Teacher Team

Kerry Paterson, Principal

I have been involved in Education for over 20 years and have lead educational change in my last 2 position as both Principal and Kindergarten PYP Coordinator. I moved to Jakarta in 2002 with my husband and 5 children. My experience includes working with Australian, British, Singapore, American and international curriculum’s including the International Baccalaureate- IB- Primary Years Program and the University of Cambridge International Curriculum. I am an accredited Cambridge exam marker and have also held positions as Director on school boards plus been President of the Parent & Friends Associate. The biggest question on my mind is, “Will it benefit & help the children?” That’s the driving force. Children first! I believe that education is not simply about curriculum, resources, or even budget, but, MUST be centered on bringing out the very best in each individual child.

Sander Fisser, Vice Principal

Since August 2010 my wife and I and our three children live here in Jakarta and I work as vice principal of the NIS and as head of the Dutch Stream. Before NIS International School, I have build my experience in primary education in diverse positions in various schools in The Netherlands and Singapore. From my perspective, every choice we make and everything we do in a school has to contribute to improving the education offered to children. That is where I like to contribute and what inspires me. In the complexity of a school, I see it as my responsibility, to develop greater consistency and transparency while reflecting the overall vision of NIS International School of Putting learning at the Heart.

Karen, Teacher Nursery 1-2 (age 16 months – 2 years) International Stream / Teacher Peuters (age 16 months – 2 years) Dutch Stream

This class provides a safe, gentle introduction to school life. Currently, two times a week, we have this program for the Dutch Steam only. If or when we have 5 children registered for the International toddler program, we will also start this separate class.

Janet Buckler, Teacher Nursery International Stream

I moved to Jakarta at the end of April 2009 with my husband as we both took the next step in our careers. Before this I was living in Sydney, Australia. My experience includes 7 ½ years working with children aged 2-5 years and 1 year directing a Nursery school all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. My educational experience includes a Diploma of Community Services (Children’s Services) at TAFE and Bachelor of Teaching acquired at University. I am very excited to join such a lovely and enthusiastic team of teachers.

Martine, Teacher of Groep 0-1 Dutch stream

This is my first year working at NIS. I’m very happy that i’m one of this great team. Last year i worked in Jogjakarta as NTC-2 teacher with children in the age of 2-17 years old. My teaching experience was in Holland where i worked 13 years (4-12 years).

Mridula Tekriwal, Teacher Kindergarten 1-2 International stream

I have been here since Juli 2006 and loved every moment of it. As I discovered my deep interest in working with young children, I pursued my studies further and acquired my Bachelor’s in Development Counseling, with a specialization in Child Psychology from the SNDT College of Science in Mumbai, India. This was followed by an Early Childhood Course through the Jakarta Montessori International. It’s been a real pleasure to impart my expertise and contribute to the positive development of little children since then!

Esther Coumans, Teacher Groep 1-2 Dutch Stream

I work in a very enthusiastic team at NIS. I worked for 10 years in Holland and 3 years in South Africa before coming to Indonesia as a teacher in Primary Schools. I have 3 wonderful boys attending NIS. For me it is very important that children love to go to school, are challenged and enjoy their learning process.

Mimu Nanwani, Teacher Primary 1-2 International stream

I have been part of the NIS family since July 2007. Prior to this I was a teacher cum head of toddlers/nursery level at a pre-school for 12 years. I believe that education at its best should never be only about academic aims. Individual and social developments are of equal importance which in turn can contribute to a child’s holistic development so as to create balanced individuals for the future. NIS strikes the balance for this and I am proud to be a part of this family.

Femke, Teacher Groep 3-4 Dutch stream

Rhett Hunter, Teacher Primary 3-4 International Stream

I have been at NIS since 2006 and enjoyed every moment of it. Prior to coming on board I worked at several universities and other international schools in Jakarta. I started here at NIS as Head of the English department for the Dutch stream but am now having a fantastic time as class teacher for primary three and four in the international stream. Stop in any time and see what makes NIS the kind of school you wished you’d gone to as a child!

Joris van Wageningen, Teacher Groep 5-6 / Teacher NTC Groep 5-6

After I received my diploma from the Pedagogic academic in Groningen, I left the Netherlands and moved to Indonesia, just like my grandfather did many years ago. I think that NIS is an amazing school where children can develop themselves and have a great time.

Helen Magasiva, Teacher Primary 5-6 International Stream

Talofa Lava! I am a New Zealand Primary trained teacher and have been teaching for 8 years, 2 of those years I spent teaching in London. I am a New Zealand born Samoan and live in Auckland city which is known as the Multicultural capital. This is my first time in Indonesia and at NIS. Before leaving New Zealand I was teaching Samoan Language to 13-14 year old high school students and studying part time. I am passionate about quality learning and inspiring young people to reach their full potential not only in education but in all areas of life. I am focused and have a love for teaching. NIS has a team of dynamic teachers from all walks of life and experiences, and I look forward to working with them in ensuring your child gets the best out of their education at NIS. I also look forward learning more about IPC and the results your child will achieve.

Tom Navis, Teacher Groep 7-8 Dutch Stream / Teacher NTC groep 7-8 and Middle School grade 7

I studied psychology, management and teaching. I worked as a teacher for International and Dutch schools in Africa, America and Europe. I’m proud to say that, before I worked at NIS, my last two classes in England reached the number one and two positions on the Netherlands CITO over all ranking, being the highest scoring classes on the CITO End of Primary School test ever in Dutch history. We’ve got the ‘know-how’ to reach that same level at NIS. It’s got everything it takes to become the best!

Andhi Arnas, Music Teacher

I have been teaching music since 2000 at several schools. My music background consist various guitar courses, music workshops in Australia and Malaysia and with friends I made many private recordings. I love working with children, they have their own uniqueness to experience and to make music. The students at NIS are very confident, full of energy and creative in their own minds. My aim for the children is not only listen to music but learn to make music, no matter what kind of music it is. As a result they will appreciate music much more.

Wonjoo Hong, Art Teacher

I have a background of a printmaking artist and have taught children’s Art and Craft in LA, California. In my MA, I studied Intercultural Studies in CA. I have traveled many different countries and lived there for a total of 12 years. My study and experience have given me a broad perspective of the world, as well as providing me with wonderful sources of inspiration for my teaching. Art can create excitement for children’s learning because it can be directly linked with their other subject learning. My teaching has been collaborated work with the lessons around the themes and learning activities that are already happening in the class. I believe early exposure to visual art promotes activity in the children’s brain. I hope children can be more excited for their learning through art class.

Raden Hutagalung, PE Teacher

This will be my first year teaching physical education at NIS. I am an Indonesia citizen, born in Sibolga North Sumatra and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. I was Teach at NJIS for Several year, and I hope my experience can make your children more enjoy, fun and healthy, also I will be a soccer coach too, So see you at NIS.