Primary Teachers

Ms. Laura Munro

Head of Year 1, Year 1 Homeroom Teacher

• Bachelor of Teaching Primary (majoring in Professional Education) and Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Waikato, New Zealand
• 6 years teaching experience in preschool and primary school
• Was a primary teacher at a New Zealand school for the past 2 years

Ms. Nadia Sharif

Year 1 Homeroom Teacher

• BA in Psychology (Hons), HELP University
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 5 years teaching experience in Preschool, Year 1 and Year 2

Ms. Sarah Edeson

Year 1 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. in European Business Studies with French, University of Liverpool, UK
• PGCE with QTS, University of Manchester, UK
• Over 11 years of teaching experience in the UK, Hong Kong, Spain and Colombia

Ms. Gabriella Henry
Head of Year 2, Year 2 Homeroom Teacher

• Bachelor of Science (1st Class Honours) and Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
• 11 years of teaching experience that included being in the leadership role in the New Zealand Playcentre Federation

Ms. Shumita Van Rijswijk

Year 2 Homeroom Teacher

• B.Com, University of Auckland
• Cambridge International Award in Teaching and Learning (CIATL)
• Currently completing Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• Worked as a quality assessor and instructor specialising in English language competencies, and as an English language instructor at refugee schools in Egypt and Germany.

Ms. Uviovo Augustina

Year 2 Homeroom Teacher

• B.Early Childhood Education (Hons), HELP University, Malaysia
• Certificate on Phonics
• Diploma in Educational Management
• 8 years of teaching experience in international schools

Mr. Sid Arouche

Head of Year 3, Year 3 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. (Hons) in Business Management from Bolton University
• PGCE in Primary Education from The University of Sunderland
• Total of about 7 years of teaching experience while living in several countries including Algeria, Germany, the UK and the UAE
• Proficient in Arabic, French and German

Ms. Ms Dharshenny Dewi Gopal

Year 3 Homeroom Teacher

• Bachelor of Education degree in TESL (Hons), Sultan Idris Education University
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL) qualification.
• Teaching experience as English teacher both the public and international schools in Malaysia
• Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship recipient

Mr. James Marwick

Year 3 Homeroom Teacher

• Bachelor of Science double majoring in Economics and Geography, University of Canterbury, and Diploma in Science and Technology, Massey University, New Zealand.
• Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the New Zealand Graduate School of Education.
• Joins us from New Zealand where he has been working as Junior School Teacher for more than two years.

Ms. Deepashrii Munisamy

Year 3 Homeroom Teacher

• B.Sc. in Business Information Systems from the University of East London, UK
• Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching & Learning (CICTL) with distinction
• 11 years working experience, 5 years of which were at HIS teaching in the primary school

Ms. Peta Medcalf

Head of Year 4, Year 4 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. Music Performance, Australian Institute of Music, Australia
• Grad. Dip. In Education, University of New England, U.S.A
• 7 years of teaching experience

Ms. Phryashini Sugumaran 

Year 4 Homeroom Teacher

• B.Ed. (Hons) TESL, SEGI University
• Dip. in English, Sultan Idris Education University
• Dean’s list awards
• Joined HIS since 2016, has homeroom teaching experience. Prior to HIS, taught at an international boarding school

Mr. Jamie Speakman

Year 4 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A (Hons.) Media, Communication and Culture, Lincoln University
• Postgraduate Cert. Education (International), Nottingham University, UK
• 6 years of teaching experience internationally
• Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2019

Ms. Samante Wickramaratna

Year 4 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. Psychology, Bemidji State University, Minnesota, US
• PGCE (International), University of Nottingham, UK
• Over 5 years of teaching experience

Ms. Catherine Jolly

Head of Year 5, Year 5 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. in Primary Education, Nottingham University, UK
• M.A. Social Work, Nottingham University, UK
• TEFL qualification
• 9 years of experience in supporting children as a teacher and social worker in the UK. Worked on special projects in Phnom Penh and Hong Kong.

Ms. Dora Lowe

Year 5 Homeroom Teacher

• B.C. Accountancy, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
• Teaching in Early Childhood, NZ College of Early Childhood Education
• Over 10 years of teaching experience in New Zealand and Malaysia

Mr. Luke Edeson

Year 5 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. Town Planning, University of Manchester, UK
• PGCE (Primary), University of Greenwich, UK
• 10 years of teaching experience; was a homeroom teacher and ICT coordinator at a school in Leeds, UK before joining HIS.

