A Haunted School

The School Chaplain

As the students file into the school hall, they buzz with excitement and curiosity. Senior Prefect Jackson stands at the podium, surveying the crowd with a stern expression. ‘Good morning, everyone,’ he begins, his voice echoing through the hall. ‘I trust you’re all doing well. Today, we have some important announcements and discussions to tackle.’The students settle in, their chatter dying down as they await the proceedings. Jackson continues, “Firstly, we have some adjustments in the school timetable. Your feedback is crucial in helping us make important decisions.” He pauses, scanning through the room. “Now, I know some of you have concerns about certain staff members. Let’s address those issues.”Damien raises his hand, and Jackson nods in his direction. “Yes, Damien?”“I think Mrs. Rachael should resign or be asked to leave the school,” Damien says, his voice as firm as a tree. ‘She’s always bullying students and staff alike; and have you tasted her soup? It’s disgusting!”Nathaniel chimes in, “True, her stick-thin daughter and her are very stingy and wicked. She doesn’t even share food generously, and only God knows what happens to the leftover soup in the pot.”Robin adds, “I heard she puts salt in the soup just to make it tasteless. And her daughter, Emily, is just as bad. She thinks she’s superior to everyone else just because her mother is a teacher and a cook.” Everyone boos.The room erupts in a chorus of agreements and murmurs of discontent. Jackson raises his hands, calling for order. ‘Let’s keep the discussion civil, please. We’re here to find solutions, not create more problems.’Just then, the principal, Mr. Smith, entered the hall, accompanied by a clergyman. “Ah, perfect timing,” Jackson said, nodding in their direction. “Our principal, Mr. Smith and our new school chaplain, have joined us.”Mr. Smith began his speech, “I know you’re surprised to see a clergyman here outside of mass time. Allow me to introduce Fr. Athanasius our new school chaplain and former parish administrator of St. Francis Xavier parish in the states. Who was appointed by Most Rev. Dr. G. S. Washington, the local ordinary.”As the students listen intently, the conversation turned to the role of the school chaplain and how he could support the students in their spiritual journeys. However, the undercurrent of discontent with Mrs. Rachael and her soup still simmers, waiting to boil over into further conflicts.