Friday evening

Term is ended. The holiday has started - at least, it will have started on Monday but there's no more school for two weeks and three days. Phew . . .
Despite the aches, kept at bay with paracetamol, it was an OK day. The children were VERY noisy, VERY excited and VERY tired, but there were no major disasters and we made it through the day without too many blips.

When it was time for the children to come in, the parents also trooped in with gifts galore. There are four of us, of course, plus Faith and Andrea, my supply covers. I was staggered at the generosity shown to us all - I was presented with a lovely hand made card (Little Pickle and Lively Little Lad laid joint claim to it) with all the children having signed it inside, a big bunch of flowers, a planted display which can be replanted after Christmas, a bottle of sparkling stuff and (unfortunately but deliciously) the biggest box of Thornton's chocolates I have ever seen. It's huge!!!!
(note to self - tell mum and dad not to bring choccies with them)

As well as all that, some of the children also presented me with individual gifts, which was amazing. They are all lovely and are very appreciated. Thank you, one and all.

Lara (other Y1 teacher) and I were gobsmacked to receive, from our wonderful team of TAs and LSAs, a letter.
It said:
Joy and Lara,
Happy Christmas from your loyal team
[followed by their five names]
We would all like to take you both out for a meal after Christmas to say a Big, Happy Christmas from us all.

Now, isn't that something worth looking forward to? When we asked where they were thinking of, they said it was up to us to choose. Nice one! Thank you so very much to A, L, A, S and K. We will have a great time, I am very sure!

I'm sure there's a lot more to say but I am so utterly tired and drained that I can't think straight. Take away, home delivery Chinese is on the cards tonight. Not terribly healthy but definitely relaxing!