Hands Held Tight

We remember when you first arrived,

With little hands held tight.

Some of you were smiling,

Some were nervous at the sight.

You walked into our classrooms,

Not knowing what you'd find.

And slowly, day by day,

You left those fears behind.

We watched you learn through playing,

Through stories, songs and rhyme.

We watched your first discoveries Grow stronger over time.

You learned to read and write,

To question and explore.

And every time you learned one thing,

You wanted to know more.

We watched you make your friendships,

And learn to share and care.

We saw you help each other

Whenever life felt unfair.

You learned that being kind

Could matter every day.

And sometimes helping someone

Was the bravest thing to say.

We watched you face your challenges,

And try when things felt tough.

There were days you doubted,

And thought you weren't enough.

But every time you carried on,

You showed us something true:

You were always stronger

Than you ever thought you knew.

We remember every school trip,

Every concert, game and race.

Every ordinary morning,

Every smile upon your face.

The moments that felt little

Have become the ones we keep.

They live inside our memories,

Warm, precious and deep.

Now you stand in Year 6,

The oldest in the school.

You've learned responsibility,

And when to bend a rule.

You guide the younger children,

Because you understand.

You once stood where they're standing,

With a grown-up holding your hand.

We look at you with pride now,

And see how far you've come.

The nervous little children Have grown into everyone.

You've found your own opinions,

Your talents and your voice.

And soon you'll face a future Filled with every kind of choice.

It's nearly time to leave us,

And walk towards somewhere new.

New teachers and new classrooms,

New friendships waiting too.

We know that you feel nervous,

Though you may not always say.

But everything you've learned here Will help you find your way.

We wish that we could promise That every day feels bright.

That every road is simple,

And every choice feels right.

But there will be hard moments,

And days you feel unsure.

Remember that your courage Has brought you through before.

Keep asking all your questions,

Keep reaching for your dreams.

Keep standing up for kindness,

Even when it's hard,

it seems. Keep helping those around you,

And let your true selves show.

The world is waiting for you,

With so much left to know