In all of us, fears and worries come when we approacha new situation. Who better to express this than a lad facing secondary school?
They tell me that I must go to a new school. I’m really worried.
They tell me that my best friend won’t be there, but that clinger Ciss will. I can do without her.
They tell me that when you ask a question the teacher says, “Mmm, that’s not my subject. Ask Ms So-and-so.”
They tell me that Ms So-and-so is a dragon.
They tell me that bullies run free. I know Butch will have a go at me.
They tell me that teachers expect you to ask if you need help. I’m not good at that.
They tell me that teachers repeat stuff we had ages ago and expect us to think. I’ll get bored.
It’s all too much. I’m going to run away…
…or I could be brave.
I could look for another friend.
I could help Ciss feel safe and not let her drag me down.
I could protect myself from Butch’s attacks.
I could think of teachers as human beings.
Maybe I would even become wise and strong through the hard experience.
I wonder if grown-ups ever go through this New School thing?
Peter Dixon