Today was such a bittersweet day. I still can't believe that it's here, but here we are at the end of Sydney's first full year of preschool. What an amazing year it was. She has shared so many incredible memories with the children in her class and her beloved teachers, Jen and Carmen, all who feel like they have become part of our extended family.
It was such a hard day saying good bye to everyone. Some, of course, we will see again in September when preschool resumes but for those who are heading to Kindergarten this fall there were a few tears shed and some heartfelt goodbyes this morning!
Jen and Carmen went out of their way to make a beautiful graduation ceremony for the kids today. They set up the entire boardroom with helium balloons, flowers, a beautiful poster for the kids and momentos of the year all around the room.
I love this poster that they had up where they had written down what the kids had said when they were asked what they would miss about preschool. Sydney's answer was "Running and jumping in the gym and outside." Truthfully, I think it's Jen and Carmen that she's going to miss the most plus all of her little buddies!
The parents got together and gave Jen and Carmen a beautiful bouquet of flowers each along with a Chapters gift card. I even had the chance to get up in front of everyone and share a bit about how much they both mean to myself and the other parents and what amazing work they have done with our children this year.
We shared our last shabbat together, the children each took turns getting up and singing their favourite songs. Sydney and Julia sang a rousing round of "I love the mountains" together.
After shabbat we had a potluck lunch together.
Followed by the graduation ceremony.....each child got called up to the podium and Jen and Carmen shared what they loved and were going to miss about them.
Then they presented them with a medal around their neck and their own handmade shabbat set complete with a kiddush cup, candle holders and a challah cover.
More than a few tears were shed as we watched our graduates graciously move forward towards another school year!
Jen and Carmen presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as well to thank me for being the parent rep this year, they are absolutely gorgeous!
What a great day and way to say goodbye to another school year! It truly does feel like summer is here now...bring on some great memories before we head back!
No comments:
Post a Comment