Meet the TCK staff

Isabella

Hello everyone, my name is Isabella Hobbs and I am one of the Pre-Kindergarten teachers at Tung Chung Kindergarten! I have been very fortunate to work as part of the ESF family since 2019, previously at Hillside Kindergarten in K1 and K2 classes, with a break to study in Oxford, UK, to gain a Post Graduate Certificate of Education for children aged 3-7 years. 

I was born in Hong Kong and spent my early years here before moving with my family to the UK, with lots of visits back and forth. I moved back to Hong Kong officially in 2019 after completing an undergraduate degree in Drama from the University of Exeter which kickstarted my love of story-telling and dramatic role-play in the classroom. 

I live on Lamma Island and I like to spend my time hiking, scuba diving and reading all sorts of books on the ferry to central. My family is spread all over the world, in Europe, Asia and South America and so I love travelling to visit them and exploring new places whenever I can. 

I am so excited to meet all our Pre-K children and their families and to build a wonderful community together!

Aruna

Hello everyone!  My name is Aruna Kothari, and I am from  Mumbai, India. I hold a Diploma in Fashion & Textile Designing and more recently I have also completed a Diploma in Early Year Child Care & Education from Asian College of Teachers.

I have been part of the ESF Explore playgroup program for the past couple of years,  working as an Educational Assistant helping children explore the surroundings and develop their understanding through a range of activities. I strongly believe that play-based educational activities allow for the expression of personality and uniqueness.

I am passionate about working with children and love encouraging them to design and create and build. I find joy and sense of fulfillment to make a positive impact on young children’s lives and help them develop important skills. I am excited about the opportunity and looking forward to support teachers in creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for students. Being a mother of two kids I understand the importance of a supportive environment that encourages their curiosity, fosters their passions, and helps them develop their unique strengths.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going for Hikes, listening to Music and Baking.  I also love dancing and have experience in choreographing young kids for dance performances at various community events.

Jessie

Hello, my name is Ms. Jessie. 

I grew up in HK and I have spent the last 12 years teaching in kindergarten. This is my 8th years working in TCK as an EA. I am a qualified early year teacher and holding a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Postgraduate Certificate in Chinese Language Education. 

Being a mom of a toddler, I firmly believed that connecting to children and responding to their interests and needs, giving them agency, providing a safe and supportive environment, giving children opportunities to discover and explore, helping children connect to peers, community and the world are the elements to empower children’s learning journeys.

Outside of school, I enjoy different hobbies and spending time with my family. 

Jasmine

It is a pleasure to meet so many wonderful families and children here at ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten! My name is Ms. Jasmine, and I am thrilled to join this vibrant team.

Originally from Canada, I grew up in Hong Kong and have a special connection to the English Schools Foundation, where I received my education. From the age of 16, I felt a calling to work with children, which led me to study Early Childhood Education in Toronto. This journey equipped me with the skills to support children in various settings, including schools, hospitals, family centers, and early learning environments.

At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to a child-led approach, emphasizing inquiry and hands-on experiences. I believe that fostering a growth mindset in the classroom cultivates confident and curious lifelong learners.

Additionally, I hold an iPGCE certificate from the TES Institute in collaboration with the University of East London. I am excited to collaborate with such a knowledgeable team of educators and parents as we work together to nurture our students' fullest potential.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Berna

Hello everyone! I am Miss Berna, a Bachelor of Arts graduate with a major in Communication Arts. I have also obtained my Trinity College London CertTESOL from EFA. With 9 years of teaching experience, I served as an English Head Teacher at an English center and as a Pre-nursery English Class Teacher. As a dance scholar, I advocate for the integration of arts in education.  Young learners thrive through play and exploration, hence I focus on creating engaging activities to spark their curiosity and imagination. 

Patience and understanding are key qualities I possess as an educator for young learners, aiding them in self-expression and emotional regulation.