Ms. Pavitrra Sugamaran

Year 5 Homeroom Teacher

• Currently pursuing Masters in Education, University of Malaya
• B.Ed. (Hons), SEGI University in collaboration with University of St Mark’s and St John’s
• Joined HIS since 2015, has homeroom teaching experience, also a key member of the Primary Reading Programme Committee
• Prior to HIS, taught at a learning centre for several years
• An accomplished Indian classical dancer who performs at international events

Ms. Sarah Benedict

Head of Year 6, Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. Mass Communications, Murdoch University, Australia
• PGDE, Wawasan Open University, Malaysia
• Integrative Journalism, Malaysia Institute of Integrative Media
• Cambridge International Award in Teaching & Learning (CIATL) with distinction
• Currently pursuing Masters in Teaching & Learning
• Over 10 years of teaching experience in private and international schools

Mr. Richard Landowski

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

• PGCE and B.A. in Humanities from Trinity College, University of Wales,UK
• Taught for 25 years in the UK, the USA, the UAE, Spain and Russia
• Has extensive experience teaching the IPC, the IMYC and the English National Curriculum, specialising in the teaching of IPC/IMYC in subjects like English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, PE, Music and Art from Year 2 to Year 7

Mr. Ian Michael Wong

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

• B.A. (Hons) Business Administration, University of East London, UK
• Diploma in Business Administration from Tunku Abdul Rahman College, Malaysia
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• Currently pursuing postgraduate programme in education
• 12 years of teaching experience in various organisations

Mr. Omar Munip

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

• Diploma Multimedia Production, SAE School of Audio Engineering
• B.A. (Hons) Primary Teaching with ICT QTS, University of Hull, UK
• M.A. Global and International Citizenship Education, University of York, UK
• 12 years teaching experience in the UK and Malaysia at both mainstream and specialist schools for cognition and learning
• Active as a coordinator for the school’s Student Council and Interact Club, and an advisor of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme

Ms. Abegail Rebecca De Costa

Year 6 Homeroom Teacher

• BSc Biomedical Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Australia
• GDip in Early Childhood Studies, Edith Cowan University, Australia
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching & Learning (CICTL)
• 7 years of teaching experience, with the last two years as a HIS homeroom teacher in another milepost

Ms. Jocelyn Seah Shu Fen

Mandarin Teacher

• B.B.A, majoring in International Marketing from University Putra Malaysia.
• Cambridge International Diploma for Teaching and Learning (CIDTL) with distinction
• Teaching Certificate of Chinese as a Foreign Language in Elementary and Secondary Education with distinction
• 11 years of teaching experience, holding various positions including Year Leader and Head of Mandarin.

Ms. Vicky Heng

Mandarin Teacher

• B.A. Early Childhood Education, University of Southern Queensland, Australia
• M.Ed. (Teaching and Learning), HELP University, Malaysia
• Professional Competency of International Chinese Teacher awarded by the International Chinese Teacher Certificate Authority, Qinghai University for Nationalities, China.
• Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2019
• 7 years of teaching experience

Ms. Chia Yin Mooi

Mandarin Teacher

• B.A., National Cheng Chi University, Taiwan R.O.C.
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching & Learning (CICTL)
• 14 years of teaching experience in schools in Malaysia.

Ms. Phyllis Wong

Mandarin Teacher

• B.A. in Mandarin and Business Administration, Universiti Putra Malaysia
• Cambridge International Diploma for Teaching and Learning (CIDTL)
• 17 years of teaching experience; has worked as a teacher trainer in Singapore and was Deputy Principal at a Montessori school.

Ms. Chong Ling Li

Mandarin Teacher

• B.Soc. Sc. (Hons) Psychology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia
• M.Sc. Development Psychology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 10 years of teaching experience with the last 2 years with HIS Primary.

Ms. Esther Siew Pui Wey

Mandarin Teacher

• B.Soc. Sc. (Hons) Psychology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia
• M.Sc. Development Psychology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 10 years of teaching experience with the last 2 years with HIS Primary

Ms. Huda Azemi

Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

• B.Ed. (Hons) TESL, Management and Science University, Malaysia
• M.Ed. (Teaching and Learning), HELP University, Malaysia
• 8 years of experiences in teaching and journalism

Ms. Indumathy Renganathan

Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

• B.A. (Hons) Human Resources Management Multimedia University, Malaysia
• Foundation in Life Science, Multimedia University, Malaysia
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 7 years of working experience with the last 2 years at HIS Primary, assisting Milepost 1 students.

