Why does the last day of term have to be such a mixture of emotions? It was a great feeling that it was the last day... but at the same time, I lost three girls in my group, two of which I was very emotionally attached to. One of which I'll see all the time anyway, because she's going to the ajoining school. I couldn't help but cry, and when I was saying goodbye to one of them, I was practically bawling my eyes out, because she's such a sweet little girl. I went through it before as well, when she was going to go (but came back). And it happened again. I do hope I see them all again.

No more will I hear Janie* chatting to others, see her helping others and generally being gorgeous.

No more will I hear Irene* saying "Miss Brown, is it wrong?" when she puts an arm in her coat, sometimes in the right hole, sometimes in the wrong hole. And she was a gorgeous little girl, so so pretty. Always smiling, and speaking in her broken English. I do so hope I see her again. I'll miss her so much. And Janie. And Katie*. She is a cheeky sausage. Her little sister is still in nursery, so I'll probably see her from time to time, as well as in the main school.

I forgot to give them their name cards and the photos on their pegs. It's too late now.

Strange how sad it is and how much I'm crying. But I suppose I would be crying more if I found out a little one had been in a fatal accident. It is sad when you're no longer their "teacher".

Amazing how this job gives such emotions. You know that if you cry over a child leaving and moving on, you know that you loved that child. This job can be emotionally satisfying, draining, exhausting, frustrating, but ultimately rewarding. That is why you aren't paid well, I guess, because if you love working with children, you find the emotional benefits to be more important than financial benefits.

* Not real names.