I understand the unique needs and perspectives of young learners and am committed to providing them with the care and attention they require. 

I bring enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to my work, as I thoroughly enjoy working with young children. It is a pleasure to be part of ESF TCK, and I am eagerly looking forward to meeting all of you!

Jessie

Hello, my name is Ms. Jessie. 

I grew up in HK and I have spent the last 12 years teaching in kindergarten. This is my 8th years working in TCK as an EA. I am a qualified early year teacher and holding a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Postgraduate Certificate in Chinese Language Education. 

Being a mom of a toddler, I firmly believed that connecting to children and responding to their interests and needs, giving them agency, providing a safe and supportive environment, giving children opportunities to discover and explore, helping children connect to peers, community and the world are the elements to empower children’s learning journies.

Outside of school, I enjoy different hobbies and spending time with my family. 

Amy 

I want to extend a warm welcome to you and your children into the Tung Chung Kindergarten community. Kindergarten is an exciting time for students and teachers and I am excited to see the learning and joy associated with kindergarten, the very beginning of the school journey! My name is Amy Caldwell and I will be a K1 teacher. I am from Whitby, Canada, which is a town near Toronto. Now I live in Hong Kong with my two cats, Stella and Miller and my two dogs Brooklyn and Foster.

I have a BScH from the University of Guelph in Biological Sciences, which opened the door for international employment. Once I decided that teaching was the career for me, I earned a Graduate Diploma in Education as well as a Master of Education, the Early Years, from the University of Wollongong. I spent three years teaching kindergarten in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and love working in kindergarten. I have been working in Hong Kong at TCK for the past 8 years in both K1 and K2.

Early childhood is an important period of development. Knowledge, skills, relationships and attitudes are developed at an incredible rate. As an enthusiastic, educated teacher who has had the privilege of being instilled with a love of learning at a young age, I strive to be a role model for the students. I’m confident that along with my our class team, we will not only facilitate learning, but also learn with the students in a classroom filled with wonder and joy.

Entering into a new school year I will work to ensure all members of our classroom feel welcome and are presented with engaging and meaningful opportunities to grow.

Tina (Wang Laoshi)

Hello children and families! My name is Wang Laoshi (王老师), and I have been working in international education for over 8 years. This year marks my fourth year as a bilingual teacher (Chinese) at ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten. 

Originally from Nanjing, China, I have been living in Hong Kong for over a decade now, and I moved to Tung Chung with my family 3 years ago. I am thoroughly enjoying this neighborhood and all it has to offer.

Being a kindergarten teacher has been my only job since I earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong. My teaching philosophy centers around educating children from the heart. 

Teaching with love, patience, passion, and persistence is the key to quality education, and I believe that there is no limit to what our children can achieve when they are encouraged to be the best they can be. I am a firm believer in providing a warm, caring, and inspiring environment that fosters exploration, critical thinking, communication and questioning. By nurturing children to be confident and life-long learners, they can make positive and effective contributions as global citizens to make the world a better place.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, and cooking. Preparing different dishes for my family and friends brings me great joy, and yoga helps me find peace and tranquility in my daily life.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child's education journey. I am excited to work with you and your child, and I look forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Shaun (Li Laoshi) (Maternity Cover) 

Greetings, Dolphins and families!

This is Li Laoshi (Mr. Shaun). It’s a great pleasure to join Tung Chung Kindergarten and carry on the work left by Wang Laoshi before her return. I began my teaching career in 2015 at a bilingual institution in Beijing, and I have since taught at campuses in other cities until the pandemic forced me to take a pause. Later, I earned both my MEd and PGCE in Early Years, and I restarted my teaching career in Hong Kong. This is my third year teaching Mandarin to children in Hong Kong. For me, working with children is a blessing; the smiles on their faces can cure everything and reaffirm my belief that helping children understand the world around them is a rewarding job. Regarding language learning, I firmly believe that young children can easily pick up a new language, especially when their experiences are positive and meaningful to them. Helping the children find the meaning of using Mandarin with positive emotions is the goal that I will keep pursuing at ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten. and I hope they can bring this happiness of learning new Mandarin home through a chant, a simple phrase with a big smile. Outside of school, I would describe myself as an amateur chef, a dog lover, and a novice in French, Cantonese, and Chinese calligraphy. Once again, it’s a great pleasure to be part of your child’s learning journey.

