NIS Voices

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 improve the experience the children attending the school receive.”

–Gez Hayden

“I’m very optimistic about the future. I think 30 years is just another foundational part of our journey forward.”

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 them for when they move on to the next stages of life.”

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 of what we do."

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 of the cool things about NIS is that we’re always changing, updating, and of course we have our new teachers coming in. Everyone’s just so excited to see our students back on campus – there’s a lot of positive energy."

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 successful somewhere. That’s the goal – it’s risk-taking all the time." – Mr. Farrol

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 MYP/DP Biology Teacher, Mr. Shane Wu. "That’s what I want to help students to appreciate: That biology is all around us, that it’s essential – not just for our life but also affects how we think of ourselves."

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."