Departing Staff and New Hires

Dear BIS Community,

We have come to that time of year when we know which of our staff members will be leaving us at the end of the academic year.  I am pleased to say that this year the percentage of turnover is 11%. This is inclusive of all positions and well within the 10-15% turnover which is considered optimum for international schools.

The staff members who will be leaving us in June are:

Helen Stanton – Secondary Principal

Matt McCormick – Humanities and Math Teacher

Jane Ellem – Technology Coach

Yinka Badmus – Chemistry/Science Teacher

We will be sorry to see them go and we wish them all the best for their future endeavors – but not quite yet!  There is still quite a lot of time between now and June and all of these staff members will be actively involved in our community throughout the year.

It has been decided to discontinue the position of Tech Coach for the next academic year.  Ms. Ellem has done a wonderful job providing us with a foundation for helping teachers integrate technology into units.  This work will be continued by Mr. Urko Masse next year.

The following people have been hired for next academic year:

Mr. Justin Walsh – incoming Secondary Principal whom I have already introduced to you.  I have been asked, so for clarity, I am not related to Justin or any of his family nor had I met him prior to the interview process for the position.

Ms. Karli Walsh – taking a new position called Early Intervention Teacher.  She will support the primary teachers and students in Pre-K to Grade 2.  Ms. Walsh has teaching credentials in EAL, SEN and as a primary teacher.  She is joining us from the American School of Doha.

Ms. Christy Mather – will be teaching MYP math and technology.  She is a Canadian who is currently working in Kuwait.  Ms. Mather loves teaching lower Secondary students and she is looking forward to teaching them and the MYP.

Ms. Michelle Shepherd – will be teaching DP Chemistry and MYP Science and Drama.  Ms. Shepherd is joining us from the International School of Estonia.  She has PYP, MYP and DP experience. Ms Shepherd is British and will be joining us with her husband and son.

All of our positions have been filled and we are now actively planning for the next school year!

Best,

Denise Walsh

Head of School