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The next day, Thursday, at Jacques Thibaud School, Mrs Jeffries was in the principal’s office when the phone rang.
She answered. “Hello, Mrs Jeffries, principal of Jacques Thibaud Performing Arts School speaking.”
“Ahh yes, hello Mrs Jeffries. This is Augustine Winters. I was just making sure my enrolment application for my daughter Gretchen has come through?”
Mrs Jeffries looked at her computer and adjusted her glasses. “Ahh yes... Miss Gretchen Winters. Yes, we have received that. She will start with us in Year 11 after the summer, correct?”
“Yes, please, if that’s possible. Uh, one question, you don’t have all girl classes there do you?” Mrs Winters asked.
“Unfortunately this school is mixed gender. Is that an issue?” Mrs Jeffries replied.
“Uh, no, it’s perfectly fine. It’s just she doesn’t like to be touched by anyone of the opposite gender. It triggers bad memories for her. And I ask that her picture not appear in any school publications such as yearbooks or social media or anything else” Mrs Winters replied.
“May I ask why?” Mrs Jeffries replied.
“I am worried her father might try to track her down. Which is why we’re coming from Norway and beginning afresh in a new country” Mrs Winters replied.
“I see. Well, we shall certainly try our best to accommodate your wishes. And I will make sure all the male staff are advised too so as not to upset her. What is Gretchen’s major?” Mrs Jeffries asked.
“She plays the oboe. Very well I might add. I’m sure she will be an asset to your school band” Mrs Winters replied.
“I’m sure. Well, that is all added to her file so I will approve that and see Miss Winters when she begins in the Spring” Mrs Jeffries replied.
“Thank you very much Mrs Jeffries. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye” Mrs Jeffries said as she hung up and shook her head in disbelief. I guess it takes all sorts to make a world she thought to herself.
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