another nothing story
On the first day of grade school every year they barricaded both ends of the street, no traffic. We all had our new outfits and bookbags, pencils and erasers. The principal Sister Honour had a clicker. 400 kids, laughing, talking and fidgeting stopping instantly with her 2 clicks. We heard she kept a spanking machine in her closet. She said good morning, we prayed and did the salute.
Sometimes classes were divided or combined and sometimes teachers were switched so you never knew if you were getting a nun or a lay teacher. I think that's why the year started with a prayer. We were all praying for a lucky draft pick.
When Sister Honor called your name you got in a line. After the last name she named the nun or teacher and to see the faces on the kids said it all. Some kids were shaking in their boots walking into the building while others were skipping, singing "Hi Ho, Hi. Ho." As if they had the year off.
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