Academic Staff

Chris Rawlins

Principal

I'm extremely proud to have been the Principal of ACG Jakarta for the last four 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 7 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 18 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.

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.

Cameron Fischer

Senior 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.

Michelle Eddy

Senior PYP 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.

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.

Renee Hibbert

Primary Teacher

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.

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!

Bridie Johnson

Primary Teacher

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 backgrounds 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 a 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.

Michelle Pedder

Primary Teacher

My name is Michelle Pedder and I grew up in the beautiful seaside resort town of Terrigal, New South Wales, Australia. I have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree qualification from The University of Newcastle in NSW, Australia. I have been living in Jakarta with my husband and five year old son for just over two years now. Prior to my new tenure at ACG I was teaching at an international school here in Jakarta for the past two years. Apart from working and living in Jakarta, I also have experience teaching in primary public schools in NSW, Australia for seven years and in primary schools in London, England for three years. Before this, I was teaching at Central Coast Grammar School, NSW, Australia for one year. The travel bug bit me again and I was off to teach at The Australian International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for three years. My most recent teaching experience however was at St Mary's Anglican Girls' School, Perth in Western Australia for one year. We welcomed the arrival of our son in Perth, Australia the following year.
Having a teaching qualification has been in many ways a 'passport' to the world for me and allowed me to live and work in a variety of interesting, challenging and ultimately rewarding countries and places. My son and myself are very pleased to be at ACG and we are enjoying the welcoming support from students, teachers, parents and the school community. 

Yolanda Bridges

Year 3/4 Teacher

I am half- Indonesian, half- English and have moved to Jakarta to spend extended time with this side of my family. It has been an exciting couple of years connecting with the culture, learning the language and exploring this incredibly beautiful archipelago. This year will be my second year at ACG. I enjoyed my first year teaching Primary ELS and look forward this year to developing the PYP curriculum in the classroom. As an avid learner myself, I enjoy seeing children become confident drivers behind their own learning. It is important to me that their ideas and natural curiosity are nurtured in a positive thinking environment and that this experience equips them with tools and strategies as life-long learners, brave and able to pursue wherever their interests and appetite for knowledge may take them. I understand that children have different aptitudes so as well as teaching an inquiry-based curriculum, I try to be creative and diverse in all areas of lessons planning.

Wayne Martin

Year 4 Teacher

My name is Wayne Martin and I am from Adelaide, South Australia. I have visited Jakarta numerous times over the past 5 years and am very excited to call this wonderful city home. I am trained as a Primary and Middle School Teacher having obtained my qualifications through the University of South Australia. I have taught in a number of schools within the Private Catholic System in South Australia, with experience teaching Year 2 through to Year 7. When not teaching I am spending time with my family. I have a son, Oliver, who was born in January of 2012 and I am married to Veronica who is originally from Indonesia. Having the support of a large extended family here in Jakarta has made the transition very smooth. I am looking forward to a productive and fulfilling year at ACG with the Year 4 class.

Niral Patel

Primary Teacher

I am from Auckland, New Zealand.  I have a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, and specialise in Information Communication Technology integration (ICT).  I have been fortunate to work in Auckland, London, Abu Dhabi and now Jakarta.  I have over 15 years experience working with children from age 3 to 15 years and have been a Classroom Teacher, ICT Coordinator, Director of ICT, Project Manager, Database Manager and an ICT Advisor.  I came to Jakarta in January 2012 and have loved every minute of it so far.  The students, parents and staff are so welcoming and I feel very fortunate to be part of the ACG Jakarta Community.

Liz Wayne

Primary Teacher

Although I was born in the UK to Hungarian parents, I have lived the majority of my life in Australia, where I taught in Queensland State schools for 18 years. I am so excited to be a new member of the professional, multi-cultural staff here at ACG and to be given the opportunity to teach and interact with students from many countries. I joined the teaching profession in my late 30s (Grad. Dip Ed Griffith University GC Australia), having previously completed an Arts Degree in Performing Arts and Stage Management at the University of SE Queensland. I am confident that my earlier years as a manager in the Hospitality, Retail, Real Estate and Corporate Design sectors; in conjunction with the last decade's involvement in Local Government and politics; arms me with diverse skills and experiences that I can share with my students - students who I feel, are also adding colour and contributing to my life long journey of experiential learning.

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.

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 a 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.

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.

