Page 223 - Demo

CELEBRATING GOD%u2019S GOODNESS 223I remember taking long walks around the school in what is now called the %u2018pre-COVID era%u2019, while staring in admiration at all the seniors walking busily to their classes or running to one staffroom or another, mostly, for late submissions. Of course, I didn%u2019t know this at the time. Unfortunately, I can now say that it was not as cool as it looked when I was 10 years old. It still feels like yesterday when I heard that the last test of 4th grade was cancelled due to a virus, but now here I am being made fun of by my juniors because I was born in the 2000s. The 110th anniversary of this institution, one that has witnessed everything from both world wars to a global pandemic, which shut down the world, just proves my point that this place, where most of us have spent a large chunk of our lives, is one that we should be proud of. From the laughter echoing in the hallways to the lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom, Clarence has truly stood the test of time.Anya AsirvathamClass 9AWe%u2019d just gotten our hands on the glossy treasure trove that was last year%u2019s school magazine, but the allure of flicking through its pages was instantly cut short by the infamous click-clacking of high heels. Clarencian %u2018Edicts%u2019Year 2025 %u2013 November %u2013 Magazine Distribution DayWe all knew who it was, our history teacher, armed with a textbook in one hand and a laptop bag on her back. Whispers of %u201cMa%u2019am%u2019s here%u201d echoed through the 10A classroom as everyone scuttled to their places and stood up, waiting for the teacher%u2019s %u201cGood morning, class.%u201d%u201cGood morning, ma%u2019am,%u201d the class said in unison. Each time we wished her, I was always reminded of our junior school entrance and exit concerts, featuring the same song every time. And why not? It%u2019s a classic. The words go, %u201cGoooood moooooorniiiiing, ma%u2019aaaam.%u201d Although we do twist it up and sing %u201csiiiiiiiiir%u201d instead, for male teachers.%u201cYou can all put away your magazines now, because we need to start a new chapter. Turn to page 48 - Edicts of Ashoka,%u201d said our history teacher, as she double-clicked a PowerPoint presentation and projected it onto the screen. %u201cAnd be quick, your boards are in three months. You have no time to waste.%u201d Reluctantly, I placed the magazine on my desk, trading its colourful stories for the austere edicts of an ancient emperor %u2014 truly the epitome of teenage excitement! Who needs movies or TV shows when you have Ashoka's decrees?I, for one, never understood why we were learning North Indian history in South India. Most of my classmates, on the other hand, think it%u2019s quite an intriguing subject.