PE teacher named one of NZ’s best
After nearly 20 years of motivating students to hit their goals, a Nelson teacher has been named one of New Zealand’s top PE teachers.
Gus Shirley, of Richmond’s Waimea College, joined Adam Wilson of Orewa College as inaugural winners of the Outstanding Physical Education Teacher Award. The accolades were handed out in a ceremony at a conference held in Wellington.
Shirley received the award last week. He was recognised for his service as a sports coach, a senior member of staff and dean and a head of department.
Waimea College principal Scott Haines said Shirley was a long-serving and well-respected member of staff, renowned for his mentoring and sought for his expertise in leading others.
‘‘His core strengths are in integrity, professionalism and positivity. He is exceptionally creative when it comes to curriculum design and embraces criticality. He is incredibly humble and leads with the philosophy; ‘know yourself, be yourself and back yourself’ and uses this to inspire others’ lifelong physical activity and well-being.’’
Shirley, who grew up in Nelson and began teaching at Waimea College in 2002, said while it was a honour to be recognised, his passion for student development and well-being had motivated him in the job for nearly two decades.
A self-described ‘‘jack of all trades but master of none’’, he had helped hundreds of students reach their potential inside and outside of the classroom.
Shirley said his biggest satisfaction was seeing students making their mark in the community years later.
‘‘Just yesterday I rang up about taking my Year 13 class to F45 and dealt with one of my exstudents – that’s cool to see them doing well in life.