Last night I felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz but luckily didn’t get blown away in the wind. I woke up at 4am to silence and popped my head outside the van to be (finally) greeted by the sight of a starry sky. A new friend I made in Jordan was a keen stargazer and recommended an app called ‘Sky View’ which helps identify the constellations.
We have been looping around the north of Wales a bit this week and went to see the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or the ‘stream in the sky’ as it is otherwise known. A group were trying to get to grips with kayaking in double kayaks with each person blaming one another when they were not making any headway! Aber Falls also had a deserved stop for a stunning loop walk across a wild and rugged landscape which we had to ourselves.
This week we have made it to Anglesey and enjoyed coastal walks at various places including South Stack where a couple stopped and chatted in the car park, intrigued by my life in the van. The lady, Kathleen then gave me a huge hug before leaving for her walk. Hugs are underrated.
That same day, the first day we had really seen a blue sky, a classic tune by Five ‘Keep on Movin’ came on the radio to which I sang at top volume with happy memories of teaching many children the dance moves in after school clubs! It’s funny how songs can evoke such strong memories that leave you smiling from ear to ear!
I also have thought about the devastating death of Ruth Perry, a Headteacher who took her own life. My very first Headteacher, who I had the privilege to work for has written a very poignant piece, lots of which has resonated with me as a former leader and Head. You can read it here:
I have seen teachers reduced to tears, go through unimaginable stress and as a Head have been made to feel like a failure all due to the inspection regime.
I am grateful this morning to be waking up in a field in the welsh countryside far away from the pressures and unrealistic expectations of the current education world in this country. Teaching is a profession I loved, but until changes happen, I am not sure it is one I can return to.
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