Founding Principal's sharing

Friedrich Fröbel (1782-1852) founded the world’s first kindergarten in Germany in 1840. The term “kindergarten” means “Garden of Children.” The concept of a “Garden of Children” refers to children being like plants in a garden, with their innate abilities growing from within and expressing themselves outwardly. This is one of the main purposes of education, to nurture and develop their inherent abilities.

In more than twenty years working as the principal, under my supervision schools have been established or relocated seven times. Due to the varying size of school campuses and architectural structures of each school building, the designers and I always prioritized the children’s interests and needs in campus design.

Children require sufficient space for exploration and a joyful environment for acquiring knowledge. Every space on campus becomes their Happyland for growth. Consequently, apart from dedicated classrooms and play areas, facilities such as administrative offices and teachers’ rooms are of little or no importance. The principal’s office does not need to be spacious; instead, more space allows and encourages our children to move around. It is sufficient to accommodate a cabinet, a desk, an office chair and two chairs for meetings with parents. I don’t know when these two chairs became “magical chairs” that attract children to come and sit for a while, and their usage rate is remarkably high! Whether during class hours, free play time, or after school, there are always children sitting across from me, chatting, role-playing as adults in a meeting, sharing personal matters, reading stories, writing or drawing spontaneously. They don’t even mind sharing one chair and both chairs are often filled with people. They even stand beside me to participate in discussions and share. It is bustling and lively, yet everyone maintains courtesy and harmony without dispute.

Outside the door, children often peek in with their cars or tricycles, greeting me, asking what I am doing, or who I am talking to on the phone. Teachers often have to ask them to go and play in a distant area!

Moreover, children have unlimited creativity, unique personalities, and potential. My principal’s office often becomes their stage to show their character, knowledge and talents. They create a special wall in my office, where they stick their artwork, notes, picture cards, and more. It reminds me of them every day.

And never underestimate their young age. A few years ago, two young girls earnestly applied for a job in this small principal’s office. They expressed their desire to join the Pods Kindergarten staff team after graduating from university. One wanted to be my vice principal, and the other aspired to be a supervisor. It was truly heart-warming.

Finally, there are future leaders who are willing to carry on this great work in early childhood education! 

I wish every child’s dreams to come true! Have a healthy and happy life, always.

Wong Fan Lai Yee (Founding Principal)