Summer holiday!

Photo by Elizeu Dias

You might think that the last term of the school year would slow down a bit.
For those playing at home – no, it doesn’t.

Excursions, farewells, orientations, reports, meetings, family, and a bit more. This is also the term of staff farewells and welcoming of new staff. The end of term Staff Development Days round out the year. Contemporary research and inquiries accurately report that teachers and school leaders are working harder than ever before and these activities are just a few of the obligations teachers and school leaders contend with.

Then, family and friends, sharing cultural and religious celebrations, typically consume the first few weeks of the summer break. There is little time to catch your breath! The summer break is also the time where families must balance annual leave for the members so that there is opportunity to share time together as a family.

Life is busy. Family is all things at once, a mix of emotional challenges and responses. Responsibilities and roles to play. What role are you playing this year? How are you going to make time for yourself?

It might seem that you are racing into the new year; 2024 still seems so far away, perhaps clouded by term 4 as it unfolds. January has 31 days, but for many teachers and most school leaders the last week of January is the build-up for the new school year. For some, retirement will start to feel good in the knowledge that January and February, March and April will pass without ever setting foot through the school gate. Super what? Superannuation is the word and the budget for the next stage of life.

Yes, teaching is rewarding. There are few things more special than watching a child master a new skill. Something as simple as taking home and returning home readers or relearning how to use manners. Yes, no, please and thank you!

Committing to New Year resolutions works for some people. Keep a journal works for others. Talking a walk or reading a book are simple activities that works for many people. Finding the time for yourself is the challenge, perhaps a goal for 2024.

What are you planning to do for this summer?