Mr Khoo celebrates 30 years at Avcol
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2026 marks an incredible 30 years of service to Avondale College for Physics teacher Mr Hua Khoo.
Known for his engaging storytelling and his ability to weave Tai Chi into almost any lesson, Mr Khoo has become an Avcol institution.
Originally from Malaysia, Mr Khoo joined the Avondale College Science department in 1997. His career has spanned generations of students, curriculum changes, technological shifts, and countless Tai Chi demonstrations in the science labs, yet his enthusiasm for teaching remains undiminished.
His impact has been widely recognised. At this year’s Scholars Assembly, Mr Khoo was acknowledged for having taught the student who came first in New Zealand for IGCSE Physics. He was also nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021 and was granted a sabbatical in 2009 in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the school.
Central to his teaching philosophy is the belief that students learn best through demonstration. “If I show it, they know, it” he explains. This first lesson he does with each new class begins with physics concepts related to water, which he links to Avondale College’s HEART values, entitling it “Be water, my friend”, a phrase made famous by martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Whether using toys, models, or Tai Chi movements, he finds ways to make abstract ideas comprehensible.
Equally important to him is authenticity in the classroom. “Students know what I do comes from the heart,” he says. He encourages students to adopt a positive mindset, sharing the idea that a day often becomes what you expect it to be. “If you think: ‘I’m going to have a rubbish day,’ your day does become rubbish". Starting the day in the spirit of Tai Chi allows the mind to focus, he says.
For Mr Khoo, the joy of teaching remains as strong as ever. “I love getting to do what I love every day: teaching, entertaining, and encouraging.” He credits the supportive environment of the Science department as one of the reasons he has stayed so long. “They’re so caring - like a family.”
Having reached the milestone of 30 years at Avondale College (and more years at other schools prior), Mr Khoo has no immediate plans to retire. When he eventually does step out of the classroom, he already knows what comes next: he’ll be teaching Tai Chi.
