After 40 years: Aunt Elke's touching farewell at daycare!

After 40 years: Aunt Elke's touching farewell at daycare!

On June 15, 2025 the time had come: in the “Kastanienstübchen” village daycare center in Carmzow it was time to say goodbye to a very special teacher. Elke Reichow, who can look back on an impressive career with over 40 years of experience in childcare, is retiring. The celebration was a truly emotional event that brought parents, former children and all the daycare staff together to say goodbye to the popular “Aunt Elke”. According to [nordkurier.de](https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/uckermark/klusiv-nach-mehr-als-40-jahren-kinderbetreuung-wir- Werden-dich-vermissen-tante-elke-3667793), the children created a loving surprise party where gifts were presented and a song was sung together.

Elke Reichow, who has worked in childcare since 1981, has experienced ups and downs over the years. The period after reunification was particularly formative, when many things changed. But her heart always beat for the daycare center and she never wanted to work anywhere else. The children still feel this passion and dedication today; many of them still call her “Aunt Elke”. With a smile, she says that she is now looking forward to spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Emotions and memories

During the celebrations, the children from the daycare center presented a very special souvenir: a handmade garden bench with colorful handprints, which for many is a symbol of their time together. Mayor Jörn Muranko, himself a former daycare visitor, praised Elke Reichow's achievements in his speech and at the same time fought back tears. He announced that Vanessa Glöde would succeed him as daycare director in order to continue working in the spirit of Elke Reichow.

The farewell ceremony in Carmzow was reminiscent of other ceremonial farewells in daycare centers, such as that of the Maxi children in the Arche Noah daycare center, where future school starters proudly marched in a line of homemade rainbows and hearts. Such celebratory occasions are of great importance for children as they mark the transition into a new phase of life. Wishes for the future are formulated and often sent to heaven, as described at the daycare celebration in Hornberg by [kita-arche-noah-hornberg.de](https://kita-arche-noah-hornberg.de/aktuelles/289-abschieds Feier-in-der-kita.html).

A successful farewell

Experience shows that a successful farewell is important for everyone involved. On such occasions, educators can not only express their gratitude to the parents for their trust, but also explain to the children the degree of this transition. Based on erziehin-bildung.de, it is recommended to record special experiences and learning successes in a farewell letter and to give small gifts. These small gestures help ensure that the farewell is perceived as a positive experience.

With flowers and bushes, a last hug and many grateful words, Elke was sent off into her well-deserved retirement. She is embarking on new adventures with a full heart and a huge dose of anticipation - traveling and gardening are on her new agenda. We would like to thank Elke Reichow for her tireless work and the love she has put into the daycare over the years and wish her all the best for the future!