Ms. Shirley Hui
Chinese Coordinator
Ms Shirley Hui was born in China, and raised and educated in Hong Kong. She also lived in North America for thirteen years. Ms Hui has an Education degree from Faulkner University in the United States and is certified to teach in the state of Alabama.
Ms Hui has been teaching for over 10 years. Five years ago she returned to China and started teaching in international schools. During these years, she has attended many professional development workshops and trainings included PYP training, Chinese Teacher Conferences, Reading Workshop, and ESL Teaching workshop.
Ms Hui has three children, Cathan, Jonathan and Benjamin who are also part of the ZIS community.
Ms Hui is attracted to the model of education at ZIS and believes her background in western schools along with her Hong Kong background will be of significant advantage to the school community, especially in her role as a teacher of Chinese. Ms Hui believes that everyone can learn, and learning is a process. Her goal is helping children enjoy the learning process and bringing out their best potential. ZIS looks forward to Ms Hui’s contribution as a facilitator between the Chinese and western community.
Ms. Henny McBurney
Nursery Teacher
My name is Henny Mc Burney and I am very excited about teaching at ZIS. I have been teaching Early Childhood children for over 30 years. My career began in Melbourne, Australia then I moved to Singapore, Vietnam, Beijing, Sudan, Philippines and now Zhuhai. I am passionate about Early Childhood teaching and I am looking forward to working with the children and parents as the children take their first steps in the life long learning journey.
I am also excited about being in Southern China and experiencing a different language and culture. I hope to see new areas of China during our holidays. I love reading, going for long walks, listening to music and meeting new people.
Ms. Suzie Su
Nursery Chinese Teacher
Ms. Suzie Su was born in Jilin Province, China, which is north-east of Beijing. She graduated from Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus in 2010. Her major was Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. During the teaching practicums she taught at two international schools, Kunshan International School, near Shanghai, and QSI International School, Dongguan. Now she is a fully qualified and experienced Chinese teacher, who has an good understanding of International schools and how to teach in their classrooms. She enjoys teaching and believes that students are able to learn more in a good environment.
Ms. Emilie Knight
Reception Teacher
Emilie Knight was born in Sweden, but raised in Brisbane, Australia. Emilie is married to Julian Knight and they have two children together. Having been a primary school teacher since 2004, she has taught at several schools in Brisbane, whilst simultaneously raising her boys.
Emilie believes a happy, fun and secure classroom is the key to a great educational experience. She has a passion for reading and aims to pass on her love of books to her students. Both Emilie and Julian are looking forward to their life in China, and believes it will be an enriching experience for the whole family.
Ms. Joy Huang
Reception Chinese Teacher
Joy was born in Guang Dong and graduated from Jiangmen Childhood Education Normal School. She taught for four years at Zhongshan Creative Learning Training Center during which time she was exposed to Western educational methodology. She felt that the Western education concepts were more in harmony with the children ability to learn. Joy pays attention to the individual development of each child and taps into their potential to make full use of the students’ creativity. She encourages the learning and understanding of Chinese culture in her students. She is aware of the differences between Western and Chinese culture and tries to communicate her love for both of them.
Ms. Susannah Psillides
Year 1 Teacher
Susannah has 15 years experience as a primary school teacher in the UK, Qatar, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates. She graduated with a BA Ed Honors from The University of Reading in Berkshire, the UK. Susannah is passionate about the PYP and coordinated the programmed for 2 years at her previous school. She is a committed teacher keen to ensure that all her students are supported and encouraged to achieve their best through best practice and current pedagogy. Susannah is married to John Psillides and they have two boys Evan and Sion. Her interests include a passion for traveling and exploring, all types of art and music and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Kelly Wang
Year 1 Chinese Teacher
Ms Kelly was born in Guangdong Province and graduated from Shaanxi Normal University, majoring in Teaching Chinese as a second Language. Kelly worked overseas for one year in 2007. She was sent to Thailand as an international Chinese teacher by China National Office for Teaching Chinese as Foreign Language. She taught Chinese to primary and middle school students in a private school in North Thailand. After coming back to China, Kelly taught Chinese in a language training center in Guangzhou. Kelly joined ZIS in 2011. She admires the international teaching style, and enjoys the time with children from different countries. She love teaching, and hopes to make progress with the students.
