Staffing News 04.05.19

Last week I mentioned that we have been busy recruiting some wonderful new staff to come and join us in August. Over the next couple of weeks I will be introducing our new staff and below you can see who some of them are and read a little introduction about them.

Jo Smith (Head of Primary)

I’m very much looking forward to taking up the position of Head of Primary. I am married to Mark who will be coming to Borneo with me and we have three grown up sons and three wonderful grandchildren who all live in the UK.  I am currently working in Thailand at Regents International School and have been there for the past six years. I was lucky enough to visit KIS a couple of months ago and immediately felt at home after the warm welcome that we received from the school community. In my spare time I love to travel and explore new places and I can’t wait to find out more about the many new opportunities for travel that will be right on our doorstep.

Mrs Smith will be taking over the leadership of the Primary School as Mrs Russell heads back to the UK with her family.

Joe Sidebottom (Secondary Maths)

I am currently a Mathematics teacher at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, England in my third year of teaching. I am travelling to KK on my own which I am both excited and nervous about. I am looking forward to immersing myself into a new culture and way of living. I am fanatic about football and travelling and love to combine the two. I am really looking forward to getting to know the staff and students and becoming an integral member of staff at KIS. Also I am looking forward to travelling around Asia in my spare time.

Mr Sidebottom will be carrying on the great work being done by Mrs Semmens as she returns to the UK with her family.

Liam Watson (PE)

I am currently living in Uzbekistan with my partner, Celeste La Torre, and we have been working here as teachers for two years. Naturally, I love all things sport as a PE teacher and try to be as active as I can. We are extremely excited to be moving to Kota Kinabalu to take advantage of the excellent activities the island has to offer. Further raising our newly born son, Oliver, in a friendly and warm environment.

Mr Watson will be picking up the baton from Mr Walker in the PE department as he will be moving to China in August.

Ruth Mullan (Primary Teacher)

I will be travelling to Borneo with my husband David (non-teaching partner) and my 2 sons – Jack (9 years old) and Aidan (7 years old).  I was born and raised in London, England and spent several years teaching there before deciding that I wanted to travel and teach overseas.  For the last 12 years, I have been working at St. Andrews International School Rayong, Thailand, and have taught a range of year groups and coordinated a variety of teams and subject areas. I do not have a favourite subject as I enjoy teaching, and learning about, all curriculum areas. In my spare time, I enjoy: drawing, reading, music (listening and playing), photography, swimming and walking/trekking in nature with my family. I like a challenge and am currently studying for a Masters in Education with the University of Bath.   My husband and I visited Borneo 10 years ago and really enjoyed the beautiful scenery, wildlife and culture. We are very excited for the opportunity to now explore the island as a family, make new friends and join the KIS community. We look forward to meeting you all in August.

Mrs Mullan will become one of the new Primary staff members as we say goodbye to Mrs Walker who will be starting work in China.

Fiona & Robin White (Primary Teachers)

Myself, my husband Robin and our three children Eimhin (10), Cillian (7) and Siún (5) will all be joining KIS in August. Robin and I are both primary teachers from Galway in the West Coast of Ireland where we’ve been living and teaching for the past twelve years. We are both very excited about the move to Kota Kinabalu and are looking forward to becoming part of the KIS community. Robin loves swimming and water sports and is looking forward to diving in his spare time. I love nature and spending time outdoors and I look forward to taking trips into the rainforest and climbing Mount Kinabalu.

Mr and Mrs White will both be joining the Primary school as we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Westaway who is moving to China and Mrs Hyndman who will be returning to Scotland.