School Spirit

This post actually follows on rather neatly from yesterday’s entry, the one dealing with writing a reference for one of the kids. I originally planned on leaving that topic be until later on when I learned whether or not the kid managed to win himself the scholarship to one of the local secondary schools. Seems I probably can’t though, as another kid brought it up himself this afternoon.

I was back at the basketball stadium once again this afternoon after work. As I’ve said earlier, I’ve found it’s not a bad way to wind down after a day at work and a good way to get to see some of the kids outside of the school environment. They’re definitely a little more relaxed and cheeky around you once they’re more familiar with you, but I believe their respect for you grows too. Anyway, I’m wandering off a bit at the moment.

I was early (should have read the draw I’ve got hanging on my fridge this morning) but fortunately one of the kids had turned up early as well just to hang around so it gave us a chance to catch up and chat about everything and nothing. Those are the best kinds of chats. He’s left the school for his final year of primary school, so basketball is also a good way to keep in touch now too. It was good to hear him talking and asking about the kids he used to run around with last year. Seems he knew already that this other boy was pushing for a scholarship and he was really eager to hear how it was going. At the same time he admitted a little feeling of guilt. Seems he wants this boy to get the scholarship, but at the same time, quietly hopes he’ll miss out because that means they’ll be back at the same school next year in year seven. A little bit of selfishness there, he admitted, but I reckon that’s great. His old friends still mean something to him. He wants the best, but failing that, he’s happy to know they might be back together again.

He was also rapt to hear that several of his old mates will be competing in the district sports on Friday. Another chance to catch up with kids he hasn’t seen since December. He was even bold enough to state that he’d sneak away from his own school group to come and visit us on the day. Who cares if he got a stern talking to, eh? I sort of suggested we’d love to see him, but keep his head down, eh?

‘What, are you gonna be there too?’ he asked.

‘Yeah, I’ve been sucked in this year too, mate.’

His eyes lit up like cracker night bonfires with empty jerry cans lying nearby.

Leaving schools doesn’t always mean you leave your friends.

Related posts: Scoring for basketball, Scoring for basketball, the sequel, The kid needs a reference…

Technorati Tags: friends, school, kids