The faces of our Primary School's newest arrivals said it all last week as they "crossed the bridge" to big school, filled with a mix of excitement, nerves, pride and anticipation. Each Class 1 child was met by a student from our graduating class, bearing the gift of a sunflower, as they crossed the threshold between Early Childhood and the formal learning environment of Primary School.
The event was also an emotional one for the Year 12s, some of whom reflected on their own memories of beginning their school journey at Shearwater: “When I crossed the bridge it made me reflect on where I was 12 years ago and the journey I have been on over this time. It brought up all the memories of the past and filled me with excitement. Excitement for the new Year 1 students and knowing they are about to go through what I have been through here at Shearwater, and excitement for my own future.”
This year, the Class 1 parents shared in the occasion, then gathered for a morning tea in the Hall, as the children and their teachers entered their classrooms to begin the first day of their journey together. Classes 2 to 7 held their own welcome for the Class 1 students the following day, when many of the children were thrilled to see the familiar faces of older siblings and friends.
Below are some of the words shared by the Year 12s about their experience: reflection, excitement, emotional, nostalgic, sad, heart-warming, memorable, transitional, sentimental, cute, eye-opening, a rite of passage, sweet, milestone, grateful, privileged, blessed, memories, relieved, happy, amazing, special, humbling, meaningful, protective, overwhelming emotion, beautiful.