friends in the bargain.Day 3 and 4, seen lesser commotion amongst the kids as they settled down in the new class-environment. There were no instructions, no books, no lessons for the children. Toys were strewn all around the class floor to invite the walk-in kids to play. Sister Marian made a smart move by asking the parents to accompany the children upto the class rooms. This really did pacify the children to a large extant. It was easy on the teacers too.
By the 4th day, just a few children were seen crying. Parents collected the school uniforms, calendar, text books. Sister Marian addressed cautioned the parents that there would be very less books issued and less home-works too. She said, "I know that you parents would complete the homework on behalf of your children. So we will not give work to take home. Even the books supplied would be kept at school to lessen the burden of the children. Please do not bind the books and add excess weight to the books." Such words of advice went very well with the Parents. Most of the parents were well composed and light veined by this time.Day 5, Friday the 19th of June, seen many children happily dressed in their new uniforms which is their first experience. They were so smart in their uniforms and all the parents walked around proudly next to their children.
Sister Marian announced that the school timing would be just 1 hour for the month of June and in July it would be increased to 2 hrs.
By this last working day, friday, both children and parents were seen much more relaxed. They go home to enjoy the week-ends, only to be back with much vigor for the second new week at St.John's school.
Report by: Parents of LKG children.
