For the latest edition of Our people, we catch up with Curriculum Leader of Psychology, Justin Peters. Justin is an incredibly popular figure among students and staff, and you would be very hard-pressed to find anyone on campus who would give him anything but a positive review. In his four years at Kristin, Justin has helped drive a major increase in student participation in Psychology, something he is very proud of. Read the full interview with Justin below and find out more about our fist-bumping Psychology legend: 

 

Tell us how you first got involved with Kristin and what year you started?

I celebrated my four-year anniversary in March. I had wanted to teach at Kristin for a while, mainly because I have known Nick Duirs (Head of Faculty – Visual & Performing Arts) for a long time, and he felt I would be a 'good fit'. 

 

What do you love most about Kristin?

It's cliché, but the students are hands down the best thing about this school. I can have an overwhelming day with admin and meetings, and one or two funny or wise interactions with students make it all worthwhile. When I first started here, I was struck by how students all say 'thank you' at the end of a lesson – even if you have just given them a test or are relieving a class! 

 

What motivates you?

My motivation is to get students to question the world around them. Not to take anything as given. To be wary of people who think that they know everything. This is more important now than at any other time in human history. We need our young people to be critical thinkers. 

 

What does your average day at school look like?

An average day is teaching psychology across different levels, all whilst continuously drinking the great coffee that Jo in the Pav makes! If it's sunny, I enjoy having lunch on the benches. I love sitting in the library with my headphones on, reading or working. The library is the best place in the entire school – it's got a great calming vibe, and Clare Lee can find literally anything you need on any topic!  

 

What are you most proud of in your time at Kristin?

I'm proud that, as Curriculum Leader, Psychology is now a popular subject in NCEA and International Baccalaureate (IB). It takes a lot of hard work to introduce a new subject and to bed it in. Possibly topping this, though, is introducing the 'fist bump' as a greeting among both staff and students. 

 

 

Do you have a favourite Kristin moment?

My favourite Kristin moment is each year watching Giancarlo Lisi channel his inner Jack Black from 'School of Rock' in the staff band – The Prokristinators!

 

What does your ideal weekend look like?

An ideal weekend consists of reading, gym, running, eating amazing food, my son making me laugh with his sardonic humour and a good martini to go with a great movie. 

 

Do you have a funny story you can share?

Not a funny story as such, but in class, I have what is known as 'THE BOOK'. It's a notebook of all the silly things that have been said in my classes since 2014! There have been quite a few entries already this year – I'm not sure whether this means this year's classes are funnier than usual! It's so good when somebody says something unintentionally funny, and I pull 'the book' out, and the class starts clapping!! 

 

Anything else you would like to add?

Kristin is a great place to work – some of the best colleagues I have ever worked with are here. People genuinely have your back on challenging days. This is not to be taken for granted.
 

Our people is a regular series that shines a spotlight on remarkable individuals who contribute to our school and community, highlighting their unique stories and the passions that drive them. We hope you enjoy as we celebrate the incredible characters who make Kristin a special place of aroha.