An extra special roundup celebrating the end of the year!

It’s a wrap! And just like that, it’s time for the summer holidays. We’ve had some brilliant things going on this week. On Monday, we started the week with our Leaver’s Service. Year 6 did a brilliant job, and it was lovely to be together in Swainswick Church singing, sharing pictures, memories and looking forward to the exciting opportunities on the horizon for Year 6. Click here to see some pictures.

We’ve had water play fun (click here), pyjama day (click here and here) and open classrooms. We also has a special assembly on the steps for Year 6 today. Click here for pictures and videos.

We’ve also said goodbye to some members of staff. On Friday, we held a small assembly on the playground to say goodbye to Mrs Stangroom who has been teaching in Hazel class this year alongside Mr Griggs. The children made cards and poems for Mrs Stangroom: desk pets, archaeological digs and pasta pesto making all got a mention, but something that came up time and time again was what a kind teacher Mrs Stangroom is. We couldn’t agree more with you Hazel class, and wish Mrs Stangroom every success as she takes on her new role within the Trust at Bathford.

On Monday we said goodbye in our leavers service to Miss Dawn, Miss Press and Mrs Griffin, who are all off on new adventures after the summer. Miss Dawn, we have loved your creative games, activities and calm way of resolving problems we have been facing. Miss Press, we have loved your kindness, enthusiasm and care for us all. Mrs Griffin, we have loved your smiles and calm, gentle approach to making each day fun. We will miss you all and know you will be brilliant wherever your future takes you.

I have also been spending time this week saying goodbye to you all, and was so surprised by the kind interruption to the programme at Leaver’s Service on Monday to say goodbye to me. Thank you so much for your kind words, cards and gifts. They were very unexpected and really mean a lot.

I would like to say thank you also for your continued support and kindness throughout my time at Swainswick. You are all such a supportive community, and I have loved working alongside you and getting to know you all. It has been a privilege to be part of the children's journey through the school. The children are so creative, thoughtful and have a love for learning which shines through in all of their lessons- just magic!

I will miss our chats at the gate, special Swainswick traditions like the walk to Woolley, and being part of this wonderful community. As I begin a new chapter within the Trust as Head of School at Christ Church in Frome, I will look forward to hearing how everyone is getting on through Mrs Boyce and Mr Rushworth.

Thank you again for your kindness and support throughout my time at Swainswick. I wish you and your families every happiness for the future.

With very best wishes,

Mrs Simmons