Jo Starts School

2024 had started badly for Jo’s guardian. A medical condition that was started by an operation in the late sixties meant that his expectancy for a normal retirement was unlikely to happen. And Jo’s need to be accepted as a member of a strict school was becoming more important for her future as well.

The Guardian did another search for the Adult RP school, and again, the usual candidate came top of the result list.

The Guardian gave Jo the contact email address, and the two of them composed their letter to the Principal, explaining Real World and Rôle expectations of Jo.

Sadly Jo was turned down as a pupil at this school.

The search was done again, and there nestling a little way down the page was a reference to a newspaper article about a man being a boy at a strict school that was run by Miss Livingstone. Guardian and Jo both read that article. Numerous times. The article has a picture of Tommy, and the strict Miss Livingstone over-looking.

Guardian and Jo expanded the search and finally there was the New Grange Manor website. And Guardian read every page.

To join, Jo had to email Miss Livingstone.

So Jo did. And explained all about the Guardian and his real world situation and how it has to impact Jo and her attendance at school. Both expected the “Sorry, can’t help you” reply.

Miss L replied!!! Jo would be welcomed to the School. But did the Guardian want her admitted to “Pre School” or “Big School”? Guardian and Miss L had lots of emails and then Guardian announced that Jo had been admitted to Big School and her first day at New Grange Manor was in September.

Guardian and Miss L had lots of emails and then Guardian announced that Jo had been admitted to Big School and her first day at New Grange Manor was in September.

Start of school day arrived and Guardian drove Jo to the School, where the Guardian then left her. She was early, and sat outside the school feeling very nervous about her admission to the School. Nearly an hour she sat there. Was this really what Guardian had wanted for Jo? Now she had no support. No Guardian. On her own. Guardian returned, and told her off for being so silly. And to go in at once.

Jo made her way to the door carrying her new Gymslip, blouse and the rest of the uniform. Bell was rung, door was opened. And Miss L welcomed Jo to the school. Jo was shown where everything was, including the Headteachers office and the staff room, as well as the students changing room. She got changed into her gymslip and blouse. White Pelerine long socks. But no tie. Miss Livingstone quickly sorted that and a school tie was purchased and given to Jo to wear. She did, with pride. Jo looked at herself in the wall mirror. Now Jo was complete. She was home.

Jo was summonsed to Miss Livingstone’s office. Guardian was sometimes present particularly when his wishes for how any punishments were to be given by the staff. Then the yellow book of rules and punishments earned was handed to Jo with a stern instruction that it was to be carried at all times. Miss Livingstone then showed Jo into the Classroom and seated her next to Deedee, who introduced her to Rachel and Katie. Other students arrived, and soon the class was full - Jo sat there listening to the things that the students had been up to, and the punishments that they had earned! Miss Livingstone swept into the room, and everyone, including Jo, stood, almost to attention.

Finally, Jo started School.