Welcoming New Teachers to BIS Primary

At the end of the school year we always say ‘good bye’ to a number of teachers, but we are excited to introduce the staff who will be replacing them in August.

 It gives us great pleasure to introduce to you:

Ms Victoria Gorton – F2

Ms Vicky has been teaching for 13 years and joins us with her husband Neil (who is the new assistant headteacher at the Junior Campus) from Korea. She believes that in order to instil in children a lifelong love of learning, it is essential to create a stimulating, motivational and inspiring environment.

Ms Lisa Rhodes – F3

Having heard about BIS from a former teacher (Ms Anna Hughes), she was keen to join the team. Ms Lisa believes in creating a positive, ‘can-do’, friendly atmosphere in the classroom.  She is currently teaching at Caxton College in Valencia, Spain.  She has 6 years’ experience teaching from Reception (F3) to Year 2. 

Ms Mary Coughlan – Year 1

Currently teaching in a community school in Ireland, Ms Mary will be using her 3 years’ experience to create an environment where pupils enjoy learning and embrace challenge.

Ms Helena Tucker – Year 1

Having spent 2 years teaching in the UK, Ms Helena spent some time travelling before settling in Vietnam.  She will be known to many of the children as she has spent the last two terms covering classes at BIS.

Ms Leanne Rees – Year 2

Ms Leanne is another teacher who is well known to the children at BIS, especially 2H as she provided maternity cover for Ms Gemma whilst she was away.  Originally from South Africa, Ms Leanne has 6 years teaching experience in her home country and China.

Mr Thomas Birbeck – Year 2

Mr Tom is very excited about becoming part of the team at BIS, particularly embracing the Vietnamese culture and working with motivated international children.  He joins us after 4 years working in the UK where he currently teaches a Year 2 class.

Ms Julia Newman – Year 3

Described as a hugely positive, passionate and hard-working teacher, Ms Julia joins BIS after spending 4 years working in London.  She believes in creating a positive rapport with her class, creating a warm and thoughtful learning environment in which every child feels supported and inspired.

Ms Susannah Breen – Year 4

With 5 years’ experience teaching in the UK and in Myanmar, Ms Susannah brings her knowledge and expertise of UK best practice combined with an understanding of the importance of valuing and celebrating the culture of everyone in an international school.

Mr Thomas White – Year 5

Mr Tom has spent 5 years working in the north of England, where his roles have included teaching Years 5 and 6, leading maths in the school and being acting assistant Headteacher.  Having previously visited Vietnam, he is looking forward to returning to work with his partner Kathryn Payne.

Ms Kathryn Payne – Year 6

Ms Kathryn will be in her third year of teaching when she becomes part of the teaching team in August.  She has a strong belief that every child should have the opportunity to grow within a dynamic and challenging environment.

Mr Oliver Bone – Year 6

Currently, the Year 6 Leader at the British International School Shanghai, Puxi (part of the Nord Anglia Education group), Mr Oliver will be familiar with much of what we do at BIS.  With his 8 years of teaching experience in the UK, South Korea, China and Thailand, he believes in developing the whole child as a true global citizen with the skills to adapt to a fast changing world.

Ms Siao Tong Ko – Mandarin

Ms Siao Tong is also working in a Nord Anglia Education school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  She has spent 6 years there teaching Mandarin in the primary school. She understands the importance of creating a challenging, fun, and safe environment for students, and encouraging students’ curiosity as they explore new ways to engage with their learning.

Ms Eileen Nonis – Learning Support

Ms Eileen is joining BIS, along with her two children, with 12 years teaching experience in the UK and Egypt.  She believes that as an educator, it is necessary to always remember that teaching is a learning process; learning from students, colleagues, parents, and the community.
Mr Shane Gallagher – Learning Support

Whilst Ms Mel was on maternity leave, Mr Shane became well known to the children in Year 4.  Having spent some time at BIS, he was very keen to continue, and to use his previous 4 years’ experience in supporting children across the school.

Ms Helen Bonner – Learning Support

Along with her daughter, Ms Helen joins our community having spent 13 years teaching in the UK, Malawi, Kuwait and China.  She has a great deal of experience working with children who require that extra bit of support, with a particular strength being her ability to build trusting, positive relationships with the children.

Ian Battersby & Dee Grimshaw, Headteachers