In each newsletter, we put one of our staff under the microscope so you get to know the people helping to mould your child. This time, however, it’s teaching veterans Isabel Jeftha, Peter Braid, and Marty Lee - who have each achieved 20 years of teaching at Aquinas College.

1. What is/was your title and area of responsibility?

Isabel: I started as the Homeroom teacher for 8P and Tutor teacher of Browne House BJEF. In 2005, after two years at Aquinas, I became the Year 7 and 8 Curriculum Coordinator as well as the Dean of Year 8. In 2008, I was co-opted to SLT, and in 2013 was permanently appointed as the Director of Pastoral Care. I also filled the role of acting deputy principal during the recruitment for AC’s second principal, and then for two terms in 2014 when the principal and deputy were on sabbatical leave.

Marty: When Aquinas started in 2003, I was the Head of Faculty for Health and PE, T-I-C of Sport, Sports Co-Ordinator, Y8 Dean, and Year 8 classroom teacher. In latter years, I was T-I-C Sport and teacher of Health and PE.

Peter: Year 7 & 8 teacher and Dean.

2. You’ve said that Aquinas became your second family. What is it about AC that kept you here for 20 years?

Isabel: There is a feeling about this place that I cannot describe. You feel you belong, you feel supported, and valued, that you can be yourself, and that people know you well - just like your own family. So, there is always somebody looking out for you.

Marty: The incredible students and staff who were always wanting to get involved both inside and outside the classroom, support from our parent community, and the willingness of everyone to make Aquinas the best school in the BOP. Oh and of course, the unflinching support and encouragement from my lovely Sue and three fantastic sons, Jaime, Sam and Ollie.

Peter: Working at Aquinas is more than a job, it is a vocation. It's more than just passing academia - and discipline - to students. It includes the holistic wellbeing of the complete person, so it fully embraces you, it engulfs you, and before you know it, it's what you do. I was fortunate that I had two of my own children here as well and this allowed me to focus almost 24/7 on school, schooling and all those extra sports and cultural activities that you end up doing.

3. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the school over the last two decades?

Isabel: The revamping and additions to the building.

Marty: Sadly, the decreasing involvement of staff as managers and coaches of our sports teams. Teaching has become such an academically result-driven vocation, that most teachers can no longer justify the time commitment necessary to sport, as opposed to their classroom workload and responsibilities.

Peter: Everything. I know that is a cliché but actually, it is just about everything, because in the beginning all we had was some classrooms in a parking lot. So everything we see today has been the change.

4. What are your hobbies away from school?

Isabel: Reading, relaxing and enjoying the company of my family and friends.

Marty: Kayak fishing, fishing of any sort, and golf of late.

Peter: My relaxation out of school would include watching - as my playing days are over - all sports, fishing, and time with my family.

5. You and your family have been a huge part of Aquinas. Update us on the family.

Isabel: My family has grown from the five of us to now 10 of us. Additions to the original five: Two daughters-in-law; two grandsons in Dunedin, and a little granddaughter in Auckland. I love visiting them when I can. There are so many working grandparents now and I am one of them.

Marty: Sue is working as a physiotherapist at Waipuna Hospice, Jaime is teaching at Arohoe Primary School in Auckland, Sam is teaching English at Te Puke High School, and Ollie is soon to be teaching at Oropi School in a Y7/Y8 class. All three sons are teachers!!! (Who said teaching was a dying profession?) We have our first grandchild due in September (Jaime and Alice). Sam is married to Akane, and Ollie is getting married to Holly in January.

Peter: My family has grown since starting here at Aquinas. I now have four grandchildren, plus one on the way. All my own kids have left home. Matt is in London, Megan in Auckland and Toni, my oldest, is living and teaching in Tauranga. My lovely wife Julia is now the only one I can come home and empty the day's events onto.

6. What are you most proud of during your Aquinas tenure?

Isabel: The difference I have made in the lives of others. The quiet thank you and appreciation you get from students once you have helped them achieve their goals at school, or once you have supported them to overcome their barriers/hurdles.

Marty: The relationships I have developed with our students and being comfortable in sharing who I am and what makes me tick. Also from the early years, striving to get as many of our students as possible involved in numerous sports.

Peter: Two things. One, that I have lasted this long. And two, all the students that are and have gone through Aquinas. I know that sounds corny, and I will deny I said it if you ask me, but that really is what teaching is all about.

7. If you could name anyone, who would you choose to share a meal with (alive or deceased)?

Isabel: Nelson Mandela. He sacrificed his own life to give my people in South Africa back their dignity, and to be treated equally and not be judged by the colour of their skin.

Marty: Brendan and Jane Schollum. Brendan gave my family and I the opportunity at Aquinas. A great educator and a fantastic peoples’ person. It would be wonderful to tell him and Jane how brilliantly their vision of Aquinas College has panned out.

Peter: My Father. I have a lot of things to ask him and things to own up to.

8. How do you hope to be remembered by your Aquinas whānau?

Isabel: I always tried to give people the best version of myself. I hope that I will be remembered for the person I am.

Marty: As a “genuine buggar” who, for the most part, tried hard to make school a safe, happy and enjoyable place to be.

Peter: Maybe as someone who tried to help students survive the journey of schooling.

9. Your favourite Aquinas memory?

Isabel: Being the Homeroom teacher of 8P and my times on camp with them. Circle time in my classes.

Marty: There are too many to account, but simply being on the sideline and coaching our students in a variety of sports, be they winning or losing, is pretty hard to top.

Peter: One of my memories is being on the spot at a Year 8 camp when then Principal Mr Schollum rode a BMX bike over a jump to what can only be described as a risky dismount - face first in the dirt - right in front of the camera. Remember, he wasn't a young man.

10. Best advice for current students? B: Any words for all your past students out there?

Isabel: Make the most of your education and time at school. Education is something that you can take with you wherever you go and nobody can take this away from you. You have the power to shape your own future. You also have the power to make a difference in the school community and to make a positive impact on the world.

B: I love bumping into past students and to catch up on how things are going in your life. Remember, when we hear about your achievements and successes, the Aquinas Village celebrates with you.

UBUNTU: We are because of YOU.

Marty: Get involved, don’t become obsessed with perceiving academic success as a measure of who you are, and enjoy your mates and school while you can.

B: To past students, thanks for making my life at Aquinas fun, and please do come up and say ‘Hi’ if you see me around. You must never underestimate how much you all shaped me too!

Peter: I think past students have heard enough words of advice from me when they were here, and the present students will be hearing from me in the next couple of years anyway, so no words of wisdom. But if we meet in the future I would love them to tell me if my advice was of any use or if I should add anything to my lectures/advice.

The full article on their 20th teaching celebration can be read at: https://www.aquinas.school.nz/ac-teachers-mark-20-years-of-service/