I’m a Head teacher – Get Me Out Of Here!
Goodness me, what an exciting term we have had! When I became a Headteacher nearly 12 years ago I never imagined this would mean that one day I would be sent down a zip wire at speeds of up to 100 mph! Facing your fears is something we all have to do from time to time and during October half term I learned how to conquer my fear of heights for the benefit of other people.
When Mr Hankin first suggested I flew the zip wire to raise money for a defibrillator I wasn’t very keen! Don’t get me wrong, I thought having a defibrillator was a great idea and it would certainly benefit the local community, but would I really have to do something so extreme in order to raise the money? It appeared so, yes!
Once he told the whole school I was going to do it there was really no going back and I got swept up in all the excitement and planning. I really didn’t have time to think about being scared; backing out was never really an option!
When we got to Wales at half term, we had a lovely place to stay and I felt I was truly on holiday! However, the zip wire challenge became a reality when we arrived at Zip World! Watching people fly overhead brought my fear of heights flooding back and I realised what I had to do! It was very reassuring to have Mrs Massey by my side and there was no way she was going to let me get out of it!
Once we put on the glamorous and very flattering outfits and we had flown the Little Zipper, I felt ready to attempt the Big Zipper! Right at the top of the slate Quarry, looking down over the lakes my fears returned but as Mrs Massey insisted we went down straight away, I had no time to be frightened; we were strapped in, harnessed up and flying!
Oh my goodness, how amazing it was! There was no feeling of height or speed, we just flew over amazing views and great scenery. I loved every bit of it – well, maybe not the landing which was quite abrupt and jerky!
I am really glad I faced my fear, if I hadn’t I would have missed out on a wonderful opportunity. And in facing my fears we have raised lots of money to be able to buy a defibrillator for the school and the local community. If this is used to save just one person’s life, then it has all been worth it! Thank you if you supported me and I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas.
Mrs Driver
Please click HERE to read the Winter 2018 issue of the Orbit.