Life at

NTUC First Campus

A Day in the Life of an Executive Principal

Meet Jennifer Low, an award-winning Executive Principal at My First Skool, devoted to empowering her team and nurturing the potential of young minds.

0
8

:

30 am

Jennifer loves starting her day greeting the children and parents.

As the Centre Leader, she oversees the operations and staff management of her My First Skool centre.

Jennifer supports her team and inspires them to work toward a common goal, fostering a culture of open communication.

Hello! I’m Jennifer

I am an Executive Principal at
My First Skool

At NTUC First Campus’s My First Skool, leadership is more than a title — it’s a calling. Jennifer Low, our dedicated Executive Principal, exemplifies the passion and commitment it takes to nurture and inspire the next generation.

In this exclusive Q&A, Jennifer shares her daily experiences, the challenges she faces, and the joy she finds in her role. Her journey from a mid-career switcher to an award-winning leader offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a career in early childhood education.

Can you tell us a little about your daily routine as an Executive Principal?

Jennifer: Absolutely! I love starting my day by greeting the children and parents. It always energises me and reminds me why I do what I do. Building these connections first thing in the morning sets a positive tone for the day.

What does your role as an Executive Principal entail?

Jennifer: As the Executive Principal, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the My First Skool centre while mentoring and guiding the staff. At the core, my role as an educator remains vital—it’s our responsibility to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. I also collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including teachers and parents, to ensure we deliver quality care and education for every child.

What qualities do you think are essential for a good leader?

Jennifer: To be a good leader, you have to be a people person—someone who looks after and inspires the team to work towards a common goal. Here at NTUC First Campus (NFC), we value open communication. It’s essential that I establish a connection with each of my teachers, ensuring they know their efforts and voices are seen and heard, so they feel supported.

Can you share some examples of initiatives you’ve led to improve the learning environment?

Jennifer: One initiative I led was a collaboration with the Nature Society Singapore, where we introduced outdoor learning to enrich the children’s educational experience. We organised bird-watching activities in natural settings, allowing the children to learn about birds in the wild firsthand. I believe that taking the classroom outdoors creates a richer, more engaging learning environment, and this experience proved that. The children were not only enthusiastic but also quickly learned to identify bird species, often outpacing the adults, which was truly inspiring!

0
3

:

04 pm

Her favourite part of the day is sitting in one of the classes, when she can directly engage both the children and the teachers.

As a forward-thinking leader, Jennifer ensures the centre’s curriculum aligns with organisational goals, integrating sustainability and diversity to nurture a global citizenship mindset in children.

She believes that seeing, hearing, and touching what you learn creates lasting memories. As an advocate for outdoor learning, she collaborates with the Nature Society Singapore on her centre’s annual family bird race.

What was your journey to becoming an Executive Principal like?

Jennifer: I started my journey 13 years ago as a Trainee Teacher with NFC, switching from the tourism industry with no prior knowledge of Early Childhood education. NFC gave me the opportunity to pursue a sponsored degree in Early Childhood, and I progressed from a Trainee Teacher to an English Teacher, then to a Principal, and now an Executive Principal. Recently, I received the ECDA Awards 2023 – Outstanding Early Childhood Leader Award, which is a huge milestone for me.

What motivates you to continue in this role?

Jennifer: Seeing batches of children graduate and watching my teachers strive to improve themselves is incredibly motivating. At our My First Skool centre, we pride ourselves on being one big family. The support and camaraderie we share make every challenge worthwhile.

What advice would you give to someone considering a leadership role in early childhood education?

Jennifer: Embrace the journey with an open heart and mind. Recognise the potential in every child and staff member, and work towards creating a nurturing and supportive environment. Your impact as a leader multiplies through the efforts and successes of your team.

Inspired by Jennifer’s journey?

Join us and make a difference as a principal at NTUC First Campus. To learn more about life at NFC, watch our Life@NFC series and see firsthand the passion and dedication that drives our community.

Together, let’s embark on a journey into the captivating world of early childhood education.

Go Where You Can Keep

Growing

Go Where You Can Keep

Growing

Why Choose
NTUC First Campus

Learn about our Sponsored Traineeship

Join us today as a Preschool Centre Leader!