Finally, my father called me; I got up slowly and walked with him to the car. I stepped into the blue fiat, in which I had got in so many times before, but never with as much trepidation as this. My father then comforted me; he told me to work my hardest in school and said he was sure that I would have fun. He told me not to worry, as I would make many friends and learn a lot of new things.
These words of the wise converted me from being as frightened as the Cowardly Lion to as calm as the North Sea. Humans can be such strange beings, one minute they are so depressed, they would do anything to get themselves out of a situation and next minute, they are as happy as clams at high tide, and why, because someone has just said a few simple kind words to them?
That was what it was like for me; I was relaxed now that my dad had spoken the brilliantly effective words to me.
When finally I had got to the school, I found that all my feelings of dread had come swirling back. I had finally got there, got to the establishment that terrified me with the very thought of it. My heart was thumping so hard, that I was sure my father could hear it. I got out of the car. The wind slapped me hard in my face with an icy hand and I sat back down in the car and closed the door.
My father looked questioningly at me and I smiled back weakly. “ It’s cold”, I muttered. “Come on”, he encouraged and got out. I joined him and we started that journey to the gate, with tremendous torpor on my part. I felt the leaves crunch beneath my feet, the famous trademark crunch of Autumn. The gate felt ice-cold when I actually pushed it to step, for the first time, into my new school. There was a big white sign to the left of where I was standing, which my dad read out to me. It read S.S. Mary and John’s R.C. Primary school
The school itself was a titanic building, which seemed as tall as a skyscraper to me. It consisted mainly of red bricks, rusty brown windows and with two great doors leading to unknown territory.
There were many children, some younger, some older than me, playing cheerfully in the playground, seeming not to be at all concerned about the glacial weather.
Suddenly – “BRRRRIIIINNNNGGGG”, the school bell had just gone off like a starting pistol for a race, and all of the younger children charged through one of the doors, and the senior children through another. The sky was filled with the sounds of children’s laughter and talk as they disappeared into the open mouth of the school entrance. My father and I remained out side of the school until all children were in and then we walked towards the gigantic building.
The school had a very musky aroma around it, it was designed in an old fashioned way, and many of the walls had peeling paint. I distinctly remember going to the main hall, a big massive hall which was covered in cream paint. At the front there stood a high stage, with steps leading up to it.
It was there I met my new teacher – Mrs. Stephens. She had a comforting aura, that of a loving person, someone who cared for everybody and who always saw the best in everyone. She was very tall and had sleek shiny blond hair. I always felt very comfortable around her, as I would with a family member. I grew very fond of her, as she did me.
She took me to my new classroom, where I was to be for the rest of the year, with other reception kids. I gave my dad an emotional farewell and walked with my teacher. I felt like weeping, I knew no-one in this funny place. Everything seemed strange to me, I did not know if I could control my tears for much longer.
When I got to the classroom, I remember seeing about 30 other children playing there happily, not a care in the world. My new teacher introduced me to everyone and they all replied with a tremendous “Hello Sarvinder!” which made me feel a touch better.
Mrs. Stephens led me to the sand-box where she said I could play. Here, I recall, was the exact spot, where I met my best friend to-be Navdeep. He was a delightful person with rosy cheeks and a welcoming smile. He greeted me warmly and asked my name, I told him and he answered with his name back. He inquired if I would like to play with him, I, of course replied with a “yes please” remembering my manners. He told me that he had just arrived yesterday and did not know anyone yet. He said he was terrified of coming at first, but he liked it now.
I was amazed how much we had in common once we started talking. My dad’s predictions had come true, I had found a friend. All my troubles and worries vanished in a flash and I was a happy bunny.
I played with my new found friend for quite some time, both of us chirping away about our families, hobbies and pass-times. Other children joined in and I quite forgot that I had been so concerned earlier.
Then, again the bell rang, this time for dinner, and Navdeep, I and the other children went to join the queue. After dinner, I vaguely recollect doing some artwork.
When the final bell of school rang, all of the children of my new class, lined up by the door, and the teacher dismissed us one by one, giving each of us a sweet as we left.
When I finally found my way outside, I saw my dad standing near the gate. He was grinning at me, and I smiled back, extending my smile from ear to ear. I held up my sweet to show him, and he grinned even more (if that was possible)
I turned to Navdeep, who was still standing beside me, I said “see you tomorrow,” and he replied “You too mate!” This made me really ecstatic. He had declared me to be his “mate” So I knew I was really his best friend and he was mine.
I waved good bye to him and ran as fast as greased lightning to my father, who was still waiting for me, to hear about my first day of junior school. As I explained the whole of my exciting first day, I couldn’t help thinking that my new school was really the best place in the whole of the world!
By Sarvinder Saini