It is time formally share information about the teachers who are leaving us this year and to share some of our plans relating to next year’s staffing with you.
We must say goodbye to seven exceptional teachers who have given so much to the development and life of the school. Listed in order of how long they have served at ABIS:
- Andy Clarke – 2 years
- Jackie Schemenauer – 2 years
- Cathy Marchmont – 2 years
- Amy Camp – 3 years
- Jillian Kearney – 6 years, with several working part time as curriculum coordinator
- Dan Kearney – 6 years
- Carole Saunders – 9 years
These teachers are departing to multiple destinations. Andy Clarke will be return to Spain with his family where they have their family home. Jackie Schemenauer will be going to Dubai and Amy Camp will go to Delhi. Cathy Marchmont will return to Australia with her daughters and Dan and Jillian Kearney will return to the US. Carole Saunders will be heading to Hong Kong, much closer to home.
It is always difficult to say goodbye to great teachers, and we do so with a tremendous sense of appreciation for what they have done. Whilst all of the leaving members of staff have been wonderful educators, it is appropriate to acknowledge the special impact that three long serving members have had at the school. Through tireless dedication and energy, Jillian and Dan Kearney have contributed so much to the school that we have today, whilst Carole Saunders has been with the school from the very beginning. It is fair to say that Carole has been the heart of the school and has worked tirelessly to give all she can in a multitude of positions to the children here at ABIS.
Personally, I will miss all of them and am proud to have been able to have worked with each one of these teachers. We will be formally thanking them all for their hard work next week and, of course, in the last day assemblies. Please also say good bye if you get the opportunity.
New staff
Sohar is growing and so is ABIS. Demand for next year is encouraging and we are anticipating strong enrollment throughout the coming academic year. It is exciting times for the school and we have been working hard to make sure that we are ready for the next phase of our development. In response to this positive outlook we have invested heavily in additional staff for next year. As well as the teachers hired to replace leavers we have added a range of academic positions from August. Here is a quick outline of who is coming and you will find more details about the incoming staff members in the attached brochure:
Teacher specialists:
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Ms Amira Hachem, who is currently working in Doha, but comes from Lebanon, will be joining us as our EAL Teacher/Literacy Coach.
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Ms Ann Turton will be joining us from the UK as the new Art teacher.
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Ms Briar Chatterjea, from the US, but joining us from India as the new Dance teacher.
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Miss Denise Kaw, is coming from China, but originates from the US and will join us as an Special Education teacher.
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Mrs Liz Jurkowski, from the US, will be taking the position of History teacher.
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Miss Kirilli Williams from Australia will join us as a music teacher.
New classroom teachers in the primary section include:
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Ancilla Willson originates from South Africa but is a NZ citizen. She will come across the border from Sharjah.
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Brett Ferguson and Christina Washington, both from the US and currently teaching in South Korea.
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Simone Affleck will move back into the classroom as well. She comes from NZ and has spent the past six months doing a fabulous job in admin.
As my assistant, and formerly a Director of Private Schools in Al Batinah, Miss Zuwenia Al Abdulsalam has joined us and will greatly assist us in developing our connections with our host country as well as our relations with the ministry. Welcome Zuweina!
It has been my pleasure to be able to recruit such a highly recommended and experienced group of educators and we very much look forward to introducing them to you in August.