SSIS is led by a diverse group of people from 10 different countries who all have extensive experience in management coupled with a passion for education. While teachers are at the forefront of students’ education, the Core Leadership Team (CLT) works behind the scenes on curriculum development, delivering modern best practices in education and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the school.
David SHIRLEY
Head of School
I have been an educator for almost 30 years. For the last 15 years I have held leadership roles in international schools in Hong Kong SAR and Beijing. My goal is to help develop the unique character of SSIS students through education. This is the character they will spend their lifetime sharpening and developing so that they make their own positive contribution to our global community.
I feel privileged to be Head of SSIS. My alignment with the school’s philosophy, values and mission is the reason I have joined SSIS. To truly make a difference in a global school community is a unique gift. This journey is something I look forward to celebrating with the wider school community, as together we support our future leaders, creators and thinkers.
Shireen NAIDOO
Kiza DRAUT
Primary School Assistant Principal
CHEN Yue Lin
Director of Chinese Language and Culture
I love being a teacher, in particular my interaction with students. I have been an educator for more than 27 years and was a Vice-principal in a local school for 4 years. I focus on cultivating and developing my students’ character as well as the teachers’ professional development.
I personally like to learn the advanced teaching methods and school administration. In SSIS, with all the teachers we organized and researched to plan and design high quality Chinese language and Chinese culture curriculum, resulting in the unique SSIS CLASS Model. Having been in SSIS for more than 12 years, it has been an enriching journey. SSIS has broadened my horizons as an educator. I truly love my job and believe that learning is endless.
Michael HICKS
Jae OH
Director of Student Services
I was born and raised in Mexico. I attended an international school and graduated as an IGCSE-IBDP alum. As a witness to the power of international education, I began my career as an international educator in South Korea, teaching primary and early years students as a classroom teacher for her first two years. I grew a passion for inclusive education and have spent the next six years working as a Learning Support Specialist and Counsellor. I have a strong focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create safe learning environments for all and connect well with international students as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) myself.
Social skills and life skills are vital components for all students to manage through school life. I hope to collaborate with the SSIS community to enhance differentiated instructions and well-being throughout all divisions. Outside of school, I spend time doing pilates and yoga and enjoy downtown trips with her dog and traveling.