Psychology teacher Gaye Bloomfield is the staff member we catch up with in this edition of our Friday Five.

How long have you been teaching and how long have you been at Nayland College?

Gosh. I started here - teaching Health and English in 2003.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

Well, the area I have been teaching the longest is psychology. Does that mean it is an area of expertise? Let’s say yes. I also enjoy reading dystopian novels and paddle-boarding (not at the same time).

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

So many people. I have been very lucky. But Tony Jackson is a standout treasure. He taught chemistry in the room next to mine when I first started at Nayland as a beginning teacher. He role modeled the two most important parts of teaching - being prepared in order to make the most of every bit of class time and to be prepared to make a difference by being a flexible, responsive, kind human being.

What is your favorite thing about the school?

Just one? We are nimble. We want everyone to be the best version of themselves. We don’t give up on the important stuff -like bravery and difference. We always let the staff win Nayland Has Talent.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Do Better. Enjoy it. Laugh a lot along the way. Go on more epic adventures with my family. Oh yes, and if [insert name of former student] saw me in [insert any street in the world] they would come over and tell me about the fabulous adventures they have had and how happy they are. Oh… and.. if some of the people I have taught could be part of the team that uses psychological thinking to solve some of the really big issues we have in the world – climate change, brain disease, mental illness then I could brag endlessly about that. Yes, that would be nice.