Hear from our Head of School
“As one of the oldest international schools in China and the oldest in Shenzhen, Shekou international School has deep roots within the local community. Not one to rest on its laurels, SIS has continued to keep pace with the evolving demands of international education. We pride ourselves on providing rich, meaningful experiences for each student, whether they be in nursery or grade 12. Experiences that stimulate, challenge, and grow young minds into responsible global citizens who are ready to make our world better.”
Head of School
Harish’s leadership at Shekou International School (SIS) has been particularly noteworthy. Since 2017, he assumed the role of Primary Principal, guiding the school through a successful transition to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). More recently, he has also overseen the introduction of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), expanding the school’s IB offerings and reinforcing its commitment to holistic and inquiry-based education. His leadership was especially pivotal during the pandemic, demonstrating his ability to maintain stability and uphold the school’s commitment to educational excellence amidst global disruptions.
Harish’s career is a testament to his adaptability and deep education sector knowledge. His journey has taken him through the UK, Kuwait, Singapore, Qatar, and now China, where he has excelled in roles such as homeroom teacher, EAL specialist, leader of school-wide student support services, and advocate for teacher development through coaching and learning innovation. His experience includes assistant principal, principal, and Head of School positions.
As Harish enters his third year as Head of School at SIS, he is eager to create new opportunities for the SIS community in Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area. His approach, deeply rooted in respect for the local community and the diverse nationalities at SIS, underscores his commitment to fostering a truly global educational environment, where every student’s unique background is respected and celebrated.
Harish’s dedication to global education and innovative leadership is unwavering. His commitment continues to drive SIS forward, ensuring that the school remains a beacon of excellence in international education, where students are prepared to thrive in a globalized world.
Secondary Principal
Originally from Canada, Matthew brings over 17 years of experience in Canadian and international education as an administrator and educator. Matthew loves the dynamic environment of schools and genuinely enjoys working with people of all ages. Being skilled at building school culture, enhancing systems and structures, and data-informed practices for academic and pastoral program development, Matthew believes in creating effective teams to focus on meeting the needs and goals of students and staff. After working at SIS as Pastoral Care Coordinator in 2020, Matthew joined the International Schools Services (ISS) Asia Pacific office, serving as the Director of School Development. He was also the Acting Head of School at Achieve Xiamen International School. Matthew began his role as Secondary principal at Shekou International School in 2022.
Primary Principal
On her 30th year in education, Leda has had the privilege of collaborating with diverse communities, supporting learners from early years to secondary school. She is a highly experienced school leader, having served schools in China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Leda joined Shekou International School in 2017 as the PYP Coordinator, then served as the Assistant Principal of Early Primary in 2018, and as the Primary Principal from 2022. Leda is a certified educational coach, an active IB Workshop Leader, and a school evaluator for IB and WASC schools. Her passion and experience in teacher training have allowed her to work with various international schools in Asia and Australia. She continues to evolve through the rich experiences from forging relationships with people of various skills, backgrounds, and cultures.
Leda believes that school leadership anchors on a strong collaboration with students, staff, and families, creating conditions and challenges to nurture students’ passions and talents. She looks forward to continuing to build young leaders at SIS, understanding that empowered students learn more and learn better.
High School Assistant Principal
From the USA and a family of educators, Todd has worked with and supported a variety of educational organisations and has over 10 years of experience teaching and leading in international schools. Focusing on inclusive learning practices, professional growth, and helping build and implement policies and protocols for effective schools and continuous improvement, Todd sees his purpose as helping SIS meet the needs of all learners and fulfill their goal of being an innovative learning organisation. His wife, Natalie, is a MYP & DP Science Teacher, and their active son, Maxwell, loves the Early Years Programme at SIS!
Middle School Assistant Principal
Supporting students with learning and social-emotional needs has been a major theme throughout Corinne Norris’s educational career, which now spans over 23 years. She has experience in both teaching and leading within schools which promote inclusive and holistic education. Corinne has dedicated her post-graduate studies and career to ensuring that the students in her care are supported and encouraged to become successful, life-long learners. Corinne hails from sunny Queensland, Australia, and is beginning her fifth year in secondary at SIS.
Director of Athletics & Activities
Thomas has served as the Director of Athletics and Activities at SIS since 2020. Prior to his role at SIS, he held similar leadership positions at two other prominent international schools. Thomas is deeply passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential through diverse experiences and engagement in enriching cocurricular activities. He is dedicated to organizing compelling programs that create lasting memories for the SIS community. In addition to his extensive practical experience, Thomas holds a Master of Business Administration degree. He is also a Certified Master Athletic Administrator, a prestigious certification awarded by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Since 2023, Thomas has served as the Sports Chair of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools. Thomas’ wife, Celina, is the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator at SIS. Their son, Elian, is a proud Gecko in PK1. The Mathews family originates from the state of Texas in the United States.
