NIS Voices

Join us with Dr. Shannon Doak, IT Director at NIS for an important discussion about cybersecurity in schools. Learn more about how we are keeping our students, faculty, and community safe. "All schools have certain things in place like filters and firewalls. But 91% of all successful data breaches have been due to spear phishing and phishing attacks. It's super important for schools to have a trai...

Join us with Ms. Ruth Clarke, Secondary Principal at Nanjing International School as we discuss our bespoke, holistic Global Citizen Diploma programme and how it complements the academic rigour of the IBDP by recognizing a student's whole education – learning inside the classroom, within the larger context of school, and in the world beyond. “Students are such rounded individuals that it’s not jus...

Join us with Ms. Kathrin Lammers, Aquatics Director at Nanjing International School as we discuss our inclusive, year-round Pre-K to 12 swimming programme. “It’s about your personal best. If you put in the effort and the commitment, you are on your way to succeed.”

Join us with Dr. Shannon Doak, IT Director at Nanjing International School as we discuss digital citizenship in the hyper-connected world we live in. "Respect. Protect. Connect. It’s the ability to safely and responsibly use digital technologies and be a respectful user of these tools in that online community and environment."

Our diverse faculty are a force for positivity, inclusivity, and innovation. Join us with Mr. Kasson Bratton, Director of Learning, as we discuss teaching at NIS. “Teachers perform at their best when they feel seen, they feel valued, and they are connected with other people that they like to work with. All the systems we put in place spring from that base level of dignity and humanity.”

The longevity of NIS leadership is very rare among international schools worldwide as we have only ever had 2 directors in our 30-year history. Join us for a very special look at the past and present of NIS with both Mr. Laurie McLellan and Mr. Gez Hayden, our present and past school directors. “My wish for NIS is that it continues to thrive, it continues to be inclusive, and it continues to impro...

We often read about the social and emotional needs of adolescents, but at Nanjing International School, mental health and wellness starts with our youngest Primary students and extends all the way to Grade 12. Join us with Primary Counsellor, Ms. Q Joyner, and learn more about mental health and wellness in our Primary school. “Mental health is not just for them at this moment, but also preparing t...

What sparks inspiration and creativity in our older student artists? How do they express themselves? Join us with Secondary MYP/DP Visual Arts Teacher, Ms. Sandy Kuan, and learn more about our vibrant Visual Arts programme. “When they have more freedom, then they have more choices. It’s very important as a teacher to be more fluid and be able to adjust to the students’ needs.”

Join NIS Secondary students Kirsten and Kalei as we discuss their Non-Straight/Straight Alliance project and inclusion at our school. "Inclusion in general is a big thing for not just our school but for the world that we live in. It’s very important that you’re supporting others with their choices and just who they are as a person and embracing them."

Join us for a chat with NIS Activities Director, Mr. Danny Clarke, about the incredible activities programme we offer at our school. From athletics to the arts, to student activities, co-curriculars are integral to our student-centred, inclusive approach to education. "We’ve got a massive commitment to activities at NIS. It’s in the DNA of our school. It’s not just an add-on. It’s a central part o...

Join us as we discuss what’s new for Nanjing International School in 2022-23 with Mr. Kasson Bratton, our Director of Learning. From exciting summer projects and campus improvements, to new faculty and the preparation for the first day of school and the year ahead, we take a look behind the scenes at all the wonderful work that goes into making NIS such a wonderful place to learn and teach. "One o...

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new Secondary Learning Support Teacher, Ms. Tanya Farrol, and MYP PE Teacher, Mr. Phil Farrol. "We as teachers need to provide them with those skills: How we work on developing lifelong learning skills, and how do we advocate for help or support with some type of learning?" – Ms. Farrol "I want you to try. Because you’re always going to be s...

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new MYP English and Humanities Teacher, Ms. Anita Claasz. "Teachers want students to be excited to come to school. It’s really our job to make sure that they’re happy and enjoying the lessons – we have to find new and interesting ways to deliver that curriculum."

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new Primary ELL Teacher, Ms. Alexia Lastchenko. "It’s very important as a teacher to allow the students to create personal meaning for the language that they are using or learning."

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new IBDP Economics, Business, & MYP Humanities Teacher, Mr. Andrew Friedle. "I am here for the students, their education, and empowering them to really believe that they are in charge of their own education journey."

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new PYP Homeroom Teacher, Mr. Santiago Gonzalez. “I try to promote a culture of high expectation for every learner while always taking into consideration individual learning abilities and understanding the uniqueness of every student’s learning journey.”

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new Primary Learning Support Teacher, Ms. Ginna Daza. “For me, the most important thing is to have fun. You have to make mistakes and work hard. No matter what happens, you are always going to learn something.”

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new MYP and DP Physics Teacher, Mr. Shaqeel Baksh. “There is no such thing as a stupid question in learning. I aim to create a safe space where the moment students walk into my classroom, they feel comfort. They feel comfortable raising their hand to ask what in their mind might not be a smart question.”

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new lower Primary School Counsellor, Ms. Sue Chun. “I believe one of the most essential skills in counselling is active listening. It’s all about listening to understand, not listening to respond. I’m not just tuning into the message that was shared ­– I try to read and catch those nonverbal cues and acknowledge the child to help them feel u...

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new Primary School Counsellor, Ms. Q Joyner. “Our roles are very intricate in making sure that students feel safe, supported, and have a friend. The students make you feel like you’re a hero, and I want to give that back.”

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new IB MYP Coordinator and English Language and Literature Teacher, Ms. Jade Bennett. “My favorite thing about the MYP is the emphasis on all different aspects of learning. It’s not just completely about being knowledgeable and knowing every fact – it’s more about the whole child, and I think that’s really important.”

Join Ms. Maxine Carrick, Class of 2013, as we discuss her high school memories of NIS, an inspiring and fun place that she called home. Now Maxine is an art teacher in Texas and looks back at her time at NIS fondly.  "NIS was my home – that’s what I called my home for a very long time after I left. Anywhere you truly are just happy and comfortable and where you grow up and you’re figuring out...

Join us as we get to know Nanjing International School's new Primary Principal, Ms. Jacqui Patrick, including her background and teaching and leadership philosophy. “Children are amazing. Their capacity to learn, and think, and create, and grow and experiment – it’s there. And we have to protect it, and we have to spark it, and we have to grow it.”

Our major school charity, the Pfrang Association, is a non-profit charity organization with the intention of providing funds aimed at helping underprivileged children in Jiangsu and Anhui Province to attain an education. Join NIS Secondary Teacher and Pfrang Association President, Mr. Andy Romero, as we discuss Pfrang's history, mission, and their amazing upcoming annual charity event, the Pfrang...

From Early Years to Grade 1 and Grade 5 to 6, this is a time of year where many transitions are taking place in our Primary School. Join Primary Principal Mr. Adam Dodge as we explore how our IB Continuum school supports and facilitates student growth throughout the PYP and during the transition into Secondary School and the MYP.