At last, that bittersweet moment has arrived – the end of the school year. Teachers across the country rejoice that they have survived one of the toughest years in education in recent memory and sink into the nearest chair exhausted like an extinct volcano. Sad to say goodbye to their current class or cohort but proud of their achievements; achievements that have come because of the devotion and dedication they have invested in them.
Gifts are gathered, classrooms tidied, goodbyes said – then home ‘to sleep – perchance to dream’ [Hamlet Act 3]. Or may be not.
The house is a wreck, neglected in those last few frenetic weeks of the summer term – who sets about restoring order in their home the first day of the holidays?
Then there’s all the domestic admin to catch up – dentist, optician, hair appointments. The final arrangements for that holiday in sunnier climes, not to mention buying new swimwear because, somehow, last year’s is a little tighter than you remember. Arranging someone to look after the pets, keeping luggage to the baggage allowance – and passports – where was that safe place again?
There are some, I was one of them, who could not embark on a holiday until I had sorted the classroom for the next year. For me, knowing that I had done as much as I was able, freed my head space to enjoy my holiday. But there are others who prefer to holiday first and then, feeling renewed, think about next year. It really doesn’t matter how you do it, as long as you stop and put yourself first for a decent period of time – it’s important for your health.
There are some teachers who dread the holidays – not that they aren’t tired, but maybe they live alone or need the structure of the school day and feel a little lost in the holidays. Reach out to colleagues who might be in that situation – a text, a coffee would be appreciated more than you know and you don’t have to even mention school!
However, you spend your summer break – keep safe and indulge yourself a little – you deserve it.
We wish you all a fabulous summer holiday!
