Qingdao No.1 International School of Shandong Province

Developing a Mindful Heart

QISS Staff Members Teach for Understanding Qingdao No.1 International School of Shandong Province Developing a Mindful Heart Welcome to QISS

Introducing Ms. Cynthia Fernandes: Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Hi, I am Cynthia Fernandes from India. I have been an educator for 13 years. I moved to China in 2005 with my son Senen Om who is in Grade 2 at QISS. We have a pet dog named Cappuccino. I love what I do, and am grateful for the opportunity to watch our children unfold each day. I am dedicated to nurturing and stimulating students to achieve their highest potential. At QISS, we are all driven to offer a dynamic and challenging program to our students. This acts as my inspiration and motivation to become a better learner so that I can become a better teacher. I indeed feel fortunate to be a member of the school community. Introducing Mr. Joshua Doyle: Kindergarten Teacher My name is Joshua Doyle, and I am the kindergarten teacher at QISS. I have been working in education more than eleven years. I began my teaching career in California. For the past four years, I have been teaching kindergarten in Taiwan where I was helped develop a kinder- garten program. I am always ready for a challenge and to learn new things. I have fun exploring new places, but most importantly, I have fun hanging out with my family and watching my daughter grow and learn. So far we are really enjoying our new neighborhood and making new friends. We are looking forward to exploring China in the months to come. Introducing Ms. Sami Hendrickson: Grade One Teacher I graduated from Centralia High School I went on to attend Western Washington University. I stayed on track to become a teacher. Some would say that I followed in the footsteps of my adopted parents, but I would like to think I made the decision on my own. Before I finished my Elementary Art Education degree I traveled back to my homeland of India to reconcile with the missing pieces of my child- hood. My volunteer experience at my orphanage was extremely moving. Seeing the beautiful children and caring for them made me feel con- nected. After traveling to India I had caught the travel bug, where I wanted to explore as much of the world as I could. After traversing the mountains of Nepal, volunteering at an HIV AIDS clinic in Africa, staying in Thailand, and London, I found myself want- ing to come to China. And here I am starting a new adventure. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Ms. Diana Teng: Grade 2 Teacher My name is Diana Teng. I am teaching second grade at QISS. I taught second grade for several years at a public school in Califor- nia. This is my first time teaching abroad. I have always loved to travel, so I thought teaching at an international school would be a great opportunity for me to experience a new culture. Besides being a teacher, I was also the English Language Coordinator at my former school site. My job was to help English Learners acquire language as quickly and efficiently as possible. I was educated in Taiwan, Costa Rica, and the United States. I am able to speak, read, and write in four languages. I also play piano and viola. I was the viola vice-principal in the Claremont, California, Young Musicians Orchestra. I was also a member of the Los Ange- les Philharmonic High School Honor Orchestra. I love my new life in China. I look forward to all the new adventures that are awaiting me. Introducing Ms. Verena Theimel: Grade 3 Teacher and German Teacher Herzlich willkommen in der QISS, Mein Name ist Verena Theimel und ich betreue nun das zweite Jahr alle Deutschschueler dieser Schule. Also, I am the grade 3 classroom teacher. This is my second year of teaching abroad since I used to work in Germany. I am excited about how individuals can learn and grow in so many different ways here!

Introducing Ms. Sharon Ammerman: Grade 4 Teacher The opportunity to share in the academic, intellectual, social, and linguistic development of diverse and unique students here at QISS was enough to entice me away from snowy Buffalo, New York, USA. My background and qualifications in ESL, Elementary Education, International Studies, and Chinese language have helped prepare me to deliver a challenging and multiculturally relevant program for the students. I am honored to work with each student and look forward to experiencing a year of inquiry and learning with my class. Introducing Ms. Alexis Yachechak: Grade 5 Teacher Hello, my name is Alexis Yachechak, and I am the Grade 5 teacher at QISS. I am from New Jersey, USA. I have a Bachelor’s of Science De- gree in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton, Pennsyl- vania, USA. I am currently completing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of Scranton’s online program. For the past three years I have taught Grade 3 at QISS, and now I am very excited to move to the Grade 5 homeroom. Before moving to China, I lived and worked for three years on the tiny island of Curaçao in the Dutch Carib- bean . There, I taught Grade 4, Grade 5 and K-8 Information Technology at the Curaçao American Preparatory School. I was also the moderator for the virtual high school program. When I’m not in school, I can be found play- ing tennis, swimming, hiking, studying Chinese or reading a good book. Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Ms. Lisa Woo: Physical Education Teacher I am from Vancouver, Canada. I have been teaching ESL and PE in international schools for 23 years on different continents. Obviously, living and travelling abroad is my main interest. I am married with two grown up children, and I have a French bulldog.

