This week in Year R

Well… we made it! I can hardly believe I’m writing our final Reception newsletter of the year — and what a year it’s been!

We’ve ended our journey together in the most magical way this week as we set off on our African Adventures! The children have been completely captivated, as we’ve explored the amazing animals, diverse cultures and beautiful countries that make up this incredible continent. We’ve stepped into the shoes of African children, learning about their routines, school lives, and traditions. We’ve even written letters to our lovely link school, Honeyland, and watched the videos they kindly sent us in return — such a special connection!

The highlight of our week was Thursday’s celebration day. We danced, we sang, we baked, and we definitely ate our way across Africa. It was such a joyful, sensory celebration of everything we’ve learnt — a perfect way to round off a perfect year.

It truly breaks my heart to say this, but our very first year together has come to an end. Your incredible children are more than ready to spread their wings and soar into Year 1 — and while we’ll miss them dearly, we couldn’t be prouder.

This year has been sprinkled with so much fun, laughter and love (with a little learning snuck in there too!). We’ve tackled new challenges head-on, learnt to read and write, navigated friendships, wiped a few tears, shared lots of giggles, and grown in more ways than we can count.

I want to take a moment to say the biggest thank you to my absolutely amazing Early Years team. None of this would be possible without them. They have embraced my wild, wonderful ideas, poured their hearts into everything we do, and most importantly, loved your children like their own. Their dedication has truly transformed Reception this year — and I feel endlessly lucky to work alongside them.

To our lovely 2024/25 cohort: thank you for filling our classrooms and hearts with so much joy. Although you're moving on, please know you’ll always have a special place in our Early Years family. We can't wait to see the incredible things you go on to do throughout the school.

And finally…

Thank you, parents and carers, from the bottom of my heart. Your support, encouragement and partnership has meant the world. It’s been a privilege to share this precious first year of school with you and your children.

As you head into the summer, please slow down, savour the moments, and embrace the magic of play — they really do grow up far too quickly. You only get one childhood - let’s make it count! 

So, for the very last time (with a very full heart):
Have the most wonderful summer, full of memory-making and laughter.

With all my love,
Mrs Davey and the Early Years Team
xx