We had a very special day in St Declan’s on Thursday the 30th of August. We welcomed 81 new Junior Infants to our school. It was a very special day for the children and their families. For some families it is their first child to come to our school and we hope they will be very happy in the years ahead. For other families they have older chidren already in St Declan’s so they are more familiar with our school. Our Junior Infant teachers this year are Ms Joyce, Room 29, Ms King Room 12 and Ms Mc Enroy Room 13. The children had a great first day at school and while their were a few tears the majority of these tears were from the parents not the children !! Thank you to the PA who provided refreshments for the parents on the morning. Have a look below at some pictures we took of the children in action.

Dear Teacher,
I know you’re rather busy
First day back, there’s just no time
A whole new class of little ones
And this one here is mine
I’m sure you have things covered
And have done this lots before
But my boy/girl is very little
And hasn’t long turned four
In their uniform this morning
They looked so tall and steady
But now beside your great big school
I’m not quite sure they’re ready
Do you help them eat their lunch?
Are you quick to soothe their fears?
And if they falls and hurt their knee
Will someone dry their tears?
And what if no-one plays with them?
What if someone’s mean?
What if two kids have a fight
And they are caught in between?
You’re right, I have to leave now
It’s time for me to go
I’m sure they will learn so much from you
Things that I don’t know
Yes, I’m sure they settle quickly
That they are 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 turns 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.

Dear Parents,
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 and 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 make time for play and rest.
If your darling children are full of cold I’ll blow their noses 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 like you less 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 parents, 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 or 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 Teacher.

Room 29 Ms Joyce

Room 12 Ms King

Room 13 Ms Mc Enroy