SkyGems Academy

Justin Adams is SkyGems Academy Podcast 10th speaker for Series 2 Discovering 21st Century Skills. Justin is currently the Secondary School Head of Mahsa International School, Selangor, Malaysia.

Justin was born in Swansea in South Wales, UK. He is a father of 2 sons.

Justin started off his career journey as a Chef as a Hotel Manager at Hilton National and Catering Manager at St Camillus Catering. In 2000, Justin diverted into Teaching after a Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Economics at the University of Wales, Swansea Institute in 2000. He obtained a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Business in 2004.

Justin spent 13 years in the UK teaching at St Augustines’s Comprehensive, Redditch and 8 years at Sir Bernard Lovell school in Bristol. He moved to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia to experience the cultures and quality of life in South East Asia.

Justin is passionate about exploring, discovering, evaluating and realising the potential strengths of the students that he meets and the colleagues that he works with.

Justin has grown and developed in the International School education system from a teacher of Business and Head of Humanities. Recently Head of Teaching and Learning/ Head of Secondary school and Acting Principal of MAHSA International School.

His interests  are personal development, traveling, reading and meditation. Justin is a passionate, balanced, calm, mindful and positive individual who loves to communicate, connect, and build relationships.

“When a person comes into education, they need that shining light, that outstanding memory, that inspiration that will guide them to visualising the importance to them. How it may shape their present and their future,” said Justin.

Let’s tune in to Justin Adam’s Podcast at SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 2 - Discovering 21st Century Skills.

Please visit and join us at:

SkyGems Academy https://skygemsacademy.com/

Join SkyGems Academy – 21st Century Skills learning journey launchpad https://learn.skygemsacademy.com/

Justin was born in Swansea in South Wales, UK. He is a father of 2 sons.

Justin started off his career journey as a Chef as a Hotel Manager at Hilton National and Catering Manager at St Camillus Catering. In 2000, Justin diverted into Teaching after a Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Economics at the University of Wales, Swansea Institute in 2000. He obtained a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Business in 2004.

Justin has grown and developed in the International School education system from a teacher of Business and Head of Humanities. Recently Head of Teaching and Learning/ Head of Secondary school and Acting Principal of MAHSA International School.

His interests  are personal development, traveling, reading and meditation. Justin is a passionate, balanced, calm, mindful and positive individual who loves to communicate, connect, and build relationships.

Visit: www.skygemsacademy.com

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 2 Discovering 21st Century Skills Episode 9 speaker is Alex Paltos.

Alex Paltos comes from Melbourne, Australia and has been an educator for over 22 years. Over half of that time has been spent working outside his native Australia in the UK, China and the Middle East, including working for international schools or schools that have an ‘international footprint’.

A recent role was as Founding International Principal of Meisha Academy by Haileybury, in Guangzhou, China. It was a joint venture international school between Haileybury Australia – one of the most academically successful private schools in Australia in recent years – and Vanke Real Estate – a construction giant located in the south of China.

Alex also founded one of the first Cultural and English Immersion and Leadership Companies in China for students wishing to visit Australia.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for AustCham South China and Xiaomei, an Education Technology company based in Hong Kong. He has a Bachelor of Arts (History and Politics), Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University, Masters in Education Management and Leadership and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Sydney – he is also currently pursuing a PhD.

Alex has worked in China for over six years and his current role is as Principal of one the most prestigious IB international kindergartens in Guangzhou. In his spare time Alex enjoys playing AFL, running marathons, keeping fit, eating Cantonese food, studying Mandarin and walking his two dogs and spending time with his two young boys.

Now let’s tune in to Alex Paltos Podcast!

Please visit and join us at:

SkyGems Academy https://skygemsacademy.com/

Join SkyGems Academy – 21st Century Skills learning journey launchpad https://learn.skygemsacademy.com/

Alex Paltos comes from Melbourne, Australia and has been an educator for over 22 years. Over half of that time has been spent working outside his native Australia in the UK, China and the Middle East, including working for international schools or schools that have an ‘international footprint’.