Kristen Pearson

Secondary Teacher

I am a Canadian teacher from Hamilton, Ontario, and am thrilled to be part of the ACG Jakarta teaching team!  This is my third teaching position abroad, following placements in Morocco and South Korea.  I love the diversity of perspectives found in international classrooms, and am amazed by how much I learn from my students and colleagues in these environments. With each country lived in, I’ve adopted a new set of adventures, recipes, and traditions to add to my own.  I first visited Indonesia years ago as a backpacker, and the lush, rugged landscape, exotic flavours, and warm smiles made me want to come back and make this country my home. 

I have an undergraduate degree in Theatre & Film Studies and English, and a graduate degree in Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12).  As a secondary English teacher, I try to prepare my students for a globalised world, selecting texts that represent a variety of cultural viewpoints, and giving students an opportunity to use technology as a valuable means to express their ideas.  Fascinated by media, advertising, and pop culture, I encourage my students to apply a critical mind to all information that they are presented with, both in and out of the classroom. 

Guy Morgan

Secondary Teacher

I am originally from Toronto, Canada and was educated at the University of Guelph where I studied agriculture and anthropology before finally deciding on English literature.  I did a brief stint in the financial world before realizing that my true calling was in teaching.  After finishing my teacher-training in Christchurch, New Zealand I then went on to teach at international schools in Hong Kong, The Philippines, Malaysia and now, finally, at ACG in Jakarta! 

 I am currently teaching English, ESL and ICT.   So far, ACG has been an excellent experience for me and I love the nurturing and inclusive environment that has been created here. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jaka Andrea

Swimming Teacher

My name is Jaka Andrea and I am from Indonesia. My background is physical education teacher. I’m graduate from University of Jogjakarta with my major study is Sport Coaching Education. I have taught in Jogjakarta and now in Jakarta. This is my second year teach PE and Swimming in ACG International School Jakarta. I have a track record of training students for success in sports competitions and creating sport event. I have vast experience as a sports instructor, e.g. swimming coach, soccer, badminton and fitness instructor.  I love in working at the ACG International School as a PE Teacher because this school has followed the IBPYP and Cambridge curriculums and is a multicultural school.  As a PE teacher, my main job role is manage students though their PE activities to be better in their future as well as teaching the Learner Profile in the PYP curriculum. I believe with my experience will be provide high-quality international education for children and support ACG be a world-class school in Indonesia.

Johannes Christian Pramudia Natal

Music Teacher

I was born at Metro, Lampung Tengah. My music-teaching experiences begin in 2001 during my grade 10 Senior High School, teaching private piano and electrone lesson. While finishing my Major Study at Javanese Literature in University of Indonesia I attained my Electone Performance Grade 5 Teaching Certification from Yamaha Music International in 2006. After graduated qs Bachelor of Humanities on 2008 I consecutively attained grade 5 teaching certification for Fundamental Music Theory and Classical Piano Performance, both are from Yamaha Music International. ACG is the third school I teach after Yamaha Music School and High Scope TB Simatupang.

Since my college time and until now I still enjoy learning and developing my music knowledge, especially in Choral Music. Previously joining choir such as Batavia Madrigal Singers and Exsultate Justi In Domino, now I devoted my leisure time as a church-organist, choir instructor, recital accompanist, and freelance writer. Based on my vast experience and the great environment ACG provide to the music education I am confident that together with the whole students we would be able to converse our energy and motivation into a wonderful and harmonious music lesson.”

Iqbal Muchtar

Bahasa Indonesia Teacher

I am from West Sumatera but I have lived in Jakarta for twenty eight years, listening to the music and playing keyboard  is my favourite one. I became a teacher in 2003, Taught Bahasa Indonesia, Music and Information Technology in Setia Negara in Depok and National Plus school in Jakarta . In 2008 I became a Trainer for Call centre in Indosat M2. And for the past couple of years I concern taught Bahasa Indonesia for Expatriates and made a teaching material for Bahasa Indonesia as a second language. I hold a Master Degree in Education with major studies Language Education. This is my second years teaching in ACG, I love teaching at ACG International School in Jakarta because it’s a great opportunity to share experience with the students and teacher who come from many different counties.

Erdian Kristiono

Bahasa Indonesia Teacher

I was born in Jakarta. I love Bahasa Indonesia. That is why I took Bahasa Indonesia and Literature in University of Indonesia. I have my Bachelor’s Degrees in 2005. Since then, I started my teaching experiences and learning module making. Teaching children and adult. Teaching language and introducing Indonesian culture. I love teaching. My specialty is teaching Bahasa Indonesia. You can ask me about Indonesia and its culture and we can discuss about it. My goal in this school is to help kids knows and using Bahasa Indonesia and its language as their personal experience.

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.