Three years ago I was starting to prepare myself for Alice starting school, not really believing that she was old enough to become a school girl. Burying my head in the sand and dreading that moment that I would have to hand her over. Knowing that I would never get the same little girl come back, worried about how much school would change her.
As the summer came to an end, Alice was getting more and more excited about starting her school. It didn’t phase her that she wouldn’t know any other children, which was something that constantly played on my mind. Worried if I had made the right school choice for her.
The day arrived, her first day at school, far to quickly for me. She was dressed in her uniform in record time, asking every minute if it was time to leave. The biggest smile on her face, and a fake smile on my face, as I battled to keep the tears at bay. The moment came and she walked into her new school, her new class, with her teacher welcoming her without a second glance at me. As I walked away, I let the tears roll and I spent the next 3 hours watching the clock, counting down to the moment I could go and pick her up.
That moment arrived and she ran out and into my arms, I scooped her up and she was mine again. She had the best time and she continued to have the best time, every day. She made friends, she loved school and the weeks rolled by. Its true what they say when they start school, time speeds up and before I knew it, it was time to wave goodbye to her first year.
Year one was always going to be a big step, its when proper school starts. No more playing, more sitting at the table and doing lessons. But Alice couldn’t wait and I knew she would settle straight into the new environment. She had a new teacher, who would be her teacher for the next two years.
As Alice started Year one, she settled in well and had her friends with her in her class and she also made new friends. She loves to learn and whilst it might not always come naturally to her, and she may take a little longer for things to click. Once they do, she flies! Her teacher quickly understood Alice, and took her under her wing. I remember after one meeting with her teacher, I could tell that Alice was on her radar. She wanted Alice to do well, she knew how important these two years are for a child’s education. We worked as a triangle, Alice – teacher – parents, and together we got the best out of Alice.
We came to the end of Year one and I honestly don’t believe that Alice would’ve been where she was, if it wasn’t for her teacher. Her teacher was brilliant at telling me constantly what areas Alice need to work on, which meant that I could support Alice at home. I didn’t have to wait for parents evening, as I know so often thats the only time teachers talk to parents.
Alice started Year Two excited, as they are now the oldest year in the school. A big responsibility to show the other children how to behave and set an example. It’s also the year they sit their SATS, which I don’t agree with them doing, but there is no escaping them. I love the approach the school took, not telling the children and not putting any pressure on them. We worked hard at preparing Alice for them, but she had no idea that this is what was happening. I was worried it would become a stressful time, but it passed us by without a flinch and that is thanks to Alice’s teacher.
I’m often at the school, helping out when they need parents and if I see Alice’s teacher, she always grabs me to tell about something that Alice has done. Or to show me her workbook, and see for myself. I know that she is just as proud of Alice, as we are. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better teacher for Alice. She has nurtured her, has so much patience with her, she has been fighting her corner and pushing her to do her best. She has given Alice the confidence in herself, and she is leaving year two being the best she could be.
How do you say thank you to a teacher that has shaped the start of your child’s education. This is only the beginning and we still have a long way to go until the end of school for Alice, but the beginning is just as important as the middle and the end. How do you say, that without you I don’t believe Alice would be where she is. How do we say, Onto my next chapter, thank you for being part of the first chapter?
Thankfully Sanctuary Spa have the answer, they have brought out a wonderful range of gift ideas and what better way to say thank you, than to give your teacher a little pamper. Lets be honest they deserve it, after a long term.
I love this bag set, it would be great for them to take away with them on holiday over the summer.
You can find the full range of Sanctuary Spa gift sets in Superdrug.
Along with a thank you note from Alice, I think these will be a wonderful way to say thank you.
Disclosure: This is a paid partnership with Sanctuary Spa. All views, opinions and photos are my own.
