At the end of last year, I took five weeks’ Long Service Leave with one main goal – to write. As an English teacher I know the importance of being a competent and confident writer. I write alongside my students often and understand the value of modelling the craft and being prepared to take risks in the process. I am also aware of the research which suggests that the best teachers of writing are those who write – and write often.

The notion of risk taking is critical in the learning process. I was called upon to take risks repeatedly during those five weeks of leave. In admitting to my family and friends that writing was the purpose of my leave, I had created expectations in the minds of others and felt the pressure of staying true to my mission. In sharing this intention with my senior students, I knew that I had to persevere and practise what I preached.

Knowing the importance of routine and habit, I would begin my writing each morning at 7am whether I felt like it or not. Some mornings I would look forward to the challenge, while other mornings were a real struggle. I used pen and paper most of the time in the early stages and found myself using my laptop more often once a rhythm was established. I had a very real sense of thinking differently when I used each of these tools – but that’s for another article!

Over the weeks I composed eight poems which I have shared with family, friends, and students. I even showed Mr Lo Cascio. We have regular conversations about the nature and value of poetry. I love the form and Mr Lo Cascio doesn’t. Having said that, he did respond in a very positive way and was most encouraging. That’s the interesting thing about creating something and sharing it with others. Initially I was hesitant and apprehensive about people’s reactions. As I dared to take more risks and started to enjoy the challenge, the feedback was a necessary part of the learning. And I so wanted to learn. Learning the craft was the motivation that encouraged me to keep the 7am appointment each day and to persist. And what I created was not necessarily the most valuable part of that experience.

Clare Murphy

English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach