As we head into the final weeks of the 2024 school year, we can breathe a sigh of relief that soon we will be taking a well-earned break. Before you kick off your sensible work-shoes, there are a few tasks to help wrap up the school year effectively.
Read the latest print edition of School News HERE
Celebrate achievements
As a class, spend time acknowledging accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. It might be achieving a personal best on the sports field, winning a writing competition or raising money for a charity. Acknowledge small wins as well as the big ones and hold a class celebration to honour your collective efforts.
Organise and declutter
Aim to start the new year with a clean slate, so it’s time to clean out your classroom. Organise your supplies and materials, find out what you have and what you need. Recycle anything that can’t be reused. Donate excess supplies to local charities that collect supplies for students.
Thank colleagues
Reach out to colleagues, administration, and staff who have worked with you and supported you throughout the year. Don’t forget specialist staff, private tutors, librarians, crosswalk attendants, canteen staff and the P&C. Small tokens or notes of appreciation go a long way. Encourage your students to do the same and write thank-you notes to staff they appreciate.
Connect with parents
Not all students end the year with an award or trophy, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t achieved great things. School reports can be indifferent to many of the special qualities that we want to see in students, so send a personal note or email to parents highlighting their child’s unique growth and triumphs. These affirmations can mean much more than numbers and grades.
Help students transition
For students with specific learning requirements, sit down with them and help them make a plan for their transition to a new teacher and classroom. If they don’t know who that will be yet, help them write a ‘getting to know me’ list that will help their new teacher understand them better. For students heading to high school, consider inviting back some of your former students to talk with your current class and answer any of their questions.
Reflect on the year
Take some time to review your year. What was a success? What could have been done differently? Ask students and colleagues for their insights, especially if you have tried something new for the first time. Reflect on areas for personal and professional improvement. Keep a record of classroom layouts, signs, projects or events that you want to remember for the future.
Update your portfolio
Even if you’re not planning on changing jobs, you should still update your CV. Include lesson plans, new skills, awards and other achievements to include in your professional portfolio for future use and to help you be prepared for any opportunity.
Plan for next year
After reflecting on the year that has been, spend some time thinking about the coming school year and develop a rough outline. What goals do you have? What professional development do you want to undertake? What skills do you want to develop? Considering these things while still fresh in your mind will help reduce stress when planning at the start of the new year.
Set goals for summer
Six weeks of summer will be over before you know it. You organise and plan your school life, why not organise your summer too. Make a list of books you want to read, places you want to visit, personal or home projects you want to get started on, and new hobbies you’d like to explore. Be intentional and mindful about so you have a summer break that is both fulfilling and restful.
By taking these steps, you’ll not only end the school year on a high note but also set yourself up for a fresh and successful start in the next. Here’s to finishing strong and recharging for the exciting year ahead!
