A few weeks ago, I facilitated a reflective session for a group of educators. It wasn’t the end of the academic year - just December, the close of the calendar year. The staff had been through a lot: new initiatives, challenging transitions, and countless small victories. But as we prepared for our session, one teacher remarked, “I feel like we’re just limping to the finish line. Can this just be an email?”
It struck me how often we let the end of the year come and go without pause, rushing from task to task, tying up loose ends, and collapsing into the holidays. When we don’t take time to close the year with intention, it can feel anticlimactic, even for a team that’s worked hard and achieved so much.
So, how do we end the year well - even when it’s not the end of the academic year? Inspired by Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, I’ve seen how intentional closures can make all the difference.
Reflect on the journey
One of the most powerful ways to honour the year is to reflect on the collective journey. What were the milestones, the wins, the lessons learned? Reflection fosters connection and a sense of shared purpose.
During the session I facilitated, we created a timeline on a whiteboard. Each team member added a sticky note representing a highlight, a challenge, or a moment of learning. The board filled with stories - some funny, others poignant - and it became clear how much the team had accomplished together.
Practical Tip: try a group activity like:
Timeline Reflection: Use sticky notes, slides, or a collaborative digital board for everyone to share significant moments.
Gratitude Circle: Invite participants to share one thing they’re grateful for from the past year.
Team Superlatives: Celebrate lighthearted accomplishments like “Most Creative Problem Solver” or “Most Likely to Have Coffee as a Food Group.”
Celebrate the wins
The end of the year is a perfect time to focus on wins, big and small. Too often, we move from task to task without fully appreciating the progress we’ve made. In another meeting, I worked with a team to create a "Wall of Wins." Each person contributed a success, whether it was completing a big project, fostering student growth, or simply surviving a particularly hectic week. Reading through the board reminded everyone of their impact and reignited pride in their work.
Practical Tip: highlight wins with:
A visual board of achievements - physical or digital.
A photo or video montage of memorable moments from the year.
A team recognition ceremony, where leaders or peers share shoutouts for individual contributions.
Look ahead with intention
While reflection is key, ending well also involves looking forward. How do you want to step into the new year? What are the shared goals, hopes, or themes that can carry your team forward? During one session, we used a simple question to guide this conversation: “What’s one word you want to define our work together next year?” Words like “connection,” “growth,” and “resilience” emerged, sparking a discussion about shared values and aspirations.
Practical Tip: Set the tone for the year ahead by:
Creating a team word or mantra for the coming year.
Writing a letter to the future, where team members share hopes for the year ahead.
Building a vision board of goals, values, or themes.
End on a high note
Whether it’s a meeting, a calendar year, or a season, how you end shapes how people feel moving forward. Instead of rushing to close, take time to create a moment that feels uplifting and complete. For one team, we closed a year-end session with a simple activity: each person wrote a short thank-you note to someone else on the team. The notes were anonymous and distributed before everyone left. It was a small gesture, but it left everyone smiling and connected as they walked out the door.
Practical Tip: End with something memorable, like:
A team toast to celebrate the year.
A gratitude exchange, where team members share appreciation for one another.
A closing circle, where everyone shares one hope for the year ahead.
Why It Matters
Ending the year well isn’t just about wrapping things up - it’s about creating a sense of closure, connection, and possibility. When we reflect, celebrate, and look forward together, we honour the work that’s been done and set the stage for what’s to come.
As you approach the end of this year, ask yourself: What do you want your team to carry with them into the new year? What story will they tell about this one? With a little intention, you can ensure it’s one they’ll tell with pride and purpose.
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