Telling children in my class I'm not going to back after Christmas

[everychildmatters]

I'm dreading it!
I'm a jobshare (2.5 days) Year 6 teacher covering a mat leave but for many reasons I've decided to leave the position to privately tutor EOTAS children.
The last day for the children is next Weds.

As someone who supports 16-24 year olds, the main thing I hear is people just disappear and never tell them they are leaving. Please do tell them that you will not be back after Christmas. It does not need to be an elaborate explanation, just that you have a new job and that you hope that they have an great Christmas and will be amazing for their new teacher.

@Diversion Yes I agree and of course I will tell them. I worry about one of the significant SEND children most of all but I am sure he will be OK.
Obviously they don't have a new teacher yet and unlikely to straight.away.

I don't know how this would work with children their age but when I left a class of Y9s who were vulnerable and often very challenging around the school but who I had built a really good relationship with and they loved English and worked really hard and I knew were going to be upset, I wrote each of them a little card and had them laminated. They said things like
'Karl
You have worked so hard and made so much progress this year. I am very proud of you- of your work and manners and behaviour. You have been so helpful and kept us all cheerful in class. I know you'll keep this up for your new teacher and you are going to do so well at GCSE. You've really grown up and show such determination to overcome any problems now.
You'll still see me around, popping in and out in my new job. Make sure you say hello and tell me how you are doing. I can't wait to hear all the good things.
LuluBlakey1'

They were each personalised to reflect each student.

We had chocolate on the last day and I gave them each a chocolate present and the card. They were just lovely and enjoyed getting the personal cards.