A recent role was as Founding International Principal of Meisha Academy by Haileybury, in Guangzhou, China. It was a joint venture international school between Haileybury Australia – one of the most academically successful private schools in Australia in recent years – and Vanke Real Estate – a construction giant located in the south of China.

Alex also founded one of the first Cultural and English Immersion and Leadership Companies in China for students wishing to visit Australia.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for AustCham South China and Xiaomei, an Education Technology company based in Hong Kong. He has a Bachelor of Arts (History and Politics), Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University, Masters in Education Management and Leadership and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Sydney – he is also currently pursuing a PhD.

Alex has worked in China for over six years and his current role is as Principal of one the most prestigious IB international kindergartens in Guangzhou. In his spare time Alex enjoys playing AFL, running marathons, keeping fit, eating Cantonese food, studying Mandarin and walking his two dogs and spending time with his two young boys.

Visit: www.skygemsacademy.com

SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 2 Discovering 21st Century Skills Episode 8 speaker is Heena Thapar.

Heena Thapar a passionate educator for primary years learners for 16 years and continuing. Teaching is Heena’s passion and keeps her happy😊Currently Heena is the PYP Facilitator at Sekolah Global Indo-Asia located in Batam, Indonesia.

She holds a Masters Degree in Child Care and Education. Heena’s key strengths are being open-minded, resilient, and patient. Being open-minded helps her to play a vital role as a facilitator and as a team member.  Being resilient gives her the strength to overcome overwhelming situations in a peaceful manner.  For understanding the learners in a class, patience is very important to make them feel that they are valuable members and there is someone who is always ready to hear them out.

Pursuing her passion in teaching and education, Heena has conducted webinars on importance of rhymes and stories, critical thinking skills in the young learners.  Heena enjoys working with young children, exploring their creative thoughts and implementing it in their daily learning.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s tune in to SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 2 Discovering 21st Century Skills Episode 8 by Heena Thapar.  Enjoy the podcast from Heena.

Please visit and join us at:

SkyGems Academy https://skygemsacademy.com/

Join SkyGems Academy – 21st Century Skills learning journey launchpad https://learn.skygemsacademy.com/

Hello I’m Heena Thapar a passionate educator for primary years learners for 16 years and continuing. Teaching is my passion and my happy space. 

I’m a Masters in Child care and education. My key strengths are being open-minded, resilient, and patient. Being open-minded helps me to play a vital role as a facilitator and as a team member.  Being resilient gives me the strength to overcome overwhelming situations in a peaceful manner.  For understanding the learners in a class, patience is very important to make them feel that they are valuable members and there is someone who is always ready to hear them out.

Pursuing my passion in teaching and education I’ve conducted webinars on Importance of rhymes and stories, critical thinking skills in the young learners.  I always enjoy working with young children, exploring their creative thoughts and implementing it in their daily learning.

Visit: www.skygemsacademy.com

We are pleased to introduce you to John Cheung, as our distinguished speaker at SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 2 Episode 7, Discovering 21st Century Skills.

John Cheung is the founding Principal of Tai Kwong Hilary College (TKHC), where is an International Baccalaureate candidate school where offers International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), the General Certificate of Education (GCE A -level) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

Now we are pleased to present to you, our esteemed and distinguished speaker for SkyGems Academy Podcast Series 2 Episode 7 Discovering 21st Century Skills, Mr. John Cheung.

Please visit and join us at:

SkyGems Academy https://skygemsacademy.com/

Join SkyGems Academy – 21st Century Skills learning journey launchpad https://learn.skygemsacademy.com/

John Cheung is the founding Principal of Tai Kwong Hilary College (TKHC), where is an International Baccalaureate candidate school where offers International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), the General Certificate of Education (GCE A -level) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

Please visit and join us at:

SkyGems Academy https://skygemsacademy.com/

Join SkyGems Academy – 21st Century Skills learning journey launchpad https://learn.skygemsacademy.com/

We are pleased to introduce you to  Guy Cassarchis, as our distinguished speaker at skygems academy podcast series 2 episode 6, discovering 21st century skills.

