Meet the new Kindergarten Principal at IFS!

FLORIAN OLIVE is the new Kindergarten Principal of the International French School (IFS). He moved here after 17 years of specialising in school leadership and inclusive learning environments in France. We chatted with Florian about what he’s looking forward to in his role at the school and among the IFS community, as well as his life here with his wife, daughter (12) and son (10), who also work at and attend IFS.

What brought you to Singapore?

I’m originally from Perpignan in Southern France, on the border with Spain. This is our family’s first experience living abroad. The sense of freedom and security Singapore provides for children is what draws us here. Professionally, the vibrant energy, multilingual context and cultural diversity of the IFS community draws me to the school.

Tell us a bit about your role as Kindergarten Principal at IFS (Singapore).

I co-lead the primary school as part of a team of three principals; my specific focus is the kindergarten section. Our collective mission centres on two key areas. Firstly, ensuring that our students have the best possible conditions to learn, progress and thrive. Secondly, fostering a supportive environment for our staff, which encourages continuous professional development within the framework of our international school accredited by the French Ministry of National Education.

What are you most looking forward to in your role?

I’m passionate about seeing every student in our IFS community genuinely flourish. This focus on individual growth is deeply connected to what I find most inspiring about education: we are shaping the citizens of tomorrow!

Any surprises you’ve found living and working in Singapore?

I’ve been incredibly impressed by Singapore’s organisation and safety. I appreciate the sense of independence my children can develop here in such a dynamic and cosmopolitan city.

Professionally, the environment at the school is exceptional, from the facilities to the professionalism of the teams. What’s most remarkable is our shared educational vision – I feel very fortunate to be a part of the IFS community.

Where in Singapore do you live? What do you like about it?

We live in Serangoon, close to the school. We appreciate the neighbourhood’s authentic and peaceful atmosphere.

What do you like to do here when you’re not working?

We love exploring Singapore as a family, especially its beautiful natural spaces. What’s amazing is the contrast – you can go from a serene park to being surrounded by skyscrapers in minutes.

I’ve always wanted to live in a global city, and getting to experience world-class sporting and cultural events with my family has been a thrill.

What are you looking forward to most as we head into 2026?

I’m incredibly excited about our new state-of-the-art kindergarten.

My focus for the coming year is to support our teams in implementing our new learning approach, which is designed to foster multilingualism and student autonomy.

What is your favourite …

• Casual restaurant? Lau Pa Sat isn’t a restaurant, but I find it incredibly welcoming.
• Date-night restaurant? CÉ LA VI.
• Bar? The community centre near our home for a drink from time to time – I love the lively, local atmosphere.
• Local food? Chicken rice.
• Nature space? Cycling around Pulau Ubin.
• Thing to do with visitors? We always showcase Singapore’s diversity, from nature to urban spaces, children’s leisure areas and the authenticity of the different areas.
• Nearby holiday destination? Ko Kradan, Thailand; Siquijor, the Philippines; the Perth region, Western Australia.

International French School (Singapore) is at 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.
6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg

This article about getting to know the new IFS Kindergarten Principal first appeared in the November 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read more about the new building for IFS Kindergarten and the school’s use of renewable energy throughout the campus.

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