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Home » Hong Kong » The Little Steps Interview With Kellett School’s New Kowloon Bay Prep Head

The Little Steps Interview With Kellett School’s New Kowloon Bay Prep Head

Discover Her Favorite Books And Get Parental Advice

Wouldn’t you love to know what’s going through a headteacher’s mind and find out what really makes them tick?

Well now you can, by reading our inspiring interview with Samantha Steed, the new Kowloon Bay Prep Head at Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong.

In our chat, Samantha – or Sami as she is known to her friends – talks about everything from her favorite lunches to best-loved books. She also shares tips on school applications and the best way for parents to be involved in their children’s education.

Find out more about Kellett’s admission process, and check out the prospectus once you’ve read our interview!

Samantha's Background
- Do you have a nickname?
  I’m known as Sami to family and friends.
- Where were you born and where did you grow up?
  I was born in a beautiful coastal town in the UK and I plan to retire there one day.
- Where do you live in the city and why do you love it there?
  Although we live on Hong Kong island, close to all the action, my favourite parts of Hong Kong are the more remote hills and coastlines. We spent a fabulous summer on Lantau enjoying the beaches and waterfalls in the rain and the sun.
- What's in your lunchbox?
  Kellett School has a great selection of healthy lunch options so I anticipate eating in the dining hall. However, if I had to make my own lunch box it would most likely be sushi or a salmon poke bowl.
- Describe your school in five words or less
  Welcoming, high-performing, innovative, creative and nurturing.
Favorite Things
- What's your favorite thing on your desk and why?
  A small bronze statue of Degas’ ‘Little Dancer of Fourteen Years’. Ballet is a beautiful art form, and this statue reminds me of the dedication, inner poise and strength of our dancers.
- What are your three favorite children's books?
  For Early Years, it's The Rainbow Fish as it helps young children understand the concept of sharing
  At Key Stage One, it's The Katie Morag stories. They are so beautifully illustrated and there are so many cross-curricular teaching points within each story.
  For Key Stage Two, I'd choose George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl although any book by Dahl would make it onto my favorites list. Such brilliant characters with both serious and humorous storylines.
Advice For Parents
- What is the best way for parents to be involved in their children’s education?
  Kellett School parents receive regular updates regarding their child’s education and we offer various workshops to ensure the school, the parents and the students are all on the same page. For younger students, I suggest limiting screen time. We are all busy people and it is easy to rely on the digital learning platforms to occupy our children. However, playing, talking, creating and exploring is of far greater value.
- Do you have any tips for parents when applying for schools?
  In Hong Kong, the best advice is to apply to numerous schools as early as possible otherwise you risk being a long way down the wait list. Once your child’s name is registered you can start the more detailed due diligence based on the needs of your child.
- What's the best advice a teacher or headmistress ever gave you?
  A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more she saw the less she spoke. The less she spoke the more she heard. Why can't we all be like that bird? A sage reminder not to dominate in meetings and to actively listen when people are talking rather than interrupting with the solution.