Especially for our Junior Infant parents …
Dear Teacher,
I know you’re rather busy, first day back, there’s just no time, a whole new class of little ones and these ones here are mine.
I’m sure you have things covered and have done this lots before, but my twins are very little, they haven’t long turned four.
In their school clothes this morning, they looked so tall and steady, but now beside your great big school I’m not quite sure their ready.
Do you help them eat their lunch? Are you quick to soothe their fears? And if they fall and hurt their knee will someone dry their tears?
And what if no-one plays with them? What if someone’s mean? What if some kids have a fight and they are caught in between?
You’re right, I have to leave now it’s time for them to go I’m sure they’ll learn so much from you, things that I don’t know.
Yes, I’m sure they settle quickly, that they’re fine now without me, I know they have to go to school, it’s just so fast.
You see, it seems like just a blink ago I first held them in my arms, it’s been my job to love, to teach, to keep them safe from harm.
So, when I wave goodbye in a moment and they turn to walk inside, forgive me if I crumple into tears of loss and pride.
I know as I give them one more kiss and watch them walk away, that they’ll never again be wholly mine as they were before today.
THE REPLY:
Dear Parent,
I understand that you are scared to wave your children goodbye and leave them in a teacher’s hands – don’t worry if you cry!
I’m used to weeping parents, it’s hard to leave I know. But it’s time to share them (just a bit) to help them learn and grow.
Let me reassure you that I’ll give your children my best, I’ll wipe their tears, soothe their fears and change their dirty vest!
If your darling children are full of cold I’ll blow their nose all day, just like you, I’ll care for them in a special way.
I’ll treat them like I would my own I’ll catch them from a fall and if there is ANY problem I’ll be sure to tell you all.
It’s true they’ll grow to love us, they’ll talk of school a lot, it doesn’t mean they hate you and that you should lose the plot!
I’ll tell you a secret… That when your children are here, they talk to me as much of you of this please have no fear.
You’ll always be their parent, whilst teachers come and go, to them you are their number one, this I truly know.
Soon you’ll see some changes, in your little girl and boy, they’ll become more independent and to see this, it’s a joy!
I’ll teach them all I have to give, to share, climb and to write, but to you they safely will return to tuck them in at night.
With love from a teacher…
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