A staff picnic is something we all eagerly look forward to – a day free from laptops, lesson plans, and the relentless ringing of school bells. It feels like a delightful return to childhood… eat, play, dance, and be merry!

A few years ago a picnic to Mamzar Park was planned. The excitement was infectious. I was given overall charge, and the planning began in full swing the previous day – who would bring what, which games to play, the song list – everything was meticulously organised. Transport was arranged, and with complete confidence, I sat behind the wheel of my car, satisfied that all was in perfect order.

Halfway through the journey, a sudden thought nudged me to double-check the park details.

Lo! Mamzar Park was open only for ladies that day!

We had male staff too…

For a moment, panic set in. Were all our preparation and excitement about to go to waste?

I was almost ready to break the shocking news to everyone when I paused and quickly searched for an alternative.

Zabeel Park!

Thankfully, it was open to all. Without wasting a second, I contacted Principal Ma’am, explained the situation, and sought permission to change the venue. The green signal came instantly. The driver was informed, directions were changed – crisis averted!

And what followed? Laughter, games, music, delicious food, and unforgettable memories.

We returned with smiling faces instead of long ones.

That day, I learnt a simple yet powerful lesson:

Quick thinking + prompt action = happiness.

“The Night We Almost Didn’t Return Together”

Our school NASA trip was scheduled from 9th August to 20th August 2023. Sixty-four students and six teachers.
Days filled with learning, laughter, and limitless dreams.

As the trip drew to a close, there was only one emotion in every heart — the joy of returning home.

Little did we know… our biggest challenge was waiting at the airport.

At Kuwait International Airport, just as we prepared for our connecting flight to Dubai, an unexpected announcement shattered our calm.

Our flight had been preponed.

But only 52 passengers could be accommodated.

We were 70.

For a moment, time stood still.

Boarding had already begun.
Announcements echoed through the terminal.
Students looked at us with anxious eyes.
Teachers exchanged silent glances.

There was no time to panic — only time to act.

The next available flight? The following day.

A thousand thoughts raced through my mind, but one responsibility stood above all — the safety of every child entrusted to us.

Quickly, I contacted the parents. Messages were sent. Calls were made. Decisions had to be firm, clear, and calm.

A plan emerged in the middle of the chaos:

  • I would stay back with ten girls, including two whose parents could not arrive in time.
  • A message was sent to all parents requesting early pickup from the airport.
  • The parents of the girls staying back were informed immediately about the situation and the revised arrival schedule.

One by one, 52 students boarded the preponed flight.

We watched them leave – relieved, yet carrying the weight of responsibility for those who remained.

And then… something beautiful happened.

What began as uncertainty slowly transformed into bonding.
We waited together at the airport lounge, sharing stories, laughter, and quiet reassurance.

What could have been a night of fear turned into a memory of courage and care.

The following day, we boarded our flight – calm, united, and safe.

When we finally reached home, every single student and teacher had returned without harm, without confusion, and without a single compromise on safety.

That night at the airport taught us more than any lesson at NASA ever could.

It taught us responsibility, leadership and above all – it reminded us that in moments of crisis, calm decisions create safe endings!

Sonia Chhabra – Supervisor- Safety & Safeguarding