Last day of Alexander's preschool 2020

Now that Alexander is back at Preschool in 2021, I am going to catch up on his last day of 2020. Dear oh dear. 

He was very excited to head into preschool for his party day. Party day was a bit different this year. Again we dropped him off at the gate. We didn't send in some food, instead they had a sausage sizzle for lunch and an ice block. They also enjoyed some snacks for morning tea. So glad that they managed to make it a special party day for the kids, particularly those who were finishing at preschool. I had fully prepared myself to not see the teachers and say thanks but fortunately Covid restrictions eased a bit so that one family member could go in and watch a mini  concert, receive a gift from their kid and then get a photo with the teachers. This was just so special to be able to do!

Being class parent with another Mum, we put together the gifts for the teachers on behalf of the class. We made them another learning portfolio from the kids as well as gave them a mini vase and some paper flowers made from 'Oh the Places You Will Go'. The presents worked out really nicely. They also got a gift voucher to get something special for themselves too.

What a quote for a unique year!

At 2pm I headed into Alexander's classroom. It was so lovely to see him with his classmates because I hadn't been in the class since March! He was sitting at the front and did so well with singing the songs and doing the actions, although he kept watching Alison to copy them and didn't look at me much, but that's ok. He was having fun.

He sang some songs that he loves and ones that became quite familiar through home learning. He giggled his way through others and loved jumping around with some of his friends. He has grown up so very much! Here are some photos and videos from his little concert.

Nippy Nippy was a big favourite while we were at home this year. Alexander loved doing the little nippy actions and giggled when it says 'Nippy, nippy nippy on your thumb. That's fun... Not!' We couldn't find this song to sing with the music while we were at home so we always just made it up but it was a catchy tune.

Alexander loved singing 'Tabenada' (or however it is spelt.) He had been working hard on remembering these actions and often sang it at home in the last few weeks of Term.

A brief moment of him looking at me

This one was a new one to me and I thought it was a bit cute.

Hop Little Rabbit has been a big favourite, one that he often asked for over zoom. We went added it to the kids' play list at home.

They always finish off their concert with 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'.

My gorgeous excited boy.

I love it how Alison finishes the year commenting a personal comment to each kid. Hers for Alexander was just beautiful. He sure does love reading and caring for others and I agree that he has grown a lot in confidence this year at preschool!

These 3 teachers have just been amazing (again!) They were Daniel's teacher when Alexander was born. They invited us in to give Alexander a bath as a baby which was really cute to do. They gave him cuddles when I would be organising Daniel at the end of the day. They have seen Alexander grow over these past 4 years. This year they have shown him love and care. They have helped him cope with being away from Mummy and Daddy. They have looked after him when he has hurt himself. They have fostered his care for others and encouraged him to show it to all in his class. They have pushed him in his learning and creativity. They have just been amazing! 

We are luck enough to have Lorraine again this year in Sue's class so it is nice that Alexander has a familiar face to start his year off. She has just been so friendly, yet firm. She helped him get distracted in the early days when he missed us and would be left in tears. She played with him and read many many books with him. She has just been beautiful with him. We also see her at the shops and she is always the first to stop and say hello and ask how the family is going.

Alexander wanted to give Alison her flowers which was very cute! Alison has been the first teacher for each of our kids and we couldn't have asked for a better to teacher to start the formal learning. She has grown Alexander's love of books and would pull out specific ones when he asked (like the Oi Frog series). She has shown him kindness, has called when he is upset at drop off to let me know that he has settled and is totally fine. She has pushed him to think about his learning and has extended him when playing with games. She has helped grow his confidence and encouraged him in this area. I am so grateful that each of the kids started their learning with her!

Then I come to Laudie. This teacher is just an absolute gem! I am so grateful that we had her in our first year and I am so so glad that Alexander got to have her there as he adjusted to what preschool is and how it worked. She is one of the most gentle, patient and loving people that I know. She is so encouraging and supporting to the kids and to the parents. When Alexander was struggling with separation, we drew a heart on his wrist. Laudie was the one who would redraw it when it rubbed off during the day or when we forgot to do it in the morning. She would give him a hug, she would always comment how beautiful and kind he was. When I was getting Alexander's photo with her, I just couldn't speak because I was going to cry. Laudie is just a beautiful person inside and out! She even dropped around a little gift for our family before Christmas encouraging us, thanking us and supporting us. She has just been beautiful.

Alexander had a few little friends that he wanted photos with, little people that he had become good mates with.

Claire is a little girl who Alexander started to play with towards the end of the year. I would often hear stories about her and he would want to head to the park after preschool so he could keep playing with her.

Gus is one of Alexander's best buddies. They both found separating hard in the mornings and they found each other a support. They are really cute together and Gus' parents are lovely. They are in the same class in 2021 and will be at the same school after that which is nice. Hopefully their little friendship will grow.

We headed home to see Daddy, Daniel and Eliza and we opened up Alexander's present for us. A lovely little picture of him on the trampoline with Eliza and Daniel. Very sweet.

He has grown so much over this challenging and uncertain year. He has learnt independence and grown in confidence. I can't wait to see how he goes this next year!