Education Spotlight: ESF Quarry Bay School’s Mina Dunstan
We speak to Primary School Principal of the Year Mina DunstanIf there were two guiding principles which helped ESF Quarry Bay School through some of the most challenging times ever – it was flexibility and creativity.
That strategy has paid off for Principal Mina Dunstan, who won Principal of the Year – Primary after what she described as two very challenging years.
“Without a doubt the last two years have been the most challenging in my career,” Dunstan says.
Read more: Hong Kong Education Awards: The results are in
“I am grateful, humbled and privileged to have been recognised as Principal of the Year after such an unprecedented period of disruption and uncertainty. My focus on the students has been unwavering.”
Dunstan adds the award is affirmation of the extraordinary effort by the Quarry Bay School staff and students.
“Quarry Bay School is a fantastic community and this recognition for everyone is exceptionally positive. I am incredibly proud of the Quarry Bay School community’s grit and determination.”
Rapid upskill
The lockdowns and repeated moves to online learning meant the school was forced to rapidly upskill. Dunstan says everyone, from staff to students and teachers, needed to adapt to a range of apps, devices and platforms to maintain learning collaboration.
“At times, this challenged all stakeholders – students, teachers and parents. Yet the adaptability, resilience and confidence to keep moving ahead was continuously evident from all stakeholders.
One key observation that teachers identified was the importance of building flexibility, creativity and agency into learning tasks for students.
“Perhaps pre-Covid, our definition of what encompassed technology was different too. Broadening the definition of technology is crucial in schools as we emerge from the extended period of online learning.”
Dunstan says offering primary age learners a wider range of experiences in the use of technologies is a priority. As is increasing the range of learning experiences from robotics, to animation, podcasting or stop motion movie making.
“These are the skills which will support young learners moving into the future with confidence and creativity.”
With face-to-face classes slowly returning, Dunstan said ESF Quarry Bay School will maintain an open mind and positive outlook.
“I am excited to lead the Quarry Bay School community into the future. There has never been a more important time for learners to be given opportunities to solve authentic problems in creative ways.
Dunstan stressed that future proofing young people to be resilient, confident and collaborative will be an important priorities in the years ahead.