Introducing Mr. Dominic Adie: Physical Education Teacher I am the athletic director and PE teacher for middle school and high school. I will also be teaching health lessons in the communication skills classes. This year I will be organizing the Qingdao ACAMIS soccer tournament.

Introducing Ms. Liesbeth Buellens: ESL Coordinator/ Teacher Hello everyone, my name is Liesbeth Beullens. I’m originally from Belgium. I came to Qingdao three years ago, and live here with my husband and our daughter. This year, I teach ESL in grades 3 and 5 and I am also the ESL coordinator. This will be my fourth year at QISS as an ESL teacher, my sev- enth year as a lower school teacher. I really look forward to meeting and working with all of you, and wish you all a very fun and valuable school year.

Introducing Ms. Yulia Sumarokova : ESL Teacher My name is Yulia Alexandrovna Sumarokva. I was born in a small Russian town. It was a town where I spent many fond moments of my childhood. I followed my family’s vocational tradition and became a teacher. I loved my university years, and that’s probably why I spent four great years developing my teaching craft there. Three years ago, I started working in China. Every year of work brings new experiences and friends. I like it here. I never felt so glad to come back to work after a lazy summer vacation. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my life story as much as I have enjoyed writing it for you. Here's one more tip for you to live or try to live by: If you think it, it can be done. Introducing Mr. Scott Craig : ESL, Math and Science Teacher I teach grade 6 math and science and provide ESL support for the lower school. I love hiking and rock climbing and have climbed two major volcanic mountains in North America. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Mr. Dean Leonard: Grade 6 and Grade 7 Teacher I teach grades 6 and 7 Language Arts and Social Studies, and high school ESL. I enjoy outdoor activities and sports

Introducing Ms. Tamara Studniski: Language Arts/ Drama Teacher I teach Dance, Theater Arts, Grade 11 and 12 World Literature, and Honors Literature and Composition to prepare students for the AP test. I have a Masters degree in education and have taught in four countries. I love drama, studying Chinese, Mahjong, SCUBA diving, badminton and yoga.

Introducing Mr. Bill Dunwoody : Science Teacher I teach Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science and AP Chemistry. I have been doing martial arts since age 16, and I love astronomy. My son is in Pre-K at QISS this year.

Introducing Mr. Brad Arnold: Informational Technology Teacher/ Coordinator I teach the yearbook class, middle school computer classes, and grade 8 communication skills. I have taught overseas for 20 years, including 16 years in Thailand. I love hiking, sailboat racing, and reading about science and history.

Introducing Mr. Mychilo Cline : Philosophy Teacher I am teaching two high school honor’s courses this year—The Theory of Knowledge, and Computers, Culture, and Society and I will be helping all high school students develop an extended essay in communication skills class. I am the author of two books on virtual reality and have a twin brother. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Mr. Joe Shulist: Language Arts Teacher I teach grade 9 and 10 language arts and grades 11/12 communication skills. I previously taught in South Ko- rea for three years. I am interested in noisy music, travel and visual arts, and I have an insatiable appetite for very spicy food (donations accepted).

Introducing Ms. Jessy Yin: Mandarin Chinese Teacher I have taught Chinese for five years. I love reading and traveling, and I am crazy about delicious food.

Introducing Mr. Peter Thorpe: Music Teacher I teach grades 3-8 music, plus high school band and choir. I have 15 years of experience in Canada and Germany teaching music, math, and science. I’ve also been a middle school principal. I like to write songs and play piano and guitar. I have a 7- month-old son and have recorded music CDs with two bands.

Introducing Ms. Maggie Liu : Mandarin Chinese Teacher I have taught Chinese in local schools for many years and this is my fifth year teaching at QISS. I like outdoor sports and travel.

Introducing Mr. Bill Stubbs: ESL, Math and Science Teacher I am American, but I grew up overseas. I share similar experiences like my students. I teach grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 math, and I like outdoor sports. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Ms. Willow Yang: Mandarin Chinese Teacher This is my 9th year teaching Chinese . I like to read.

