Open day!
Recently, I had to attend my son's school open day to receive his grades and further reporting on his progress from his teacher. My son is in progressing from 9th to 10th. Hence, important meeting to attend by myself. Otherwise, the term open day will be attended by his mother. Mostly, the open day is attended by mothers rather than fathers, I have noticed since from my son's primary class.
We went on time and waiting for our turn to meet class teacher. The event was happening at the same class where students are studying. Like us, many parents came and waiting at the class room. It is fun to sit in the class room where our wards are sitting throughout the year. Of course, the chairs are small not able to accommodate many big parents :)
I have noticed that the students who came along with their parents not interacting with their classmates. Not even a 'hi' to each other. At least the parents smiling each other since we met seldom. I asked my son whenever a boy or a girl of his classmate who are they, what is their name, how they are in class a few common questions. I thought the wards are maintaining the decorum as they are with the parents. But, surprisingly it was not like that. They are not interacting with each other. I asked my son whether he spoke with all of his classmates. He looked at me weirdly and said "No". I came to know that they are speaking with the limited of their classmates only. In variably among boys and girls they have limited access of friendship, in an average a ward keeps 6-7 of his/her classmate to interact. With a few of their classmates, they never interacted from the beginning it seems. I am shocked to know! During my school, college days we know each other in the class. Still I remember the roll of names from many of my classes.
The class teacher came forty minutes late without any guilty conscious of made us waiting and not even said a sorry to the parents and students waiting for her. What kind of an etiquette taught to the students. Very mechanical way of interaction by the teacher, I have observed from the parents who were arrived earlier to me. The teacher says,
- Congrats, he/she is promoted to class 10th.
- The fees, book, uniform and transport details are mentioned in the notice (along with grade card issued by her).
- Summer camp is available from this date, Join in anyone (swimming, football etc.,as usual), for camps pay fee at bank counter.
That's it, that's all!
Our turn came, I started asking a few questions about his performance in his subjects and discipline in class. She is looking at my son as she is seeing first time. He talks a lot, he uses vernacular language in his communication. Otherwise fine! What an answer!. Again, I asked her about summer projects to be completed during vacation and the topics for it. She has replied in a hurry. She would share with his classmate (some girl's name) in Whatsapp. Immediately, in front of her (teacher) I asked my son whether he knows about her (classmate) since they are not interacting each other. My son said, yes she is my whatsapp friend...! The teacher looks at the next parent who were already standing closely behind me. I had to got up and said thanks and bye to her.
As soon as got out from the class I checked again he has her number to receive message in whatsapp. He confirmed and had a few discussion earlier it seems. I asked him "Didn't she attend today's open day?"
He told me, "She was sitting beside us, the same girl, did't you notice?"
"But, you not even said a hi to her?"
"No pa..she's whatsapp friend only."
