Jessica Moses has been an integral member of the Kristin community since joining in 2013 as a fresh-faced 23-year-old straight out of university. A passionate ‘Saturnite’, Senior School Dean, History teacher, Girls’ Hockey manager and self-proclaimed ‘Swiftie’, Jessica is one of our students' favourite figures in the Senior School, and her love, care and support for them are second to none. Hear more about Jessica’s story and what she enjoys most about Kristin in this latest edition of Our people. 

 

Tell us how you first got involved at Kristin?
I had heard about Kristin because my uncle and aunt (Brendan and Maree Kelly) used to work here, so when I graduated from teachers' college in 2013, I decided to apply. It is hard to imagine now, but getting a job as a beginning teacher was really hard then, and Kristin was one of the only schools that was advertising a permanent position. I was offered the job to start as a Year 8 tutor teacher (with added Year 9 Humanities) and was told they would give me history classes in the future if they became available.

 

What roles have you held in your time at Kristin?
As mentioned before, I spent two years as a Year 8 tutor teacher. I taught Year 8 Maths that first year, which, needless to say, I am glad is no longer part of my job description! Then I moved into a full-time role in the Humanities department, teaching predominantly History in the Senior School. I was then made a Year 11 Dean for Jupiter, covered Rebecca Simpson's maternity leave as Senior Dean a couple of times, and, in 2022, started as Senior Dean of Saturn. I also did a few years as a Curriculum Leader of History. My main extra-curricular activity has been as the manager of the 1st XI Girls’ Hockey team (who just came second in New Zealand at the top-level Fed Cup school competition!!)

 

What do you love most about Kristin?
I've had the absolute privilege of working with some awesome people during my time here, and I would like to give a particular shout-out to the rest of the Senior School pastoral team. I also love the opportunities that come with being a staff member here at Kristin. I've got to go on massively important and rewarding trips to Ladakh and Nepal, I love the beautiful grounds here, and, obviously, I am very lucky to get to teach lots of epic students. 

 

What motivates you to come to work every day?
Getting to have cool chats in my capacity as a Dean. That is my absolute favourite thing. Getting to know teenagers is a real privilege!

 

What does your average day at school look like?
I'm very lucky to have a timetable that is basically half teaching history and half in my role as a Dean, so to me, this is the perfect balance. Deaning mostly looks like meeting students one-on-one and being the connection point between students, families and staff. Often, I will have a meeting after school or during hockey season, I'm running off to a game via the dairy for some game-day lollies. 

 

What are you most proud of in your time at Kristin?
Becoming a Dean is right up there. It was a job I really wanted and have loved learning more and more each year. Every student is different, so there are always ways to grow! There are a few students every year who just make me so, so proud with the resilience they show in really tricky situations. Seeing them find success, either at school or later when they drop in and update you on their lives, brings me a lot of joy!

 

What was your favourite subject at school?
History and Geography.

 

Do you have any favourite Kristin moments?
Lots of epic moments. Getting to Annapurna Base Camp with the 2018 Nepal trip was amazing. Optional Zoom classes with my International Baccalaureate (IB) History class of 2021, when we did pet show and tell. There are also a few hockey moments – beating Westlake Girls’ High School in the quarter-final of Fed Cup last year was a glorious moment, as was getting into the final this year!

 

What does your ideal weekend look like?
Lots of yummy food, out and about with friends and family and time in the sun. I'm a simple creature!

 

Do you have a funny story you can share? 
Rapping to ‘jump around’ with Ms Simpson at House Music was somehow one of the highest highs and the lowest lows. The stage is really not my comfort zone!! A time I realised my competitive spirit was out of control was when I joined in to try and help Saturn win at House Sports Day (unsuccessfully). In football, I went too hard and kicked a ball with full force into the poor student goalie's face (they were fine!) as some of my Year 13 lads were walking by. They collapsed with laughter and I immediately subbed myself off in embarrassment.

 

Our people is a regular series where we shine a spotlight on a remarkable individual who contributes to our school and our 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.