Page 88 - She's One Crazy Lady!

My Union Rep. suggested we leave. Even he was lost for words.
I never did return to the School, but I didn’t resign. I would neither give the LEA, or the Head, that satisfaction. I asked to be moved and decided to go to the Doctors for advice. Dr Craig, who was so supportive, signed me off work – not as being sick, but as taking a much-needed sabbatical. There was no way I was going to quit and give up my career!
Deep down, I was truly distraught and somewhat traumatised, thinking back to all the wonderful events we had held, the fun we had had, the hard work that I had put in, the amazing children I had taught, the friendships I had made... five years of my life – over in such an unspeakable way. With a heavy heart, and disbelief – but a very clear conscience, I simply had to move on.
Today, 2023, times have changed – life has changed. People’s perceptions of life and awareness what is and isn’t acceptable in workplace situations have dramatically changed. What happened then, I am certain would not happen now; it would not be allowed. I pray that no-one ever has to go through the situation I had to endure. I still have flashbacks and still feel hurt, but I believe it made me a stronger person. I also know that I wasn’t to be the only victim.
Weeks after the ordeal a friend told me:
“There will always be someone who finds fault with you, your life, your work, or your words. You may never find out why so don’t waste precious time trying to. You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
One very precious keepsake from Victoria which I proudly have on display at home is a beautiful, framed painting done by one of my past pupils, “Aisha.” Aisha had been part of a group that we took to Whitby on a residential trip. When we came back, the children were encouraged to partake in several cross-curricular activities to record their week away. Aisha chose to do a watercolour painting of the
quayside at Whitby and quietly sat for hours, working from a postcard she had bought, painstakingly ensuring all details were included. We displayed all the children’s work, and I was really moved when Aisha asked if I would like to keep her painting. I still love it and fondly remember, not just the residential trip, but many other wonderful times spent in Whitby, another place that Marilyn and I very often went to – always having fish and chips at the famous Magpie restaurant.
“There will always be someone who finds fault with you, your life, your work, or your words. You may never find out why
so don’t waste precious time
trying to.
”
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