Introducing Mr. Allen Miles: Art Teacher I am the art teacher. I have taught at public, parochial, alternative, and charter schools, but my time at QISS has been my favorite teaching ex- perience. I enjoy sports and love coaching basketball.

Introducing Ms. Cynthia Xin: Mandarin Chinese Teacher I majored in Chinese as a second language and this is my third year at QISS. I enjoy QISS and the students very much.

Introducing Mr. Keith Snider: Language Arts Teacher I am teaching in the middle school this year. I have grade 8 for language arts and social studies and grade 6 for communication skills. I am also teaching middle school ESL, advising student council, and organizing a variety of trips and activities for students this year.

Introducing Ms. Laura Neagos: Math and Science Teacher I was born in Romania and moved to Canada 11 years ago. I am the grade 7 homeroom teacher and teach grade 7 math, science, and com- munication skills. I also teach grade 11 Biology. I enjoy tennis and traveling, and I used to be a professional ballroom dancer.

Introducing Ms. Mal Arnold: Library Science Teacher I am from Bangkok, Thailand, and I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Ramkhamheang University in Bangkok in 1996. My family and I first moved in 2004 to work and study at American International School of Guangzhou. During those three years I worked as a Library Clerk and Teaching Assistant. I earned my Library Certificate from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2007. In July 2007, we moved to QISS, where I became the Associate Librarian and Primary School Computer Teacher. I now work as the librarian, teach library skills to the lower school grades, and am responsible for the QISS newsletter. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Ms. Jenny Fang: Mandarin Chinese Teacher I have been a Chinese Teacher with 4years teaching experience of Chinese language and culture. I like teaching HSK. I hope you enjoy school life with me at QISS. I enjoy nature and visiting unspoiled places.

Introducing Mr. Jack Chen: Instructional Assistant I was born in Qingdao, and it is my home- town. I have been an assistant for each grade in the lower school. Currently, I am working in the third and fifth grade classrooms. Sometimes, I substitute for the PE department. I am happily married. My wife and I recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary.

Introducing Ms. Joline Jia : Instructional Assistant Teacher This is my fourth year working at QISS. I like the environment at QISS because everyone is so friendly. At my university, I learned how to teach children how to sketch and draw. After coming to QISS, I discovered how much I still needed to learn. I will work harder to find new ways to teach children about art. I like to teach children art because children are so creative. I like photography and traveling to new places.

Introducing Ms. Kelly Du : Music and Mandarin Chinese Teacher This is my third year at QISS. I am teaching Chinese music. I love my kids and I am also very glad to work with my colleagues at QISS.

Introducing Mr. Sam Sun: Computer Systems Technician I'm Sam Sun. I work at QISS as a computer technician. I like my job. I hope I can do it better! Thanks.

Introducing Ms. Debbie Yang: Library Assistant Teacher Hello, I am Debbie Yang, I work in the library. I have worked at our school for more than 6 years. My daily work is helping students and teachers check-out and check-in books. Besides that, I also assemble and arrange displays of books and other library materials, compile list of library materials according to subject or interests, select, order, cata- log, and classify books. I help teachers order textbooks and teaching materials and help students search for books. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Ms. Oprah Qu: Grade One Instructional Assistant My name is Oprah Qu. I have been at QISS for five years. I have been the teaching assistant in Pre-Kindergarten for two years and in Kindergarten for three years. This year I will be the teaching assistant in Grade One. Honestly, I have a Chinese Teacher Certificate with emphasis in teaching English in the primary school, so it will be so exciting for me this year in Grade One. I like to learn and use more child development strategies at the different age groups, and I would like to try my best to understand how children learn best. It will be fun, and I will feel proud to witness the students who I was familiar with before grow up and make bigger progress. I hope we will have a nice and pleasant year in Grade One.

Introducing Ms. Jessie Li : ESL Instructional Assistant Teacher Hi, I am Jessie Li. I am an ESL assistant teacher. This is my fourth year at QISS. I enjoy my work. I am really a calm and serious person, but sometimes people may find me laughing or talking like crazy. I am a person rich with personality. I would like to be your friend.

Introducing Ms. Carrie Huang: Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant My name it Carrie. This is my third year at QISS. I am the pre- kindergarten’s teaching assistant. I like kids. I love my job. And I believe that modeling by example is best for student learning.

