Be Still...and Begin Again
There's a tiredness that you will all recognise, coming at the end of a long term. To begin with, it's seldom obvious, but after weeks of making decisions, supporting others, and keeping things moving, it builds up.
Then Easter arrives.
For many school leaders, it brings a short break and a change of pace. Often, we use that time to think ahead—what needs fixing, what needs improving, what did not quite work. It does not take long before the mind is busy again.
But Easter can be more than just a break. It can be a chance to pause without needing to solve everything. You do not have to work everything out before the next term starts.
There is a well-known line in Scripture: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It does not say come when everything is sorted.
It simply says come and rest.
Leadership often feels like constant movement—there is always something next. But not every moment is for pushing forward. Sometimes it is enough to step back, take stock, and recognise that not everything needs your attention right now.
This is not about switching off. It is about coming back with a bit more clarity and less pressure.
You may already be thinking about next term. That is fine. But not everything needs deciding today.
A Short Prayer
Lord, in this season of Easter, help me to rest well.
Help me to lay down what I do not need to carry today,
and to return with clarity rather than pressure.
Amen.
If this time has given you space to think about what comes next—for you, your school, Trust, or Diocese—those conversations are often best had early rather than urgently. If it would help to talk anything through, I am always happy to do so in confidence.
Liam Dowds
Call in confidence: 01737 652 043
Emmaus Leadership