Would you believe that Christ The King Public School, now a thriving institution, was once just a single-floor building with a sports room serving as a classroom, one washroom, and only 150 students from Pre-Nursery to Class 7? The same ground we use today was there back then, but half of it was overgrown with dense, wild plants that terrified children like me. I used to fear being left in the middle of those plants if I misbehaved. Oh, what a school life it was!

Here’s the twist: this was my school 13 years ago.

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Early School Life (2012)

I entered my early school life in 2012, when Victoria Ma’am was my class teacher. Those days were simple yet filled with excitement, as I explored the first steps of my education in what was then a much smaller school.

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Humble Beginnings

The school went through many shifts and changes over the years. I remember learning in Pre-Nursery and UKG in a classroom that is now the sports room. When I returned to start Class 1, the school had moved to a new, bigger building—a beautiful structure—but still under construction. The churchyard became the ground, and we initially used only two floors of the building.

The ground back then had two coconut trees in the middle, and assemblies were held on a staged staircase. Many classrooms were empty and dark, creating a slightly eerie atmosphere. For about a year and a half, the school continued to grow, with construction progressing slowly and the student strength increasing steadily.

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Growing Facilities

Eventually, the entrance was completed, and new features were introduced: computer labs, small club rooms, and a sudden improvement in sports sessions. Despite the new developments, our games were simple—tag, robber-police (kala-police), color-color, and other childish fun. Volleyball was the first formal sport I tried, but I never learned it properly because everyone else was so focused on it. Trying new sports was rare due to the fear of falling on the rocky ground.

As the school grew, new classrooms and two extra floors were added. These floors were often dark and unused, and we would trap our poor classmates there for fun. What joyful mischief we had!

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The Golden Year: 2018–2019 (Class 5)

The year I was in Class 5 was the most enjoyable year of my life. That year, the school welcomed a new principal, and the student strength grew to nearly 400. We added Class 8, marking the opening of the high school section. The ground was moved to its current location near the entrance. Anil Sir joined as the sports teacher, and we got a cafeteria, where we had lunch in the gallery near the school ground.

The year brought many new teachers, a surge in extracurricular activities, and countless memories. Unfortunately, this happiness was short-lived. After our first annual exam (Kannada), we were suddenly given an unexpected holiday. At first, it seemed like a stroke of luck for us students, but it turned out to be the most unfortunate time of my life. I missed nearly two years of my precious school life due to the pandemic.

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Returning to School: 2021 (Class 7)

In 2021, after a long hiatus caused by the pandemic, I finally returned to school as a Class 7 student. The school had changed significantly during this time. The most notable change was the appointment of Rev. Father Divya Paul as our new school manager. He brought a wave of new ideas and developments, setting the foundation for the transformation that followed.

Returning after such a long gap was emotional and overwhelming. I saw new faces and noticed the subtle yet significant changes in the school environment. The pandemic had disrupted the rhythm of learning, but the school worked hard to restore the vibrancy it was known for.

That year also brought about many changes in the physical infrastructure. There was construction in the basement, the addition of two new high school classes (Classes 9 and 10), and the foundation for a basketball court. The school grounds were taking shape to meet the growing needs of the students, and it felt like the beginning of a new era.

Personally, this year was a turning point. After being away for so long, I embraced every moment with a new sense of appreciation. My friends and I bonded over shared experiences of the pandemic, and together, we began to rebuild our school memories.

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Leadership and High School Life

When I entered high school, everything changed—literally everything. The way teachers looked at us, the dress code, and the expectations all shifted. I became the sports committee leader, a position I had always dreamed of. It was one of the most prestigious roles, and I took it seriously.

This year also marked the completion of all major construction work in the school. The high school section was buzzing with energy, and we participated in many events and extracurricular activities. Toward the end of the year, our principal, Sheena Joseph, was replaced by the respected Sajana Priya Ma’am. That year was a mix of accomplishments, changes, and memories.

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9th Grade: The Election Year and Boxing Tournament

When I entered Class 9, the year began with an exciting event—the first-ever school election. I stood for the Assistant School Pupil Leader (ASPL) position and won, but it didn’t fully satisfy my purpose. I wanted to create a greater impact, but the year had its own challenges.

We were introduced to SUPW (Socially Useful Productive Work) classes, and, unfortunately, we also experienced a major change in sports. Our beloved sports teacher, Anil Sir, left after five years, leaving a void that saddened many students. Sports events that year were limited to athletics, but we still had competitions and enjoyed the activities.

The highlight of the year was the school’s first boxing tournament, held in 2023 in collaboration with KISA (Karnataka Inter-School Sports Association). It was an incredible event that showcased the school’s growing focus on sports and extracurricular activities, inspiring many of us to try new things and aim higher.

Toward the end of Class 9, the basketball court was demolished to allow for the further development of the ground.

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The Final Chapter: 10th Grade

Now, in Class 10, the final chapter of my school life, I wanted this year to be the most memorable part of my journey. Beyond being a leader, I wanted to be a friend—a friend to everyone I met. I realized that making people around me feel the joy of school life was the best way to cherish my 13 years at Christ The King Public School, my home away from home.

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Final Thoughts

This is my journey—a story of resilience, growth, and connection with a school that has been a second home for 13 years. From humble beginnings to remarkable achievements, my experiences here have shaped who I am. I hope this inspires everyone to cherish their school life, as time flies by so quickly, but the memories, lessons, and friendships we build stay with us forever.

By Riyan Marsh D’Almeida (grade 10, blue house)

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