Year 6 pupils of Northdown Primary School, Margate, waved goodbye last week to staff and fellow pupils as they began their new adventures, moving on to pastures new.
After a reward trip to the cinema for the best attendance in school, the youngsters ended their time at the Thanet primary school with a barbecue and fun session on the school’s own Slip and Slide inflatable slide.
For most of the children, last week marked the end of seven years at the school, more for those who attended the onsite nursery.
Ljay said: “I’m very upset to be leaving because I’ve been here since nursery. When someone is not being nice to you the adults will be on the case and help you out.”
Fellow Year 6 pupil Kyle agreed: “I’m sad because I have had some really good memories here.”
Headteacher Mr Harris showed off his culinary skills on the barbecue. He said: “It is always sad to say goodbye to our wonderful Year 6s. We wish them all the best and success in their futures and always remind them to take our school motto with them – yes, I can be the best me!”
However, it wasn’t just the Year 6s moving on – the school’s youngest children also had their own celebration. The children from Northdown’s nursery, The Cove, graduated with flying colours. Although the majority of them are going into the school’s Reception year, it was still a touching moment seeing them fly the nursery nest and look forward to their journeys at “big school”.
A colourful ceremony marked Northdown nursery children’s achievements and successes during their time at the setting with a graduation party with lots of toys and activities for the children and their parents to have fun with, including the big inflatable slide and party food!
Towards the end of the party, the sun returned, and they ended with a special ceremony where staff thanked the parents for their continued support and shared how much they have enjoyed the privilege of being a part of the children’s learning journey.
The nursery children shared their favourite things about their time in nursery, showing the special pictures they had drawn for their parents and carers. Their memories ranged from when they visited Quex Park to see Father Christmas and when he came to the nursery to visit, along with having fun with their friends, creating masterpieces such as paper plate poppies and exploring the minibeasts that also visited the nursery this year.
Nursery Manager, Kelly Harris, said: “It was a lovely morning, enjoyed by children, their parents and carers and Nursery staff. Miss Bushell and I have had the best time this year with the nursery children and we wish them all the very best as they continue their learning journey into their new Reception classes.”