Poem For Parents of Junior Infants

Please see below a fabulous heartfelt poem by Emma Robinson for all the parents of our incoming Junior Infants. We are really looking forward to meeting you all tomorrow. 

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 is very little

He hasn't long turned four.

In his uniform this morning

He looked so tall and steady

But now beside your great big school

I'm not quite sure he's ready.

Do you help them eat their lunch?

Are you quick to soothe their fears?

And if he falls and hurts his knee

Will someone dry his tears?

And what if no one plays with him?

What if someone's mean?

What if two kids have a fight

And he's caught in between?

You're right, I have to leave now

It's time for him to go

I’m sure he'll learn so much from you

Things that I don't know

Yes, I'm sure they settle quickly

That he's fine now without me

I know he has to go to school

It's just so fast, you see

It seems like just a blink ago

I first held him in my arms

It's been my job to love, to teach

To keep him safe from harm

So, when I wave goodbye

And he turns to walk inside

Forgive me if I crumple

Into tears of loss and pride

I know as I give him one more kiss

And watch him walk away,

That he'll never again be wholly mine

As he was before today.

And here's teacher Leonie Roberts lovely, reassuring poem in reply:

Dear Parent,

I understand that you are scared

to wave your child goodbye

and leave him 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 him (just a bit)

To help him learn and grow.

Let me reassure you

That I'll give your child my best

I'll wipe his tears, soothe his fears

And change his dirty vest!

If your darling child is full of cold

I'll blow their nose all day

Just like you, I'll care for them

In a special way.

I'll treat him like I would my own

I'll catch him from a fall and

If there is ANY problem

I'll be sure to tell you all.

It's true he'll grow to love us

They'll talk of school a lot

It doesn't mean they hate you

And that you should lose the plot!

I'll tell you a secret...

That when your child is here

They talk to me as much of you

Of this please have no fear.

You'll always be their mother

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, to climb, to write

But to you they safely will return

To tuck them in at night.

With love from a teacher…