Early Primary Assistant Principal
Karen’s journey as an educator spans various countries and roles, starting from Jamaica in 2000 to The Bahamas, and now in China. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident through her academic achievements, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Throughout her career, Karen has actively contributed to different projects and workshops. Notably, she serves the wider international community as an Early Years ACAMIS Planning Committee Member and as a facilitator for professional learning communities through the Peer Sphere. Previously she played a key role in building start up schools with a focus on balanced literacy and numeracy.
Since joining SIS in 2020, Karen continues to share her expertise in shaping the future of early childhood learners through a whole-child approach to education. Karen looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with families to support children’s curiosity, growth and success.
Upper Primary Assistant Principal
Kirsty van Rooyen is an experienced educator with a strong background in international teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Since 2008, Kirsty has been actively involved in the field of education, gaining valuable experience in various leadership roles within international schools. Throughout her career, Kirsty has demonstrated a commitment to professional and organizational development, with a particular passion for enabling others to thrive. Her leadership roles have included serving as Grade level leads, Orientation coordinator, CIS Evaluation Team member, Assistant Principal, and most recently, a PYP coordinator at SIS. Kirsty’s dedication to continuous learning and growth is evident in her recent completion of the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), which further enhances her leadership skills and expertise. With her diverse experience and strong educational background, she is extremely excited to embark on her second year at SIS.
PYP Coordinator
Rebecca has been an integral part of the SIS community since 2020, contributing her expertise as a teacher, Literacy Instructional Coach, and PYP Coordinator. Originally from England, Rebecca brings extensive experience from schools in Canada and China, complemented by a Master’s in Education in Administration and Leadership. Her commitment to education and professional development is evident through her roles as an IB Workshop Leader, ISS Workshop Presenter, ACAMIS PeerSphere Community Host, and WASC Site Visitor. Rebecca recognizes the crucial importance of developing knowledge, skills, conceptual understanding, and agency. With a passion for inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and leveraging data to enhance teaching and learning, Rebecca is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment.
French Director (FIP&FAL)
Anh Tuan has dedicated over a decade to the field of education, starting his journey as a curriculum leader and teacher mentor in the UK. Over the years, he has gained a wealth of experience in leadership positions within various international language schools across Asia. His passion lies in creating innovative and differentiated school curricula that cater to the specific needs of students. Anh Tuan will be dividing his time among all three SIS campuses, where he will collaborate closely with teaching staff and students. His primary focus will be on maintaining the continuity of the French International Programme (FIP) and further developing the French as an Additional Language (FAL) programme.
CBP Coordinator
Graduated from Beijing Normal University and The University of Hong Kong, Venus holds a bachelor and a master degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Her experiences in teaching and curriculum planning in Portugal, Hong Kong and Mainland China have prepared her for this next role at SIS. As a Chinese lecturer, she has facilitated many teacher and parent workshops on campus. Before joining Shekou International School, she worked as the Chinese Department Head and Chinese Peer Coach to support instructional teaching and curriculum design at another school in Shenzhen. Venus will be the Chinese Bilingual Program Coordinator at SIS starting from the 2022-2023 school year.
MYP Coordinator
Ms.Dannandyatti Priambodo holds a Post-graduate Degree in Education from the University of Nottingham. She has been an IB educator for 14 years and an MYP Coordinator for the last 6 years.
Since last year, Dani has collaborated with the SIS community to build a comprehensive and holistic IB Middle Years Programme and continues her goal to cultivate enhanced perspectives and unleash creativity, empowering students to seamlessly apply these attributes to real-world scenarios.
Diploma Coordinator
Ms. Erin Garnhum has been in the classroom since 2002 and a DP teacher since 2012. She holds a Masters Degree in TESOL from Trinity Western University in Canada. In her new role at SIS, she is excited to be bringing a renewed focus to the IB Diploma Programme core, which is the Creativity, activity, service (CAS), and the Theory of knowledge (TOK) programme.
Governing Board
International Schools Services (ISS) was established in 1955 and has grown to be the most recognized service provider for international schools globally. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the organization provides a range of services to our school, including staff recruitment, school supplies and governance through a Board of Directors.
The Board consists of senior officers of International School Services including the President and Chief Finance Officer, as well as local senior staff. Meeting three times per year for official decision making meetings, the Board members communicate throughout the year to provide guidance and advice on direction, strategy and policy.
As is the case with other reputable international and private schools, the Board has responsibility for three main areas;
- Recruitment and Management of the Head of School
- Setting Policy and Strategic Direction
- Ensuring Financial Sustainability of the School
In addition to these key responsibilities the Board provides advice and guidance to the Head of School who maintains responsibility for all operational matters within the school.
ISS is committed to the students and families of SIS and looks forward to many more years of service to Shenzhen’s leading school for expatriates.
Visit the ISS website for more information here.
