Dear Year 6

Year 6, 2020 

I found an old letter written for my first class's yearbook, and it stirred a mix of reflections.

In the hustle of teaching, I've often been hard on myself, questioning my abilities and grappling with the feeling of failure. But as I revisited snapshots and memories from that inaugural year, it hit me — the love I had for my students. Their jokes, smiles, artworks, and vibrant energy were the heartbeat of those days.

Looking back, I realise what they truly needed was simple: love, compassion, and the freedom to be themselves. The challenges were many— a packed curriculum, diverse needs, the intricacies of teaching maths to many. Yet, in that whirlwind, there was a thread of connection, growth, and shared moments that made it all worthwhile.

Here's to lessons learned, challenges faced, and the enduring power of love.

Dear Year 6 2020,

In Term 2, Week 5 I stepped into my first ever classroom and looked into the face of 27 children. You had just returned to school after living through a global pandemic and being in lockdown for eight weeks straight. You were a mix of nerves and excitement, reuniting with friends and meeting your new teacher – we were complete strangers 

Now, I sit here having spent over one hundred days getting to know you. Now, I can barely remember what it was like to not know your names, now I know all about you. I know what books you read and what games you play. I know what silly things make you laugh and what little things make you mad. It has been a delightful experience getting to know you, you make me proud every single day.

I can't really explain how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to be your teacher. Getting to know each of you individually has been an incredible experience. Even when

I was completely overwhelmed and exhausted you managed to make me smile. I am so proud of the way you have handled this weird and challenging time.

Things are going to change for you next year, high school is fun, exciting and challenging all at once. Over the next six years your life will transform as you shift from child to adult. You will be able to take control of your life and decide who you want to be and how you want to live. My advice for you is to remember that the most important words you ever say are the words you say to yourself. You alone have the power to control what you think and feel. 

Remember to always listen to music, appreciate art, read books and go into nature.

If I could tell you that you are amazing every day of your life I would, because you are.

Lots of love,

Miss Jane

The kids knew how much I loved flowers, and were so excited for me to walk in and see their beautiful christmas gifts - I felt so special.