Blimey! Did anyone elses teacher blub at the end of term?

[LynetteScavo]

DS1 has just finished year six, and the class he was in was hellish full of challenging characters.

But this year their teacher was the Connie Beauchamp of teaching. While it hasn't been all plain sailing, year 6 finished the year with a fabulous stage production. And I mean fabulous. Every single child got the chance to shine.

Then yesterday they had their leavers assembly, and the whole of Y6 sang amazingly, then lined up and left quietly, in an orderly fashion. It was enough to make the teacher cry.

And I bet there were a good few times this year when she wondered why she had ever gone into teaching.

And DS2's teaching assistant was teary today. Maybe it was just the relief that the holidays are here at last!

We get a little bit teary every year.

Contrary to what some parents think, we do actually like the children and miss them when they leave!

DS' reception year teacher cried and hugged me!
I was so touched- I blubbed too!!

Did I mention I blubbed all the way though the show?

that's a nice story lynette

lots of blubbing today

I got a bit damp-eyed saying goodbye to DS's lovely reception teacher -- and then he went and jumped into her arms and gave her a huge kiss and she just went

Our teachers and TA's all had very watery looking eyes today....

They all came out at the end of school to say bye to each parent and it was lovely. Made us realise they do have a relationship with our kids and want them to use their potential and be happy.

Couldn't stop staring at the Year 6 parents crying.. But I'll be doing that in 6 yrs time.

Most of our staff cry at the leavers assembly each year although I have to say this year's was a particularly teary occasion with year 6 struggling to sing our school song through sobs. Lots of proud tears from staff for being part of these fine young people's lives even for a short time.

I did! I always do - it's hard not to when you see the small influence that you have had and see how far the children have come. We had a similar experience with our Y3/4 children (who I taught in year 1/2). They are the most needy class I have ever taught, but my goodness they pulled out the stops in their production this year. Can't believe they pulled it off! They are the first year group to go through our brand new school, so heaven knows what we'll all be like when they leave in Year 6! The feeling is part of the reason most of us love our jobs so much! (Although am very relieved the holidays are here too - am only human!)

belgianbun: I can't vouch for all of them...

I cried too! Three of the Year 6's I taught this year ( out of 11) I also taught in Reception and Yr 1 so I have a particularly soft spot for them-and their parents are also wonderful too. I will miss them SOO much! ( although the Yr 6's who I will have in September I also taught in Reception, Yr 1,2 and 5 so they pretty much feel like part of my family, I expect FLOODS of tears next July)

I teach Reception & I cry every year! At my previous school, I was there for 7 years, so my 1st Reception class were leaving Year 6 when I left. They did their leavers show & dedicated a song to me, I blubbed in front of everyone...but they all knew I would!
Lots & lots of years teaching & I've honestly only disliked 2 kids, we really do love them dearly -even the little horrors more challenging pupils!

I left my school yesterday. The class has been the hardest I've ever taught.

In spite of being convinced I wouldn't be upset, I cried when I said goodbye to one particular child who comes from such a troubled background. I have enormous fears for his future. I gave him a hug and said "keep yourself safe". As I said the words, I felt myself well up.

I know that he will haunt my dreams for many years to come, wondering what has happened to him.

LittleFish stop, you're going to start me off

I got a bit teary at school and Nursery yesterday (dd2 starts school in Sept)

Am crap with goodbyes

I know, notnowbernard. It's just so hard sometimes.

DD has just left Reception and both her teacher and TA blubbed!
So did DD.
She loves them, she wrote in her TA's card
'I love you beecos you are lovelee'
Very sweet, and all her own work!

I don't know how you teachers do it. Hats off to you

DD1's has been amazing. We will miss her LOADS

now look littlefish...you've got my welling up just from your post
{swallows big lump in throat with more wine]

Have a big drink Ingles!

As teachers, we always hope to make a difference to children. It's just so hard when that difference still isn't enough. Some of the children I've taught this year will end up as teen parents, others will be in prison at a young age, at least one is likely to turn out to be a domestic abuser, or be abused. All due to massive poverty, witnessing domestic violence, low self esteem, neglect etc.

I've done two years in the school and it's broken my heart on so many occasions.

Is that why you needed to move on, Littlefish?

I've worked in socially deprived areas (NHS) before and you do reach that point, I think

Partly that notnowbernard. It's easy to start becoming hardened to the deprivation and problems, and start minimising them. I never want to do that. I always want to be aware of them, and be doing everything I can to alleviate them. It was also partly to do with a new Headteacher starting at the school.

I hope my previous post didn't sound judgemental about the children and my fears/expectations for them. It absolutely wasn't meant to. It simply mirrors the experiences of their parents.

It didn't sound judgemental at all

I totally get what you mean about seeing the social poverty and deprivation and all that comes with it as the 'norm'... and needing to move on to avoid falling into that trap of becoming totally desensitized

Thank you for understanding. I've been struggling to justify leaving, to myself. It feels wrong to be walking away from the families, but I know it's the right thing for me.

Absolutely - you run the risk of 'burning out' otherwise

Hope you enjoy the Summer hols

What's your next job?

all those children who are likely to have such difficult futures

There are only a few in my dds school but I still feel sad for them.

A temporary job, just for a couple of terms, in a very different sort of school. I just need a bit of recuperation time before I throw myself back into the fray!

It's so sad CarGirl. I know that we would all try and rescue them if we could.