The End of an Era @ Abacus

Today marked the end of a 14 year era for our family as we finally parted ways with Abacus Junior School. For Holly it was the end of her 7 year journey at Abacus as she transitions to Year 7 at Beauchamps in September. Holly took her teachers leaving presents and cards in today and also wore her leavers school shirt which she got signed by most of Year 6 plus her teachers. For most of Year 6 they still have a couple of days left, but for Holly it finished early as tomorrow we are off on our holiday to Mexico.

Holly on her final day at Abacus Junior School.

The before shot of her leavers shirt.

Holly with her teacher Miss Mitchell.

And then Mrs Coxs.

The after picture of her shirt, not much free space on it.

And the front isn't much better.

Bye bye Abacus, and thank you for all you have done for our 3 kiddies.

Holly's Maths SATS - Tick

Holly has recently completed all of her SATS and she was so worried about them due to her dyslexia. Anyway she got her results for her Math's back today and she achieved the expected score of 101. The average of the scaled scores in Maths was 105 and therefore she done amazing to get 101.

Evening Echo End of Year School Picture

In yesterday's Evening Echo they had all of the Year 6 leavers pictures from all the local schools and this was Holly's class. Can you spot her?

Brandon's Prom 2025

Tonight was the big night for Brandon's end of school Prom which is being held at the Rayleigh Club. He looked so handsome all dressed up in his flute and whistle and his girlfriend Maia looked absolutely beautiful. Maia's parents bought her over to our house before Prom so that we could get some pictures of the two of them together and it was a good chance to meet her parents for the first time. I had ordered a cheesy Prom 2025 banner which we took a load of photo's in front of.

Shortly after this my friend Mark rocket up in his python green Porsche GT4 which we had arranged to drive Brandon to Rayleigh in. I was so excited and looking forward to him having the experience in the Porsche and what a great way to start his Prom night off. Unfortunately though it is only a 2 seater and thus Maia went back to her house where she met up with some of the other girls who travelled in a LandRover Defender arriving just after Brandon did.

We arrived ahead of Mark and Brandon so that we could get some pictures and video of them pulling in to the venue. Whilst we waited for them to get their slot to pull up on the red carpet we were spoilt with a car show of Bentley's, Rolls Royce's, Lambo's, Ferrari's even and old banger. Holly was having an absolute blast and was making plans for her Prom in 5 years time already.

All the kids looked amazing outside the Prom, the venue looked stunning and now it is all over to them to have the time of their lives and to make some memories. No drink was allowed as they are only 16, but Brandon did have a couple of sneaky rums before going to just be a bit more chilled as he doesn't do well in social environments and even sitting in the Porsche with Mark for 20 mins was going to test him.

Ticket for Prom for the Year of 2020 (Covid Year finally leaving school).

Cheesy banner we purchased as a back drop for some pictures.

Brandon looking very dapper in new 3 piece suit, shirts, shoes etc.

Me and my boy.

Mummy and her baby boy.

Josh was happy to hide behind the camera so not quite the full family picture.

I feel like we really missed out on this experience with Josh last year.

Maia looked beautiful in her Prom dress and came around early to get some pictures together before Prom.

Missed the rain this morning and not to hot today either, perfect day for a Prom and to be wearing a suit. A little glass of bubbly for Maia, rum for Brandon and some flowers that he got her.

Then Mark pulled up in his GT4 to drive Brandon to Rayleigh.

Queuing to turn in to the venue amongst the host of limo's and exotic sports cars.

Finally they pull up to the red carpet.

Brandon said he really enjoyed the Porsche experience.

But all good things come to an end and he had to get out of the car and socialise.

Now that is how you make an entrance. Python green Porsche followed by a purple Lambo in the background!.

Getting his entrance photo taken and then waiting for Maia to pull up.

In she comes in a Defender with her friends.

The couple ready for their Prom night.

Getting the full movie star experience on the red carpet.

My dude heading off for Prom 2025.

And in they go.

In the mean time we got to enjoy the car show.

Lambo's seemed very popular.

Tina liked the Mustang.

This is what you call arriving in style.

That is one beautiful car.

Classic VW camper.

And even a loads of lads hanging off an old banger racing car!

Another Lambo to match my gym colours.

Holly Passes Her Stage 8 Swimming

I rarely get to take Holly swimming lately as her lessons are 4pm on a Friday at which time I am usually still working. However tonight I had to take her as Tina was taking Joshua to Southend to get his braces removed and retainers fitted. Anyway what a time for me to take her as she was awarded her Stage 8 and 400m award and now moves to Stage 9 black hat. This means she has also surpassed the swimming level that both of her older brothers achieved. Way to go Holly, proud of you. 

Her little face was a picture and she literally jumped with joy when her swimming teacher told her she was moving up to Stage 9.

Stage 8 + 400m awards done and now she moves up to black hat Stage 9.

End of Year 6 Gold Class 2026

Holly is now just 2 weeks away from finishing Year 6 which marks the end of our Abacus Junior School for us. As with the boys we purchased her end of Year 6 school photo which will be archived to her collectors box. As Holly is one of the tall ones in her Year she gets the back row of the photo.

Year 6 Gold Class 2026 - The end of Junior School.