Me and My… Convent School Experiences (Part-1)

Under the standard of our school,

Glory honor reign,

Guiding the steps in the path of truth,

Teaching play the game,

Whate’er we do must be our best,

Victory our aim,

Planting the seeds of faith and good deeds of,

Presentation Convent Fame.

Presentation Convent Sr. Sec. School (Song: School Song)

I just had to start the blog with my school song because of the love-hate relationship I have had with it all my life. Everyday at the end of the morning assembly we had to sing our school song. At that time it was a pain in the ass because of how long the song is. But now even reading it and recalling the feeling it gave me, makes me ball my eyes out. This is what a CONVENT student feels whenever someone mentions it. It wasn’t just a school, it was a feeling that I am never going to forget my entire life.

The students from convent school are a clan who are forever connected with Christmas carols, sisters, the church and English. My younger brother’s class teacher is from a convent school too. And when he complains about her demeanor, her attitude, her ethics, her choices, I kid you not- I am literally the same (laughing emojis). Stepping into the real world after school, made me realize that the things we had to learn were not so common. And this is something I really credit my school for. Coz there is no comparison between a public school student and a convent child (unapologetically proud).

That’s my joy and pride right there- Presentation Convent Sr. Sec. School

Now that I’ve bragged enough let me give you a glimpse of my precious 13 years. Then you decide how similar or different your experience was from mine. When I came for my admission, Sister Martha took my interview (she was the crowd favorite) and she was a foreigner. For a 4 year old from a middle class Hindu household sitting in front of someone who spoke such fluent English had already set the bar high. I have always been an observant kid. Sister Martha’s polite nature, the kindness in her voice, the way she dealt with toddlers, her accent, her floral dress and her sandals left a mark.

Presenting to you our beloved Sister Martha

As I grew up, I saw other sisters wearing crispy pastel colored sarees with a cross on their neck and the same old school sandals. They braided their hair and put in a sleek bun. This meant that only Sr. Martha wore dresses and had short brown hair that she left open. She was a rebel and that was even more fantastic to watch. Sadly she passed away recently, RIP. I remember whenever the teacher announced someone’s death in the morning assembly, we used to say a small prayer along with a 2 minute silence session. The prayer was “May the Lord give strength to the family and may the soul of the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen.” 

Sister Regi, my principal. She exudes class and confidence and you can’t tell me otherwise

Prayers were something that is ingrained in convent school students. It all started even before we entered the school. Imagine you get down from the bus (read about my BUS RIDES here, if you haven’t already), hymns are being played and students are getting ready for the assembly. It was such a soothing start to the day. In the assembly we said our first prayer called the “morning offering”. Then the second prayer was before lunch. We said the third prayer at the end of our lunch. The school played these prayers on speakers so that the entire school could join in. 

Now that I think about it, 2500 students saying a prayer together feels like a surreal moment. Each class had a small white speaker above our blackboard too. After lunch, a guided meditation was played on that speaker. Now I understand why meditating never felt difficult. I had been doing it for 13 years already (laughing emojis). The last prayer was at the end of the day. Pretty spiritual if you ask me! All these prayers at school and at home have built the belief in God that I have today and I am really grateful for this.

Our morning assemblies will never leave my mind, just because I’ve fainted twice on this ground (laughing emojis)

The second thing that was of utmost importance was following rules. Whether it be the length of our skirts or our polished shoes, we had to be proper at all times. Our uniforms had to be crisp, our nails cut short, no makeup, polished black shoes and braided hair (no matter the length). We weren’t allowed to wear any accessories, not even the religious threads. There was a bias for Christian students though (smirk emojis). They could wear rings and rosary chains.  

Convent schools tend to have a tightly knit family vibe. The FATHER took care of the church. The SISTERS were the administration of the school. Even their house was located inside the school. Oh! I forgot. We had an enormous and beautiful church inside our school premises. Unfortunately though, students didn’t have permission to go inside the church often. So we used to sneak in while waiting for my school bus. You can tell me I’m stupid, but the first time I entered the church I had no idea what to do. 

This is THAT Church! BRB (sweating from my eyes)

I went in there and joined my hands in front of the statue of Jesus like I do in temples. Then on our way out I saw a marble container attached to the wall which had water in it. I took the water in my hands and drank it. Later on I got to know that that was HOLY WATER to sprinkle on ourselves. I knew I was thirsty but b*tch this much? (laughing emojis)  

Don’t even get me started on how DECEMBER looked like in a convent school. We used to decorate the school like a bride (not exaggerating). You will see Christmas trees in every direction. The students set up a crib for Lord Jesus. Students made the crib with dry grass and portrayed the scene of the birth of Jesus. The entire day there were carols being played to spark the Christmas spirits. We had carol singing competitions and your girl was a singer back then (smirk emojis). I have always been a Red house girl and we won a lot of times!

Yeah… Now you know I wasn’t kidding!

Even today I don’t know what happens to me but I go without singing each and every carol I know on Christmas. I still bake a cake and celebrate 25th December. Once a convent kid, always a convent kid. From decorating our homes for Christmas regardless of our religion to singing carols and baking cakes, this is a part of me that will never die. I’m so freaking proud!  

I don’t think I can tell you everything in one blog. Do me a favour and come back next week for Part-2. Till the time you read this, I’ll finish writing the second part. You know me pretty well by now and you know how lazy I am! So I better get this done, coz I can’t and won’t keep my bestie waiting (its you b*tch, kiss emojis). You know I don’t end my blogs without a pep talk and a Journal prompt, but spare me just this one time.

Until next time, Adios Amigos.

 

 

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