Q&A with Assistant Principal Maria Lindblom
Picking the right preschool for your little one definitely ranks as one of the most important decisions for any parent. To help narrow down the search, we sat down for a chat with Avondale Grammar School’s Assistant Principal and Head of Preschool and Junior School, Maria Lindblom. She fills us in on why the school’s progressive educational programmes and tight-knit community may be the right fit for your child and your whole family.
Hello Maria! First up, what is the ‘Avondale Spirit’?
The Avondale spirit is that we truly get to know your child – we are a friendly, welcoming school offering excellent, high quality education in a nurturing and caring learning environment.
Not many of us know this, so tell us – what are the benefits of children attending preschool?
Avondale Preschool is unique as we prepare our Preschool children for a successful first year at formal school by placing a strong emphasis on the acquisition of early Literacy and early Numeracy skills. This gives them a head start in their first year of formal schooling.
What exactly is the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that Avondale offers?
Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a personalised learning agenda that is designed to stretch each child to their next educational level. Teachers closely monitor and track their development and introduce bespoke activities that will stimulate learning. The ILPs ensure that learning experiences are carefully and thoroughly planned, catering for individual needs to enhance the learning outcomes for each child.
It means that your child is always being guided to their next learning stage and will grow into confident learners with good learning habits and a positive attitude towards learning.
This is something all parents want to know – what’s the teacher to student ratio in Avondale’s Preschool program?
We have a very positive teacher child ratio of 1:8. It’s deliberately kept low to allow our experienced teachers the time to pay close attention to the academic progress of each child. This is at the heart of Avondale’s principle of individualised learning.
It’s no secret that kids love their playtime – are there any fun out-of-the-classroom activities offered at Avondale?
Of course! In our preschool, we aim to have the children learn skills and acquire new knowledge through six areas of learning and development.
- Literacy, communication and language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Mathematics and problem solving using numbers, shapes and measurement skills
- Understanding the World
- Creativity, imagination and curiosity incorporating expressive arts and design
Based on this, children in our preschool have the opportunity to play in our water garden, mud kitchen, and sensory garden. Our climbing areas, together with our bike and scooter area are very popular and they support the children’s development of gross motor skills.
We also have an exciting line-up of yearly school-wide activities students can participate in such as Easter Hat Parade, Nativity Play and the School Musical as well as educational, fun and exciting trips to enhance learning and extend the children’s knowledge and understanding.
Is there a way for parents to be involved with Avondale?
When your child joins Avondale Preschool, you become part of the Avondale community. Our Parents’ Association is very active: there are many opportunities for your family to integrate with the school with social activities and gatherings.
What are the language opportunities offered at Avondale?
All students receive a second language class every day. The language programmes in preschool are very child-centred and hands-on.
While the majority of students choose Mandarin, they have to the opportunity to learn French as well. They learn about these languages and cultures through fun games, songs, picture cards, books, role-play, chants and GRT (gesture responding teaching) activities. All activities are carefully selected so that teachers can identify the different learning paces of each student.
Technology plays a big part in our lives. How is it introduced to preschoolers in Avondale?
It’s important to view technology as a tool that will support teaching and learning. In preschool, children get to discover everyday technology through the use of iPads, interactive white boards, notebooks, video cameras, CD players, digital cameras as well as weekly sessions in our Technology room. Through the use of these items your child will uncover the principles of technology in innovative and fun ways.
So Maria, what do you love most about working with kids every day?
Confucius said it best: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I absolutely love helping children develop their creative and critical thinking skills. When I hear them ask excitedly, “Wow…what are we learning today?” when they come into the classroom, it’s the best feeling ever.
Avondale’s school motto ‘Pro Viribus’, which means ‘to the best of one’s ability’ is something is something that all the teachers and I live and breathe every day, both within school and outside in the community. I believe that we all inspire each other.
And finally, tell us why parents should choose Avondale.
For several reasons: If you want your child to benefit from an excellent education, to be recognised as an individual and not just a number and finally, to feel a part of a friendly, communitycentred school – Avondale is the perfect choice.
Thanks Maria for that insightful look into the truly aspirational Avondale spirit!
Avondale Grammar School, Preschool and Junior School, Phoenix Park, 318 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247979, p. 6258 8544. Email: [email protected]