Mr. Kristian Brodie
Year 2 Teacher
Kristian is a Canadian who graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He has since gained a Master of Education from the College of New Jersey. For the past ten years he has been living and working in Taipei, Taiwan.
As a teacher he strives to help create an environment that is safe, stimulating and promotes self-expression. He believes the classroom should be a place where the students can comfortably grow emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Every classroom is a unique group of learners that varies in abilities and learning styles. It is his goal to reach and help educate all students in his classes. Kristian and his wife Lisa are very happy and excited to be joining the Zhuhai community.
Ms. Michelle Zhang
Year 2 Chinese Teacher
Ms. Michelle was born in Fujian Province. She graduated from university with the major of English Language Literature and worked at Beijing City International School for 3 years. It was during this time that she made the career decision to be a teacher. Before joining Zhuhai International School she worked as a Chinese teacher at the Australian International School of Beijing
Having lived in Beijing for 14 years, Ms. Michelle wanted to explore other cities of China. She is very excited to join Zhuhai International School and its staff. Ms. Michelle enjoys working with children and has a great passion to assist children to reach their full potential and to become global citizens.
Ms. Rachel Loveridge
Year 3 Teacher & Primary Curriculum Coordinator
Ms Rachel Loveridge is in her 20th year of teaching primary and middle school and is currently enjoying teaching the Year 3 class. Rachel is also the Primary Curriculum Coordinator. She has a special interest in children’s literacy, ESOL, choir and directing drama productions. This is Rachel’s third year at ZIS and her 9th year in China having taught for many years in Shanghai. Rachel originates from New Zealand and has also taught internationally in Indonesia and England as a primary teacher and an English/Humanities specialist in middle school. She is well traveled in China and continues to practise her mandarin at every opportunity.Rachel is proud of the strides ZIS is making in becoming a world IB school and is very happy that her own three children are a part of it and are gaining such wonderful opportunities to become global citizens in such an international setting.
Ms. Sally Wen
Year 3 Chinese Teacher
Ms Sally is from the city of Huang Gang in Hubei Province and graduated from Huang Gang Normal College with her Bachelor’s Degree of Education in English in 2005. Sally has been at ZIS since it opened and this is her 4th year teaching in the Primary school and she has been having taught in every year level. Sally loves teaching and is an experienced translator and Chinese language teacher with a strength in teaching children who are new to the language. She loves ZIS and proud of her students. Sally’s interests include reading, music and meeting new people from all over the world.
Mr. Julian Knight
Year 4 Teacher
Julian Knight is from Brisbane, Australia, but has also lived in the UK. Julian became a registered teacher six years ago and has been teaching primary school students in Brisbane throughout that time. He is excited to begin his international teaching career at ZIS, along with his wife Emilie.
Julian has a keen interest in sport and traveling and strives to ensure his learning environment is an enjoyable one for all his students. Julian has studied Mandarin, and is hoping to improve this when living in Zhuhai. Julian and Emilie will be bringing their two boys to China, and are excited at the prospect of providing this new way of life for their sons.
Ms. Myra Li
Year 4 Chinese Teacher
Ms. Myra Li is from Shantou, Guangdong, China. She is a graduate of Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus, with a major in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Ms. Myra is a passionate educator, and has teaching experience with children of multiple ages and diverse backgrounds.
She agrees that teaching and learning complement each other and is always looking for opportunities to expand her professional knowledge. At the same time, Ms. Myra hopes, that with her enthusiasm, she can make a positive contribution to the ZIS community.
Out of the classroom, Ms. Myra enjoys reading, singing, playing piano, cooking, and traveling. You can often see Ms. Myra sharing her love of Chinese culture with all the students at ZIS.
