Academic Staff
Chris Rawlins
Principal
I'm extremely proud to have been the Principal of ACG Jakarta for the last two years and have the privilege of working with an excellent professional group of teachers and dynamic parents as together we progress the school from being a good school - to being a 'great school'. I've had the pleasure of being an educator for over 30 years mainly in Australia (last 6 years in Indonesia), and have been very fortunate to experience working across a range of educational settings and in a variety of roles. I've been an Administrator for 16 years, and view education today as an ever-changing adventure, since children's learning styles are being influenced by our evolving technological world. I enjoy working in partnership with parents and teachers so that every student at ACG reaches their maximum learning potential. ACG has a very professional and skilled teaching team, and a very active Parent Support Group which truly make the school unique in Jakarta. Each year I look forward to experiencing even more exciting and rewarding activities throughout the academic year.
Bianca Cheshire
Primary Teacher
I'm European - half Dutch, half English, and brought up in Luxembourg. I did my 4 year teacher degree at the University of Brighton in England. Before I came to Jakarta I taught in Bangkok, Thailand for two years. This is my 5th year at ACG. I enjoy teaching kids, as they make me smile as I'm preparing them for their future lives, by teaching them basic academic and social skills and letting them discover what wonderful and interesting things there are in the world around them. I love Indonesia as the people are friendly, the food is nice and there are beautiful places to visit. My hobbies are travelling around the country, photography and getting to know the people. What I like about ACG? A very multicultural environment and children with a great variety of interesting personalities!
Carrie Gojali-Ilbrey
Lower Primary
I come from England and I am really proud and excited to be working at ACG. There is a great spirit here which inspires us all and makes teaching at this school a real pleasure. I have been happily involved with International children in S.E.Asia for many years now and, before that, taught in London and Cornwall. As an educator, I love creating a vibrant, friendly learning environment where all children feel safe, supported and challenged. I want every child to love learning and to achieve their full potential. My Dad always advised me to be a teacher and, when I eventually tried it, I discovered that I loved teaching – and I still do! Thanks, Dad! I love living back in Indonesia where everyone is so friendly, supportive and interested in each other. Jakarta can definitely be chaotic, eccentric and challenging, but together with my family we are happy to call it home. This year I am looking forward to teaching in the fantastic new Primary block and watching my son represent ACG in the Jakarta League Football Cup!
Renee Hibbert
Lower Primary
I come from the East Coast of Australia, and have been teaching abroad for a few years. Before Jakarta, I spent two years at an International school in Northern China, teaching the British Curriculum to Grade one. Previous to my posting in China, I taught in primary schools in Australia. I have spent time in Australia as schools' Music Coordinator and ESL (English as a Second Language) Coordinator. My qualification is a four year Bachelor of Teaching (Primary). I love learning and get satisfaction from inspiring the same love in my children...the world is a very exciting place! I enjoy the excitement and challenges that come from teaching in International Schools and find the environment extremely rewarding. Besides teaching, my other passion is music and I have worked in music for over ten years, performing, writing and producing.
Cameron Fischer
Primary Teacher
I am from the Prairies of Canada but have lived in Jakarta for the past year. I enjoy the fact that I can golf twelve months a year on one of the many beautiful courses around Jakarta. Also, a distinct lack of snowfall is a bonus, here.
I have been teaching for 14 years at various levels from Grades 7 to 12. I have Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Education as well as a Master's of Arts Degree focusing on Curriculum design and Instruction. In Canada, I was teaching high school biology to grade twelve students and last year I was at North Jakarta International School where I was the Upper School Liaison and Science teacher. We moved to ACG because I heard so many great things about the staff and students, here. It is also exciting to be part of the school as it plans to grow and add new buildings. This year, I am excited about the challenge of teaching Year 6. It is a grade level that I have not taught for many years and I am confident that the students' energy will create a wonderful environment to be part of.
