Q&A with Hanah Raimi of The White Lodge

Find out why Hanah Raimi loves teaching at The White Lodge!

Teacher: Hanah Raimi

What is your background and training?
With a Diploma in New Media, I began my first internship exposed to citizen journalism. Then with an interest in making positive contributions to society, I took on my second Diploma in Teaching and I am currently completing another Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education- Leadership, as I begin to mentor teachers and new principals.

What made you want to become a teacher?
If I had to name a job that is crucial to society, it would be teaching. I have always wanted to give others the best start in life, and I can only do that best as a teacher.

What do you love about working at your school in particular?
What’s lovely about White Lodge is the people that I work with; children who never fail to bring a smile to my face, parents who are constantly working closely in a partnership with me, and fellow colleagues who are dedicated and enthusiastic in all that they do. If anything, it’s the contentment that I feel at the end of each day that continues to inspire me to make each and every school day a special one for all. White Lodge Bukit Timah houses a complete family in itself for me — it is both warm and welcoming!

What is your take on ‘play-based learning’?
To me, play in itself is children’s natural desire and it motivates them to learn and develop positive learning dispositions. It allows a more hands-on approach for children to explore, take risks and create meaning. The intellectual and cognitive benefits of playing have been well documented, however, I also believe in the importance of the role that a teacher or an adult plays in supporting children during their play-based learning experiences. Here at White Lodge, we have a well-balanced curriculum that allows learning to take place through play which is carefully planned, along with the environment and units of inquiry. 

What is your favourite game or activity to do with your students?
I have always had an interest in the arts. Often with the opportunity to do something special with the children, I like to get them express themselves creatively. Here at White Lodge, we organise free expression days for children where teachers plan activities and games based on the children’s interest.

What is one fun fact about you?
I know all the words to the song “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. No doubt, I have always been that same girl with big dreams! I was also born on a leap year (hence I am called a “leapling” or a “leaper”) and I’d like to continue to grow in leaps and bounds, enjoying only an additional year to my age, once in every 4 years! Forever young!