31 YEARS of Service
For 31 years , Kaye Wong has been an integral part of the CHS Physical Health Education ( PHE ) team . She has helped hundreds of students reach their personal best when it comes to physical education , and has set them on a course for a healthy and active lifestyle long after graduation . We wish her all the best in her retirement .
WHEN DID YOU START AT CROFTON HOUSE ?
I first came to CHS in 1987 – 1988 as a PHE teacher for Grades 1 – 9 and continued with those grades when I returned to the School in 1992 . At that time , the PHE department was not separated into Junior and Senior Schools , and we taught a variety of grades . For one year in 2001 , I also taught math to Grade 7 students , who were part of the Senior School at that time . Since that time , I have taught PHE in the Junior School only .
IN WHAT WAYS DID YOU SEE THE CHS PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM CHANGE DURING YOUR TIME AT THE SCHOOL ?
In my early years at CHS , students only had PHE two to three times in a seven-day cycle , and there was no opportunity for students in Grade 10 or above . That gradually changed , and PHE became a regular block in the Senior School schedule . In the Junior School , most students now participate in PHE daily .
The change in available facilities has also been remarkable . I remember taking my Grade 1 classes across 41st Avenue to have their PHE class in the gym ( which was really the activity room ) in Knox Church . We used Rix Gym for primary classes and gymnastics for the intermediate classes : it had a wall-climbing frame , ropes and a large selection of artistic gym equipment . The students loved that experience . I also remember Farrell Hall , the main gymnasium , which was replaced by the library and then the Senior School clock tower .
The philosophy of functional and lifelong fitness and learning has grown over the years , and the idea of physical literacy is increasingly considered in all our planning for program delivery . We encourage the development of the knowledge , skills and attitudes to support a healthy and active lifestyle that will hopefully last long after the students are done with formal PHE . We celebrate strong girls who show resilience and determination . We are fortunate to have outstanding facilities and a variety of age-appropriate equipment ; this support from the School is a big factor in the success of our programs . I have appreciated the opportunity to broaden my frame of reference and keep up with the changing philosophies of teaching and exercise .
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB BROUGHT YOU THE MOST JOY AND FULFILMENT ?
It is exciting witnessing ‘ firsts ’ with the students . It is gratifying to watch someone have the courage to try a new skill or activity , to support their good humour and grit when it doesn ’ t go well , and to witness their pride when achievement and their demonstrated hard work pay off . I have celebrated with athletes who clear a new height in high jump , have success serving overhand in a volleyball match for the first time , sink a free throw or swing a bat hard enough to send a softball over the fence !
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