Gabriela Maldonado has been a mainstay in the Languages Faculty at Kristin for over 10 years. Gabriela is not just an incredible Spanish teacher but has been the Head of Faculty (HoF) Languages for the past five years, taking the department to new heights with her undeniable passion and leadership, which led to her being recognised with an Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) Honours Award last year. As well as a much-loved teacher and HoF, Gabriela is always heavily involved in cultural celebrations and has been the driving force behind our Spanish Debating team's national success. We caught up with Gabriela to find out what makes her tick and what is coming up for her in the near future. 

 

Tell us how you first got involved in Kristin (and what year you started)?

My husband and I came from Paraguay to Aotearoa-New Zealand with clear learning objectives. He had a scholarship to do a PhD, and I had enrolled in a Masters in Language Teaching. While studying for my masters, I visited a few schools, and in every context, I met students and teachers who were keen to connect and grow. Although I had taught English and Spanish overseas, I needed to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching in order to work as a teacher here, so I completed the course in 2014. Later that year, I saw an advertisement for a Spanish teaching position at Kristin. As part of the interview process, I taught a lesson to a Year 10 class, and the students were fantastic.

 

What do you love most about Kristin?

I love that we are an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. We are a diverse community, and through both small and big actions, we are challenged and inspired to be grounded and open-minded, curious, caring and principled.

 

What motivates you?

Moments of wonder and discovery, connection and extension—the “aha” moments! Crafting them, witnessing them and experiencing them is hugely motivating. I think that, in the end, learning itself motivates me.

 

What does your average day at school look like?

An average day? I’m not sure I really have one. My school day starts with an audiobook or podcast as I drive to work. Once at my desk, I check emails and often have a meeting before school. Then I teach, observe lessons, and have lots of conversations with different people. I prefer conversations rather than emails, as they save time and reduce the risk of drowning in emails. 

 

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

I’m very proud of many things, like how we managed lockdowns during the pandemic and how we’ve developed coaching across the school. I’m also proud to be part of an outstanding team of language teachers, from and with whom I learn every day.

 

What was your favourite subject at school?

I had many favourite subjects. I really liked literature, philosophy, psychology, biology, chemistry, PE and visual art. That’s why I think linguistics would have been my favourite subject if it had been offered at my school.

 

Do you have a favourite Kristin moment?

So many! Being greeted with an ¡Hola, señora! in passing is always a favourite. Morning tea feasts with the languages team are a weekly highlight. I also loved kayaking and coasteering with students on camp, watching students debate in Spanish (they make it seem so easy), singing along with students on the Inca trail, and rehearsals with ‘Strictly Can’t Dance’ last year.

 

What does your ideal weekend look like?

A cup of coffee, a book and purring cats first thing in the morning. Then, video chats with family, a long walk, swimming or paddleboarding, going to a concert, art gallery or cinema, gardening, cooking something new and having friends over, plus jigsaw puzzles or board games.

 

Do you have a funny story you can share?

Not so long ago, I was in the Middle School reception one day and noticed a couple of Year 7 students whispering and looking my way. They eventually came over and asked, “Are you the one in the videos?” It took me a second to realise they were referring to Spanish class videos I had created some years ago. I felt a little bit flattered and a little bit old, all at once.

 

You are stepping down as the Head of Languages at the end of this year - what’s next?

I have been the Head of Languages for five years, and for a little while now, I have felt a pull from the magic of the classroom. So I’m listening to that voice, and starting next year, I will be full-time in the classroom, having more of those magical moments. I am very grateful for all that I have learned and how I have grown in these years as HoF—with our students and families, with my amazing languages team, my fellow HoFs, Deans and Associate Deans, support staff, APs and principals. I’ll still be here, so please do say ¡Hola! when you see me around.

 

‘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.