In my office, I have an old poetry book that my dad used to read to me when we went on holidays. The simple act of opening the book, as I’ve just done, brings me joy as memories flood back of caravanning holidays with my family. My parents would hire a caravan and after we had packed it with all our things, we would drive long distances to new places. There were moments of boredom as we looked out the window and counted the kilometres passing us by. But at the end, fun and games and poems awaited us.
Rest is what we are all looking forward to over the next few weeks. It may just be the rest from the school week rhythm. Slightly later waking times, not making school lunches or keeping on top of homework. Or it may be a complete break from Sydney life as families go on adventures beyond. For teachers, there is still work to be done as we prepare for a new term, but we have the flexibility to do this in different surroundings and different times. I am thankful for the promise of this rest.
