Ho Mei is Outdoor Learning Leader at ICHK Kindergarten & Primary.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

Both of my parents were teachers, so it’s not too surprising I ended up becoming one. Many of my summer jobs and after school activities during high school and university involved running summer camps or tutoring, so becoming a teacher was a natural career choice.

What is your first memory from school?

Being an alumni of ICHK-HLY, some of my vivid memories of our school included Santa landing in our school field via helicopter, looking after our class guinea pigs (Bubble and Squeak) and playing four-square at playtime.

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

When you give students the chance to try something they’ve never done before.

If I walked into your classroom on a typical afternoon, what would I see going on?

Trees, plants, rivers, mud and all sorts of living things. Hopefully it isn’t a snake!

What’s your funniest memory from working with children ?

Dressing up as Burglar Bill during book day and being chased by a swarm of kindergarten children trying to arrest me.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and anything by Hayao Miyazaki.

What is the hardest thing about being a teacher?

Learning not to be too helpful and knowing when it’s ok to let children struggle so that they can work things out for themselves. As a parent myself sometimes it can be a difficult thing to do!

What inspires you?

Learning something new from others whatever their age.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Finding a good work life balance and being able to share the things that I love with others. And juggling raw eggs without dropping any.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I dropped out of music college after a year having decided that I wasn’t cut out for a career as a drummer for a heavy metal band.