Dussehra: The Reset Button Every School Needs

Festivals are not just rituals; they are reminders. Dussehra, celebrated right after Navratri, is about victory, renewal, and new beginnings. For school leaders, it is also the perfect moment to press reset  on systems, mindsets, and cultures that need a fresh start.

Every school year is like a bow pulled back. Term 1 stretches us with exams, events, and energy. But unless we pause to reset, we risk burnout and chaos. Dussehra whispers: clear the clutter, let the light in, and begin again with strength.

Here are 7 Reset Gems for School Leaders this Dussehra:

1. Reset Your Vision Board

• Why: Mid-year, goals often get lost in the rush of daily tasks.
  
• Try This: Revisit your school improvement plan. Highlight 3 “must achieve” goals for Term 2 and communicate them clearly.
  
  

2. Reset Teacher Energy

• Why: After PTMs and assessments, teachers feel drained.
  
• Try This: Organise a “Teachers’ Recharge Day”  laughter yoga, peer appreciation circles, or even a no-meeting afternoon.
  
  

3. Reset Student Engagement

• Why: Festivals, exams, and holidays can break learning momentum.
  
• Try This: Kickstart with theme weeks  STEM week, Art fest, or Social Service drive  to reignite curiosity.
  
  

4. Reset Communication Channels

• Why: Misunderstandings with parents and staff often grow in silence.
  
• Try This: Introduce a monthly newsletter or a simple “Leadership Corner” update to keep all stakeholders aligned.
  
  

5. Reset Assessment Practices

• Why: Term 1 often leans heavily on marks. Term 2 can balance it with creativity.
  
• Try This: Add project-based assessments, peer reviews, or portfolios to showcase different intelligences.
  
  

6. Reset Digital Habits

• Why: Tech can either empower or overwhelm.
  
• Try This: Audit your school’s digital tools keep 3 that work best, drop the rest, and train staff to use them deeply.
  
  

7. Reset Yourself as a Leader

• Why: Leaders too carry invisible fatigue.
  
• Try This: Set aside 30 minutes a week for reflection journaling: What worked, what didn’t, what’s next?
  
  

✨ Closing Thought: Dussehra reminds us that every ending is also a beginning. As the effigy burns, let’s also burn the clutter of inefficiency, fear, and fatigue. By hitting the reset button, leaders don’t just recharge themselves they recharge their entire school.This festive season, let’s pledge: One fresh start. One renewed energy. One step closer to the school we dream of.