RAE LANG has over 30 years’ experience in education – from classroom teaching to leading literacy development and as head of primary schools – in her native New Zealand as well as the UK, Vietnam and Hong Kong. She’s just taken on the role of Elementary Principal at Stamford American School Hong Kong, coming across from Woodland Pre-Schools. We ask about her approach to educational leadership at the elementary school at Stamford and joining the school community.
What attracted you to Stamford?
The school has an authentic focus on wellbeing. You can feel this when you walk down the hallways. Students and staff saying hello and exude the kind of confidence that can only shine when they feel secure in their environment and cared for. There’s a real sense of community too. From the moment I was appointed to the new position, I’ve had parents reach out and welcome me, introduce themselves, and give me warm “hellos” at the front gate. This extends to students and staff, too. On my third day here, a staff member called out “Good morning, Rae”, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
What are you excited for with the role at Stamford’s Elementary School in Hong Kong? And what key things will you bring to it?
I’m excited to join Stamford at its seventh-year mark, build upon its solid foundation and embrace all the opportunities to grow our amazing school.
As a leader, I’m driven by the desire to inspire others to be better at getting better. This means helping people to build their capabilities and capacity, so they can be empowered and feel professionally safe to take risks. Recently, I’ve been privileged to lead two cohorts of aspiring middle leaders, teaming up with professional learning platform EduSpark to create a bespoke Aspiring Leaders Programme. Through this intense four-month programme, the group explored different aspects of educational leadership, from team building to conflict, coaching and feedback. I’m pleased to say all participants are working in educational leadership positions.
What will your daily schedule look like as the Elementary School Principal?
As a principal, I think it is important to be visible – to the children, community and staff. This means lots of time visiting classrooms, being with the students, attending assemblies, reading to the classes, and encouraging authentic learning, including providing students with opportunities to present their proposals to me. (Currently, one class is proposing a school pet day!)
I like to create a warm welcoming environment and a sense of belonging. So my office is an open door – it has glass walls, so there are many waves and smiling faces as students move past.
One of my favourite times of the day is the arrival drop-off time. I get to informally chat to the students, check on how they’re doing, and also see the parents. It’s touching to see the unhindered joy the younger students show, the confidence of the older students and the care and pride of older siblings as they bring younger siblings to school.
I also welcome parents to come and chat, share their ideas and feedback. Parents are an important part of our Stamford community and are our partners in their children’s learning. As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
What do you enjoy doing in Hong Kong away from work?
Being from New Zealand, I enjoy the outdoors. Hong Kong allows for this passion to continue, with the many hiking trails. I’ve completed the Hong Kong Trail, and am working my way through the MacLehose! I’m also looking forward to the Rugby World Cup. I have high hopes for the All Blacks, though I know my South African, French, English, Welsh and Australian friends may have something to say about this!
Stamford American School Hong Kong is at 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon.
2500 8688 | sais.edu.hk
This article first appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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