Dear teachers,
Gratitude fills my heart as we celebrate Teacher’s Day today and I reflect upon the incredible dedication and tireless efforts that each of you pour into your work. Your commitment to shaping and nurturing the lives of these young learners is truly commendable. Your unwavering passion and determination have not gone unnoticed, and I am deeply thankful for the positive impact you make on the lives of these young children and their families.
Rooted in your calling, you are beacons of light in the lives of these young learners. Just as a tree draws water from its roots, your guidance provides the foundation upon which these children build their futures. Your role extends far beyond education; you are mentors and guides, instilling values and fostering character that will shape these children into compassionate and responsible individuals.
Every day, your dedication to creating a nurturing and enriching environment within the classroom is evident in the joy that radiates from the children’s faces.
You are planting the seeds of knowledge, curiosity, and a love for learning that will flourish for years to come!
Amidst the challenges, your patience and compassion provide a haven where children can explore, learn, and grow. Remember the day when you had to clean up a child’s vomit or when you found mucus in your hair? You have taken them all in good stride and continue to make children feel safe and cared for.
Through your guidance, these children are given wings to soar. You instil in them the confidence to pursue their dreams and the resilience to overcome obstacles.
Nurturing the seeds of potential, you ensure that each child’s unique talents are recognised and cultivated. Your dedication to fostering a love of learning and a spirit of inquiry paves the way for future innovators, leaders, and thinkers. Just as a gardener tends to delicate blooms, you sow seeds of potential within each child, helping them to blossom into their best selves.
Every interaction shapes the way these children view themselves and the world around them. In our recent APS Symposium, we gleaned many insights on the ‘image of a child’ and I look to each of you to practise what you have learned.
Set forth on this path of greatness, confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6). Your journey is guided by a divine purpose, and your efforts are an essential part of God’s plan for these childrens’ lives.
Scripture reminds us in Psalm 127:3-5 that “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” Your work is a blessing, and these children are the arrows you are shaping, ready to be launched into the world with purpose and direction.
Many say that teaching is a thankless job, but it is a journey of greatness (as the first letter of each paragraph of this letter spells out!), because you are making a profound difference in the lives of each child.
Your impact reaches beyond the classroom and your dedication and love are leaving an indelible mark on each child’s future.
May you find strength, joy, and fulfilment in the knowledge that you are destined for greatness in your invaluable work with these young children and their families in APS.
Blessed teachers’ day!
Dianne Seet
Pillar Head, Early Childhood Development Centres
Anglican Preschool Services
