Adam Majsay – Head of High School

The real value of school holidays

As we find ourselves on the cusp of another term break, after what will be a loooooong 11 week term, I’m mindful of the tremendous value these periods hold for our students (and for our teachers!). It’s a time for us to recharge our batteries, explore new interests, and perhaps even embark on a journey of self-discovery. But as with all things in life, balance is key.

Every teacher I know has their own unique approach to term breaks. Some dive headfirst into relaxation mode, while others use the time to pursue their passions with renewed vigour. For me, it’s a time to read fiction – I always aim to read at least a novel a week during term breaks (as I rarely get to do this during term-time). These holidays I’ve got Shankari Chandran’s Song of the Sun God at the top of my must-read pile. Regardless of the path chosen, there are a few strategies I always recommend to ensure term breaks are both enriching and enjoyable.

Firstly, I advocate for the importance of finding balance. Holidays are indeed a time to unwind and relax, but they also present an opportunity for personal growth and development. I encourage our students to strike a balance between leisure activities and productive pursuits, ensuring they make the most of their time off without feeling overwhelmed.

Next, I suggest creating a loose schedule to help structure their days. While spontaneity has its charm, having a rough plan in place can prevent days from slipping away in a blur of aimless activities – and mindless doom-scrolling on the socials! Allocate time for studying, hobbies, socialising, and of course, plenty of rest and relaxation.

Speaking of hobbies, I recommend that our students use the term break to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, honing their artistic skills, or delving into a new area of intellectual interest, it is a valuable time to allow them to follow their interests, wherever they may lead.

Additionally, I believe holidays are an excellent opportunity for students to expand their horizons and learn something new. Whether it’s picking up a new language on Duolingo (my summer holidays saw my Hebrew language acquisition improve out of sight!), mastering a new recipe (I’m all about my new mushroom brekky frittata), or delving into a topic they’ve always been curious about, I encourage our students to embrace the spirit of lifelong learning, day in, day out – recognising that learning is not just possible in the classroom.

Lastly, I can’t overstate the importance of rest and rejuvenation. We must prioritise self-care during the holidays, whether it’s through getting plenty of sleep (I’m aiming for 9.30 pm every night), engaging in relaxation exercises (I’ll be aiming to consistently hit the gym five times each week), or spending quality time with loved ones.

School holidays are a precious time for our students (and our teachers) to unwind, explore, and grow. I hope we can all make the most of this time and return to school feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever new and exciting challenges come our way in Term 2.

Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating break, when it arrives!