Our Senior Leadership Team
At International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), we have a dedicated and professional faculty of teachers and administrators, gathered from all corners of the world, whose role is to help students become the best they can be in all aspects of their lives.
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Adrian WattsHead of School P.G.C.E., Loughborough University |
Experience
“Having lived and worked internationally for over thirty years my philosophy of education has been strongly influenced by the different schools I have been fortunate to work in. I have learned that it is important for students to be educated and prepared for the challenges of the global society of the twenty-first century through a balanced approach that encompasses both academics and social and emotional student growth. Our fast changing world demands that students are critical thinkers and able to communicate, connect and collaborate effectively with others. Schools need to be producing students who are resilient and creative innovators who will become the entrepreneurs and employers for a sustainable world.” |
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Douglas BalzerDeputy Head of School Australian Bachelor of Education (Secondary Science), The University of Melbourne Senior Executive Leadership Training Programme, Associate of Independent School, NSW |
Experience
“After 25+ years in education, it has become obvious that a successful modern school has a unique obligation to not only instill the essential academic knowledge, cultural awareness and global mindset for students to develop, but also prepare them for the wider twenty-first century challenges they are yet to face. My overarching passion as an educator is in the development and guidance of well rounded, socially and emotionally balanced, young persons that are equipped with the academic skill sets, personal attributes and global awareness needed to achieve their dreams and meet their challenges. My hope is that my students not only engage in the wider global community but go on to thrive and be outstanding fervent moral leaders, well beyond the academics time they have spent at school and develop into the best versions of who they can be.” |
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Phil RogersSecondary School Principal (Grades 6-12) Graduate Diploma of Education, University of Canberra |
Experience
“Over almost 20 years in education it has become critically evident that each and every student needs to grow and be challenged to reach their own potential. The complexities of the current global context means that these young hearts and minds need to develop skills and concepts that will enable them to cope with the constant of change and to develop into our future leaders. Now it is more important than ever to develop emotional intelligence where resilience and intrinsic motivation enable creativity and critical thinking to develop whilst simultaneously ensuring that communication and collaboration are everyday events. Ultimately education is about preparing a young person to be happy, safe and have the ability to define success and their accomplishments through managing the wide range of challenges that they will face at school and in life beyond.” |
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Brad AugustineSecondary School Vice-Principal (Grades 6-12) Ed.D. - Education Administration, Concordia University (in Progress) |
Experience
“I believe in a simple approach to education: celebrate today’s successes and make honest, thoughtful, deliberate action steps to get better tomorrow. Key to that approach is looking at each situation with Carol Dweck’s “growth-mindset” model and emphasizing a positive, “can do” attitude, regardless of the challenge. Student and teacher collaboration is at the heart of creating a culture where people feel safe to take risks with their learning. My goal is to model this by working with students and teachers in classrooms as much as possible. In doing so, I find others see me as a teacher leader who wants to learn from them and with them." |
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Jane BarrowcliffProject Coordinator M.A. Education with QTS Secondary English, |
Experience
“I believe that a balanced education embodies real world contexts and cultivates experiential learning which is creative, active, and reflective. |
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Simon ScoonesIB MYP Coordinator M.A. in Environment, Development & Policy, Sussex University |
Experience
“Despite the profound changes to education (and the world) since I started my career 30 years ago, my priority has always been to be student-centred. For me, learning should be inclusive, active, challenging and fun. The learning environment at ISHCMC clearly fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation amongst colleagues and students to make this happen. I am really excited by the opportunities presented by the new secondary campus to take authentic inquiry-based learning for all of us to a new, higher level.“ |
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Teresa FoardIB DP Coordinator M.Ed., The University of Melbourne |
Experience
"My 20+ years in education have taught me that building relationships is at the heart of being an effective educator. I am committed to supporting students to identify and pursue their own unique individual passions, talents and pathways. I view my role at ISHCMC as one of enabling students to thrive holistically in our rich and diverse community and to prepare them to better understand and manage the complexities of life in the 21st century." |
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Kurtis PetersonPrimary School Principal (EE2-Grade 5) M.A. - History, Queen’s University |
Experience
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Lianne KalapacaPrimary School Vice Principal (EE2-Grade 5) Graduate Diploma of Education K-6, University of Western |
Experience
“I believe that we should appreciate our differences but celebrate our commonalities. We are all different from our cultures and beliefs, talents and learning styles, looks and nationalities and it is the differences that set us apart and makes us unique. However, when we celebrate our commonalities, we are united in our philosophy, goals and efforts and it makes our experiences together richer. It’s all about the kids and making ISHCMC the best school in Vietnam through engaging lessons, collaboration, and responsible sustainable action.” |
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Tania MansfieldIB Upper PYP Coordinator MBA Marketing (Distance Learning), Leicester University |
Experience
“I believe that learning takes many subtle forms and happens all the time. Good teachers know what learning looks like and know how to enhance it. When children are empowered and respected, they can achieve great things. As their competencies expand and their understanding of the world becomes more sophisticated, students are equipped with the things they need to become confident and ethical citizens. A powerful education is one that makes this happen.” |
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Nancy SnyderLower IB PYP Coordinator American Masters of Education (Elementary Reading) Graduated with Distinction, Northern Arizona University Bachelors of Science (Early Childhood Education), Boston University Washington DC dual teacher certification in ECE and Reading Specialist |
Experience
"In my years working in many educational settings, I have observed young students’ learning, agency and engagement as a fundamental ingredient to building life-long learners. Seeing young learners as capable and thinking individuals helps us support the best learning possible. By building relationship based on two-way conversations grounded in respectful interchange and collaborative problem solving, I continue to work successfully with teachers and teaching teams to help create environments and learning engagements that supports quality teaching and learning. Above all else, as educators our job is to work together to meet the needs and work towards serving the best interests of the learners." |
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Angelina TeeManaging Director Australian Angelina Tee is the Managing Director for Cognita Schools in Vietnam and has worked for Cognita for over 8 years. Prior to taking this position she was the General Counsel for Cognita Asia. Ms Tee’s responsibilities include improving the operational performance of Cognita schools in Vietnam and well as seeking new opportunities for growth for Cognita in Vietnam. Bachelor of Commerce, Monash University, Australia. Bachelor of Laws, Monash University, Australia. |