Ms. Wan Nur Syahirah

Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

• B.A Sc. with Islamic Studies, University of Malaya
• Cambridge International Award of Teaching & Learning (CIATL)
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching & Learning (CICTL)
• 10 years of teaching experience in private school and International school

Ms. Nurulhuda Edy Muslim

Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

• B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
• Cambridge International Certificate in Training and Learning (CICTL)
• Currently pursuing the Cambridge International Diploma in Training and Learning (CIDTL)
• 10 years teaching experience. Prior to teaching, she was a Research Assistant at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Ms. Nur Anis Fariha

Bahasa Malaysia & Islamic Studies Teacher

• Bachelor of Malay Studies (Malay Language), University of Malaya
• Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia, SMU (A) Maahad Muhammadi (P)
• Several years of teaching experience

Ms. Chew Yi Tien

Music Teacher

• B.Sc. in Music (Hons), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• M.Sc. in Music, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Licentiate and Associate Diplomas, Trinity College, London
• 14 years of teaching experience and prior to joining HIS, served as Head of Music in another international school in Malaysia

Mr. Zailan Razak

Music Teacher

• B. Music, Cornell College, Iowa, USA
• M. Music, University of Arizona, USA
• Well-known multi-instrumentalist and music producer who has worked with many distinguished artistes including Sister Sledge, Syafinaz, Sheila Majid, Michael Veerapan and Kris Dayanti
• 30 years of teaching experience

Ms. Abby Lee

Remedial Reading Teacher

• BECE (Hons) Early Childhood Education, HELP University, Malaysia
• Cambridge International Certificate of Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 8 years of teaching experience in private and international schools in Malaysia, including 4 years at HIS

Ms. Barbara-Anne Mulhearn

Remedial Reading Teacher

• International Diploma in Early Childhood Education, London Montessori Centre, UK
• Certificate in Classroom Management, Meerilinga Training College, Australia
• Certificate from Musikgarten, a Music and Movement programme from USA
• Trained in the Letterland Phonics Programme
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 20 years of teaching and leadership experience

Ms. Siti Shyamimi Mokhsein

Remedial Reading Teacher

• Bachelor of Psychology, HELP University
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 3 years of teaching experience across Primary school

Ms. Rachel Yong

Maths Intervention Teacher

• Bachelor in Early Childhood Education from HELP University, Malaysia
• Cambridge International certificate of Teaching and Learning (CICTL),
• 3 years of teaching experience, having taught various subjects to Years 2 and 3 students, and preschoolers

Ms. Audrey Ng Cher Di

Math Intervention Teacher

• BSc degree in Applied Mathematics with Computing, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 3 years of teaching experience across Primary, especially in Singapore Maths

Ms. Kam Sze Wei

Maths Intervention Teacher

• Diploma in Montessori Method of Education
• Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching & Learning (CICTL)
• Over 19 years of teaching experience; member of the HIS and HELP Group teaching staff for the last 5 years, having previously been a senior teacher, director of studies, assistant directress and preschool principal at various learning institutions in Malaysia

Ms. Yamuna Sri Letchemanan

EAL Teacher

• B.A. in TESL, Management and Science University, Malaysia
• Currently pursuing her Masters in TESL, University of Malaya, Malaysia
• Over 2 years of teaching experience

Ms. Regina Arum

EAL Teacher

• B.A. (double major) Linguistics and English Language and Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
• Cambridge International Certificate of Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 6 years of working experience in New Zealand and Malaysia. Prior to HIS, she was working in an international school in East Malaysia

Ms. Sharmilla A.Narkiran

EAL Teacher

• Bachelor in Education (Teaching of English as a Second Language), Management and Science University
• Cambridge international Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• Currently pursuing Masters in TESL at Universiti of Malaya.
• Over 2 years of teaching experience

Mr. Mark Dawson
Athletics Director (Sports & CCA)

• B.Sc. in Psychology with Sport Science, University of Hull, UK
• M.Sc. in Psychology with Sport Science, Loughborough University, UK
• NCFE Level 3 Award in Diet and Nutrition
• 7 years of teaching experience; holds awards for football and futsal coaching

Mr. Bertrand Molinie
Physical Education Teacher

• B.Sc. in Sports Coaching, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK
• PGCE, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK
• Coaching qualifications in badminton, rugby, scuba diving, hockey, football and gymnastics
• 14 years of teaching experience internationally

Mr. Burhan Ghazali
Physical Education and Sports Teacher

• Diploma in Physical Education, National Institute of Education, Singapore
• 15 years of teaching experience in Singapore and Malaysia

