HEAD OF SCHOOL

Following an 18 month search process that included interviews by various committees and presentations to teachers, students, staff and parents, TIS is delighted to welcome Mark Lockwood as the new Head of School starting in the new academic year in 2018.

Described as a person who leads with his head, heart and hands, Mark is passionate about high quality teaching and learning. He has more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, department head, assistant principal, principal and director in both Alberta and internationally. Mark is a lifelong learner with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland. Nominated for excellence in teaching, he has served the teaching profession on multiple provincial committees and is a member of the College of Alberta School Superintendents. He has also taught overseas in The Canadian International School in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Mark grew up in a small, prairie town in Canada so knows firsthand the importance of hard work and community. He believes that all students can be successful in safe, caring and inclusive environments. Being a parent himself, he knows the importance of parental engagement in a child’s education.

Mark finds balance through exercise, hiking, camping, fishing and enjoying every day. His greatest accomplishment is the loving and fun relationship he shares with his wife of 23 years, Tracy, and their two sons, Keaton and Cole.

Mark is proud and excited to be joining the TIS family as the new Head of School in 2018.

 

SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

We would also like to welcome Lorne Schmidt who will be the new Principal for Secondary School.  Lorne comes to us with many years of both Alberta and international teaching experience.  He started his teaching career in central Alberta, teaching Junior High mathematics & science, and Senior High mathematics & physics.  In the year 2000, he accepted a teaching position at an international school in Shanghai and moved to China with his wife Heide, and their young children, Garrett and Christina.  After 4 years in Shanghai, the family then moved to an international school in Singapore where Lorne had the opportunity to teach IB Middle School science, IB Diploma Physics & Theory of Knowledge (TOK).  During his time in Singapore, he was also head of science, deputy principal, school principal and IB diploma coordinator and TOK examiner.  He is currently the chairperson for the Singapore/Malaysia/Brunei network of IB diploma coordinators.

Lorne believes that every child should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, not only in academics but also in terms of becoming life-long learners, critical thinkers, adaptable self-managers and globally-minded, socially-responsible citizens.

Lorne is an avid guitar enthusiast, and enjoys walks with Heide, cycling and golf.

Lorne is looking forward to working with the students, teachers, parents, administrators and support staff at TIS.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL VICE PRINCIPAL

Dominic Masters will take on the role of Vice Principal for Middle School. 

After graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and a PGCE in Secondary Physical Education 8 years ago, Dominic moved away from Wales and since then he has lived and worked in China, Hong Kong and Macau. He was Head of PE at his previous school for 4 years and he is currently a Middle School PE teacher and Grade 7 Leader at TIS.

Dominic has recently started a MSc in Educational Leadership and Management through the University of Portsmouth and he is very much looking forward to applying his knowledge as the Middle School Vice Principal at TIS. He strongly believes that Education should be holistic and focus on improving the “whole” child. Developing resilience and building character are fundamental to a child’s development and participation in co-curricular activities and service/volunteer activities can help to grow tomorrow’s leaders.

 

THANK YOU …..

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Howard Stribbell, Christopher Coates, and Ian Jefferson who will be stepping down from their current positions of Head of School, Principal of Secondary School and Vice Principal of High School, respectively, at the end of this school year.

Ian will remain at TIS focusing on his teaching at the secondary level. Ian has done a remarkable job as Vice Principal and Division 3 Coordinator for the last 3 years.

Chris has accepted the Secondary Principal position at Victoria Shanghai Academy in Hong Kong.  Chris has been instrumental in getting TIS approved and ready to offer the IB diploma as well as implementing the TAP program.  He will be missed and we wish him all the best in his new school.

Howard will continue to be part of the TIS family as he takes on the role as part time School Supervisor.  We would like to extend our gratitude for his unwavering dedication to TIS students, staff and families for the past 12 years.