A Time to Remember!

It was on that beautiful Saturday morning, the 13th of February 2010 that the teachers along with five excited host families eagerly awaited the arrival of the esteemed guests from Reepham High School, Norfolk, England. The three teachers, Mr.Hassel, Mr.Reeve and Mrs.Randle along with the five students Alice Bruce, Robert Smith, Kennet Tanner, Emma Godwin and Jack Rolph had a thirst for knowledge and a dash of ‘Indianised’ fun.

The week kicked off with the guests and host students setting ablaze the East Coast Road on Sunday, the 14th. We took them to Pondicherry where they enjoyed the silence of the Aurobindo ashram. From there we visited a couple of world famous temples where they were impressed with the beautiful structures and wall carvings and paintings. We ended the day by showing them around the ruins of Mahabalipuram which turned out to be a perfect spot for clicking photographs. On the 15th and 16th, the English people visited our school. They visited classes and also participated in class discussions. They also had the opportunity of witnessing the Debate final between PSBB Main and K.K.NAGAR. they found our style of debating very different and entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The students of our school were taught how to make funky hats using cloth and thread which they found very interesting and different. The next couple of days were spent in visiting others places of interest within the city. The guests had the privilege of visiting Mrs.YGP’s school, The Calibre Academy where they could interact with students as well as experience a different style of teaching and learning.

The students and teachers also had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Farewell party of the graduating batch and they appreciated the performances put up by the 11th standard students.On the last day of their trip, they had the most wonderful experience of wearing Indian clothes to a typical Indian wedding which they found very hilarious but extremely entertaining.

But yes, it was after all, the end of an absolutely amazing week for both the English as well as the Indian students. As the saying goes, ‘all good things come to end’. But for us, it was the beginning of a new friendship overseas. We bid them a tearful farewell that evening and promised to keep in touch.

Even though we are miles apart, that one week will never leave our hearts.

By Anjali Narayanan