Catherine

Hi, my name is Ms. Catherine. I am always grateful for the opportunity to be working alongside children and witnessing their remarkable journey in their workplace called, Kindergarten!

I am an EDB registered teacher, I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education from the University of Sunderland, UK, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where i majored in Visual Communication. Additionally, I also have a Certificate in TESOL under my belt.

I have been working with ESF for the past 13 years as a Playgroup Teacher and as an Educational Assistant. Prior to working in the education sector, I have followed a career in advertising and graphic design for many years both in Manila and in Hongkong. However, through all those years I have always wanted to make a difference in children's lives. With this passion, I have taken the leap of faith, left the design industry, furthered my studies and pursued my dream of becoming an early years teacher. I enjoy interacting with children and making a strong connection through art and play. I am a true advocate of inquiry based and play-based learning where children are free to explore, investigate, discover and take agency in acquiring knowledge, figure out their genuine curiosity and make sense of the world around them, thus providing a holistic approach to their own learning and development which will, in turn, empower them to be lifelong learners and be capable and confident members of society in the future.

I like doing anything creative like drawing, painting, making crafts and in my spare time, I do a lot of baking! Above all, I love working with children and impart my artistic and creative expertise with them and see them thrive in their early years of schooling. With this, I look forward to this coming school year and embark on the learning journey with the youngest members of TCK community.

Ania

Hello everyone! I am Ms. Ania. I grew up in the countryside of Poland near a national forest, where my family and I often explored nature. The adventures, encountering various animals and insects, and the peacefulness of the trees left a lasting impression on me which I love to share with others.

I earned my Bachelor's degree in English Philology from the University of Warsaw in 2007 and became a qualified English teacher that same year. Shortly after, I achieved my Qualified Teacher Status in England and began my teaching journey in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 2015, I moved to Hong Kong. I also completed PGCE at the University of Sunderland, specialising in Early Years Teaching.

A few years back, I decided to follow my passion and became a certified Forest School Leader. This step allowed me to introduce our youngest learners to nature through the forest school philosophy. Seeing our students thrive, develop a caring attitude towards the world and others, and build a relationship with nature has been incredibly rewarding.

I am excited to meet you and your children in the upcoming school year. Together, we will embark on new discoveries, experience wonders, and create lasting memories.

Shirley

Hello everyone!!

My name is Shirley Fernandes. 

I am delighted to welcome you and your child to our TCK community and be part of our warm, caring and vibrant kindergarten. 

Hong Kong has been my home for the past 30 years, which I share with my husband, son, and 2 daughters. I have earned my Bachelor's Degree in Arts majoring in Psychology and History, and my passion for early years teaching led me to complete my Post  Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from The University of Sunderland.

My passion for early years teaching has grown working at ESF as a playgroup teacher and a class EA while using my skills and experience to bring about wonder and joy to inspire our young minds. I am happiest while reading, singing, and creating and it will bring me so much joy, doing all of that fun stuff and so much more, with your child this coming year 2024/25. I look forward to meeting and learning more about each one of you as we have fun exploring and learning through play, in our warm and nurturing environment here at TCK.

Florence

Hello, Families! 

I am Ms Florence. I am a qualified Early Years teacher with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong. I have worked for more than 5 years in different kindergartens in Hong Kong and the passion I have towards teaching children has never changed and still continues. Now, I have been working in Tung Chung Kindergarten for few years. I love the toys, environment and everything here. It makes me feel so happy to be here everyday.

