Thursday, 19 July 2007

Bye, bye Reception... Hello Year 1

Today's the last day of school for Louisa. I can't believe she's done with Reception (equivalent to kindergarten in Singapore). Come September, she'll start Year One in the same school. I still remember the first week when she first started school age only 2.5yrs at Milton Hall Montessori just across the road. She cried the first couple of days and I had to stay in the school with her, with Lavigne in the baby carrier. I didn't like that school very much but as we didn't have a car then, it was our best option. The teachers were not very friendly and worse, didn't seem enthusiastic with teaching. Luckily she only stayed there for one term. Even though the school had changed management, I didn't consider it as a choice for Lavigne. Very convenient I know but ultimately, I want a fun learning environment filled with caring and encouraging teachers. Tall order?

After one term in pre-nursery, Louisa went to Englefield Green Infant School to attend nursery. She had a great year there being taught by a really wonderful and loving teacher, Mrs Harding and a not so nice, Mrs McKellar. Even from looks, you can tell which one is the nice and popular one and which is not.

This past year went by ever so quickly. It seemed not long ago when she first wore her school uniform to attend Reception. At the beginning, it was only for half a day (9am-12pm) for almost one term. Towards Christmas, she stayed another hour for lunch before joining the older children for full days (9am - 3pm) one week before Christmas break (she's one of 2 youngest in her cohort).

The most significant achievement for Louisa this year was her writing. She also learnt how to write cursive letters, began reading books independently, learnt to count up till 100 and started writing in sentences. I could also see the creative side of her through her drawings too.

Mrs Lynch, the assistant head teacher and Louisa's form teacher, is the most caring and patient person I'd ever come across. Louisa had benefited under her care and guidance. As a token of appreciation for her, I made a LO type of card for her. Printed it out and stick it on a foamboard. Today when we went to pick Louisa from school, everyone were giving her presents and showering her with praises. She was even emotional and teared. Even though we'll still see her in school next term, she'll be missed as a class teacher.

mrslynch copy

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