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Writer's pictureKylie Chia

Getting to Know our Principal: Mrs Dolly Teng

Updated: Jun 15, 2022


Principal Mrs Dolly Teng has been in the preschool industry for 30 years before she was promoted to Principal in 2021.
Principal Mrs Dolly Teng has been in the preschool industry for 30 years before she was promoted to Principal in 2021.

With over 30 years of corporate experience, Principal Mrs Dolly Teng shares her passion for nurturing children. Read about how a once rebellious teenager experienced love and was empowered to achieve her fullest potential.


My Corporate Life in Brief

I started as an Executive Principal in PCF for 7 years. After, I came to Jurong Christian Church Kindergarten (before it became DGP) to be an educator for 8 years. God called me into another season, where my main ministry was to help children with special needs. I tutored for the last 15 years from home. Subsequently, I was convicted to return to this place (now DGP), and in 2021, I was promoted to Principal.


My Angsty Teenage Years

I was a rebellious teenager who only listened to the teachers I liked. I remember the horrible pranks I played on the teachers I disliked. I would put glue on their chairs, and there was a time I even scratched a teacher's car. I came from a family where I did not feel loved. I was angry and resented everyone, which resulted in my poor conduct at school. This did not discourage a 60-year-old relief teacher. She willingly took me under her wing even though I was blacklisted by many teachers.


I did not know what to do in my life at that time. On one occasion, she took me out for a meal at KFC and talked about my potential. "Do you know you have a good nature? Do you know you can do greater things in life by showing who you are instead of showing your ugly side?"


It was then that I felt heard and known. The teacher continued, "If you want to do well in your studies, I am willing to help you if you invest your time properly." I knew she truly cared for me and agreed to put in my best effort.

Mrs Dolly met a teacher who believed in her despite her notoriety in secondary school. This helped her grow into a godly woman.
Mrs Dolly met a teacher who believed in her despite her notoriety in secondary school. This helped her grow into a godly woman.

My Turning Point

Every day after school, I would stay back for 1.5 hours to complete all my school work. I studied hard because I finally found someone who wholeheartedly believed in me. I wanted to make her proud. She would prepare homemade meals for me as I stayed back. This went on until the 'O' Levels Examinations. However, before I did my first paper, I had learnt that she had passed away. I could not concentrate. I felt lost. She had been battling cancer, but she kept it from me. I could not tell that she was ill as she refused chemotherapy and seemed cheery and healthy to me.


She was my catalyst. The one who inspired me to be a teacher so I could impact students' lives. She was and is my inspiration. She drove me to pursue a career as an excellent educator. I am extremely fond of children as they are vulnerable, and I am in a position to protect and care for them as best as possible. I aim to make a positive impact in the lives of all my students.


How People Come Full Circle

While in PCF, I taught a boy who had a medical condition regarding a swollen head. He would cry and make a mess throughout the sessions. I had to adapt and work around his needs so the lessons would not be disruptive. After 6 months, he started to like me and was happier coming to school. After he graduated in K2, I thought I would never see him again. To my surprise, I met him years later under different circumstances. My mum had been hospitalised. When I went to visit her, a nurse with a big head came in to serve her. I wondered if he was my student till I saw his name tag. He also recognised me when I introduced myself. We had a long chat. I remembered his words, "When I was young, you took care of me, and now that I am older, I can take care of your mother." I was deeply comforted to hear those words from him. It was a heart-warming and touching experience because we came to a full circle. The last I heard, he has now migrated to Australia.


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