Taking a Real Break: How Educators Can Recharge Over the Christmas and Summer Holidays
Shazamme System User • November 26, 2025
As the school year comes to an end and Australia moves into the Christmas and summer break, educators across the country are feeling the weight of a long and demanding year. By mid December, teachers and early childhood educators have supported countless students, families and colleagues while juggling curriculum demands, behaviour challenges, reporting, compliance and everything that comes with the final term. It is normal to reach this point feeling tired, stretched and in need of a true reset.
The summer holiday period is more than a pause. It supports your wellbeing, your mental health and your long term resilience. It gives you space to breathe, reflect and step back from the constant pressure of the classroom or centre environment. For many educators, the challenge is switching off without feeling guilty or worrying about being productive.
This summer, the most valuable thing you can do is give yourself permission to rest. Here are some steady, practical ways to make the most of the break and return feeling refreshed and ready for 2026.
Understanding the rhythm of the summer break in Australia
Although each state and territory sets its own school calendar, most Australian schools finish for the year in the second or third week of December. Educators usually stay a few extra days for wrap up and planning. Students return in late January or the first week of February, with teachers commonly returning earlier for pupil free days and preparation.
You can check your state’s dates here:
- New South Wales: NSW school term dates
- Victoria: Victorian school term dates
- Queensland: Queensland school term dates
- Western Australia: Western Australia school term dates
- South Australia: South Australian school term dates
- Tasmania: Tasmanian school term dates
- ACT: ACT school term dates
- Northern Territory:
Northern Territory school term dates
Across most of Australia, the summer break lasts six to seven weeks. It is the longest reset you will have all year. This time truly matters.
Give yourself permission to fully switch off
The first few days of the holidays often involve slowing down mentally and giving your body space to decompress. Educators are used to constant decision making, emotional support, crowded environments and back-to-back tasks. It takes time to transition out of that pace.
Switching off from email, planning and school conversations allows your mind to reset. You do not need to fill this time with tasks or productivity. Rest is part of your job. It strengthens your capacity to support others next year.
Let your break have some structure without overplanning
A gentle rhythm can help you get the most from your time off. You do not need a strict schedule, but having an idea of how you want your break to feel can stop the holidays from blending together.
Consider what matters to you during this time. Slow mornings. Time outdoors. Reconnecting with people you have not seen in months. A day trip. A summer book list. A small project at home. Resting is easier when you give yourself space to enjoy simple things.
Support your wellbeing with movement
Term Four places a lot of strain on the body. Long days, playground duty, lifting, bending, managing behaviours and navigating busy classrooms or centres can leave you physically fatigued.
Light, enjoyable movement helps you reset. This could be walking along the coast, swimming, stretching, cycling or taking advantage of the morning cool air before the summer heat sets in. Physical activity not only supports your wellbeing but also improves sleep and reduces stress.
Reconnect with the people who matter most
The school year is demanding and often leaves little room for social connection. Summer is your chance to sit with people who lift you up. Christmas gatherings, long lunches, barbecues, quiet evenings with family or catch ups with friends all help you feel grounded and supported again.
Connection strengthens emotional wellbeing and reminds you that you are more than your job.
Make time for yourself without feeling guilty
Educators spend the entire year giving their energy to others. The holiday period is one of the few times where you can shift that focus back to yourself. You might enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, journalling, working on a hobby, relaxing at the beach or simply having quiet time at home.
These moments help restore balance and remind you that your needs matter too.
Reflect gently if you choose to
Some educators find value in reflecting on their year once they feel rested. Others prefer not to think about school until late January. Both approaches are completely valid.
If you decide to reflect, try to keep it supportive rather than critical. Think about what helped you this year, what made you feel steady, and what small changes might make your workload more manageable in 2026. Reflection is helpful when it feels grounding rather than stressful.
Ease into preparation when you feel ready
Toward the end of January, you may want to start preparing for the new school year. This might look like organising resources, planning a few routines, resetting your planner or thinking about classroom setup. There is no need to rush. Preparation works best when it feels calm and considered.
Teachers and early childhood educators generally return before students for planning days and professional development, so you will have time at the start of the year to regroup with your team.
A final reminder
You do not need to earn your rest. You do not need to be productive to justify slowing down. You have shown up for students, families and colleagues all year. You have encouraged learning, provided stability and supported the emotional needs of others every day.
This break exists for a reason. It is your chance to recover, reset and rebuild your energy.
Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the slower days and return in 2026 feeling refreshed, steady and ready for a new year of impact.
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