There is no day without its challenges or tasks at hand. It is just that some days are less stressful and demanding than others. Every day has its unique responsibilities.
Today, however, stands out because it encompasses several roles and responsibilities. I had to wake up early in the morning to ensure I got to school on time to teach students to prepare for external examinations. This routine is nothing new, as it has become a norm and tradition for me.
What really makes today special, though, is our preparation for our principal’s retirement, which is scheduled for tomorrow.
The party has been on our minds for some time, and we have been making plans for it. However, there was a time when our principal held a meeting where she expressed her desire for a low-key retirement ceremony, stating that she only wanted a few staff and colleagues present. When I heard this, I decided to visit her in her office to inquire about her reasons for wanting a modest celebration, especially when other principals have had more elaborate farewells. I advised and counseled her, suggesting that since this would be her last moment with us, it would be better to make the most of it so that we, as staff, could look back and appreciate her for a job well done. Despite my advice, she insisted on keeping it low-key as of December last year.
To our surprise, earlier this year, she contacted us and spoke at length about her retirement, sharing a new plan. Imagine someone who initially wanted a low-key party now looking for a DJ and sound systems to enhance the event!
With this change of heart, we had to revise our plans to align with her new preferences.
In preparation for tomorrow, we spent about three hours decorating the school hall, arranging chairs, tables, and other gadgets to make the space visually appealing. Afterwards, we worked to ensure the school atmosphere was well-organized so that the students were not left behind. They have activities to prepare for, which are essential to making the day harmonious. With all these preparations, I hope the party goes smoothly tomorrow.
One thing I’ve learned from this experience is that human decisions are sometimes fickle and often subject to change. We later discovered that her initial decision stemmed from her dissatisfaction with us at the time.