Guy is an Australian qualified and Victorian registered teacher and School leader with over 32 years’ experience both Internationally and within Australia.

His experiences in education include roles such as: CEO/Headmaster, Whole School Principal, Co-Principal, Deputy Principal Preparatory – Year 12, Head of Senior School, , Head of House (Pastoral and Wellbeing Leader), Director of Personal Development, Health, Physical Education and Sport K – 12, Head of Physical Education and GSV Sport K – 12, Head of Department, Head of Year, Outdoor Education and PE teacher.

Most recently, Guy has held the role of International School Principal within Malaysia from 2015 – 2017 and then again from 2018 – 2020. Prior to moving back to Kuala Lumpur in December 2018, Guy was the CEO/Headmaster at Grange School in Ikeja, Lagos (A Co-educational British Curriculum R – 11 Day & Boarding School) that was ranked in the top 100 International Cambridge Schools in the world. During his time at Grange School he set up the Grange Football Academy that was linked to the English Premier League.

Whilst in Malaysia, the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) has requested that Guy provides a variety of lectures and workshops for teachers, students and parents on 21st Century learners/learning and how to be an engaging global 21st Century teacher/parent. Guy was also the keynote speaker for the inaugural Malaysian MOE International & Private School Forum that was held in early 2020.

On a personal level, Guy holds a number of Australian Coaching qualifications and has been involved in coaching student athletes from School to Youth Olympic level back in Australia. His Sports include – Track and Field, Cross Country, Water Polo, Swimming, Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League, AFL, Tennis, Cricket, Hockey and Life Saving. As a young athlete Guy was also fortunate to represent at State and National level in a number of sports.

Outside of his own school, Guy devotes his time to assisting school owners, boards, and executive leaders predominantly in International Schools throughout Africa and South East Asia.

Guy has also taken some time out to speak at International and local Conferences in the area of 21st Century Learning and Teaching, Assessing, Reporting, Teacher Appraisal and the importance of “Connection” within modern day Schools.

Now, Join me in welcoming Guy to our podcast!

Please visit and join us at:

SkyGems Academy https://skygemsacademy.com/

Join SkyGems Academy – 21st Century Skills learning journey launchpad https://learn.skygemsacademy.com/

Guy Cassarchis is an Australian qualified and Victorian registered teacher and School leader with over 32 years’ experience both Internationally and within Australia.

His experiences in education include roles such as: CEO/Headmaster, Whole School Principal, Co-Principal, Deputy Principal Preparatory – Year 12, Head of Senior School, , Head of House (Pastoral and Wellbeing Leader), Director of Personal Development, Health, Physical Education and Sport K – 12, Head of Physical Education and GSV Sport K – 12, Head of Department, Head of Year, Outdoor Education and PE teacher.

Most recently, Guy has held the role of International School Principal within Malaysia from 2015 – 2017 and then again from 2018 – 2020. Prior to moving back to Kuala Lumpur in December 2018, Guy was the CEO/Headmaster at Grange School in Ikeja, Lagos (A Co-educational British Curriculum R – 11 Day & Boarding School) that was ranked in the top 100 International Cambridge Schools in the world. During his time at Grange School he set up the Grange Football Academy that was linked to the English Premier League.

Whilst in Malaysia, the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) has requested that Guy provides a variety of lectures and workshops for teachers, students and parents on 21st Century learners/learning and how to be an engaging global 21st Century teacher/parent. Guy was also the keynote speaker for the inaugural Malaysian MOE International & Private School Forum that was held in early 2020.

On a personal level, Guy holds a number of Australian Coaching qualifications and has been involved in coaching student athletes from School to Youth Olympic level back in Australia. His Sports include – Track and Field, Cross Country, Water Polo, Swimming, Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League, AFL, Tennis, Cricket, Hockey and Life Saving. As a young athlete Guy was also fortunate to represent at State and National level in a number of sports.

More about Tim here: https://skygemsacademy.com/education-podcast/series-2/guy-cassarchis/

More Podcasts here! https://skygemsacademy.com/education-podcast/series-2/

www.skygemsacademy.com

www.idigitalsky.com.sg

Igniting Gems