I grew up in Hong Kong and live with my parents and my elder brother. I love traveling and exploring new places with my family because that can make me learn a lot of things in different countries. At the same time, I love spending time with my family and friends. Also, I enjoy most outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, running, dancing etc. For indoor activities, I like reading and playing board games. I always let the children explore and try more things and I think that’s the best way to learn.

I am looking forward to seeing you all in August. I can’t wait to spend the next year learning and growing with you!

Trixy 

I am delighted to introduce myself and join the ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten community! My name is Trixy, and I’m thrilled to share my background and experiences in education with you. 

Born in Japan and raised in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the UK, my diverse cultural upbringing has profoundly influenced my perspective on education. After living in the UK for 15 years, I embarked on an exciting journey by moving to Hong Kong to begin my teaching career in 2012. With over 10 years of experience in international education, I've had the privilege of teaching students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. 

I have a strong passion for dance and choreography, having obtained my bachelor's degree in this discipline from The University of Winchester, UK. I enjoy integrating dance and movement into my learning engagements, as creative dance naturally engages children and ignites their imagination. Attending dance classes during my leisure time helps me relax and focus on my well-being. 

I love working with children; witnessing their development and progress continuously motivates me as an educator. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by completing my Master’s degree in Education from The University of Bath, UK and gained the IB Educator Certificate. As IB educators, we empower young children to be agents of their own learning. When we recognise early learners as capable, curious inquirers, our approach to teaching and learning shifts. Seeing students take the lead in their learning through play and inquiry brings me joy and excitement. 

Outside of teaching, I am a mother of two children, and we love travelling to different parts of the world. Exposing our children to diverse cultures broadens their experiences and sparks their curiosity, fostering a sense of connection with the world they live in. 

I am eager to join the dedicated teaching team at ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten, sharing a common mission and vision with the team — to create a learning community that fosters wonder, aspirations, and growth.

Sam

Hello, my name is Sam Snelgrove and I am one of the Educational Assistants here at TCK.  I have worked as a Kindergarten teacher and syllabus coordinator for St. Catherine's International Kindergarten and also served as a Learning Support Assistant for an SEN student at Small World Christian Kindergarten, both here in Hong Kong. 

I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Catering Management and over the years have worked in Public Relations, Event Management and Operations Management.  I was born in Hong Kong and am an ex ESF student myself, having attended Glenealy Junior School and Island School.  I am married and have two children.  In my free time I love to head off into the great outdoors, travel, bake and be creative through art and music. 

I am passionate about helping children grow as individuals in a nurturing environment, encouraging them to have fun and try new things.  I am very excited to meet you all and join you on your learning journey in the wonderful TCK community.

See you soon!

Gita

Hello everyone ! My name is Ms. Gita, and I am delighted to be one of the Education Assistants (EA) in TCK. I've been with TCK for about three years, starting as a supply cover EA and working full-time since last year.

My family and I relocated to Hong Kong in 2015, and we have come to love the city and its vibrant atmosphere. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Master's in Business Management from India. After completing my post-graduation, I worked in the Human Resources department for a few years. However, I took a break from work to focus on my family and home. 

I've been working in the kindergarten for a while now, and I can state with confidence that I truly like spending time with the young students. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and engagement brings me immense joy. I believe in creating a caring and nurturing environment that fosters independent thinking, creativity, and individuality. With such an environment at TCK, I am confident that every child will flourish and become a happy and confident individual.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my family. We enjoy playing board games, watching our favorite TV shows together, and engaging in activities like cooking, baking, and hiking.

I am eagerly looking forward to the new academic year and the exciting learning journey ahead. I extend a warm welcome to all of you and can't wait to embark on this incredible adventure together.

Shobna

Greetings, everyone!  I’m Shobna and it is my pleasure to welcome you and your children to the TCK family.

