Nearing the end of the trail…

A few years ago, a friend and I set out to hike the Sunshine Coast Trail, more than 180 km of rugged, stunning wilderness. We packed carefully: food, sleeping bags, cookware, rain gear, and one luxury item each. I still remember that first morning — a cool, beautiful Sunday, with a light breeze at our backs that prompted a skip in our steps. 

Our goal was to finish not just upright, but energized, fulfilled, and with stories of an adventure that we would carry forever. And while we did make it to the end, I’ll be honest — I stumbled through those final kilometres with fewer toenails, bleeding feet, no remaining food, and the loss of about 10 pounds. My daughter, who picked us up at the trailhead, later told me she nearly took me straight to Emergency — apparently I looked “a little dehydrated and thin”. At one point, I left half my gear in a bear hang because it was just too heavy to carry. Out went the rain gear, makeup, extra socks... anything that added weight I no longer needed. 

These trails were my playground growing up, but the severe terrain was more demanding than I had remembered. Still, we had a fabulous adventure. We met amazing people. We fought off bears — okay, we politely asked them to leave, and they did! With every step, we grew stronger, adapted to the terrain, and became better at what we were doing. Looking back, I would absolutely do it again — though maybe a little differently! 

This, to me, is June in school leadership. 

You started this school year with your metaphorical backpack full — of plans and hopes, of strategies and intentions. You set out to build culture, support your team, nurture students, and lead your community with heart. 

Now, as we near the end of the trail, you might be limping a little. Maybe you have lightened your load, and set down the things that no longer serve you. Maybe you are low on energy. But you are still standing and, more than that, you have grown. 

My hope for each of you is: that you finish this school year exhausted, but proud. That you feel deep satisfaction in your school’s progress, gratitude for the relationships you have built, and confidence in the strength you have found along the way. No matter where you are on your career path, you are more resilient, more knowledgeable, and more grounded in your leadership than you were ten months ago. 

June is not the time to sprint. It is the time to pace yourself, to reflect, and to acknowledge how far you have come. Celebrate the small wins. Laugh when you can. Take breaks when you need them. And lean on your fellow hikers — we are all navigating this trail together. 

We rarely finish the year the way we started. We finish with fewer toenails, maybe, but with more courage, deeper wisdom, and the knowledge that we can – and will – do it again.  

Keep going. You’ve got this.