A New Sunrise
The spherical nature of the earth, does not produce an identical planet surface. There exists internal curvature, and turns peculiar to each hemisphere.
The Wilson's family directional curve, has obviously navigated towards Carlow.
'Here comes the unleashing of our big bang world in Carlow', I declared.
"Your assertion was astute. Life in Carlow would no doubt, be dissimilar in its entirety to Dublin's.'
Finally, I can see you're smartly dressed in your pair of new school uniform.
'Yes, aunty. Am ready to pursue a new course with grit and focus'.
'I can see the enthusiasm doting all over you. Your temerity at the commencement of a new life at Queen of the Earth is much palpable.'
"Apparently, I can't wait to get to school." (grinned in excitement)
'Would you like to have some quick breakfast? Yogurt and granola won't be a bad idea?', she suggested.
'Fine, you can assist me pack it.'
'I can see you are anxious to know what life holds at the new school. Not to worry, am at your service'. Be rest assured, all will be fine.'
Thank you, aunty.
(Heading to School)
Lt General Davidson's driver, a Lance Corporal was firmly seated behind the wheels with a poised impression, waiting to take his boss, with the daughter to school.
They soon arrived at school. Davidson walked her daughter down to the administrator's office.
Secretary: Good morning. You are most welcome sir. How may I be of help?
Davidson: Thank you. We are here to see the school's administrator.
Secretary: Kindly take your seat to fill the visitor's form (she swiftly inputted the information on the computer. In less than a minute, a call came in to usher them in).
You may please go in sir (they went through the office of the administrator's P.A, who led them into the administrator's office)
(Inside the administrator's office)
'General Davidson, it is nice having you visit us again. Glad your daughter is finally starting with us.'
'Thank you, madam. Your services are top notch here. Am so pleased my daughter is coming to learn in a pleasant environment.'
'Thanks for your quick, and pleasant review of our services. That was just a tip of an iceberg. I can assure you, your daughter is in for the best'.
Great to know that (he gave a radiant smile).
"I must say, Ashley had been admitted, first on the terms of her outstanding performance in the entrance examinations. She is no doubt a bright champ. Coupled with the fact that her dad is a nob. We cannot overlook that, but the former overrides the latter".
'That's a great one. Thanks for your sincere assessment.'
"Our school had maintained a policy of eight pupils to a class. A new pupil might be admitted if there was a withdrawal by someone in a class. We are bending the rule to admit her, having performed excellently well."
"Moreover, Ashley is coming at the start of the second term. She had spent the previous term in her former school. All of these could have worked against her."
"Nevertheless, her good performance, turned the odds in her favour. Am glad to let you know she has been admitted to Grade 2", Mrs Mayberry added.
'It is our tradition not to stretch the classes beyond limit. We believe your daughter will definitely be a positive addition to her class, considering her good performance.'
'Thank you, Madam. She won't let you down, I can assure you. She will give in her best.'
'I must appreciate your thoughtfulness, and kind gesture towards my daughter. She will definitely make you proud', Davidson added.
Thanks once again, madam.
That's fine. Let me call on the school's head teacher to lead her to her class (dialled the intercom)
Hello, Mrs Crotchet.
Hello, madam.
Can you please come over. There is an assignment here for you.
Alright, madam. Will be with you shortly.
(She got into the office)
Mrs Crotchet, can you please lead your new pupil to her class. She is joining Mr Robertson Kelly's class. Oh, that's a good one.
'Good morning, madam'; I greeted.
'Morning, beautiful girl. You are most welcome to our midst.'
What's your name?
Am Ashley Wilson.
"Such a lovely name you have there. Shall we go."
Bye, dad.
You take care, girl.
Alright, dad.
(Mr Robertson and Mrs Crotchet exchanged pleasantries and communicated briefly, handing me over)
I got to my class and was warmly welcomed. My name is Ashley Wilson. May I know you sir?
Sure, I am Robertson Kelly. Am glad to meet you.
'Pleased to meet you too.'
'You are most welcome.'
'Thank you sir.'
'Taking my seat, with my charming look on my first day, was a spectacular one'.
'Class, can we have a quick introduction in turn, championed by our bodacious class captain', Mr Robertson requested.
My name is Fredrick Newton. You are welcome to Grade 2, Queen of the Earth School.
A quip introduction was as well done by the rest. 'Thank you all for that well coordinated introduction', the class teacher remarked.
Shortly after the class, I had a buzz of activities around my seat.
'Hi, Ashley. It's nice having you join us', Fredrick asserted.
Maya, Carrie, and some others clustered around.
'We are a friendly class. No bullying here. You will enjoy learning with us', said Maya.
"Queen of the Earth school makes learning easy and fun", added Carrie.
'It is nice being here with you', I reverted. Thank you for your kind words, they make me feel at home.
You are welcome. Hope to see more of you.
You guys too, thanks for checking.
They all filed back to their seats.
During the short recess, I took time to walk round, to explore this part of academic world. This was essential to get into the system as fast as I could. I didn't want to remain a newbie. I opted for a speedy acclimatisation within the new environment.
Hi, Ashley.
Hello, Marie.
