Even though we are well over halfway through 2020, we had so many wonderful new teachers join our whanau this year, that the 'new' staff profiles just keep on coming. Today we say hello to PE and Health teacher Zoe Walker.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Nelson but moved to Gisborne when I was 3, for 7 years, before returning to Nelson for my final year at Primary School (Brightwater School). From there, I went to Waimea Intermediate and Waimea College.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson?

I moved to Dunedin for Uni in 2012 then moved to Christchurch in 2013 for netball. I lived in CHCH until the end of 2019, before returning home to sunny Nelson to begin my teaching career at Nayland!

What other jobs have you had, prior to teaching?

I was very fortunate that my first full-time job was as a netballer for the Mainland Tactix for 6 years while studying part-time. I also had a stint in retail at 3 Wise Men and did my fair share of berry picking and apple thining over my school years...good times!

Why did you decide to be a teacher – and what drew towards becoming a PE teacher specifically?

My Dad is a teacher (John Walker who worked at Nayland for years as the Head of Maths!) and both of my parents always suggested I be a teacher but I was dead set against it right up until 2016 when I finished my degree and had no idea what to do with it! It wasn’t until I really reflected on my passions for sport and general well-being, along with working with young people, that teaching seemed like a no-brainer. School holidays and overseas working opportunities were a massive drawcard too.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically?

As Dad taught at Nayland, it felt pretty special to gain my first teaching job here. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing team in the PE/Health department, and in fact the whole staff at Nayland are an awesome bunch! The students are great and I'm lucky I’ve got some awesome classes who I love to join in with for a game from time to time.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love playing and watching all kinds of sports and have loved getting back into Netball and Volleyball this year. I also enjoy getting outdoors, especially down to the beach for a stroll with a coffee in hand.

What is one book everyone should read?

I’m not much of a reader if I'm honest, but I do love a good podcast! I’ve listened to a few featuring Dr Matthew Walker talking about sleep and they blew my mind! If you don’t prioritise sleep at the moment, I would highly recommend having a listen!

What were you like as a student at school?

I mostly enjoyed school to catch up with my friends and play sport, and was (still am,) a classic for a last-minute hand in on my work. I was always very polite to my teacher though! My favourite subjects were actually design and maths!

Question from Julia (last interviewee). If you could share one piece of wisdom with the students of Nayland College what would it be?

Make the most of all of the opportunities you have available to you while you are at school.

Give me one question to ask the next teacher we profile…

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing and why?