Yolanda Bridges
Primary ELS Teacher
Although I was born in Jakarta to an Indonesian mother and English father, I have never lived in this beautiful country until now. Growing up my family jumped between Asia, Europe & the USA following my father's career, whilst I attended school and university in the U.K. I began my teaching career in a multi-cultural school in the heart of cosmopolitan London. The majority of our pupils were from overseas, so many were learning and using English for the first time. As I was working with the primary years, I was able to gain valuable experience in teaching children how to understand and communicate in a new language in these crucial, formative years. I then deepened this knowledge with subsequent projects developing online English lessons for students of all ages. I am excited to return to the country of my birth and put these skills into practice here at ACG. As part of the ELS programme I hope to help my pupils achieve a strong command of the English language so that each of them can maximise their educational experience and reach their full potential.
Michelle Eddy
Primary Teacher
I am originally from Cornwall in England. This is my fourth year at ACG International School, Jakarta. I chose to work in Indonesia because I enjoy travelling and wanted to experience living and working in a different country and culture. I love the small, caring environment that is provided at ACG School; so much so that each year I keep signing up to stay one more year! I have a BA (hons) degree in History from the University of Greenwich and a PGCE (teaching certificate) in Primary Education. I regularly attend PYP professional development workshops and network meetings to keep up-to-date with current teaching practices. My philosophy of teaching is to provide a classroom environment where students are encouraged to express their own ideas and participate in their own educational experience. My goal is to inspire my students with a desire to learn more on their own.
Liam Heary
Lower Primary
I began my career in education with an interest in alternative and community education. Exploring the theory and practice behind the various alternative curricula gave me an opportunity to experiment with my own teaching practice in an education environment that supported new and pioneering ways of thinking and teaching. I took the understandings I gained from that period to Aboriginal education, working for the Education Department of Western Australia. I taught in two remote Aboriginal community locations. The practice of child centred learning and a preparedness to think outside of standard teaching worked very well in this challenging teaching setting. I began visiting Indonesia in the late nineties and discovered a world of possibilities. I started teaching in Indonesia in 2003. I particularly enjoy the diverse national and cultural back grounds of the students and parents in the International schools. I also enjoy meeting the challenges of living as an expatriate. I embrace the lighter side of Indonesian culture, as I attempt to add to my stock of useful words and phrases.
Cormac Johnston
Primary Teacher
My name is Cormac Johnston and I come from Dublin In Ireland. I have only been in Jakarta for six weeks so far but have visited a few times over the years so it's great to be back here. Jakarta is such a vibrant city with lots to see and do. I am enjoying the vast variety of restaurants and cultural activities that take place in Jakarta on a regular basis. Indonesia has some very Interesting destinations such as Lombok and Papua. Before I came to ACG I was teaching in West Africa Nigeria for two years. Prior to that I taught in Japan for three years, Thailand for seven Years, and Ireland for one year. I have a BA Hons in Theology and Elementary Certification (K-6). I also have an MA in International Education and I am working on finishing my second MA in educational Leadership. I chose ACG because it has a wonderful community spirit and the children staff and parents are a pleasure to work with. I am looking forward to seeing more of Indonesia as it has so much to offer in terms of culture and history.
Ikah Atikah
Year 4 Teacher
I originally come from this lovely city, Jakarta and people usually called the origins with 'Betawinese', that's me. I am proud to be Jakarta citizen because so many people and cultures are in here as a melting pot. The most things that I really enjoy for living in Indonesia are the people and environment. I graduated from Faculty of Letters, University of Nasional and received Teaching Certificate from State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. I have been teaching for 8 years now. This is my sixth year in teaching with PYP Program. First time I taught PYP when I worked in Al Jabr Islamic School for 4 years and in ACG for recently 2 years (my 2nd year in ACG). This school gives me opportunity to have more experiences in learning different cultures from many countries with its lovely students, teachers, staff and warm environment.
Mandy Melzer
Year 5 Teacher
Welcome! I am from Melbourne, Australia. I have taught in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Singapore, China and now Jakarta. Prior to deciding to teach overseas. I had taught In Australia for over thirty years in a variety of roles and responsibilities. I continually find that teaching in an International school is at all times rewarding, exciting and challenging. Interacting with so many different cultures continues to broaden my global understandings and knowledge in so many ways. It is MAGIC!! It has been a great opportunity to work at ACG School. It really is a fantastic group of teachers, parents and Indonesian support staff. In the delivery of the PYP curriculum I endeavour to develop the Reggio Emilia philosophy ensuring all students in my class are experiencing a variety of natural learning scenarios. As my passion is Art, I am also teaching the Years 7 and 8 art. This is just fantastic as I am able to share my skills in this area with the older students. In my leisure time I find it relaxing to paint, try out new cameras and am a true animal lover!!!!
