A letter to my son at the end of Year 1

I remember taking you to your classroom on your first day of school almost two years ago. We walked through the big iron gate and you looked up at me in wonder, for what was ahead, you looked so small. A friend from nursery saw you and you instantly ran off in chase. It only feels like days have past since that day, it has actually been 685 days. And so, here we are at the end of your second year in school. As we collected you on your last day your face was filled with so much excitement, your eyes were sparkling and before we made it to the park you were telling me all about your last day.

Meeting with your teachers at the beginning of the school year was really emotional, we had such high expectations of Year 1and it was clear we all wanted the same thing for you. For you to end the school year feeling confident, to walk through the classroom door each morning with a smile, to have a desire to learn and to enjoy your time in school. Such a contrast from the previous year. We left that meeting with so much confidence in you and your teachers.

So much has changed in the last twelve months. You came to the end of your reception year exhausted and a little frustrated, you hadn’t quite reached the target you were aiming for as you found some things a little tricky. Fast forward to today, you have ended the school year a confident boy, a boy who enjoys learning, one who skips through the school door never looking back. You have achieved so many of your milestones in your educational journey, you are a shining star – a boy with confidence and an inner sense of pride and joy for all that you have achieved. We are so proud of you.

In your teacher’s words – you are a beautiful boy, with a big heart and a caring nature. You are a boy who now believes. What an amazing duo your teachers are, how lucky you are to have met them. I love to see you so happy. I’ve watched you learn and grow, change from day to day – you have made solid friendships and none more so than with your teachers. I hope that all you have learnt helps you along the way, that your confidence continues to soar and your love for learning continues to grow.

I can’t believe that this time next year I will be attending your leavers assembly before you take the leap to middle school. You have worked so hard this year and I am so proud of you. You began this little life of yours fighting so hard, you showed a determination that has never left you. Unlike last year there will be no nerves as you walk into Year 2. In a few weeks you will take big steps into the final year of infants school, it feels like only yesterday when we tried on your first pair of school shoes. Look how far you have come.

I know that you will go far in this world, you deserve the best in life and I know that you will achieve all that you desire. Even though I cannot spend each day with you during the summer holidays please know that I will be with you no matter where you go – I will be there anytime you need me. And so, it is with a heavy heart and happy memories that I send you out the door with great hope and expectations for the summer. Schools out for summer darling boy, enjoy your days spent playing in the garden, at sports club, eating dinosaur shaped sandwiches and chocolate cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Nanny’s.

You are my son, my moon and my stars. You are my world. I hope you have the most wonderful few weeks – have a great summer kid, we are counting down the days until we come together for our little family holiday.