It’s a funny feeling this evening. Tomorrow marks the last time I will drop one of my children off at Primary School because my youngest has completed Year 6. Facebook and WhatsApp groups are awash with posts and messages from Mums who are upset about this impending day, yet I can’t wait.
Don’t get me wrong. I am sad that my ‘baby’ is growing up way faster than I would like him to; I felt the same with our older children, too. I felt sad that they were growing up so fast, but I also knew they were ready to spread their wings and move on from Primary School.
All of our children attended a one-form-entry school, and after seven years of seeing the same children day in and day out, it was starting to wear a bit thin. They got bored of each other, worked out all the little things about each child that grate on them, and also showed their classmates exactly what rattles their cage. They have all been ready to make the move to secondary school.
Primary School hasn’t always been a bed of roses for two of my Beans. They struggled with friendships and found it difficult to fit in at times, but they also have some friends who have been there every step of the way. They are very similar, and we think we know the answer, but it hasn’t always been easy. It’s a learning curve for him and us.
None of my Beans are bad kids, unkind, malicious, or naughty. They are (even if I do say so myself) generally amazing kids. They show kindness to others, work hard, and are respectful. They aren’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but they learn from any mistakes they make. They make us extremely proud—especially when they are there to support each other.
Tomorrow, we will attend a leavers’ assembly for the last time; I am sure I will shed a tear, especially when I see the pictures of my littlest way back in Reception. You forget just how little they were and how far they have come.
We have many happy memories of their time at Primary School. They have been lucky enough to have some amazing teachers who have brought out the best in them, pushed them when needed, and supported them. Sadly, one such teacher passed away last year and left a huge hole in the hearts of many. Watching this video reminds us all of their happy smile and infectious enthusiasm.
During the COVID lockdowns, some of their teachers were outstanding; they managed to make learning fun, which made our lives easier, trying to manage children and work from home. They sent this video to the children, which had them laughing and crying in equal measure and completely captured the teacher’s personality.
It’s the end of an era; we have been a part of this primary school since 2012 as students and parents and, in my case, helped within the school on trips, as a reading buddy and member of the PTA. It’s a bittersweet goodbye but one that we are all ready for. It’s been emotional!