From the Chapter President

Laura Kendall | WA Chapter President

As the year comes to a close, there’s a natural inclination to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, both individually and collectively. For Educate Plus WA, 2024 has been a year of growth, connection and presentation with the flagship event being the Empowering Success International Conference held right here in Perth.  

Yet, as we celebrate the successes of the year, I find myself reflecting on a theme that resonates deeply in our industry: the challenge of burnout as the end of the term/semester/year comes around. The roles we hold often require us to wear many hats — navigating relationships, managing events, solving problems and constantly innovating. It’s work we’re passionate about, but it’s also work that can stretch us thin if we’re not careful. 

Burnout doesn’t always appear as exhaustion or frustration; sometimes it manifests more subtly. It might be the creeping feeling of losing focus on the things that matter most. It might be the temptation to say yes to one more commitment, one more project, one more opportunity, even when our calendars are already full. The drive to keep pushing can lead us to forget that the most important resource we have—our energy—is not infinite. 

This time of year often becomes a whirlwind. There’s a pressure to finish the to-do list, attend every end-of-year event, and tick off every final obligation. But as we prepare for 2025, I believe there’s an opportunity to pause and reassess how we approach the work we do. If we want to begin the year with clarity and purpose, we need to intentionally create space to focus on what truly matters. 

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of saying no. It’s not about being negative or disengaged; it’s about recognising the limits of our time and energy and using them wisely. Saying no to something that doesn’t align with our priorities creates space for the things that do. It allows us to bring our best selves to the projects and relationships that are most important, rather than spreading ourselves too thin. 

As we (hopefully) take a break over the summer and as we step into 2025, I encourage each of us to take a moment to reflect on our priorities. What truly matters to you, both personally and professionally? What do you want to focus on in the year ahead? And, just as importantly, what can you let go of to make space for those priorities? 

We are fortunate to have a strong and supportive community in Educate Plus. It’s a network that thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge, and I know we’ll continue to support each other as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Lean on this community when you need it. Share your experiences, your lessons, and your moments of clarity. Together we are stronger, and together we can create a culture that values balance, intention and sustainability. 

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to announce some key dates for your 2025 calendar: 

• Welcome Event: Wednesday 19 February, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, Rowing Pavilion, Mt Pleasant 

• WA Chapter Summit: Thursday 22 – Friday 23 May, UWA Club, Nedlands 

As we close out the year, I hope you find time to rest and recharge. Celebrate the successes, learn from the challenges, and enter 2025 with a clear mind and refreshed perspective. Thank you for being part of this incredible community and for all you’ve contributed throughout the year. I look forward to seeing you at our events in 2025. 

Kind regards,

Laura Kendall
WA Chapter President, Educate Plus

Director of Community and Sustainability
Guildford Grammar School