Lily Wong
Primary Teacher
I am from Vancouver, Canada, and excited to be a part of the ACG community. ACG Jakarta is my third international school. I have had the privilege of teaching students in Years 2 to 6 in Japan and Bolivia. I am also trained as an elementary ELS teacher. What I love about overseas teaching is interacting with staff, students, and parents from a variety of cultures. When not teaching, I enjoy outdoor activities, travelling to new countries, and trying new food. Having just arrived to Jakarta, I have received a warm and friendly welcome from staff and parents. I am looking forward to my time at ACG Jakarta and exploring the wonderful country of Indonesia.
Marni Fischer
Secondary Teacher
I am Canadian and taught for 10 years before trying my hand at overseas teaching. I began my overseas teaching last year in Jakarta at North Jakarta International School. I chose to teach overseas to give my children, and myself, a more global perspective of the world as well as show them that places are not all the same. What I like about teaching is that each day brings a new set of challenges and opportunities. I have learned to like Indonesia as it is a world of its own, one can never say they have seen everything and live in Indonesia. Every day I see something amazing or shocking, it is truly a unique place to live. I have also been able to travel to many places that I would not have traveled to had I stayed in Canada. What I am enjoying about ACG is the family atmosphere it provides. It is a place that nurtures a child and guides them to be better global citizens and encourages them all to be successful. I am looking forward to my time here at ACG and the challenges that a new job brings.
Russell Swann
Secondary Teacher
I have lived in South Jakarta for 2 years and previously lived in West Jakarta and Bandung for a total of 4 years. I enjoy the cheaper prices of many of the goods on offer here in Indonesia (compared to Australian prices and availability).
Before ACG, I had taught in a large national plus school in North West Jakarta and a smaller school in Bandung. I have a B.Ed (Secondary) and a B.Arts (Languages and Applied Linguistics). Both from Griffith Uni., in Australia. I chose ACG because slightly smaller schools offer and provide more quality one to one time for teachers and their students. There are also more diverse opportunities for my professional development. This year, the secondary camps definitely get a high rating in my "looking forward to do" list.
Carla Rapley
Secondary Teacher
I am from Invercargill, New Zealand and have been teaching 7 years. This is my third year at ACG and every year I enjoy it more and more. I have a BSc (Zoology) and a Grad Dip (Secondary Education). I teach Secondary Science and Maths and really can't imagine doing anything else. The staff at ACG are incredibly supportive, and the students are wonderful. The students really want to learn and appreciate my efforts in making their learning experiences enjoyable. For many of our students English is not their first language and I really admire their hard work and motivation in conquering Science vocabulary which sometimes can seem like another language altogether. The pleasure they get in finally understanding a new concept makes my job incredibly rewarding. Jakarta is an exciting, vibrant city and there are always things to explore, and new adventures to embark on. I love to travel and have tried to make the most of Indonesia's close proximity to other amazing countries and get out and see the world. This year I am looking forward to seeing more of Indonesia as there is so much incredible scenery, interesting and diverse cultures, and places to visit.
Mike Morey
Senior Secondary Teacher
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia and after graduating from the University of W.A. with a BSc, I worked as a geologist in Australia and Africa for several years. I then decided on a teaching career and returned to University to complete a DipEd. I became a teacher in the Western Australian Education Department in 1976 and taught for many years as a science and mathematics teacher. In 2001, I moved to Jakarta to teach and have been in several international schools in the ten years I have lived in Jakarta. My positions in those schools have varied from mathematics and science teacher to head of department to head of secondary school. This will be my third year at ACG and my second year as Senior Secondary teacher. I am delighted with the small classes, the family atmosphere and the garden setting at the school. I enjoy working with the students and helping them achieve their goals for the future.
