To My Beautiful Alice,
Your first year at the juniors school is over and what a year it has been. Looking back at September, we had no idea how this year would unfold and that you would end year three, at home being taught by me.
I remember your first day, when we walked to the juniors school for the first time. A new routine for us that we had to get used to, but that quickly became our new normal. You were excited, a bit nervous and everything in between. With your new uniform and rucksack, you looked very grown up and you were ready to start the juniors.
You came home full of stories to tell me. You had a class buddy, a lunch partner, a lunch table, a locker, and a lovely new teacher. You loved your new school from the start. You quickly settled into life at the juniors school and their way of doing things. You were excited to learn you could buy a snack at break time, and that on Friday’s only they sold ‘cheesies’, which is a long brown finger roll with melted cheese on top. We agreed that on Friday only, you could take some money to buy a snack.
I remember having our first parents meeting with your teacher, which you also came to. She told us what a lovely member of the class you are, how you’re friends with everyone, you’re kind and helpful. That you’re always willing to learn and that you’re a delight to have in class. Everything that a parent wants to hear. We’re so proud of you.
You had a few friendship issues along the way, it seems that year three is the year that girls change. But you handled it well, you worked out quickly what was happening and whilst you might not have been able to control it happening. We talked it through a lot and I’m proud of you.
Sadly, your first at the juniors quickly came to an end. With Coronavirus bringing the country into lockdown and all schools closing on 20th March. Something that has never happened before. We suddenly found ourselves having to home school you and Holly. We spent the weekend setting up a school area and you were excited. The days started doing PE with Joe Wicks and then doing the school work that your school had set you.
You have been brilliant and whilst there have been moments when you haven’t wanted to do your school work. You have generally been amazing at doing it and we’re very proud of you. At the time I didn’t think we would be doing it for as long as we have. Every day you would phone Nanny to do your daily reading, and it was something that both you and Nanny looked forward to each day. It was a lovely way for you two to stay in touch.
When the government announced that Holly’s school year, would be returning to school. You handled the news brilliantly. I think you knew, like me, that it would be easier with just you home to teach. You would have my undivided attention. Holly returned to school on 4th June, and since then we found our new routine. You would have hot chocolate at break time, and I loved us making it together.
I had hoped that you would get to return to school before the summer break. But sadly that didn’t happen and your year group remained at home. You took the news well and whilst you miss school and your friends, you’ve been brilliant.
During your time at home, you’ve had two shoutouts in the school newsletter for your learning and your attitude to learning. It made me very proud and I’m pleased that the teachers saw the hard work that you’ve put in at home.
As we end the school year tomorrow, and say goodbye to year three. I’m couldn’t be prouder of you. You’ve shown us how resilient you are, it’s given me a chance to see first hand how amazing you are at learning. It might not have been the year we would want for you, but its been lovely to have this extra time with you and to be hands on with your learning.
Well done gorgeous girl. Now, lets put away that school work and have a brilliant summer together.
Love you always
Mummy
xxxx
