Teacher Profiles

LOWER SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR:
Prep-Gr. 2

Michele Moskowitz (Room 1025A, Ext 1031)

• Oversees the intake of Guidance  referrals
• Provides counselling for students with behavioural, social or emotional concerns
• Recommends support strategies to teachers and parents

I look forward to contributing to the educational programme and school community as Lower School Guidance Counsellor.  Together with Lolita Schmalenberg and the rest of the Learning Services team, I will endeavour to support the social and emotional development of our students. I believe that this aspect of our programme is integral to developing capable, well balanced young people who enjoy coming to school to learn and get the most out of the wonderful opportunities that CDNIS provides.  Please contact me anytime if you have questions or topics to discuss.

LOWER SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR:
Grade 3-6

Lolita Schmalenberg (Rm. 809B – Ext 820)

• Oversees the intake of Guidance  referrals
• Provides counselling for students with behavioural, social or emotional concerns
• Recommends support strategies to teachers and parents

My passion as an educator is to help children reach their potential in all areas. Over the last 10 years as a guidance counsellor I have worked to help enhance the educational and emotional growth of each unique student. I started my career working with children in Canada as a social worker/counsellor and continue the process as an educator working in international school systems for more than 15 years. I like to work with a team approach; parents, teachers and students. I believe it is imperative to honor the values of the child’s family as we facilitate the child on their journey towards becoming a benefit to society. Over the course of this year I plan to offer authentic opportunities for the students in grades 3-6 in the areas of leadership and volunteerism. As a certified Play Therapist I also hope to incorporate more ‘play‘ in my small group offerings. I am thrilled to be working with the vastly experienced teachers of CDNIS and in particular, Ms. Michele Moskowitz. I am confident the two of us will endeavor to make your child’s years at CDNIS positive and memorable.

ACADEMIC  SUPPORT TEACHER:
Prep-Grade 2

Jacqueline Stewart  (Rm. 1220 – Ext 1221)

• Provides small-group learning support for students with assessed learning differences or other learning concerns
• Assists teachers in writing student support plans
• Observes and assesses students who have been referred to Learning Services

My name is Jacqueline Stewart.  I arrived in Hong Kong in 1997 with great hopes of travelling the world.   As it usually does, “2 years” has turned into 14 and I am very settled here with my wonderful husband and 2 children.

My training and career in education is rather specifically focused on Early Years, Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Literacy. I trained at the Institute of Child Study (ICS) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (O.I.S.E) where I completed advanced teacher training in Child Development, Early Years Education and Special Educational Needs.

My very first teaching appointment was at Delia School of Canada where I taught Grade 1 and reception.  I then spent the next 12 years working in several various ESF and international schools.  During my career I have learned a great deal working alongside inspiring mentors and outstanding practitioners.  I was also able to access further teacher training in SEN and ESL.   Most recently, I graduated from a 2-year, post-graduate programme in Educational Leadership through the Faculty of Education at Chinese University. The focus of that study was Action Research into Best Practice in Special Educational Needs.

Now that my children are a little older and settled into their primary schooling, I was happy to return to full time work and accept the role of Early Years Learning Support Teacher here at CDNIS.  I have found the staff and community very welcoming.  I look forward to getting more involved with the school and contributing in whatever way I can.

LEARNING SERVICES TEAM LEADER :

Denise Cox  (Rm. 1220 – Ext 1220)

• Oversees integrated services / case management for individual needs
• Provides a range of academic support across the Lower School
• Offers consultation / workshops re learning performance
• Assists teachers in writing student support plans

I am thrilled to be part of the Learning Services Team at CDNIS!

My background in teaching extends across 3 decades and includes:

• Primary Teaching (composite and multi-age)
• Learning Support (mainstream)
• Special Education
• Gifted and Talented
• Accelerated Learning
• Educational Guidance and Counselling

ACADEMIC SUPPORT TEACHER:
Grade 3-4

Anne Robbins (Rm. 1426A – Ext 1430)

• Provides academic support for students who need learning intervention
• Uses a teaching model that includes both in-class support and withdrawal  lessons
• Assists teachers in writing student support plans

I have been teaching at CDNIS for 7 years and continue to enjoy the experience of working and living in Hong Kong. I have had a diverse teaching career and continue to learn from my experiences. I especially enjoy seeing the growth in students that I work with every day.  I work with a great group of caring teachers and together we work towards academic excellence for all students at CDNIS.

ACADEMIC  SUPPORT TEACHER:
Grades 5-6

Louise Archer (Room 804 – Ext 804)

• Provides academic support for students who need learning intervention
• Uses a teaching model that includes both in-class support and withdrawal  lessons
• Assists teachers in writing student support plans

Welcome to our new school year! I am very pleased to be working with the Learning Support Team this year. Together with the Grade 5 and 6 Homeroom Teachers, I will work diligently towards ensuring that all students have an opportunity to develop to their full potential according to their unique set of strengths and needs and make every effort to provide enriching experiences that will speak to their feelings, perceptions, hopes, and dreams. We have had a great beginning thus far, and it looks like we will have a terrific year together.

CDNIS has been home to me for more than 8 years. I view the long standing staff and school community as my extended family. There is no other place I would rather be. I have had the priviledge of teaching Grades 4, 5, and Grade 7 French to hundreds of CDNIS children during my short time here. Previously, I taught in West Vancouver, Canada for 6 years as an intermediate teacher, teaching all subject areas. Prior to that, I was an at-home-mom, raising my 4 children.  Check out my website for useful educational links: Louise Archer’s website