Steppinig over stepping stones, come with me

Oh the river’s very deep

And the river’s  very wide

And we step on stepping stones to reach the other side

As another year draws to a close, we are preparing to farewell our eleven K6 students as they make the transition from kindergarten to begin their formal education journey in Class One. On Wednesday each child will don a golden crown, lovingly made by their proud parents, hear some words about their special qualities and receive a verse written or selected especially for them. They will then step across the six stepping stones, which represent each year of their life so far, to be greeted by their Class One teacher, Lisa Dowden-Parker. We will be sad to say goodbye to Anderson, August, Austin, Maeve, Mateo, Maya, Olivia, Oliver, Sol, Solomon and Zade, but know they will be in the best hands to begin their primary school education. I look forward to observing their continuing journey at Golden Hill and hopefully watching them graduate in a few years time.

Life brings many changes, some welcome, others not so welcome, but with the sadness we feel in having to close Silver Birch Kindergarten after nine years of operation, comes a silver lining. These children will have a Class teacher who already knows them! They will also have Bruce Anthony part-time, so these relationships with special teachers in their lives will continue. 

It has been so wonderful working with our colleagues, Lisa and Sophia “next door”, collaborating with festivals, sharing the joys and challenges of working in kindergarten and just generally being in a supportive work environment. They have both poured so much love and care into Silver Birch, nurturing the children, parents, the room and gardens to create an environment that is truly worthy of the term “A garden for children”. Thank you both, for everything, you have  been an inspiration. Your legacy continues with the lovely group of children and parents we will receive into karri kindergarten next year and the room and grounds which will be used and appreciated I am sure.

I would also like to warmly thank our special needs education assistant, Heidi Barndon, who is sadly leaving Golden Hill. Over the past two years, we’ve had the pleasure of Heidi’s bright, bubbly presence and her dedication to working with the children has been a blessing indeed. Heidi, we wish you all the best.

Another farewell to Lyzette Stevens who has worked in Peppermint Cottage Playgroup for the past two years. Thank you for all your efforts, Lyzette and good luck!

While we are  very much focussed on our K6 children, as they prepare to graduate, our thoughts also turn to those who will be starting in karri kindergarten next year. Thank you to those parents who were able to attend our first 2020 Class meeting on a very hot afternoon . We will have another meeting to give those who weren’t able to come along, which will be held during the week before school resumes. It will give everyone a chance to see inside the kindergarten, and to meet the staff. Details to come later.

Wishing everyone a wonderful festive season and happy holidays

Warmly,

Denise