Reception 2023 and Reception 2025

I was lucky enough to meet you and your beautiful family in January 2023 when I became Ashton’s Reception teacher. Unfortunately I only knew Russell when he was already sick, but seeing Ashton’s face light up when we saw that her Dad had enough energy to be waiting outside her class at pick up time was just so beautiful and the best feeling in the world. Ashton loved every time her Dad got to bring her into class in the mornings and she’d make a point of showing him every little thing in the room just to keep him there a little longer. She loved that her Daddy was able to watch one of her days at swimming week. She loved that her Daddy could come to her first Sport’s Day and participate in so many games with her.

In 2025 I was lucky enough to become Hallie’s Reception teacher. Hallie loves sharing about her Daddy. She loves telling me fun things she used to do with her Dad. She loves knowing that I knew her Dad. Although Hallie’s had so many ‘firsts’ without her Dad here, she is the most resilient child I have ever met.
And lucky me, I also now get to build a bond with Josie who loves showing me her chosen outfit for the day and especially her shoes when she drops Ashton and Hallie off to school. She looks so much like her Daddy!

Without knowing your beautiful girls and what they’ve been through, you just would never know. They are the most beautiful, kind, thoughtful, caring girls and I have no idea how they (or their beautiful Mum) do it, but they learn, they care, they love and they have fun each and every single day. I am so in awe of all 4 of your beautiful girls Russell! You would be so proud of them all xx

Laura Smith