Mr. Shukri Hashim
Physical Education and Sports Teacher

• Bachelor in Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA
• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, Open University
• 5 years of teaching experience at HIS; over 6 years of experience as a swimming instructor and lifeguard

Ms. Stephanie Cheah

School Counsellor

• B.A. Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia
• M. Counseling, HELP University, Malaysia
• 9 years of experience with various organisations involving teens

Ms. Fatima Anne Sebastian

School Counsellor

• B.Ed (TEFL) Queensland University of Technology, Australia
• M.Counselling, HELP University, Malaysia
• 7 years of experience in local schools and a tertiary institution

Ms. Yap Hui Ling

School Counsellor

• B.A. in Psychology, California State University, US
• M.Counselling, HELP University, Malaysia
• 5 years of counselling experience with various organisations involving children, teens and young adults
• Currently pursuing a course towards being a certified practitioner in therapeutic play skills (Play Therapy International, UK)

Ms. Lynda Foster

SEN Coordinator

• Bachelor of Education Massey University, Palmerston North
• Trained Teacher’s Certificate from New Zealand Department of Education, and also obtained her Reading Recovery Certificate
• More than 30 years experience in education, primarily as a specialist in Special Education Needs
• Taught extensively in New Zealand and the UK
• Worked with many students of various special needs across the spectrum, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, as well as those with social and emotional behavioural issues
• Has worked as a classroom teacher, before moving on to become a Reading Recovery Specialist teacher, coordinator and mentor
• Recently acquired leadership and management experience as a member of the Senior Management Leadership Team and as a Representative on the Governing Board of Trustees in Whangarei Primary School, New Zealand

Ms. Rosemary Shamani Joseph

SEN

• B.B.A., Atlantic University, USA
• Diploma in Learning Disorders Management and Child Psychology, College of Allied Educators, Malaysia
• Masters in Teaching and Learning, HELP University, Malaysia
• 5 years of experience, including 1 year at Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation

Ms. Nameeta Annand Raj

SEN

• B. Psych. (Hons), HELP University, Malaysia
• High Distinction for the Certificate in Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching from the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) Academy
• Trained Orton-Gillingham Practitioner
• 9 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development and SEN

Ms. Catriona Albela 

SEN

• B.Sc. Psychology, Bemidji State University, USA
• M.Sc. Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development, York St John University, UK
• Over 8 years of experience in various educational institutions

Ms. Adelynn Zon Ming Yee

SEN

• B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Nottingham, Malaysia
• Currently pursuing M.A. in Special and Inclusive Education, University of Nottingham, Malaysia
• 2 years of experience in a centre for special education.

Ms. Kong Tse Mun

SEN

• B. Psychological Science, University of South Australia
• Certificate on Supporting Children with Difficulties in Reading and Writing, University of London
• Over 7 years of experience in the education field, working closely with students of diverse special education and learning needs (ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, delayed speech, Sturge-Weber Syndrome and non-compliant behaviour)

Ms. Sonia Devi

SEN

• Degree in Psychology and Communication from Segi University/Upper Iowa University
• Cambridge International  Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• 4 years of teaching experience

Mr. Tanuj Mahesan

SEN

• B.Psych (Hons), HELP University, Malaysia
• M.S.c. Developmental Psychology with Education, University College London, Institute of Education, London
• 6 years of experience, including working with children with autism and was also a behavioral therapist

Mr. Jamie Speakman

Learning Innovation Coach

• B.A (Hons.) Media, Communication and Culture, University of Lincoln, UK
• PGCE (International), Nottingham University, UK
• Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2019
• 6 years of teaching experience internationally

Ms. Vicky Heng

Learning Innovation Coach

• B.A. Early Childhood Education, University of Southern Queensland, Australia
• M.Ed. (Teaching and Learning), HELP University, Malaysia
• Professional Competency of International Chinese Teacher awarded by the International Chinese Teacher Certificate Authority, Qinghai University for Nationalities, China.
• Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2019
• 7 years of teaching experience

Mr. Luke Edeson

Learning Innovation Coach

• B.A. Town Planning, University of Manchester, UK
• PGCE (Primary), University of Greenwich, UK
• 10 years of teaching experience; was a homeroom teacher and ICT coordinator at a school in Leeds, UK before joining HIS.

Ms. Shumita Van Rijswijk

Learning Innovation Coach

• B.Com, University of Auckland
• Cambridge International Award in Teaching and Learning (CIATL)
• Currently completing Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL)
• Worked as a quality assessor and instructor specialising in English language competencies, and as an English language instructor at refugee schools in Egypt and Germany.