An emotional Graduation day at Kids 1st Wansbeck!

'The second star to the right shines in the night for you, to tell you that the dreams you plan really can come true.' - Peter Pan.

In the words of J. M. Barry, all children except one grow up. And this week, it was our Dolphins' turn to grow up a little bit more, as they graduated and celebrated their achievements in life so far with a big party to which all families were invited. Children, parents and even the nursery's staff, no one could hold their tears during what was a very emotional graduation ceremony. In a mixture of tears of joy and sadness, this event that took place at nursery on July, 11th induced a roller-coaster of emotions on everyone present, and this was only the end of the first chapter of these children's lives.

You know the saying 'Don't grow up, it's a trap?' Don't we sometimes wish that our children could stay exactly this young forever...? As parents, we don't want to miss a thing: we want to hold on to every smile, every giggle, every gesture and expression, and sometimes it feels like the years slip through our fingers...After all, when did our children get so big?

But life does have to go on, and growing up is inevitable...unless you're Peter Pan! So, at nursery, preparations for the big celebration began early in the day, all to ensure that the children had the big party that they all deserved.

While the preparations took place inside, outside the children played in the gardens. We asked around if they were excited about their graduation coming up in the afternoon, and as the children chatted away about their reasons for being happy, we photographed their reactions, the activities that they played outdoors, and the happiness that was evident in their eyes.

Almost as if confidently jumping towards their future, with such easiness and confidence, the children took turns at jumping off the playground's platform for some exciting photos. If only for a moment, we wanted to freeze their motions, as an attempt to make them stay little, for just a little longer. 

But time didn't stand still, and in the gardens the fun continued as the sun hid behind the clouds. Blowing bubbles, running around, going down the slides, going through obstacle courses, painting and drawing, the children kept entertained before the time came to have their names called and their diplomas handed out.

 Inside, the preparations were almost over.

The care-free happiness that was lived in the gardens contrasted with the heavier, more emotional feelings that were lived inside; where all chairs were being prepared for the parents to sit on,  check-lists were carefully read through one last time, and even the projector and music were tested one final time to guarantee no mistakes when the time came to officially graduate!

In the garden, some children measured themselves as a challenge, to see how much they'd grown since first joining the nursery. The results were incredible!

...And while some were doing this activity, with a little help from their peers, other children preferred to jump off of a little platform to see who could jump higher!

It was finally time to get ready! So, one by one, the children washed their hands and faces, and some even changed outfits so they would look their best for their big moment at graduation!

As soon as it was time to line-up inside, the children tidied the garden and went in, where they sat down for a quick briefing before their families arrived.

After a quick recap of what would happen during graduation, the nursery nurses congratulated the Dolphins once more, and the children started to feel really excited about this graduation. They also couldn't wait to see their parents and families.

Soon, the gardens were empty and the children sat in their positions marked on the floor, waiting for their families to come through the doors.

 Once all the families were sat down, it was time for these little ones to sing a few songs and say a few words about their time at nursery. The lyrics of the songs were very appropriate,  about children who have now grown up and are ready to spread their wings and fly on their own. This was when the emotions started to run high...

With the room full of proud moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers, entire families...the cameras were flashing, the phones were recording. Everyone wanted to save this moment for posterity. The children sang their hearts out, before heading inside to change into their beautiful and official graduation gowns. 

Capturing the moment when the children changed into their graduation gowns was the highlight of the afternoon! We've captured the children's personalities through the camera lens, in a moment of and happiness that will stay with them for a very long time.

While the parents waited behind the doors, the children got ready to go out and receive their diplomas. Not before, of course, we took some fun group photos with everyone in them.

Finally, all that was left to do was to go out and receive their very well deserved diplomas, each personalised with a special message. These messages were read out loud, and then the child's name was called, so they would receive their diplomas.

We were super proud of each and every one of them! The goodie bags that the children received included some chocolate, and the parents also received some tissues for their tears on such a beautiful, special and once-in-a-lifetime-event: their children's preschool graduation. 

Once all diplomas were handed out, it was time to party and celebrate. Both parents and children moved to a different room, where a photo booth with props for the children to wear, a table full of delicious food and all the nursery staff awaited to congratulate the children once more. 

All the families enjoyed joining their children for photos in the photo booth.

The celebrations continued until all children went home to start a very new chapter in their lives.

Just before we left, we called all available staff for a group photo by the front entrance of the nursery. These ladies have been a very important part of every child's life for the past few years, so it was only right to include a photo of these amazing nursery nurses!

What a celebration! Graduations are part of a cycle that's repeated every year at nursery, and just as we say hello to new babies who join every year, we also have to say goodbye to preschoolers who part for new adventures. We have no doubts that all the children will be successful in life! We don't want to say goodbye, but at the same time we're so excited to see what the future holds for every single one of these children. 

Congratulations, Dolphins!