The end of Daniel's Preschool

Tuesday 19th December 2017 saw Daniel have his last day of preschool.

He has grown up so much over these 2 years!
Daniel took cheese sandwiches to share at the party.

Alexander didn't want to miss out on getting a photo too.

I am so grateful for the 4 amazing teachers Daniel has had this year - Sue, Sandra, Laudie and Ginnie. They have just been so lovely, supportive, patient, firm, encouraging. They have helped Daniel grow and develop more, they have challenged him and extended him in areas that he enjoys and also those that he finds hard. They have cared for him and the rest of us too. He has had such a fun year!

Daniel with Sue

Daniel with Sandra

Daniel with Laudie

Daniel with Ginnie

We are especially thankful that Daniel had Laudie for the last 2 years. She has such a big, generous heart and has shown Daniel how to care for, support and treat others with special needs. I hope that his heart and care for others continues to grow as he enters school and the workforce.

I am also thankful for Daniel having spent the last 2 years with Lachlan in his class. His best buddy. They are such beautiful boys who encourage each other in the right way. The are both gentle and have grown so much in confidence. Daniel is going to miss having him in the same class next year.

His last day was a lovely time. Sue painted a Christmas tree on their cheeks because you can't have a party without facepainting.

They played games, ate lots of food, sang and just had fun together. Then in the afternoon they did a little performance for the parents. Here are some photos and videos of the performance.

The class

After Sue spoke to everyone about memories from this year and thanking all the parents for their support Tamara stood up and thanked the wonderful teachers for the year that we have all had. Then Daniel and Lachlan gave the teachers class presents - a memories jar and gift card for each teacher. It was sweet to see Daniel giving the presents to Sandra and Ginnie.

The kids were then given their gifts to give to their families (a framed picture that they made) and their bag with some decorations and goodies in it too. Daniel's picture is of himself, Eliza and Alexander next to a Christmas tree with presents.

To celebrate finishing preschool (and so that I didn't have to cook the night before heading to Hervey Bay) I took the boys to Pennant Hills Bowling Club for dinner. Mum and Dad joined us which was nice. The boys had a great time playing on the equipment.

Daniel was desperate to have pizza. Unfortunately when I went to order and pay, Dad saw a sign saying 'no pizza'. Bummer! I went back to ask Daniel what he wanted from the kids menu (as it was free for them to eat on Tuesday nights) but he wasn't keen on anything. He eventually decided on the chicken nuggets and chips, but said he was only going to try it.

He had a few chips and no nuggets. Funny kid. What 5 year old doesn't want to each chicken nuggets and chips? At least it was free.

Daniel my dear, 
I am so proud of you! You have grown up so much over these past 2 years and preschool and you are so ready for the adventure of school. Each of your teachers have commented how kind and caring you are to others and I hope and pray that this quality won't disappear. Your numbers brain amazed me with the way that you can add numbers together quickly, count by twos and even do some 10 times tables already. Your interest in books I love and I hope it just continues to grow as you learn to read yourself next year. You aren't be biggest fan of writing but I am sure that that will increase as you learn different letters and a reason for writing. You love problem solving and it's great to watch you figure things out and explain your thought process. 

Sue told me that you have challenged her in her teaching this year in a good way. You have pushed her to push you, to think about how to extend your learning particularly with numbers with activities like games with 2 die - one with numbers and one with dots. You have challenged her with many questions and your curious mind. She thanked you for making her a better teacher this year. I hope that you challenge each of your school teachers in a good way too. Laudie made the call that as you grow up in school, you'd be great on the debating team. You have a way to express your opinion and persuade others to do things your way. You also like to prove your point and problem solve. She also made the call that you might grow up to be in politics or as a lawyer. We will have to wait and see, but Laudie would love to know what you do when you grow up. 

We all know that you struggle to stay on task because you are so curious about what is going on in the world around you but that is a quality that we love! (even if it drives me crazy at times) Even in the videos, when singing Jingle Bells you took a while to join in because you were looking at and trying to work out how the bells were put together. I love that you performed the Wombat Wobble to us because that has been your favourite song at preschool over both years. I still remember walking into your classroom last year and you were the only kid left so you requested the Wombat Wobble song and you sang and danced it with your big grin on your face. 

Continue to grow, continue to question, continue to challenge yourself and those around you. Continue to listen to others, continue to care about your friends and your peers. Continue to be you - a boy that we love, adore and cherish. Love you Daniel.