The school holidays are upon us and a few weeks of R&R may be available to school staff. However, reality is that for many teachers and non-teaching staff, the real holiday won’t start immediately. Thinking, planning and sorting buildings will eat into the first few weeks of the break.
If teachers are lucky, somewhere in weeks two and three there is the beginning of “holiday mood” as some aspects of the role recede sufficiently to allow space for consideration of personal and family needs. For some teachers this requires a complete break from all school related activities as early as possible, but with the need to pick up and start again a couple of weeks before the start of the next term.
Working in education can appear to be a 24/7/36 role. It’s clear that, even when seemingly distracted, that some aspects of the job interrupt thoughts. I can distinctly remember strimming some long grass in the middle of August and having to rush indoors to find some paper and writing implements to record a small bit of thinking which addressed an issue which had been bugging me before the holiday. The solution came when I wasn’t thinking about it.
Downtime can be mulling time, but it is essential for everyone to have some “me” time. People in education spend their lives giving and there’s never a shortage of takers. So, once the response to whatever the latest Government, school or Governor need is complete and detailed plans and aides-memoire for the autumn are recorded, make time for yourself.
Whether walking, cycling, cooking or any other pastime, enjoy yourself, enjoy the people around you and let the mind wander.
I’ll be doing a very bad Monet impression, at least as far as the straw hat is concerned, accompanied, occasionally by a passable glass of red wine. Paint will from time to time be placed on the canvas. It’s the thought that counts. The product can occasionally be pleasing, but the relaxation is the most important element. DIY will also happen, as long as the weather is helpful.
Walking, talking together, stopping to admire views, taking photographs, picnicking, spotting and watching the abundant wildlife, will all feature and a short trip into the Pyrenees is planned, to explore a new area of France. It's all a kind of discovery, or place and self.
Books will be read; the hammock will be used and hopefully will result in extra sleep, or mulling, which for me will be reflecting on this year of school visits for a range of providers and the many positive outcomes, which continue to suggest that personalisation of learning has a significant impact.
Salut. Bonnes vacances.
PS Coffee will also be drunk, with the view at the header, towards M. Bontemps farm, watching the sheep.
Whether walking, cycling, cooking or any other pastime, enjoy yourself, enjoy the people around you and let the mind wander.
I’ll be doing a very bad Monet impression, at least as far as the straw hat is concerned, accompanied, occasionally by a passable glass of red wine. Paint will from time to time be placed on the canvas. It’s the thought that counts. The product can occasionally be pleasing, but the relaxation is the most important element. DIY will also happen, as long as the weather is helpful.
Walking, talking together, stopping to admire views, taking photographs, picnicking, spotting and watching the abundant wildlife, will all feature and a short trip into the Pyrenees is planned, to explore a new area of France. It's all a kind of discovery, or place and self.
Books will be read; the hammock will be used and hopefully will result in extra sleep, or mulling, which for me will be reflecting on this year of school visits for a range of providers and the many positive outcomes, which continue to suggest that personalisation of learning has a significant impact.
Salut. Bonnes vacances.
PS Coffee will also be drunk, with the view at the header, towards M. Bontemps farm, watching the sheep.
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