As the new academic year 2026-2027 approaches, Tsinghua International School (THIS) welcomes 14 new faculty and staff members, who completed a week‑long orientation covering school culture, teaching frameworks, and hands‑on system training from Aug. 3-7, 2026.
The week also brought meaningful interactions with parents and students, alongside intensive Professional Learning Community (PLC) training guided by veteran teachers, which sharpened their professional expertise and built close‑knit bonds among colleagues.
The new members are from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Colombia, Venezuela, and China.
A Week of Immersion & Connection
Over the past week, the new teachers completed a thoughtfully designed orientation covering school culture, Understanding by Design (UbD) training, and division-specific approaches including International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and Project-Based Learning (PBL).
They connected with parents and students over meals and took part in hands-on system training and immersive PLC sessions led by veteran teachers, gaining both practical skills and insight into student-centred teaching.
Beyond the formal sessions, the week created space for colleagues from different cultural backgrounds to bond and begin supporting each other as friends. By the end of orientation, new teachers had gained not only a comprehensive grasp of THIS systems and culture, but also a genuine sense of belonging and a network of trusted peers for the year ahead.
Meeting Some of THIS' New Faces
Sean Simkins, who will be THIS new Head of Primary, has been struck by the warmth of everyone he has met: "welcoming, approachable, and the campus has a lovely sense of community."
Looking ahead to his new role, Simkins aims to hold high expectations for every student while creating an environment where they feel happy, supported, and confident to grow.
He hopes Primary students will live the school's core values, with kindness and respect at the heart of all they do, and become resilient, independent thinkers.
A passionate traveller who recently walked with penguins in Antarctica, Simkins says, "Travel has opened my mind to new places and cultures, and I hope to bring that curiosity into school."
Gabrielle Henwood, joining from South Africa to teach Middle School Science, says that THIS has set a new standard for her in support, community, and teaching approaches.
"I have felt so welcomed, accepted, and valued," Henwood shares. "I quickly realised that moving abroad and starting a new life in China was worth the risk."
Henwood hopes her students will be curious, embrace wonder and find balance between playfulness and accountability in the classroom. Reflecting on her journey, she said she was grateful that she had chosen to come see China for herself. This experience has already taught her that stepping into the unknown is where the real growth happens, she added.
Ziyad Aref will teach Secondary Computer Science. A teacher of US and Egyptian heritage, he finds the school impressive and the community warm.
"I expect to enjoy coming to work every day. Living in China so far has been wonderful."
He believes teaching here will be very rewarding, as students seem serious about their learning. "I hope the students will be as passionate about computer science as I am," he adds.
Gabriela di Muro, our new College Counsellor, already feels a deep sense of belonging.
"Every member of the community I have met has been incredibly kind, from students to teachers, support staff, and parents. I already feel I have a community I can count on, both professionally and personally," said Di Muro.
She looks forward to collaborating with colleagues, students, and parents to make the college counselling process exciting and something to look forward to each year. Eager to learn from students' fresh perspectives, she adds, "My first goal is to become a trusted member of our community. My door and email are open to all!"
Elaine Yao, the only Chinese national among this year's new hires, will teach Middle School Chinese.
Yao describes her first impression of THIS as "diverse, inclusive, and warm, a big family that quickly gives you a sense of belonging."
As a Chinese teacher, she aims to deliver both language knowledge and broader literacy and looks forward to working with other colleagues to create classrooms that are both intellectually deep and emotionally warm. She cannot wait to meet her students and grow with them through mutual inspiration.
Her two core expectations for them are to set aside any fear of learning and develop a genuine love for language, and to maintain curiosity beyond the textbook, exploring the wider world of words.
Community's Embrace
Throughout the orientation, new teachers also connected with parent and student representatives. Long-time members from THIS Parent Council offered heartfelt welcomes, expressing how the school community turns initial unfamiliarity into deep belonging.
They look forward to working hand in hand with the new faculty, accompanying every student as they grow and shine in an environment of love and inclusion. Though the community may be small, they noted, it is close-knit and supportive—a true THIS family.
Students shared their perspectives on school life, campus culture, courses, and the teacher-student dynamic, giving new faculty a valuable window into the community through the eyes of those who know it best.
Members from the THIS Parent Council offered their heartfelt welcomes.
Yuan Juan, a veteran leader on the Parent Council with three children at the school, said:
"A warm welcome to our new teachers, as warm as family. Here we witness our children's growth together and turn initial unfamiliarity into deep belonging."
She added that the Parent Council looks forward to working hand in hand with all faculty and staff members at THIS, accompanying every student as they shine in love and inclusion.
Fumika Yagi,who is from Japan and has served on the Parent Council for over five years. She gives her heartfelt welcome to all the new teachers.
"Over the past five years, I have built meaningful connections with parents, students, and teachers. Though our community is small, it is close-knit and supportive. I look forward to working with our new teachers and staff in 2026-27."
A Shared Beginning
As the new teachers settle in, they carry with them not only individual expertise but also a collective sense of gratitude and excitement. They come from different corners of the world, yet all speak the same language of curiosity, respect, and dedication.
With the new year about to unfold, THIS remains true to its founding mission:
"Tsinghua International School fosters creative critical thinkers who have roots in China and are prepared to lead in the global community."
"We nurtures globally minded talents with a deep foundation in Chinese culture, independent thinking, and innovative spirit."
Blending Eastern and Western educational traditions, THIS values not only academic excellence but also the holistic growth of every student—intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Our core values guide us every day: Wellbeing, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Innovation, and Leadership.
To our new teachers: Welcome home.
To our students and parents: Get ready for another wonderful journey together.
