Every year we love to take time to meet and profile our new teaching staff. Today we meet Ross Gerritsen, our new Head of Arts, who has recently moved back to New Zealand after a three year teaching stint in Pattaya, Thailand.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? 

I was born in Palmerston North and grew up in predominantly in Whanganui.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson? 

Prior to Nelson our family lived in Pattaya, Thailand – an hour and a half down the eastern seaboard from Bangkok. I worked at an International School there for three years. Before that I was based in Auckland for 20 years.

Why did you decide to be a teacher – and what drew towards becoming an Performing Arts & Music teacher in particular? 

I had delusional thoughts about being some sort of commercial lawyer. I was terrible at that, saw an advertisement for the Bachelor of Music Education and realised that was my calling all along. At that point Music has been all-consuming in my life and in hindsight it was inevitable that I would end up in this profession.

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

Working with young people and developing their passion for the Arts is immeasurably rewarding. Through shows, dance, visual arts, music and drama, students can find out so much about themselves, develop working with other people, find passion and bring positivity and growth to the community. I have stayed connected with many of my past students and seeing them take their Arts passions well into adulthood is a real buzz. I love getting updates from them as they pursue their interests and careers, especially in Music and Music Theatre. There’s a great sense of energy among the Arts students I’ve worked with so far at Nayland and in collaboration with the Arts team I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

My musical background comes from the brass band tradition. I have been a member of seven National Brass Bands of New Zealand on baritone horn– highlighted by 2nd place at the World Brass Band Championships in the Netherlands in 2017. I have produced and conducted over 20 musicals – including some of the greatest shows written – Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story and Sweeney Todd. I also love graphic design and have done some great projects over the years.

P.S... Check out some other familiar Nayland College faces in the photo above -  Mr Daniel Wilson, Mr Nigel Weeks (QSM), Ms Carrie Wilson and past students Natania Ngawhau and Douglas Clark.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey? 

I think I most look back on people who gave me the opportunity (and took the risk) to give me a long leash and try out some of my big ideas. Russell Goldsworthy who was Senior Master at Wanganui Collegiate let me produce the school show as a Year 13 – that really gave me the theatre and producing bug – and showed me how much fun being the pig picture thinker can be in the Arts. I spent 13 years at Saint Kentigern College as Head of Music and was very fortunate to have several outstanding senior leaders who supported me in my learning journey, notably Suzanne Winthrop, Duncan McQueen, Warren Peat and Steve Cole all of whom are owed much gratitude.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Golf and fishing. Simple!

What were you like as a student at school? 

I was overly excited by my co-curricular involvement. Shows, debating, choir, drama, brass band etc probably took me away from my academic work too often – I certainly didn’t achieve the academic results I was capable of but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I think I got a lot of ‘isn’t working to his potential’ in several subject reports!

What did you do for a living before you became a teacher? 

I have only been a teacher. My first job was Head of Music at Sacred Heart College straight out of university, and I haven’t deviated from the teaching profession since.

What is the most interesting thing you have done in your life so far? 

Taking the massive risk of selling everything and moving to Thailand with my family created the most incredible and interesting stories. Travel, cultural experiences, tropical islands, unbeatable food, snakes, Thai drivers and working in the international school scene were memories we will never forget as a family. I highly recommend a stint in the international school market to any teacher.

Describe yourself with three words: 

Always thinking big.

If you could share one piece of wisdom with the students of Nayland College, what would it be? 

Find the thing you love and that lights your fire. Pursue it with passion and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t succeed. Surround yourself with people who love what you love and who want to build you up.

What question would you like to ask the next interviewee? 

If you could repeat a year of your life which would it be and why?