Ms. Tania Gollins
Year 5 Teacher
Tania has 15 years experience as a primary school teacher in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. She graduated with a BA Education from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, and completed part of her degree at Columbia University in Missouri, USA. She is currently completing a Masters degree in Education. Tania is passionate about teaching and is committed to ensuring that all her students are supported and encouraged to achieve their best. She is committed to ensuring that her teaching is grounded in current research and theories of best practice. Tania is married to Matt Gollins and together they have two children. Her interests include a love of the theatre and all types of music, running and keeping fit. She has a passion for travel and enjoys learning languages.
Ms. Marie Liang
Year 5 Chinese Teacher
Ms. Marie Liang is from the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province and graduated from Shenzhen University. Ms. Liang has taught Chinese as a second language (TCSL) to international students at the College of International Exchange Shenzhen University for four years.
Ms. Liang has a rich experience in TCSL to international students at different ages and at different levels, as well as helping students to prepare and pass the Chinese language proficiency test (HSK).
Ms. Liang has a daughter and lives in Zhuhai. She enjoys reading, music, movies, calligraphy, swimming, mountaineering, playing cards and spending time with friends. Ms Liang loves children very much and has a great passion for education. She believes every child has his/her gifts and that a high quality school can discover their potential, cultivate their character and nourish their nature. Ms Liang is very grateful and happy to continue to improve the theory and practice in TCSL in her position at ZIS. Ms. Liang is looking forward to sharing each day with members of the ZIS community.
Mr. Matt Broughton
Year 6 Teacher
Matt Broughton is originally from Kentucky, U.S.A.. Prior to moving to Zhuhai International School, Mr. Broughton taught third grade in the public school system in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a graduate of Jacksonville University where he received both his Bachelor and Master in Education degrees. Mr. Broughton has a keen interest in integrating technology into the education curriculum. He can often be seen encouraging students to use available technologies, such as iPods, computers, and his own classroom website and blog. Outside of school, Mr. Broughton enjoys traveling, technology, scuba diving, reading, and golf (although he is not any good at it). He is extremely excited to be a part of Zhuhai International School.
Ms. Esther Lin
Year 6 Chinese Teacher
Ms Lin was born in Guang Dong province. She finished her bachelor degree with a major in Chinese Language and Literature in Jia Ying University of Guang Dong, China. After she graduated from university, she taught Mandarin in Hua Qiao Middle School, Guang Dong, China. Following this she went to Indonesia and taught in Cita Hati International Baccalaureate School, Surabaya for two years. Ms Lin always tries her best to help students gain the highest level in Mandarin and also cares about the students’ personality and characters. The greatest joy she gets from teaching is sharing happiness and friendship with her students, while they grow together through the teaching and learning.
Mr. Matt Gollins
MYP Humanities
Matt is married to Tania and has two young children Emily and Finn who will both be attending school at ZIS. He graduated from Otago University in New Zealand with a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching and has now been teaching for 15 years. He has taught in New Zealand, England and Australia.
Matt enjoys the outdoors and thoroughly enjoys either playing or refereeing rugby. During the winter he loves to snow board and during the summer waterskiing is a favourite pastime. Matt has travelled extensively through Europe, Southern Africa, Nepal and India. He is looking forward to travelling through China over the next few years. Matt is committed to developing good teaching practices to ensure excellent outcomes for all his students.
Ms. Janice Lee
MYP Music & MYP English
Ms Janice Lee was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She received her teacher training in Vancouver before heading overseas to teach. Ms Lee has seven years of teaching experience in England, Macau and Hong Kong. She has been teaching the PYP program for the past three years and is looking forward to teaching MYP English. Ms Lee has had musical experiences in a variety of instruments and will be teaching music for Years 1 – 9. She is delighted to bring exciting opportunities to the students and help them to find their musical talents. Ms Lee loves reading, traveling, running, playing Ultimate Frisbee and dragon boating. She is happy to be joining the ZIS community.
