Tracy Malthus
Room 1
How long have you been teaching/teaching at St Joseph’s?
I’ve been teaching for 20 years, locally and overseas with kindy children up to adults. I’ve been at St Joseph’s for the past 3 years, since Term 2 of 2015.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
To make a difference in my children’s lives. To help them to develop and become the best they can be - not just academically but spiritually and emotionally as well. To give young people a positive start in their learning journey so they can become happy, lifelong learners and responsible, active members of their community. My favourite quote in teaching: 'A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.’ It sounds cheesy but I really love the children and I love my job!
What's it like working with students at the age level you teach?
I currently teach Year Ones. It is very busy and can be quite demanding emotionally and physicallly too. I love the way they are still 100% themselves and I enjoy their individuality. Many children at this age still need their ‘buckets filled’ as they make the journey from lots of time at home and a little time at kindy to longer days at school and more expectations on them as individuals. It’s fun, super busy, high energy and a little crazy (in a good way) being a junior teacher.
What do you think sets St Joseph's apart from other schools?
St Joseph’s teaches the values of Jesus and how we can all walk in Jesus’ footsteps. Such important values to instill to help develop responsible and community minded people. It is a very caring school to work in. The staff have always been kind and helpful from the day I started here. The children are friendly and take care of each other.
What do you like to do when you're not teaching?
My family are most important to me, always. I love spending time with my family and catching up with friends, although I’m still working on that work-life balance! I enjoy reading, walking, running, camping, boating (well, boating with my family in fair weather) and learning the guitar. When time allows, I like to travel and visit new places. I like trying new languages and have taken to learning NZ sign language since I’ve been at St Joseph’s. I'm still a beginner but it's something I truly enjoy.