Shane Donaldson on marking, Math and moving in the middle

After eight memorable years of teaching Physical Education, Health, and Sports Science, Shane Donaldson leaves RCHK. We interview him to get his final words.

Can you tell us about your life before coming to RCHK?

I started teaching in New Zealand, but very quickly I moved overseas. I went to the middle east, and I spent some time in Oman and Dubai – then I made my way down to Guangzhou China and Hong Kong! Now I’m moving to New Zealand, my home country.

Did you have any other possible career choices before deciding on teaching PE?

Since I’ve worked in the fitness industry a lot like the gym, I thought I wanted to be a personal trainer. But I actually got quite bored of that, which is why I moved into teaching.

What inspired you to pursue teaching?

To be honest, I did my degree, I went to teachers' college and I needed a job. But I actually enjoy helping people – I enjoy the process of seeing people get better! 

In your opinion, what’s the best and worst part about being a teacher?

Well, the worst part about teaching is definitely the marking – I really don’t enjoy marking. But the best part about teaching is just the day-to-day interactions with students. I feel like every day is a different day– you want life to be interesting, not boring. And that's the thing with students, you never know what you’ll get each day and that's what makes my job so enjoyable.

What is or was your least favourite subject in school?

Maths actually – I really struggled with Math until I got a tutor.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

Something my students would be most surprised to find out about me is that Math is surprisingly, my second teaching subject. I was really bad at maths in school, but I ended up getting a tutor and when I went to teachers' college I had to choose a second teaching subject – and I chose Math. In fact, I have actually taught it before. Another interesting fact about me is that I actually play the organ, it was my musical instrument growing up. I spent eleven years learning the organ. I don’t look like I play the organ – do I?

What would you miss the most in RCHK?

Definitely the people. I worked at many schools around the world and I have to say that the Renaissance teachers and students – I know this sounds really cliché, but they are really nice. And that's what you wanna do, you want to be in a job where the people are friendly. Teaching is about relationships and friendships. It means a lot to me that the community around me is very friendly and welcoming.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On a golf course, somewhere in New Zealand! 

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

One of my favourite Kobe Bryant quotes is “Rest at the end, not in the middle”. 

A message or advice to students?

Get off your phone as much as you can and try to look around the world – disconnect from your phone, and reconnect with reality.