In our second teacher interview we're meeting Year 6 teacher Mr Cairns!
Q: Hi Mr Cairns, we've known you for many years, how long have you been a Dover Court teacher?
A: It is hard to believe that I am fast approaching the end of my eleventh year at DCIS and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am currently teaching Year 6 and loving it! As you can imagine, I have seen quite a lot of changes over that time and it has been a huge privilege to have been witness to all of the positive developments that have taken place. Particularly since we became part of the Nord Anglia family.
Q: What is the best thing about being a DCIS teacher?
A: This one's easy! The children. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful and diverse group of students at our school, who would be a pleasure for any teacher to teach. They bring such positivity and energy with them to the campus every morning, which makes being a teacher here at DCIS such a special job.
Q: What do you feel are your strengths as a teacher?
A: I'd like to think it is the relationships I can build with my students. Right from day one I like to build up a real team mentality within my class, where we are all striving for the same goal: for the children to be the best that they can be. I like to make the children in my class feel valued and respected, both by me and their class mates. I feel that through this we create a very happy class for all of us.
Q: We like celebrating things at Dover Court, like UN Day and various awareness days. We also enjoy trips, both within Singapore and abroad. Do you have a favourite event or a favourite trip?
A: I do love UN Day and it is always a huge highlight of the year. Also, being Irish, I am thrilled that DCIS now participates in the annual St Patrick's Day Parade. I would have to say that my favourite trip has to be the Year 6 trip to Udon Thani in northern Thailand. It is such an amazing experience for the children and staff to take part in the various service projects that are set up. As a teacher, it is such a thrill to see how much your students grow during that week. It is exhausting though! 😊
Q: We know that you know Singapore very well, what is your top tip for a family friendly day out?
A: Singapore is such a family friendly country and a great place to bring up kids. There are so many options for an awesome family day out but if I had to choose one destination it would have to be that old Singapore favourite, Sentosa! Start your day with a lazy morning on the lazy river at Adventure Cove Waterpark. Then move next door for an afternoon with the fishes at SEA Aquarium. Make your way up to the luge and have a family race down the hill where you will find yourself at the beach. Then round off your fun filled family day out with dinner on the sand.