I am an early years educator with experience teaching in both K1 and K2 classes; my educational philosophy centres on nurturing children's curiosity and unlocking their learning potential. I believe that through play, children can learn valuable social and communication skills by asking questions and making connections in a natural and engaging way.  In my classroom, I strive to create an inviting and welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to share their ideas, explore, experiment and foster a love for learning.

I am a registered kindergarten teacher. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hong Kong. Additionally, I have a degree in International Business from the University of Huddersfield in the UK.

I am also an ESF parent myself, with a 15-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son who both attend Discovery College. This personal experience has given me invaluable insights into the educational journey and the importance of fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment.  In my spare time, I like to read books, hike, travel and spend quality time with my family.

I look forward to playing and learning with you in the new school year.

Amanda Chen (Chen Laoshi)

Hello, My name is Amanda Chen and I am the Chinese Teacher in TCK.

I am originally from Xi’an, China, and have lived in Hong Kong for over ten years. I started working in early years education since I graduated from Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2010. The passion I have towards teaching children Mandarin has motivated me to gain my Postgraduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education. As a qualified teacher, I have been very fortunate to work in different international schools as a Chinese language teacher and bilingual class teacher. I believe each child is unique and has the potential to bring something special to the world. No matter what language children speak and try learning to speak, they all have a right to respect, regardless of their abilities. As a teacher, I am very happy to be a part of their learning journey. I am looking forward to the new school year, which will bring a mix of new faces and familiar ones returning to school.                                                                                                                              

In my spare time, I enjoy baking and travelling. Fitness has been my biggest hobby, which has led me to become an internationally qualified personal trainer. I organise weekly boot camps for TCK staff and it has been so much fun to train with my lovely colleagues. 

Vanessa

Hello everyone and welcome to our TCK community! I’m really excited to be a part of your learning journey of limitless imagination and endless possibilities. I look forward to getting to know you and your families as we learn and grow together.

I, Vanessa, moved to Hong Kong  34  years ago from Mumbai, after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in Income Tax and Accountancy, to start a carrier in the airline industry.

Living out of a suitcase for 30 years allowed me to satisfy my curiosity and experience different cultures, and exposed me to a global audience. 

My love of the outdoors led me to explore the greener side of Hong Kong and motivated me to complete the 100 km Trailwalker race, twice. Until I had my son, I spent most of my holidays trekking and hiking up Kilimanjaro, Mt Fuji, Kotakinabalu and a few other mountains in China.

Being a very hands on parent made me realise how much I enjoy the boundless energy and curiosity of little children and that led me to obtain a TEFL certification.

Life as an educational assistant at TCK over the last 24 months has given me a deep understanding of the joys of working with young children and a strong appreciation for the importance of fostering positive relationships with the children, their families and staff alike.

I am really excited and looking forward to spending the academic year learning and growing with you in our warm and nurturing TCK community.

Cherylanne

Hello, my name is Cherylanne Morton and I am so happy to be a part of the TCK community! I am an early childhood educator with over ten years of teaching experience in Hong Kong. I am a devoted believer in the child-centred approach, and most appreciative of how it enables children to communicate with their peers, think for themselves as individuals, be comfortable with being different, and take ownership of their own learning. I strongly believe that children are active learners who do best when given agency over their own educational path.

I believe that, for children, learning is best accomplished through play. Play encourages children to inquire, explore, and acquire new knowledge. I always do my best to promote play in my classroom to make sure my students are able to express themselves and their own ideas with everyone around them so that they can develop into happy, knowledgeable, and well-rounded individuals. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in the UK from the University of Sunderland. Later, in Hong Kong, I received my Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from the Education University of Hong Kong, and I have also graduated from Baptist University’s Certification Course for Kindergarten Principals. Learning never stops, and it is always an exciting journey for both educators and students.

I was born in Newcastle in the UK, and although now Hong Kong is my home, I appreciate the opportunity to visit my family in the UK and the USA. I cannot wait to get to know everyone in the coming school year!

