Meet the Team: Peter Richmond, Physical and Health Education

Why did you want to become part of the GNS community? Before this year, my interactions with GNS were through substitute teaching, and competing against, via coaching. I felt a strong sense of community at both campuses, and I met dedicated, enthusiastic teachers that genuinely cared for the kids. GNS has a very positive energy about it, and being an IB school, it seemed like the perfect fit for me! What were you doing before joining GNS? I taught at an IB Continuum school in Vancouver, St. John’s School. Over the years I taught Grades 3 to 8 PHE, and coached soccer, basketball, x-country, golf, and track and field. What made you want to become a teacher? I’ve coached forever. I love coaching. I love interacting with kids, and all the lessons that competition and recreation can teach. A big part of who I am comes from my experiences in sport, and it just seemed like a no-brainer to centre my career around that, and try to pay it forward. Selfishly, I need to move everyday and I love the energy I get from students.  What are some of your interests? Staying active. I love camping, going for new hikes, golfing. I love music. I have a two year-old daughter who is the most important thing in my life. Family and friends.  What is your favourite sport and why? Basketball and soccer were always my top two and I could never pick a favourite. I ended up playing soccer at a higher level, but I still can’t decide which I love more. Why do I love them? So many of my lifelong friends, groomsmen are from teams I played with over the years. The comradery. The challenges. Team sports are just something I love.  What is something most people don’t know about you? I have taught in Denmark and China, as well as Canada.  What do you like about working and living in Victoria? I love that I can be outside and active year-round. It’s a perfect size city for getting around on my bike. We’re just over an hour away from beautiful camping on the Juan de Fuca trail. There are a lot of young families and a good energy in the city.  What are you looking forward to this year? I’m very much enjoying coaching Grade 9 basketball right now, so I’m looking forward to more of that, and the progress we’ll make this year. I’m looking forward to more coaching opportunities at GNS, and sports that come up in the Winter and Spring terms. Also, just immersing myself more in the GNS community and getting to know the staff and students!