We continue the Little Steps Talking Heads series, where parents can meet, greet, and get tips from Hong Kong’s Heads of Schools! Get personal with these fabulous personalities and find out what makes them tick, their advice for parents navigating the schooling scene, and their favorite things about life in the city.
In this edition, we say hello to Ann McDonald, Principal of Kellett School, the British International School in Hong Kong.
1. Do you have a nickname? I don’t think I have a nickname and if I do I would imagine it would be something fantastic!
2. Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born in the UK and I grew up in Gloucestershire
3. Where do you live in the city and why do you love it there? I have recently moved to the New Territories from the city. I have a wonderful view of Ma On Shan which I find very soothing. In my spare time I enjoy photography, and my new location gives me ample opportunities for me to fulfil this hobby. Everyone associates Hong Kong with a big, bustling city, and people forget that outside of the concrete jungle Hong Kong has so much natural beauty to offer.
4. What's in your lunchbox? When I’m at Kellett’s Pok Fu Lam campus my lunch consists of anything from salad to char siu fan from the little shop on the corner. When I’m at Kowloon Bay I’m fortunate enough to enjoy the food from the cafeteria amongst colleagues and students, so my meals are as varied as they are tasty!
1.What or who inspired you to become a principal? I have been told by various people that from a very young age I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Apprently, I used to line up my dolls and toys in an organised fashion and pretend to teach them!
2.Describe your school in 5 words or less! Developing well-rounded, responsible individuals
1.What's your favorite thing on your desk and why? My favourite thing on my desk is obviously my Kellett Dragon! Apart from that, I would have to say my iPhone 6. I can stay connected to everything through my phone, and tweet all the wonderful things that are going on at Kellett School at the push of a button!
2.What are your 3 favorite children's books? Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce, Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean
1.What is the best way for parents to be involved in their children’s education? The greatest gift that parents can give their children is independence and the room to grow. Parents must scaffold their child’s learning journeys, rather that being overly directive or over-bearing. They must trust their child to learn for themselves, and have confidence in their children’s teachers that they are providing them with the best possible opportunities for learning.
2.Any tips for parents when applying for schools? The school relationship is a triangle made up of three points: the school, the parents and the child. Each relies on trust and no school is perfect. When parents select schools, they must choose a school that they can see their child being comfortable, secure and challenged in. They must be able to trust the school and its teachers to do their job.
3.What's the best advice a teacher or headmistress ever gave you? Just go for it!
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