It has been a long while since my last blog.

The past few months have not followed any predictable rhythm. Earlier this year, conflict disrupted normal schooling, and like many others, we moved quickly into fully online teaching. What followed was a gradual and cautious reintegration back into school life. Each phase brought new adjustments — new expectations, new routines, and often very little time to prepare for them.

Now, by all indications and the latest notices, tomorrow marks a return to something resembling normality. Learners will once again move freely between classes, intervals, and breaks — the small routines that, in many ways, define the school day.

A Term of Constant Change

The challenge has not only been the disruption itself, but the pace of change. Much of schooling during this period has been reactive. Decisions around exams, assessments, lesson timing, and daily schedules have often arrived with little notice. As educators, we have had to adapt quickly — sometimes daily — while still trying to maintain consistency for our learners.

It has been taxing. It has been tiring. But it has also been a reminder of how resilient school communities can be when they need to be.

A Brief Escape to the Desert

Amidst all of this, I managed to take a short break this past Saturday — a dune safari that turned out to be exactly what was needed.

The experience began with dune bashing — and it lived up to its reputation. At times, it felt as though we were suspended between sky and sand, with nothing but endless dunes stretching in every direction. Our guide made sure the ride was as exhilarating as possible. More than once, I was convinced we were about to tip over as the vehicle leaned sharply and the sand rushed past my window at an alarming proximity.

It was, without question, rollercoaster-worthy.

Midway through, we stopped for sandboarding. The descent was everything you would expect — fast, smooth, and surprisingly addictive. The climb back up, however, was another story entirely. Each step into the soft sand felt like two steps back. Before long, we were all using our boards less for sport and more as makeshift supports to haul ourselves uphill. After two runs, I was quite satisfied that I had experienced enough.

Camels, an Oasis, and a Different Perspective

To end it all, we arrived at a desert camp set around what was, in fact, a legitimate oasis — small, but real. The water, visible among the camels and surrounding trees, was still far too saline for human consumption, but it sustained the life around it. A cluster of trees and shrubs gathered there, forming a quiet, living pocket in the middle of the dunes. It was a simple thing, but striking — a reminder that even in the harshest environments, life finds a way. I can now say I have seen an oasis.

There were camels waiting for us, and I was fairly certain they were quietly debating who would have to take me out into the dunes.

Once on the camel, we were led further into the sand. Sitting up there, you realise quite quickly just how high you are. I kept thinking I was leaning slightly too far to one side, but didn’t dare shift around too much — I had no idea how the camel would respond. So I did what seemed safest: hold on and try to look like I knew exactly what I was doing.

The ride itself was steady, almost rhythmic, but getting on and off was an experience of its own. When we returned, the camel lowered itself — front legs first, then the back — in a motion that feels far more dramatic than expected. As it finally settled, I am fairly certain I heard a snort of relief. It was, in fact, the only sound the camel made the entire time.

Looking Ahead

As we return to normal schooling routines, there is a sense of cautious optimism. Stability, even in its simplest form, brings with it the opportunity to refocus — on teaching, on learning, and on the rhythms that make a school function well.

The past term has been demanding, but it has also highlighted the adaptability required in education today. Perhaps more importantly, it has reinforced the value of balance — knowing when to push through challenges, and when to step away, even briefly, to reset.

Tomorrow, we return to routine.

And for now, that is more than enough.