Meet
Our Team

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As one of the best schools in Dubai, we owe much of our success to our exceptional team. From the early years teachers to secondary school staff, our specialist teachers, and boarding school staff have the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of a team that shapes the future of our incredible students.

Regular meetings and communication among teachers, specialists, and boarding school staff guarantee that students’ needs are addressed comprehensively. This spirit of teamwork not only benefits students academically but also equips them with vital social and interpersonal skills needed in the real world.

One of our defining features as one the the best schools in Dubai is the spirit of collaboration among our staff. They work cohesively to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education.

Below you can find all of our incredible staff members and their profiles, where you can find out a little more about them and their experience and why they make up one of the best schools in Dubai.

Rania-Hussein

Rania Hussein

DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL (TEACHING AND LEARNING)

At SISD, the journey of education begins in the early years, a crucial stage where the foundation for lifelong learning is laid. Our Early Years team plays a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where young students develop essential life skills. As one of the best schools in Dubai, we take the early years seriously. These educators are not just teachers; they are architects of curiosity. They employ play-based learning to engage students’ young minds, creating a love for learning. The early years team understands the significance of creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere where children can explore, ask questions, and build essential cognitive and social skills.

Leanda Kelly

Leanda Kelly

Assistant Head – Learning & Teaching Phases 1 & 2
Debbie Galt

Debbie Galt  

Early Years Class Teacher/PreKG Coordinator
Charlotte Sotomi

Charlotte Sotomi

KG1 LEARNING COORDINATOR / EARLY YEARS TEACHER KG1
1 2

The transition from early years to primary school can be a significant step for students, and at SISD we ensure this transition is seamless and enriching. Our primary school teachers at SISD are known for their commitment to building strong academic foundations while making learning engaging and interactive.

Our primary school teachers encourage a growth mindset, promoting a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. They implement various teaching methods, including project-based learning, to spark curiosity and develop critical thinking. Diversity and the appreciation of different perspectives are also highly valued in the classrooms, preparing students for a globalized world where understanding differences is essential.

Samantha Hodges

Samantha Hodges

DEPUTY HEAD OF PRIMARY (STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT)
Leanda Kelly

Leanda Kelly

Assistant Head – Learning & Teaching Phases 1 & 2
Lisa Thorpe

Lisa Thorpe

Deputy Head of Primary and IB PYP Curriculum Coordinator
Tamara-Grannell

Tamara Grannell

GRADE 1 LEARNING COORDINATOR / PRIMARY TEACHER GRADE 1
1 2 3 4

Secondary school is a vital stage in a student’s educational journey. Our team of teachers at this level are well-equipped to guide students through more complex subjects and higher expectations. As one of the best schools in Dubai, SISD has a strong secondary school team dedicated to shaping students for a bright future.

These instructors bring expertise in their subjects and a passion for teaching. Beyond knowledge transfer, they instil critical thinking skills and prepare students for the challenges of higher education and life beyond school. Our secondary school teachers are mentors, providing guidance and support to help students navigate their teenage years successfully.

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Darragh Coughlan

GRADE 12 LEARNING COORDINATOR / MATHEMATICS TEACHER
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Jamie Baker-Beall

MATHEMATICS COORDINATOR / MATHEMATICS TEACHER
Cillian Treacy

Cillian Treacy

MATHEMATICS TEACHER / SPORTS SCIENCE TEACHER
Jamil Hussain

Jamil Hussain

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEACHER / BTEC BUSINESS TEACHER
Joseph Otoole

Joseph O’Toole

GRADE 9 LEARNING COORDINATOR / SCIENCE TEACHER
1 2 3 4 5

We recognize the uniqueness of each student and their individual talents and needs. This is why we employ a team of specialist teachers who offer additional support and enrichment opportunities. These include language specialists, learning support teachers, and gifted education specialists.

Language specialists at SISD support students in acquiring proficiency in multiple languages, including English, German, Arabic, and French. Learning support teachers are instrumental in assisting students who may require additional help with specific subjects or learning challenges. On the other hand, gifted education specialists identify and nurture the talents of exceptionally bright students, offering them opportunities to excel and challenge themselves.

AMINA-DAROUECHE

Amina Daroueche

Upper Primary French Coordinator/Inclusion Teacher
Aoibheann Minnock

Aoibheann Minnock

Early Years & Primary SENCO/Inclusion Teacher
Kathryn Kelly

Kathryn Melissa Kelly

EARLY YEARS & PRIMARY LANGUAGE / SEN LEAD
Samia Ouguergouz

Samia Ouguergouz

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (INCLUSION)
Kristine Bermundo

Kristine Bermundo

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (INCLUSION)
Remusjr Bermundo

Remus Bermundo Jr

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (INCLUSION)
CHRISTIAN-HOOKER

Christian Hooker

BOARDING WELLBEING & FITNESS COORDINATOR / PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
1 2 3

At SISD we stand out not only for our exceptional day school but also for our impressive boarding school. Boarding school staff at SISD provide students from around the world with a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring they are comfortable, happy, and well-cared for. The sense of community and support provided is characteristic of the best schools in Dubai.

These staff members go beyond their roles as caretakers. They become an extended family for the students, organizing activities, supporting emotional well-being, and creating a sense of belonging. By establishing a warm and inclusive environment, boarding school staff enable students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Arlene Samia

Arlene Samia

PA TO THE PRINCIPAL AND DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL
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Ivorie Claire Padua

EARLY YEARS SCHOOL SECRETARY AND CHILDCARE COORDINATOR
1 2 3

Teamwork & Collaboration

We work cohesively to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. Regular meetings and communication among our teachers, specialists, and boarding school staff guarantee that our students’ needs are addressed comprehensively. This spirit of teamwork not only benefits our students academically but also equips them with vital social and interpersonal skills needed in the real world.