Page 33 - The Mending Season

and a white blouse. A pair ofglasses hung around her neck on a black string. Something told me that it was no accident that everything matched.When she arrived, all the learners, who had filed into rows, fell silent. I had guessed which one was the Standard Six line by joining the row of girls who looked about my age, and I hadbeen right. There, I thought, I look like I know what I’m doing. Nuns in habits - navy blue dresses with white collars and blue veils with white trim - were standing in front ofus on a raised stoep. When Mrs Allison reached her place at the cen­ tre, a nun started singing a hymn and the whole school joined her. I considered moving my lips and pretending to know the song but thankfully I let go ofthat idea. At Ithuteng, my pre­ vious school, there was a teacher - Teacher Moima - who never knew the words to any ofthe songs but sang along any­way. This was no time to look like Teacher Moima.After the song came a prayer, Our Father, which I knew from Ithuteng. I moved my lips without sounding out thewords, concealing my Setswana accent.“Good morning, girls,” Mrs Allison said. “Welcome backand a special welcome to the new girls this year. I know we have quite a few. I hope you enjoy your time at Ascension.”“Good morning, Mrs Allison,” said everyone in unison.“Happy New Year. I hope you all had a good rest and are ready to work hard this year. I hope you can also handle the heat - especially when you’re out on the playground or playing sports. Drink lots ofwater and take good care ofyourselves. Say “hi”to the new girls and make them feel comfortable and welcome. Good luck. We have a few things to say before you go to your classes, and some announcements, so Til step aside. I think Sister Cecilia wanted to say something.”At that, a medium-height, slightly chubby nun walked to the centre ofthe podium. Her veil was pushed back a little so that her hairline was showing. I wondered if that was the33