Payal

Hello, I'm Payal Shah, and I'm excited to join the TCK community as an Educational Assistant. I've been living in Hong Kong for the past 14 years with my husband and 8 year-old son, who is also an ex-TCK student.

My passion for education led me to transition from a successful career in banking to volunteer at TCK two years ago. During my 2 years experience as an Educational Assistant in TCK, I learned the value of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.

I believe that every student has unique strengths and needs, and I'm committed to helping them reach their full potential. I'm excited to inspire and nurture the curiosity of the students while creating a fun and loving environment. I believe that this will bring out the best in each individual and help them develop a love of learning.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, travelling, and exploring new surroundings with my son. I hope to impart the value of personal growth and exploration to my students.

I'm looking forward to contributing to a safe, secure, and inclusive learning environment at TCK and am excited to meet all of you this August.

Chris

My name is Chris. I was born in Canada, however I grew up in Hong Kong and am an Alumni from the ESF schools KJS and KGV.

After finishing my Bachelors degree in Switzerland, I began my professional career in the hospitality industry, before reconnecting with my passion for teaching. I then rejoined the education field in early childhood education and child fitness, working as a senior teacher at a well-known children's gym in Hong Kong.

I am a car enthusiast and enjoy researching the latest cars and trends in the driving world and cruising around Hong Kong during the weekends. Being a car lover my hobby includes that of Lego building, particularly in the car selection that Lego currently offers.

Taryn 

Warmest greetings, children and families! My name is Taryn Thorne, and I'm thrilled to be joining to ESF Tung Chung Team as a K2 teacher this year. With over 12 years of experience in education, my true passion is teaching young children.

I was born and raised in South Africa, where I studied business science. However, my path led me to Hong Kong, where I discovered my calling in teaching. This inspired me to pursue further studies, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa and a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Education from the University of Sunderland in the UK. I'm currently expanding my expertise in the field of Play Therapy. 

My educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, which views children as capable, curious, and full of wonder. I strongly believe in the power of play-based learning to foster holistic development. In my classroom, children will have ample opportunities to explore, inquire, and challenge themselves through hands-on, engaging activities. I aim to create a nurturing, inspiring environment where meaningful relationships are at the heart of the learning process.

Outside the classroom, I'm an avid outdoors enthusiast. I enjoy outrigger paddling, hiking, and long-distance running. Traveling is another passion of mine, as it allows me to immerse myself in new cultures and gain fresh perspectives.

I'm truly honored to be entrusted with your child's learning journey this year. I look forward to this exciting adventure as we work together to create an environment that nurtures your child's growth and love of learning.

Rashmi

Hello! My name is Ms.Rashmi and I will be one of your educational assistants (EA) next year. I have been working at ESF Tung Chung since 2016. I grew up and studied in India completing my Bachelors in Economics and my Masters in Public Management. In connection with Education, I have done a course for Educational Assistants conducted by St. Martins College in the U.K. I have also done a distance learning course in Teaching Methodology offered by Cambridge University and additionally have a TEFL qualification. 

I love life in Hong Kong and especially enjoy activities like hiking, watching movies and playing hockey. I look forward to the new academic year and especially to getting to know all the children in my class.

Nicola

Lovely greeting you all. I am Nicola Chan. I am delighted to be part of the TCK community as an Educational Assistant.

With a great passion for early years education, I am a Registered Teacher with a postgraduate diploma in early childhood education. I have been educating preschoolers in Hong Kong since 2021. I am especially enthusiastic about nurturing children’s creativity, critical thinking, language, and social-emotional skills through stories, sensory play, and process art. Before transitioning to teaching, I was an education reporter, and I hold undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English and Comparative Literature.

I love singing, solo travels, yoga, and reading - Great children's books are gems for both children and adults!I look forward to spending lots of quality time with your children, observing and documenting their growth at school.

