Reflections on Rest, Recuperation, and Refreshment
Dear WA Education Leader
We are currently in the middle of the school holidays, and I found myself reflecting on the importance of three Rs – not Reading Writing and Arithmetic, but Rest, Recuperation and Refreshment. I believe these three Rs are vital, not only for students but also for educators and leaders, the driving force behind our educational institutions. In the relentless pursuit of excellence, it's easy to overlook the essential need to pause and recharge, so here are my brief reflections on the matter.
Rest: Reclaiming Balance
The four school terms are a series of high energy sprints. Throughout each academic term, the demands on our time and energy are immense. From administrative duties and policy implementation to supporting teachers and engaging with parents and students, the responsibilities can feel endless. The research is clear that prolonged periods of high stress and workload can lead to burnout, diminishing our effectiveness and enthusiasm. Rest is therefore not merely a luxury; it's a necessity in education. Taking time off allows our body and mind to recover from the constant strain, restoring physical health and mental clarity. This period of rest is vital for recalibrating our internal balance, ensuring we return to our roles with renewed vigour, clarity and creativity.
Recuperation: Healing and Strengthening
The school environment is dynamic and often unpredictable, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. This continuous state of alertness can take a toll on our cognitive and emotional reserves. Recuperation involves more than just resting—it's about actively engaging in activities that restore and strengthen our mental and emotional well-being. (Alyson Meister and colleagues wrote a fascinating article for Harvard Business Review in 2022 on the science of recovering from work stress.) I like to engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, read, build puzzles or immerse myself in nature. The research shows that these activities help reduce stress hormones and promote the production of endorphins, fostering a sense of well-being. Recuperation is about healing from past challenges and strengthening ourselves for the season ahead.
Refreshment: Cultivating New Perspectives
School holidays are also an opportune time to step back and gain a broader perspective. When we are entrenched in daily operations, it's easy to develop tunnel vision. Refreshment involves seeking out new experiences and ideas that can invigorate our outlook. I like to travel, read diverse literature, attend workshops or simply take quiet moments for reflection. Our ACEL WA holiday book clubs are always a highlight. I have found that a refreshed mind is more open to new possibilities and better equipped to lead with vision and purpose. Gaining fresh perspectives can spark creativity, offer fresh insights, and inspire innovative solutions to bring back to our roles as education leaders.
ACEL WA Awards
We have just launched the call for nominations for the ACEL WA 2024 Awards. The awards honour educational leaders (at all levels and from all sectors and systems) who are making a significant contribution to education in Western Australia. We don’t allow people to self-nominate, since we want to encourage other-centredness through ACEL, but that does mean it relies on people like you and me to recognise the excellence and significance in others and nominate them for an award.
The nomination process is not onerous; you have to write a brief statement explaining why your nominee is a deserving candidate for the chosen category. Entries close on Friday the 23rd of August and you can nominate here. The award winners will be celebrated at this year’s ACEL WA Annual Branch Awards Ceremony on Wednesday the 6th of November 2024. Whose significance will you recognise?
National Conference
The ACEL National Conference is taking place from the 30th of September to the 2nd of October in Adelaide, during the September/October school holidays. If you have never been to an ACEL National Conference, it is a truly uplifting, thought-provoking, professionally-enriching experience where strong bonds are forged across states, sectors, phases and levels of education. The theme for this year is Reimagining Education: a future beyond boundaries. I still remember when I attended my first ACEL national conference. I couldn’t believe there were so many people around the country “speaking my language”, equally passionate about student learning, teacher learning and building significant, purpose-driven school cultures. I felt I had found my tribe. I love the egalitarian nature of ACEL conferences where hierarchies and differences disappear in a joint celebration of the sophistication, hope and significance of the teaching profession. Please follow the link to find out more about the stellar line-up of speakers at this year’s conference.
Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating holiday and hope to see you at some of our upcoming events in Term 3. You can always find the latest details on our social media pages or on the ACEL website under branch events.
Mathilda Joubert
ACEL WA Branch President