"So, what club are you planning to join? We have female football, and volley ball clubs."
"That's a good one. Am yet to decide. Can you let me know what the process entails?"
"Students in those respective clubs will register with their coaches. They appear in their sports uniform to play on sports day. This comes up once every week. We have a large field for football. Likewise, a volley ball court."
The playground over there was specially designed for those in lower grades. There are lots of fun equipment displayed in a well organised manner. The play room for the cradles also have several playing, and learning gadgets.
"Thanks Marie for the orientation."
"You are most welcome."
'I can see the school has various inscriptions placed along the walkways'.
'Yes, Ashley. These are significant knowledge developing tools, for each of the class segments.'
If you have noticed or read through some, they are sage quotes and eye-catching learning resources that are being displayed. Our memories tend to absorb those inscriptional lines as time passes, sighting them on daily basis.
(Back home)
'Aunty, my first day at Carlow school was a day of introspection.'
"I trust you. I believe you would have made a quick juxtaposition between the former, and current schools."
"Yes, I did. I needed to check it out in terms of academic efficiency, facilities, and geographical landscape."
"Both the previous and current one, have overlapping standards. Nevertheless, there appeared some divergent features peculiar to each of them."
Queen of the Earth is a scenic attraction, along Marlborough street. The aerial view stands as a captivating beauty from a distance. It is a parallax in different dimensions or order.
'That's quite palatial', aunty considered.
'Yes, very magnificent.'
The football pitch, and volley ball court were carved separately from the school. Children in higher grades have a coach. Those in the football or volleyball clubs are often trained by their respective coaches on special days.
"So, which club are you looking to join?"
I haven't decided, aunty.
Aunty, the buildings were erected separately, in a detached form, standing disparately as masterpieces. The walkways were studded with decorative, and instructional materials peculiar to each of the class buildings. The school had just acquired some new facilities to make learning more fun to its students.
"These few weeks will build your orientation about basic aspects of your new school. You get to familiarise gradually with the new environment".
You are right, aunty. Have learnt so much in my first few hours. I was told by Marie that the school has a principle of pulling out of their academic space, obsolete and worn out materials every two years. (Agnes listened with concentrated attention. Not too long after, Alfred joined in the conversation).
"Ashley, hope you love the school. If you don't, I can as well complain on your behalf to my boss", he smirked."
"I do. Everything about the school has a worthy similarity with the former school in Dublin, and even, better facilities".
That's right. Am happy for you. Go girl, and win them hands down. Thanks, uncle Alfred.
I got admitted at a time the school had just witnessed a face-lift, making the whole environment lustre. The premium service received cannot be unconnected to the bogus financial demands of the school.
"That appears as one of the reasons to put in your best, and not disappoint your parents. They have invested so much in you", responded aunty.
"I won't, aunty. Need to adjust to the new environment this first week. Then, I start off the track. I must say, am getting along already".
(School Setting)
I show-cased my academic prowess, few weeks into resumption. This became evident from my spontaneous interaction as teaching was ongoing.
"Class, shall we begin the English class by sorting out nouns of various types based on objects, places and persons", Mr Robertson instructed.
"Later on, we move on to other parts of speech as time permits. I will be posing questions at regular intervals based on my explanations."
Under Adjective sorting, he cited 'afraid' as an example, symbolising shock or threat. In essence, it connotes a fearful mood, while I cleverly suggested more, such as:
spooky, frightened, and creepy.
My classmates came up with more examples under the rest categories. I equally contributed by listing:
lion, tiger, leopard, snake as hyponyms of carnivorous animals.
Sequel to the class, my teacher remarked on my academic excellence.
"I must confess, you are a bright child. Not to worry, Queen of the Earth will certainly bring out the best part of you. Here, we shape future leaders."
"Quite elated to hear that sir. Nothing beats being in the right place. So heart-warming. knowing Queen of the Earth is such a place for me. Thanks for your commendation sir."
"You are welcome, Ashley."
My quick witted nature, with solid academic foundation soon made room for my learning pace. My teacher, and school administrator's admiration for me, started to soar. Not too long after, my significance gradually widened from exceptional to representational qualities. I began to compete neck to neck with the best brains in the school.
(The Chef and Ashley's Brothers)
"Uncle Alfred, you should trust your major duos. The process of acquainting with a new system and environment was like the eagle's glide in the sky for me and Joseph."
"We made a quick impression, adjusting to a new path in a manner different from what we were used to. This was necessary in order to challenge any wrong system that might want to poke itself in our faces", said Joseph.
"At the Carlow Academy, you've got to brace up, as there are several outstanding students here", Harold, one of our friends analysed.
"Oh! So good to know. We are coming from a school with a bevy of best brains as well. We are quite exceptional in our own ways too."
"That's excellent. The high school here, provides zero tolerance to bullying", Harold added.
"It was irksome saying one would get used to such, as some admitted in the former school", Tennyson addressed.
"I would never blame them, they knew not what the long term implications were."
"Obviously, no child should be subjected to such. If not for the timely intervention by dad, that would have shaped your psyche in a way", examined Joseph.
"You are right; and the school's timely clampdown on it too, boosted other's confidence, and restored peace afterwards."