Chapter 7. The Motion of Counselling Teacher Team

"Hello. Assalamu'alaikum. Is this Mrs Ratih's phone number?" Darno asked, firmly.

"Wa'alaikumsalam. Yes, that's right. I'm Ratih's mother. Who is speaking?" a mother said on the phone who answered the call from Darno.

"I'm Darno, from the model schools, Ma'am. Is Mrs Ratih at home?" Darno said.

"Yes. But she is resting as she is sick. Do you have any message for her?" Ratih's mother asked.

"How is her condition, ma'am? Could you please tell Mrs Ratih so that she can meet me at school, when she has recovered and is back at work," Darno ordered ?

"Just catch a cold, sir. Fine, I'll tell her. Anything else, sir?" she said.

"Nothing. Thank you, ma'am," Darno answered.

Darno hung up the phone. He returned to his room to continue his work.

An hour later

Mr. Darno gathered all members of the Counselling Teacher Team for Rawa Laut 2 elementary school, totalling 4 people, to discuss the preparation of a new assignment that will be given by the Principal soon.

After they gathered in the room, Darno closed the door tightly and started the conversation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, do you know what I mean by gathering you now?" Darno asked, starting to open a discussion.

"Would you mind telling us, Sir?" Yoga answered.

"Mr Samsul, Mrs Erna and Mrs Diah, do you know what I mean?"

"I don't know, sir," all three said in unison.

"Soon we will receive a new assignment from the principal," Darno said.

"What task is it, Mr Darno?" Diah asked.

"I think it will be about something important," Erna said, chiming in.

"Mrs Erna is right. Earlier I met the Principal in his room. He said that the discipline value of students and teachers at this school was decreasing, referring to the report of the Provincial Education Office," Darno said, seriously.

"Then, what's the principal's thought on the issue? " Samuel asked.

"He was disappointed, even though he didn't say it directly. Therefore, he will give us a new task, that we will be involved in enforcing the discipline of teachers and staff," Darno explained.

"Does that include giving sanctions to teachers and staff who are late for work, sir?" Diah asked.

"Probably, Mrs Diah. For more details, I don't know yet. Currently, the Principal is finalizing his official draft decision. Insha Allah, he will announce the decision during the morning Ceremony on the following Monday, before the Final School Examination Practice activities for 6 graders," Darno explained, clearly.

"Yes, sir. We are ready to comply with his decision if it is for the good of this school," Diah said, not giving much further comment.

"That's right. As long as Mr Darno is our coordinator," Yoga said.

"Thank you for the enthusiasm," Darno said.

In another place, class 6B, by the end of school, Adil puts his books and stationaries into his bag. Only he and Novan were left in the classroom.

"Dil, do you know that the issue about us has spread among students and teachers?" Nova asked.

"About us going to the front of the class and explaining the Lampung language material in front of Mrs Lisna and our classmates, right?" Adil asked.

"Exactly. We are considered the toughest competitors in this year's Lampung Language competition," Novan said.

"Hmm. I'm more focused on the Final School Exam, Novan. When it's about competition, I don't have big ambition," Adil replied.

"That's true, Adil. But there's nothing wrong, if in case, we represent our class, we for the 1st"

"Well. Besides, we won't be going to the same school again in middle school, are we?" Adil asked, a little sadly.

"It can be. By the way, which middle school do you want to go to?" Novan said.

"It is either State Middle School 2 or 4 in Bandar Lampung. What about you?" Adil said.

"I prefer Al-Kautsar Middle School. Since I was in 3rd grade, I had a dream to go to that school," Novan said.

"May Allah grants our wish," Adil said with a smile.

"Amen. Let's go home," Novan said.

The two of them walked out of the classroom towards the school gate. Arriving there, Novan said goodbye first because his car had arrived to pick him up.

Meanwhile, Adil was still standing waiting for public transportation to come by him.

"Adil," Cipto said, the security guard at the school.

"Mr Cipto. I'm waiting for public transportation," Adil said.

"How is Dinda, your friend? Have you paid her my message?" Cipto asked.

"Of course, sir. This Sunday, we want to make a pilgrimage for his father," Adil said.

"That's a great idea. Can I come with you?" Cipto asked again.

"Sure. I'll go first, sir. Assalamu'alaikum," Adil said, then got into the public transportation to Tanjung Karang-Garuntang which stopped in front of him.

Adil's journey from school to home takes 30 minutes.

Arriving at the house, the older brother, Dewa, opened the gate. Adil entered the house and headed to his bedroom with his brother.

First, Adil washes his hands and feet before entering the bedroom.

"How come you get home at this time?" her brother said.

"The teachers have a meeting at school. So, all students were told to go home," Adil said.

"Well, I see. How does it feel to be a 6th grader?" his brother asked.

"I enjoy it. It's just that there are more and more assignments from teachers, to prepare for the final school exam," Adil said.

"Cheer up, mate. You are now in grade 6, you need to really determine your option for State Junior High School," Dewa ordered.

"Sure. You are already at home. Don't you have English lessons today at Tutoring?" Adil asked.

"It should've been, Adil. I'm just asking for permission to not attend because I'm not feeling well," his brother explained.

"You should have some rest then, Bro. I also want to take a nap first, so I won't be sleepy at night from doing my homework," Adil ordered.

"Okay. If that's the case, I'll go back to my room first," said his brother.

"Yes, bro. I hope you get well soon. You need to stop staying up late," Adil criticized.

"Okay, Adil. Amen," Dewa said, briefly.