Introducing Ms. Lulu: Instructional Assistant Teacher My name is Lulu. I am from China and I learned pre-school education. I like children, so I enjoy my work.

Introducing Ms. Jessy Xu: Office Staff I am working in the office. I have been working at QISS for 6 years. I enjoy my life at QISS.

Introducing Ms. Cady: Office Staff Hello everyone, my name is Cady. I work in the office. It is my honor to work with such a big and warm family.

Introducing Ms. Angel: School Nurse My name is Angel and I am the school nurse. So if you are sick, I am glad to help you. I hope everyone is happy every day. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Ms. Julia: Office Staff I am Julia. I have been working at QISS since 2003. I really enjoy my job in the office. It has been an important part of my life.

Introducing Ms. Alice: Office Staff Hi everyone, My name is Alice. I work in the QISS office. I am so glad to be here. Our school is like a big warm family. Everybody helps each other and share all their happiness. I will try my best to do my work well and learn hard from others. “Never too old to learn.”

Introducing Ms. Grace Jen: Office Staff My name is Grace. I am Chinese, but I can speak Korean. I am work- ing in the QISS office. I have been here for nearly 6 years. I love QISS and try to do my best work every day.

Introducing Ms. Nancy Li: Office Staff I am Nancy. I work in the main office. I have been her for more than 5 years. I feel so happy to work with all of you.

Introducing Ms. Joy: Instructional Assistant Ms. Joy was born in Qingdao, and her Chinese name is Liu Shuai. Her university major was teaching Chinese as a second language. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Her interests include Chinese Zheng, Chinese calligraphy and television broadcasting.

Introducing Ms. Kathy Fischmann: Office Manager I was born and raised in Taiwan. Mr. Fischmann and I were married in 1982, and I became a naturalized American citizen in 1984. I taught at Taipei American School from 1983 until 1992. I worked there first as a Mandarin teacher and then was the coordinator for the lower school Mandarin program. I taught Mandarin at Tianjin International School for one year. I was the office manager at Xiamen International School from 1997 – 2001. I’ve been the office manager at QIS and QISS since 2002. I love children, teaching, traveling and being with nature. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Mr. David Addicott: Counselor and Admissions Director David Addicott began his career in education in 1977 after earning a Mas- ters in Counseling at Western Washington University in the United States. His career has taken him to international schools in Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Beijing, and Qingdao. In his free time, you'll find him hiking up Fu Shan or creating culinary delights in the kitchen.

Introducing Mr. Chris Zhang: Charge of Supplies Hi, my name is Chris Zhang. For nine years, I have worked at QISS. I really love working at QISS. I am in charge of ordering supplies and keeping our building in good shape. When I am not at school, my fa- vorite pastime is playing with my daughter at home.

Introducing Ms. Mary Ma: Teaching Assistant Hi, I am Mary Ma. I am the assistant to the upper school principal and a math tutor for upper school students. My daily job also includes maintaining the school’s website. This is my second year at QISS. I am very happy to work with my energetic colleagues, and I learn a lot from them. I like read- ing and watching detective stories for relaxation. I hope everyone will enjoy the school life at QISS. Developing a Mindful Heart

Introducing Peter Burnside: Upper School Principal This is my eighth year at QISS. I have seen tremendous development in the school over the years and enjoy the challenge of continuously improving our programs. I love getting to know students and parents so please come and see me in room 401 any time you are at school. This year I am delighted to have my two daughters come to QISS with me each morning.

Introducing Mr. Alberto Gutierrez: Lower School Principal I have been in education for over 22 years, and I enjoy it with a passion. I am blessed to be working under Mr. Fischmann. His inspiration and vision for QISS brought me to Qingdao. I am happy to be a part of this QISS family. The students, parents and colleagues provide a good learning environment. Please stop by and visit often.

Introducing Mr. Jeff Fischmann: School Director I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I received my B.A, teaching credential and Master of Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I received my MBA in international management from the American Gradu- ate School of International Management. I’ve lived in Asia since 1975, mostly Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Mainland China. I taught at Taipei American School from 1976 – 1992. I was the founding headmaster of Xiamen Inter- national School from 1997-2001. I’ve been the director of QIS and QISS since 2002. I enjoy studying, traveling and being with nature.