Building a "Home Away from Home"

As you celebrate your tenth year with SJI International, how have you seen the school's culture evolve? Amidst those changes, which core Lasallian values continue to anchor the community and shape our students?

Over the past ten years, I have seen our school evolve into a more digitally fluent and globally interconnected institution. We have become more diverse, yet our foundation remains unshakable.

Amidst the rapid changes, the core Lasallian values of Faith in the Service and Respect for All Persons continue to anchor us. Whether it’s through service projects or daily classroom interactions, the spirit of "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve" remains the heartbeat of the school. It’s what transforms our students from high achievers into compassionate global citizens.

When you look back on your ten years here, what are some of your favourite memories?

There is nothing quite like the "lightbulb moment" when a student, who perhaps started the year feeling intimidated by Chinese, suddenly finds the confidence to crack a joke or express a complex opinion in the language. Seeing that shift from hesitation to genuine self-expression is incredibly rewarding.

A personal highlight every year is our festive assembly. I have such fond memories of our Zodiac skits, where students bring the traditional animals to life with so much humor and creativity. I always look forward to the Lo Hei (Prosperity Toss) organised by our wonderful Parent Support Group. Seeing parents and teachers tossing the ingredients together in a chaotic, joyful celebration of well-wishes is a perfect reflection of our inclusive SJI International family. 

Some of my most cherished memories are the quiet, informal moments in the boarding house. Whether it’s sharing a special meal or having a heart-to-heart talk during evening hours, these moments of vulnerability and growth are where the strongest bonds are formed. 

You describe yourself as an 'Innovative Assessment Book Creator.' Can you share a bit more about what that entails, and how these books have impacted your students' learning?

This title was born out of a commitment to student success. Whenever a new International Baccalaureate (IB) or The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) syllabus is launched, there is often a 'resource vacuum' where no relevant study guides exist.

I stepped into this gap to create a series of assessment books when students needed them most. By providing these targeted resources and additional practice right at the onset of a new syllabus, I’ve been able to help students navigate the uncertainty of new exams, reduce their anxiety, and build the confidence necessary to excel. It’s about being an architect of their academic safety net.

Alumni know you well as the Head of Chinese, but perhaps less about your role running the boarding house. What does a typical Tuesday look like for you when you're juggling lesson plans, department meetings, and being the ultimate 'dorm parent' to so many teenagers?

A typical Tuesday is a balancing act of different worlds. My day starts as the Head of Chinese, where I am immersed in various meetings, classroom teaching, lesson planning and marking student’s homework.

However, once the school bell rings, my focus shifts to the boarding house. Being the 'ultimate dorm parent' means transitioning from a figure of academic leader to a mentor and guardian. Whether I am supervising evening study sessions or checking in on a student's emotional well-being, the role is about providing a 'home away from home' for teenagers navigating life far from their families.

What is the most memorable part of living with and looking after the boarding students?

Having lived in the boarding house myself for the past decade, the most memorable part is undoubtedly the deep sense of ‘family’ that transcends the traditional teacher-student relationship. For me, this hasn't just been a workplace, it has been my home, and the students have been a vital part of my life’s journey.

The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the complete arc of their transformation. It is incredibly moving to watch a student arrive, perhaps a bit homesick or unsure of themselves, and slowly blossom into a resilient, self-reliant leader. Because I am there for the late-night chats and the quiet moments beyond the whiteboard, I get to see their true character.

There is a profound beauty in providing a steady, parental presence for ten years of ‘SJI International children.’ Knowing that I have provided a safe harbour for them during their most formative years is what stays with me long after they graduate. Being a ‘dorm parent’ is more than a role; it is the privilege of being a permanent chapter in their family story.

How do you hope the alumni community can support the school?

Our current students are incredibly bright, but they crave perspective on what life is like beyond the "IB bubble." I hope alumni can return, whether in person or virtually, to share their career journeys, offer industry insights, or provide mentorship to those interested in education, linguistics, or leadership. Your "been there, done that" advice is often the most influential guidance a student can receive.

Whether it is offering internship opportunities within your organisations or providing job shadowing opportunities, these bridges between school and the professional world are invaluable. You are the best proof that an SJI International education prepares you for any global stage. I hope you continue to be ambassadors of our values. When you succeed with integrity and serve your communities with humility, you elevate the school’s reputation more than any brochure ever could.

Finally, I hope you simply stay connected. Whether it’s dropping by the Chinese Department to say hello or visiting the boarding house to see how much has changed (and how much has stayed the same!), your presence reminds us why we do what we do.

What advice do you have for students preparing for life beyond SJI International, especially those hoping to follow in your footsteps and pursue a lifelong career in education?

If you choose to teach, remember that your subject expertise is only half the battle. The true heart of education lies in relationships. Whether in a classroom or a boarding house, take the time to understand the human being behind the student. Your greatest impact won't just be the content you deliver, but the confidence you instill in them. 

We live in a world of instant gratification, but education is a "slow-burn" profession. Some of the most profound impacts you will have won’t be visible until ten years later when a former student reaches out to say thank you. Learn to find joy in the process of growth, even when the seeds you plant take years to bloom. 

What are the greatest lessons your students have taught you?

The greatest lessons my students have taught me:

Resilience is Quiet: We often think of resilience as a grand gesture, but my students taught me it’s actually found in the student who fails a test but shows up the next morning ready to try again, or the boarding student who overcomes homesickness to comfort a peer.

The Power of Curiosity: My students’ relentless "Why?" has kept my own mind sharp. They’ve taught me that the moment a teacher thinks they have all the answers is the moment they stop being effective. They keep me young, keep me questioning, and keep me innovating.

Ultimately, SJI International has taught me that while I may be the one standing at the front of the room, the most profound learning is a two-way street. I am a better educator, and more importantly, a better person, because of the thousands of "life lessons" my students have shared with me over these ten years.