Principal’s office: Tess Baguio of Small World Christian Kindergarten
How did you become Principal?
I’m originally from the Philippines and a chemist by profession. I arrived in Hong Kong in 1994 with my husband and baby in tow. When we started to explore preschool options for our daughters, we discovered Small World. It truly was a prayer answered for us. My time as a Small World parent ignited my love and passion for education and led to my pursuit of teaching. I went on to study Montessori Education, Early Childhood Education (PGDE, Master’s Degree) and Special Education (PGDE).
What attracted you to Small World?
I remember the first time I toured the Borrett Road campus as a parent, with principal and founder Gail Maidment. The moment I stepped through the doors, I experienced what I can only describe as ‘love at first sight’. I sensed that this kindergarten was a special place with a focus on core values of love and care for the children. Nineteen years later, as the principal of Small World, I make sure that these same values instilled over the past 35 years remain at the centre of what we do.
Read more: A look around Small World Christian Kindergarten
What curriculum does the school follow?
We are proud to be Hong Kong’s first International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) accredited school. The IEYC uses international best practices, holistic enquiry, and play-based approaches that cover all curriculum areas including personal, social and emotional development.
Can you tell us about the facilities?
We are blessed with a beautiful campus in Mid-Levels, where we enjoy plenty of outdoor space and greenery. At the front of the school, children can explore their physical capabilities through climbing, swinging, sliding, and riding tricycles in our modern playground. We also have a large outdoor space at the back of the school where children can interact with the natural world and cultivate plants in our very own garden. Indoors we have spacious classrooms with dedicated arts and crafts areas and an indoor playground.
What’s a typical day like?
Our little learners begin their day with free play, which helps them settle into class before coming together in circle time. Throughout the day, they have many opportunities to play and learn, developing knowledge and skills through exploration and discovery. I visit every classroom, taking time to talk and play with the children, and at the end of the day, I always bid each child farewell.
What are you excited about for the new school year?
We recently celebrated our IEYC accreditation, so we will continue to put into practice all that we have learned through the accreditation process, strengthening the systems and structures that undergird our early years learning programme. This year marks our 35th anniversary, so we have some exciting community events planned to celebrate. We are also looking forward to providing more opportunities for families to participate and become advocates of sustainable environmental practices as part of our “In Small World, we care” initiative.
