Elgin girl Kayleigh-Ann Mackenzie (5) "over the moon" after receiving congratulatory letter from MSP Richard Lochhead
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AN ELGIN girl was "over the moon" after writing a series of poems and receiving congratulations from her local MSP.
Kayleigh-Ann Mackenzie (5), who has just started P1 at Seafield Primary School, previously wrote about missing her friends during the coronavirus pandemic – and more recently wrote about starting primary school.
Mum Diane Wells said that Kayleigh-Ann came up with the idea for both poems herself, with a little bit of help from father Paul Mackenzie.
And she was delighted to receive recognition for her efforts from Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead, who wrote her a letter of congratulations.
Ms Wells said: "We received a letter adressed to Kayleigh-Ann on the first day back at school, on August 12.
"I let Kayleigh-Ann open any mail that she gets so as soon as she came home from her first day at school she was happy to open her letter from Richard Lochhead.
"She was over the moon and delighted to have received a lovely letter telling her how well she has done with her lockdown poems.
"Both myself and her dad were so happy for Kayleigh-Ann. The amount of comments and messages that we have had has been overwhelming."
Ms Wells added that Kayleigh-Ann is "loving" being back at school, seeing old friends and making new ones.
The letter from Richard Lochhead can be read below, along with the poem itself.
Mr Lochhead's letter reads: "Dear Kayleigh-Ann,
"I'm writing to let you know just how impressed I am having read some of your poems that you have been writing during lockdown.
"Your poems are excellent and really describe how we have all been feeling during our time at home. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for any more poems that you write!
"I know you I have been missing your friends and teachers at school, but hopefully now you are able to see some of your friends and play outside.
"I also hear that you are moving up to Primary 1! This must be very exciting, even a little scary, but I have no doubt you will have a wonderful time – I am sure your new teacher will love reading your poems!
"Again, let me say a big well done for writing those poems and I wish you the very best for going up to Primary 1."
Kayleigh-Ann's poem reads: "August 12th was the reopening of the schools
"We all returned under new guidance and rules
"There were lots of new faces
"And a few restricted places
"But I turned up as smart as could be
"Wearing my new school shoes with tie up laces
"My new jumper and school bag
"I walked in to Primary One with a confident swag
"There were friends I recognised
"And lots of faces new
"The sun was shining brightly as I stood in the queue
"I looked back at my mum and dad
"Their faces were so sad
"As I entered my new classroom I soon I realised
"All of the fun that was to be had
"It was great to be back in class and see my new teachers and classmates
"That's the first day over now and already I can't wait to be lining up at the school gates.
"The return to school"
