Principal’s office: Geoff Heney of HKIS Lower Primary
What led you to a career in teaching?
I had a penchant for acting as a youngster so I was keen on going into theatre or television. However, in my early twenties, I spent time working with young children at a summer camp. I think that’s what sparked my passion for teaching. At university, I decided to pursue education as a career. It’s really a combination of acting and teaching so I get the best of both worlds! I chose to work in early childhood education because it’s such a fascinating and impressionable age. Although, I still work with older children coaching and directing musicals and plays. My career has seen me teach in Seoul, Ottawa, Shanghai, Doha and now Hong Kong.
What attracted you to HKIS?
The position of Lower Primary Principal came up whilst I was working in an upper elementary school in Doha. I was keen to return to foundational years of teaching. HKIS has a fantastic reputation in the international school community and is praised for its phenomenal early childhood program so I was excited to have the opportunity to continue the excellent reputation along with the team.
What’s the teaching philosophy?
Our belief is for each teacher to meet children where they are at, instill a passion for learning, develop their identity as a learner, and make coming to school fun and engaging. Students have the opportunity to explore their interests, be challenged, collaborate, play, inquire, and be creative each and every day. We want students leaving the lower primary to feel that strong identity as a learner and collaborator and that they take ownership over their learning.
Read more: Principal’s office: Stephen Loggie of ESF Island School
Can you tell us about the facilities?
We are a state-of-the-art school, designed specifically with “play” in mind. Our classrooms are built specifically for early childhood learning, we also have an innovation lab (our “Wonder Lab”), a library filled with thousands of books, community spaces, and customized playgrounds for each grade level. We have custom-designed rooms for Chinese language learning, music, art, and social-emotional learning; all of which create settings that engage children in experiential learning that is developmentally appropriate and inspires playful exploration. We also have a large gym and soft-play room with a covered playground, a jungle gym in the shape of the Star Ferry, and a swimming pool with adjustable depth to cater to students at all levels of swimming.
What have you been most proud of over the past year?
Firstly, the resilience of our students and how they have transitioned from different formats and schedules with learning. Of course, seeing them start school face-to-face on campus in August and feeling their excitement and energy was incredibly uplifting and heartwarming. Secondly, I’m proud of our teacher’s desire and drive to do what is best for students whether online or in person. All decisions are made based on what is best for students. Seeing teachers come together to regularly collaborate on the academic and emotional needs of our students has been so inspiring.
What are you excited about at HKIS?
I am looking forward to celebrating our students’ learning with parents during our November conferences. I also look forward to our partnership with the Parent Faculty Organization and our annual book fair where students will have the opportunity to shop for their own books. Mostly, I am really excited to continue to watch children grow, play, collaborate, and have fun on a daily basis!