Shirley (Tang Laoshi)

Hello everyone. I am Tang Laoshi and I am from Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in English Interpretation in my hometown Chengdu and Master's Degree in Education as well as PGDE in Early Childhood Education in Hong Kong. I have been working in various international schools in Hong Kong since 2013 and was a language teacher in Chengdu my hometown for 3 years. Prior to that, I volunteered at a kindergarten in an earthquake affected area in Sichuan; this is where I initially became inspired to be the best early childhood educator I could possibly be.

My passion is to make connections with young children and provide learning opportunities in a context that is authentic, engaging, and relevant to young learners. As an advocate of Reggio Approach, I view every child as strong and capable protagonists in their own learning. Observations of children at play and their interactions with peers in the physical environment help to inform my practice and to devise learning opportunities in response to their interests and identified learning needs. 

I strongly value the partnership between parents, caregivers, and schools and believe that working closely with families can have a positive impact on children's learning outcomes. As a qualified children's yoga teacher, I am also committed to promoting children's wellbeing and integrating mindfulness practices into my teaching.

I currently reside in Tung Chung with my husband and two young boys and am eagerly looking forward to meeting everyone soon.

Thea (Dai Laoshi) 

Hello, my name is Thea DAI. I joined the Chinese team in ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten in 2020. Before, I worked in ISF and IMS in Hong Kong. 

I graduated in Shanghai with a bachelor degree, and I completed my postgraduate diploma in education (ECE) in the Education University of Hong Kong in 2018. I have been working in Chinese teaching and learning for more than 5 years.

I believe that the play-based approach can be an effective way to support Chinese language learning, especially for young children. Play-based learning is an approach that involves using play activities to teach children new skills and concepts, and children can learn new Chinese vocabulary words and phrases through games, songs, and storytelling. They can also practice their speaking and listening skills through role-playing and other interactive activities.When it comes to learning Chinese, play-based activities can be particularly beneficial because they help to make the language learning experience more engaging and enjoyable.

Overall, the play-based approach can be a highly effective way to support Chinese language learning, especially for young children. By providing a fun and engaging learning experience, play-based activities can help children develop strong language skills and a love for learning that can last a lifetime.

I have a strong passion for teaching Chinese language with our multilingual learners in early years. As a language teacher, I hope I am not only a language teacher, but also a promoter of Chinese culture.

Candy

Hi Everyone! I am Candy. I am originally from Guangxi province, China. After spending ten years working and living in the UK, I returned to China where I worked in hospitality until having a baby. After becoming a mother, I became inspired by the process of early child development which led me to make a career change to early childhood education. I began my journey by gaining Montessori training (AMS) and was subsequently employed in an international kindergarten in Beijing as a principal. I later moved to Shenzhen where I founded a small Montessori nursery which she ran for three and a half years before relocating to Hong Kong where I continued to pursue my passion for education. I then worked for Woodland Montessori Academy Hong Kong as a Montessori directress for nearly 4 years, before working for EIS, the forest school in Yuen Long for the past 3 years.

I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English, and enjoy working in a multi-cultural environment. I look forward to sharing my passion for learning with everyone I meet!

Aylin

Hello, my name is Aylin Demirkaya Kirk. I am originally from Antalya/Turkey. I studied Early Childhood Development and Education in Turkey and I have worked in International PYP schools worldwide for 16 years in Turkey, Philippines and in Hong Kong. My previous working experience was at ESF Bradbury School when we moved to Hong Kong from the Philippines in 2011. I have been living in Hong Kong for 12 years with my husband and my 9 year-old son. It will be a great pleasure knowing that I will be continuing my duties as an EA for the 8th year here at TCK. 

TCK has a nurturing, loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help to build their confidence and their development while they play.

In TCK we know that play is a child’s most important work, and we strive to create and maintain an environment where your child can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them. Working with young children has always been my passion.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and I also enjoy cooking, reading, travelling, practising yoga and swimming.

I am looking forward to meeting you and to getting to know all about your children. I can’t wait to spend the next learning year growing with you.