Greg Davies
Secondary Teacher
I am one of the ICT, Math, Health and Physical Education teachers at ACG International School. My home town is Melbourne, Australia. Since graduating from university I have spent many years working in countries such as Sweden, USA, Indonesia and of course my home country Australia. This is my fourth year in Indonesia and I am delighted to be a part of the ACG team. I have taught a broad range of subjects and am pleased to be able to share this knowledge with my students. I look forward to working with all of the students at ACG and facilitating their educational experience. It is my hope that all of the students at ACG achieve their maximum learning potential.
Caroline Elsbury
Secondary Teacher
Originally from London, I have spent the past 20 years teaching in international schools in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This is my second year teaching at ACG and I spent 2 years previously teaching French and ESL at North Jakarta International School. I am very excited to be living in South Jakarta and to be part of a truly multicultural school with a strong sense of community. This year I am teaching English, ELS and PE and am looking forward to getting to know, and working with the students in my classes. Indonesia is full of possibilities for exciting travel and in the past 3 years I have developed a real love of the Indonesian people and their amazingly diverse culture.
Suti Rahayu
Kindergarten Teacher
I come from Pacitan ,East Java, Indonesia. I graduated from Open University. This is my second year with ACG International school as a Kindy teacher. Before I came to ACG I was working as a Kindergarten teacher at one of the National School Plus in Indonesia for 8 years. In this school I have learnt about different methods of teaching young children, such as: Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Seven Kinds of Smart. I also attended teacher training session about "Understanding Childhood Development". I like working in ACG school, Jakarta and enjoy learning about how to apply the PYP Program in the classroom.
Julia Robinson
Lower Primary
I am the current Kindy teacher at ACG international school. This is my second year in Jakarta. I am from Russia and Scotland. I have been an international school teacher for the last 15 years. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education with major studies in Child Psychology. I have lived and taught in Ghana, Kenya, Romania, Bangladesh and now in Indonesia. I enjoy working with the young children as every day offers new exciting challenges and it is wonderful to see children grow and make progress in their every day learning experience. I enjoy Jakarta very much, especially the warm climate. So far this is my favorite place I've been too.
Dhani Saputra
PE Teacher
I came from Jakarta Indonesia, my hobbies are mountain climbing, soccer playing, martial arts, and singing. This will be my second year at ACG international school, I have been teaching physical education for 6 years, Martial Arts Instructor for 7 years, and soccer coach for 3 years. Before I was working at ACG, I taught P.E at ICHTHUS International school. I love teaching at ACG International School because it's a great opportunity to share experiences with the students and teachers who come from many different countries.
Gita Marino
Music Teacher
I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, USA but I grew up in Depok, a beautiful city in southern Jakarta. I am very excited to join ACG this year where I can actively participate and collaborate in a nice school environment. Previously, I worked for a tax & business consultant company for one and a half year, and now I can follow my dream and passion in music education. I graduated from Sekolah Musik Yayasan Pendidikan Musik, Jakarta, where I got my music diploma and pedagogy lesson majoring in guitar. I also have Bachelor Degree from University of Indonesia.
Luciana Hanifah
Bahasa Indonesia Teacher
Hi, my name is Ria Luciana Hanifah. I came from the city that is famous for its cool air, Malang East Java. My hobbies include cooking, singing, and learning traditional dance. I have taught Bahasa Indonesia, Art and Information Technology in North Jakarta International schools for the past 15 years. I received my B.A equivalent plus Teaching Certificate from Muhammadiyah University Malang. I also completed a Certificate from Murdoch University that has taught me how to facilitate learning through effective classroom management and to use creative approaches when teaching. This is my second year teaching Bahasa Indonesia at ACG International School in Jakarta. I love teaching at ACG International School because it's a great opportunity to share experiences with the students and teachers who come from many different countries.
Akhmad Fikri
Librarian
I was born in the mango city that we call Indramayu. I started teaching library when I graduated from University of Indonesia. This is my first year teaching library at ACG International School in Jakarta. I have taught library and Information management for the past 2 years. I'm always thinking that the library is not just teaching you how to find a book. But there's something special that you can find about almost anything. I'm not totally a librarian’s bookworm, as I love music and I'm interested in art too. I love teaching at ACG International School because it's a great opportunity to express myself when teaching the students and I can meet with other teachers who come from many different countries. I hope my arrival at ACG will bring major changes to the library for all to enjoy.
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