by Amy Blakeley
Stepping into the role of Principal of Lower School at Foshan EtonHouse International School (FEIS) is a significant milestone in my professional journey. As I embark on my sixth year at this remarkable institution, I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, both as an educator and as a mother of two young children.
The first thing that comes to my mind is gratitude. I have had many mentors here at FEIS, and I am immensely grateful to all of those who have supported and shaped me. However, the first people that come to my mind are my parents. They are both educators themselves and have always supported me and have not only shown me how to work hard but have also taught me best practices in the field of education, and to this day, they continue to support me in numerous ways. I cannot express my gratitude for them enough; they continue to be a safe place to ask for advice and always give me insight and wisdom, without which I do not know where I would be.
I am also so grateful for the incredible support, guidance, and vision of the principals I have worked under, specifically Mrs O’Reilly and Mr Otley. I was filled with excitement and anticipation when I first joined Foshan EtonHouse International School. Mrs O’Reilly, who was the principal at the time, was so impressed that I immediately knew I wanted to work for her and learn from her. In my years at FEIS, she has guided, shaped, and inspired me. Mrs O’Reilly taught me how to lead by her extraordinary example of kindness and compassion. She constantly saw more in me than I saw in myself and encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone. She gave me countless opportunities to grow and try new things and was always my safety net when my ideas went badly and my megaphone for ideas that went well. I learned so much from her. I could go on and on because I am forever in her debt.
I am also incredibly grateful to my current principal, Mr Otley. I have served as his deputy for many years, and he has always encouraged, supported, and given me opportunities to help me in my career. Mr Otley is someone who is always kind and looks for the good in everyone. He works tirelessly for our school and is always looking for new ways to help our school grow and improve. I am so grateful for his constant support and consistent guidance. With both of these incredible principals, I always knew that I could go to them with any issue, personal or professional, and they would be there to listen, support and offer guidance. As I sit down and reflect on how much I have learned from them and how grateful I am, I remain convinced that every part of my professional journey at FEIS includes the tremendous amount of time and care that these two principals have given me. I am where I am today because of them.
I remember vividly feeling so excited when I first stepped into my role as a teacher at FEIS. The school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment resonated deeply with my own educational philosophy. To this day, I am so grateful to come to work every day in an environment I love and work with others who are so talented, passionate and supportive. The environment in our school is one of kindness, a place where teachers are always helping each other and working together for the good of the school.
When I first began working at FEIS, I did not see myself as someone who could take on a leadership position. I felt I was just beginning to learn how to balance working full-time while also raising very young children. However, over the years, I was able to learn and grow. I was given many creative opportunities and helped to create new learning spaces in our school and help update older spaces. I was also given chances to try new events and create special days for students. These were supported strongly by the school leadership and the teaching team. For me, I began to feel more and more inspired to “cast a wider net”, as our principal, Mrs O’Reilly, would say and wanted to make a bigger impact in the school. I was given so many diverse opportunities that gave me experience and helped me grow as a professional, and these opportunities led me to where I am today.
Taking on the role of Principal is both an honour and a responsibility I hold close to my heart. It is a role that requires a deep understanding of the unique needs of our students, parents, and staff. As a woman and a mother, I believe that I bring a unique perspective to this position, one that is shaped by empathy, compassion, and a relentless drive to create a supportive and inclusive community.
One of the most challenging aspects of stepping into a leadership role is finding the balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. As a mother of two young children, I am acutely aware of the demands of both worlds. My children are my greatest joy, and their well-being is my top priority. Balancing my duties as a principal with my role as a mother requires careful planning and is a skill I have not mastered but one that I am still learning every day. Every day, I strive to be a role model for my children, demonstrating that it is possible to pursue one’s passions and excel in a career while maintaining a loving and nurturing home environment. My experiences as a mother have deepened my understanding of the importance of creating a school environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
At Foshan EtonHouse International School, we celebrate the diversity of our community. Our students come from various cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to our school. As Principal, I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to embrace their individuality. Promoting diversity and inclusion goes beyond policies and programs; it is about cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and open-mindedness. As a woman in leadership, I strive to provide a safe and supportive space where we can inspire our students to become confident, compassionate, and socially responsible individuals.
The journey to becoming a principal is not without its challenges. From managing administrative responsibilities to addressing the diverse needs of our students and staff, the role demands resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Throughout my career, I have learned that challenges are opportunities for growth and that true leadership is demonstrated through perseverance and a positive mindset. What means the most to me, however, is that when challenges arise, I have family, mentors, leaders, and a team that supports me. I would not be able to face the challenges alone, and I am grateful for the support I receive that allows challenges to become learning opportunities instead of becoming overwhelmed and discouraged by them.
As I step into this role, I am excited for the future. I am dedicated to continuing the work and building on the foundation of a school that is creating an environment that nurtures creativity, fosters innovation, and prepares our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I believe in the power of partnership between home and school. I look forward to continuing to work alongside parents as active participants in their child’s education. I look forward to regular meetings, workshops, and events, allowing parents to connect with the school, share their insights, and contribute to our collective success.
For me, stepping into the role of Principal is both a personal and professional milestone. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students, to lead with integrity and compassion, and to inspire the next generation of leaders. I have much to learn and I am grateful to be able to step into this role surrounded by those with experience and wisdom. As a woman, a mother, and an educator, I am proud to embark on this journey and look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead. I am forever grateful to those whose support and guidance have brought me here.
Amy Blakeley is Head of Lower School, Foshan Etonhouse International School
To connect with Amy on LinkedIn, click here
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