Mr. John Psillides
MYP Science
John has 18 years experience as a secondary school Science teacher, especially the Physical Sciences. He has been Head of Science and ToK Coordinator previously. Working in the UK and several places overseas, particularly in the Arabian Gulf, has meant that John has been in a position to modify and vary teaching styles and techniques and feels that outcomes have proved success. He has a Batchelor’s degree in Environmental Science, and a PGCE qualification in Secondary Science from the University of Cambridge Dpmt of Education. Lately, he has been specializing in post-16 yrs of age qualifications, including the IB diploma. John is married to Susannah Psillides and they have two boys Evan and Sion. He has many interests, including sports, reading, and current affairs. He hails from the UK, and before becoming a teacher, worked in industry .throughout the British Isles.
Dr. Dominic Catalano
Art & PYP Music
Dominic has over 33 years of teaching experience from the primary grades through to the University level. He comes to Zhuhai from the United States. Holding a BS degree in Art Education, a MA in Fine Art, an MFA in Illustration, and a PhD in Art Education, and licensed to teach from the state of New York, he is well prepared to provide the most effective art and music programs possible for the children of Zhuhai International School. As a well-published children’s book Illustrator and author, Dominic has provided the pictures for 27 picturebooks, serving as author for 5 of the titles. While this is his first placement in an international setting, Dominic is passionate about being in China and especially excited about the International Baccalaureate Curriculum, which he feels fits his teaching style extremely well. Dominic, his wife Oksana, and their two boys, Peter, age 8, and Cristian, age 6, are ready and excited to a part of ZIS.
Ms. Debbie Hiley
EAL Teacher
Debbie was born and raised in England and worked in the commercial area of the fashion industry until her two children, Ben and Lauren, came along and the family moved to Hong Kong. Following regular time spent volunteering as a teacher’s assistant in both kindergarten and primary classes in schools in Hong Kong, Debbie decided to study teaching English as an additional language when the family moved to China and qualified at the beginning of 2008. Shortly after, she completed additional courses specialising in teaching young learners and was fortunate enough to be offered a position at Zhuhai International School, where her two children attend.
Debbie thinks the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the students become more confident using the English they have learnt and being able to communicate successfully with their friends, both in and out of school.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys cooking, running, reading and attempting to communicate in Mandarin and she is very happy to have the opportunity to live and work in Zhuhai and be a part of the ZIS community.
Ms. Silja Berner
Librarian
Silja Berner is originally from Germany and has lived in Zhuhai since the summer of 2002. She came here with her husband, who works for a German company. Their daughter Marie was born one year later and is now a student at ZIS.
Before Ms Silja started university she conducted an apprenticeship at a publisher to become a publishing manager. After that she attended a German university and graduated in 1995 as a primary and middle school teacher for German and Mathematics. After graduation, and until 2000, she taught in different schools throughout Germany. At that time she decided to go to Changchun, China, to work for VW Volkswagen for a year. There she met her husband and, finding life in China exciting, they decided to come back again.
Here in Zhuhai she taught Intensive German at PKU Experimental School on QiAo Dao and started learning Mandarin. In her free time she enjoys running, Yoga and – of course – reading books. Ms Silja is quite happy about being able to work with kids at school and being part of ZIS, which she visited first when it was still a building side.
Ms. Jiayuan Jordan
Librarian and EAL Teacher
Ms. Jordan was born and raised in Jilin province, China. She is a certified TESOL teacher. She went to Germany when she was 17 years old and was majored in German language at Yanbian University.
Ms. Jordan worked for two years as an assistant teacher at the university where she studied. Three years ago she moved to Zhuhai to teach German in the experimental school attached to Peking University, where she also worked as the class teacher and traveled with her students to many European countries as part of a Summer Camp.
Ms. Jordan is very interested in Children’s psychology. Currently she is studying for an EQ Trainer Certificate for Children. She believes that every student has good qualities which all of us could learn from. She is looking forward to finding the strength and potentiality in each student.