For many school-going children, June is a time to take a break from school to spend time with family and play with friends. This time of the year is equally precious for SPD’s Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) teachers – a period where they intentionally step back, unwind, and care for their own wellbeing.
Embracing Rest in Their Own Way
The school holidays offer a rare chance for EIPIC teachers Saraswathy D/O Subramaniam (Sara), Jean Ang and Ang Shiu Yee to prioritise rest and rejuvenation in deeply personal and meaningful ways.
Shiu Yee recharges by discovering new places or unwinding with puzzles and TV shows. On a recent trip to Cameron Highlands, she found herself delightfully reminded of a flower-loving child from her class when she saw a white bloom at a farm — a gentle moment of reflection amid much-needed relaxation.
Jean (below) describes her ideal rest day as one filled with reading, light exercise, and quality time with family. She fondly recalls a spontaneous family trip that ended with them sleeping in the car for a night — a quirky, memorable experience that turned out to be surprisingly fun.
For Sara, recharging comes from joyful interactions with children she meets out and about. “I sometimes end up introducing myself as ‘Teacher Sara’ and would play games like peek-a-boo with them. These moments are refreshing and never fail to brighten up my day,” she shared with a smile.
The Little Joys That Uplift
Even outside the holidays, the three teachers find daily moments that help them stay grounded and energised. For Shiu Yee, it’s a comforting lunch after class, an afternoon coffee, or saying hello to Cheese — a community cat near the SPD@Tampines centre. These simple pleasures go a long way in lifting her spirits on challenging days.
Jean has learned the value of building “fun” into the school routine itself — from water play to excursions at River Wonders and picnics at Kim Pong Park. These activities allow teachers and children to bond through joyful experiences beyond the classroom.
Balancing Passion and Personal Time
Despite their commitment, the teachers recognise the importance of drawing boundaries to avoid burnout. “At the beginning of my career, I thought I needed to give 110% all the time to be a great teacher, but I soon realised that was impossible,” said Sara.
For Jean, the constant demands of paperwork, parent communication and lesson prep make rest a challenge, but she now consciously carves out time for herself — understanding that balance is not just ideal, but necessary.
Shiu Yee admits that it’s hard to disconnect, especially with the emotional investment their work requires. “As educators, we sometimes use too much of our hearts at work, thus it is good to refill it and use it for ourselves a bit more,” she reflects.
Gentle Preparation with a Refreshed Mind
Even when planning ahead, the teachers ensure they’re doing so from a place of rest. Sara likes to browse Pinterest and other online platforms during her break to get inspired by other teachers’ ideas. “I take some time during my break to prepare a skeletal framework of what I hope to achieve in the upcoming semester,” she explains. “This makes it easier for me and my co-teacher to plan and support each other.”
Rested Minds, Renewed Hearts
For SPD’s early intervention teachers, the school holidays are not just a break — they’re a vital opportunity to reset emotionally, mentally, and physically. Whether it’s through travel, hobbies, quality time with loved ones, or simple daily rituals, these educators return to their work re-energised, their hearts full, and ready to continue nurturing the children in their care.
So, this holiday, take a cue from our teachers: unwind, seek joy, and create moments that fill your cup. Happy winding down.