The Yarra Origin Story
When you choose a school for your child, you're not just picking a place for them to learn. You're entrusting a part of your heart to someone else, hoping they'll see the same potential and dreams you do. That's a feeling we understand deeply, because it's the very emotion that gave birth to Yarra.
A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Our story began with our founder, Richard. After completing his commerce/science degrees from Melbourne University, he visited Vietnam in 2006 as a volunteer teacher in Hanoi, driven by a desire to contribute positively to the world. It was in those classrooms that he discovered a passion for teaching. But more than that, he fell in love with the country itself; its vibrant culture, unique spirit, and warm-hearted people.
Years later, back in Australia feeling disillusioned with the prospect of decades in finance, Richard felt an undeniable pull back to his teaching instinct. He enrolled in a Master's of Education program, and soon after completing it, made the bold decision to move back to Hanoi. He was driven by a desire to experience life working abroad before settling down to start a family. While working at an international school, he met his future wife, Phuong, also known as Victoria. It quickly became clear that Victoria was the yin to Richard's yang, their individual strengths and weaknesses complementing each other, while together their values and passions were in perfect alignment.
The Vision for Da Nang
In 2016, they visited Da Nang and were captivated by its beauty and potential. They knew this was where their future would take root, but they also noticed something was missing: a truly international early education environment. As they planned to have their own children, they understood the immense importance of a high-quality early education. They wanted the best possible start for their own kids, while also providing a valuable service to the community. Within weeks, they had purchased land, with a vision of creating a legacy for their future family and for creating a community hub.
At this time, Victoria was offered the chance to manage an international kindergarten's expansion in Da Nang. But they realized that their dream for their future children, and for the children of their community, differed to a franchise. Richard knew all too well how franchise schools actually operated. They wanted to create a school that wasn't so fixated on profits, free from financial constraints and corporate mandates. A place with heart, where every decision was made with the child's best interest in mind.
The Birth of Yarra
This conviction led them to build a school of their own. To achieve this vision, they brought together a founding team with diverse strengths in early education. Gwen Morrish, with over 40 years of teaching experience in Australia for ages 5-6, joined the team, and Dr. Lucy Morrish, a clinical psychologist specializing in positive psychology, came on as a valued consultant. With this team, they were able to create a unique and comprehensive educational model, something not previously offered in Da Nang.
It was a five-year labor of love, where every detail, from the building's design to the curriculum and the school's culture, was carefully chosen. They named it Yarra, after the Yarra River in Melbourne, a name that means "ever-flowing"* in a native Australian dialect. This name reflects their philosophy that life is a constant, flowing journey of growth, discovery and learning: ever-flowing, always moving forward.
Today, after more than 4 years of rapid growth, Yarra is more than just a school; it's a living testament to that original passion. And now, as Richard and Victoria's own children form a greater part of the Yarra family, their commitment has only deepened. They are constantly inspired to raise the bar, to keep Yarra ever-flowing, and to ensure that the spirit of this special place continues to flourish for every child who walks through its doors.
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Our Location
Nestled in the heart of Danang, sáng tạo offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for young learners.
Address
123 Le Duan, Danang
Hours
8am - 4pm
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Yarra International Kindergarten is a business subsidiary of Yarra Education Pty Ltd and is duly registered with government authorities, ensuring compliance with educational standards and safety regulations, officially registered under an obligatory Vietnamese-language title, "Mầm non Chuột Tui Nhỏ".
Hours
Weekdays / 7:30 – 17:30
Weekend / 10:00 – 15:00 (tours by appointment)
Yarra Building
2 - 4 - 6 Le Huu Khanh
(corner Giang Chau 1), Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang