Up there as one of the friendliest people on campus, Edith Poon-Lai has been wholeheartedly cherished by her students, fellow staff and the entire Kristin community since she started at Kristin in 1999. A passionate teacher in the Junior School, Edith’s classroom is always full of joy and energy, whether she is at the piano, singing and teaching Performing Arts, or in the classroom teaching Chinese. We caught up with Edith for the latest edition of Our people; read the full interview below and learn more about our much-loved gem, Mrs Poon-Lai. 

 

Tell us how you first got involved with Kristin? 

While I was a student teacher at university, I helped drop off a high school friend at Kristin, right in front of the main administration building. I felt a connection then, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to have been employed here for the last 27 years since my graduation.

 

What do you love most about Kristin? 

I love our co-educational environment and our foundation of Christian values. I truly enjoy striving for excellence within the Primary Years Programme (PYP) / International Baccalaureate (IB) context with my dedicated colleagues and being part of such a loving and supportive community!

 

What motivates you? 

I am motivated by the goal of learning and improving as a teacher every day, while growing, loving and nurturing our young learners. I thank God for granting me the passion to be an educator; even though I may stumble at times, I have the perseverance to be better. Being in such a large school filled with dedicated educators and learning opportunities, I still wonder how I may refine and ‘upgrade’ my teaching day after day.

 

What does your average day at school look like? 

It is a whirlwind of creativity! My days start with sectional school choir rehearsals two mornings a week. Throughout the day, I immerse myself in being a performer alongside our learners – singing, moving and acting in every lesson, whether it’s Year 1 Chinese, choir sessions or Vocal Music and Drama (Performing Arts) with all Junior School classes.

 

What are you most proud of in your time at Kristin? 

My colleagues, parents and students are being so loving and kind to me.

 

What was your favourite subject at school? 

Music, without a doubt – especially when performing on stage! I also loved Physical Education, but only when swimming season came around. 

 

Do you have a favourite Kristin moment?

There are so far too many to just choose one, but here are a couple:

 

Professional: Witnessing less confident students find their voice and truly shine on stage. I also love the ‘chitchat’ and celebrations with our amazing directors and production teams at the end of a big concert or production.

 

Personal: Getting married to my husband, Matt, in the Kristin Chapel, surrounded by the love of our family, church, friends, colleagues and Kristin families. It is also so special when my past students see me and call out "Mrs Poon-Lai!", and give me a bear hug while we share memories of our Junior School days.

 

 

 

What does your ideal weekend look like? 

My ideal weekend involves composing and recording songs (for school, church or myself), going for a swim or a walk when I’m feeling active and enjoying a cup of matcha or a matcha dessert! On Sundays, I love to worship the Lord at church and sing in a choir.

 

Do you have a funny story you can share? 

I like to claim that I am an ‘artist’ as an excuse for leaving my classroom untidy and my piano top cluttered! One day, I finally cleared the top of my piano – possibly for a parent interview – and a Treble Clef chorister said, “WOW, you finally tidied up your piano top!” Another student chimed in a millisecond later, “Don’t worry, it won’t last long!” I just tell them I’m an artist, just like Beethoven – his workspace was always messy, too!

 

Anything else you would like to add? 

 

I cherish every single day spent nurturing our young learners. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has been so kind to me and allowed me to be myself for the last 27 years!