Shashank and Sneha's first day in Metropolitan School Frankfurt-MSF
February 1st, 2013, was the first day in MSF for Shashank and Sneha.
Of course they had their initial schooling in the English Play School Frankfurt (EPSF). But MSF is a big step for Shashank and Sneha. From a very cosy, well acquainted, comfortable environs of the EPSF to the completely new place, new building, new students, new teachers and new everything at the MSF.
They had seen this school once before when we went for the joining formalities. They liked the very colourful environs and the cheerful and pleasant teachers.
Run-up to the big day !
Since almost a week before the 1st of February, they were very excited about going to the 'New School'. Buying things like new clothes, bags, boxes, water bottles, to labelling each item, keeping them in separate bags to be handed over in the school, selecting which dress to wear on the first day to the school, everything was done with complete involvement of both the kids. For Sneha everything should be 'Hello Kitty' and for Shashank it is always 'Lightning Mc Queen'. An occasional Angry bird and a Spiderman will do for Shashank! A Barbie and a Cinderella on the Tiffin box and school shoes is Cool for Sneha! We live in a world of humans but are ruled by these animation characters!
We had told them that it is a practice in the new school that they have to brush their teeth in the school again after the lunch and that they will have a sleep hour in the school. This was a new thing to them as compared to their play school. It was like visiting the wonderland for them, after having a glimpse of the same during the joining formalities.
The excitement apart, Sneha was also a little apprehensive! I am not sure what exactly it was. Maybe she was finding it difficult to accept that she will not be going back to her favourite 'English Play School '. She loves her teachers especially (Ms Deepti Dhaygude ) and friends from EPS Frankfurt. Or maybe it was the fear of wading into unknown waters. From time to time she was keeping to herself and not opening up. She was happy, excited and she was also sad ! Oh!!! Girls!!!!!!!
Shashank on the other hand was super excited. He has to be involved in everything. Even teaching Sneha how the new things have to be handled. He is the elder brother after all!!
I am surprised that in spite of so much of excitement, he was not flying!
On 'THE' day
We did not have to make any effort to wake them up in the morning, even though it was much before their usual wakeup time. After all it was the first day in the 'New School'. They were falling over each other to get ready. Sneha even skipped her morning quota of Cartoon on TV. OK, she did not skip it completely, but settled for a smaller dose. Of course the real wonderland was waiting for her. Was it Aai and Baba taking them to the school or Shashank and Sneha taking Aai-Baba (Mother-Father) to the school?!!! What ever!!!
Once we entered the school we were taken to their class (Kindergarten - Group: Kingfishers!). They loved the class. But what is this? All new teachers? All new students? Where are Apeksha, lasya, Yash and all? Oh god!
The new teachers (Ms KATE JACKSON and Ms ANNE RUEHL) came forward and gave a very warm smile and a warm hand shake. The change of emotions could be seen on their faces. Initially it was hesitation and then after the smile and handshake it was shyness. They want to smile at all, mingle with everybody and hide from everybody at the same time. Then suddenly music starts. The playful singing and slight stretching exercises by all students and the teachers! Hmm...This is like our EPSF!!! We have done this before in EPSF. Only this time it is with a new set of pupils. Ms Jackson slowly gets them involved in the group and Aai and Baba leave, unnoticed!
-Sandeep Kulkarni
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