Leadership

Jelena Vugdelija

Executive Principal

Originally from Croatia, Ms. Jelena began her career in education as a teacher of Mathematics, Physics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) after obtaining her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. With more than 15 years of teaching experience across the Croatia, United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and China she enhanced her 10 years of international education experience with PGCE in the meantime. She has accumulated a wealth of teaching and management experience in promoting multicultural integration and collaboration among students and teachers as well as implementing globalized curriculums, such as IB and IGCSE, especially for international students.

Declan Chen

Principal Assistant

Meet Declan Chen, an experienced educator with over 10 years of dedicated work in the PYP program and an additional 2 years in the MYP program. Throughout his career, Declan has provided valuable support to over 40 schools and educational groups in various capacities, including as an IB workshop leader, school visitor, evaluation visitor, and IB consultant. He is also currently pursuing a Master’s program focused on education leadership, showcasing his commitment to lifelong learning.

From Declan’s perspective, education holds a profound meaning. It is a transformative tool that empowers learners to comprehend the intricacies of the world, foster personal growth, and create meaningful changes for the future. He firmly believes that this endeavor is closely tied to the cultivation of international-mindedness and lifelong learning. Declan recognizes that the development of international-mindedness requires multilingual learning and active global participation. By engaging in these practices, learners gain an appreciation for the diversity of cultures, worldviews, and values, ultimately enhancing their cross-cultural understanding.

Moreover, Declan understands that lifelong learning thrives with the support of learner agency. He advocates for each learner to have a voice and cultivate critical thinking skills, empowering them to take ownership of their own inquiries. At WIS, Declan recognizes the power of the IB program in fostering learner agency. Every WIS learner is viewed as a capable changemaker, equipped with the ability to shape the world around them.

Olivia Xiang

Academic Director

Ms. Olivia Xiang received a Master’s Degree in teaching (early years) from the University of Melbourne, a Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature in Shanghai International Studies University, a Diploma of Education Research in Monash University and also had a course in Educational Leadership in the University of London.

Olivia started her career as a high school teacher in 2005 and has been in different positions of international schools as a teacher, a grade team leader, a PYP leader, a DP coordinator and a vice principal for more than ten years.

She advocates concept-driven inquiry teaching, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching, and differentiated teaching. She is good at leading a team of teachers to cultivate the unlimited potential of students.

Ellen Chai

MYP Coordinator

Ellen is a highly experienced educator with extensive experience in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). She has spent five years at IB schools and has received professional training as a coordinator along with other key IB training. In addition, Ellen has also completed School Leadership training at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, providing her with enhanced leadership skills and expertise in education.

Ellen holds two master’s degrees, including a Master of Globalization in Education, and a Master of Bioscience from Ghent University, where she was awarded a full scholarship. Additionally, she possesses American science teaching licenses in Hawaii and Illinois and a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Certificate from the UK.

Her teaching philosophy is that education is rooted in love, where students perform their best when given the opportunity and support they need to thrive. She believes that every student learns differently and strives to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of each student.