Hanoi Toronto School’s leaders as well as faculty understand the philosophy and practicality of effective learning, and how to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate the most Amazing Learning. To be part of Hanoi Toronto School is to be amazed at how exciting learning can be.
To grow its international network of schools, ISP’s Global Learning Team implements an effective quality control and support framework covering all aspects of school operation and learning. Each school, HTS included, undergoes a continual and rigorous process of self-evaluation, which is supported by and monitored at the regional level to develop an informed, evidence-based view of what is working well and what needs to be improved. The team is committed to improving learning for students, professional development for teachers and creating Schools of Choice.
School Management Team
Foreign HTS Academic Team
Viet Nam HTS Academic Team
Tu Hoang
MOET Coordinator
With a solid foundation from a bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Tu continuously enhanced her professional qualifications with two Master’s degrees in International Education and Educational Leadership and Management from Horizon University, France. Throughout her academic journey, she consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and received high commendations from her professors.
Having devoted over two decades to education at prestigious private and international schools in Hanoi, Ms. Tu has consistently delivered dynamic and highly effective lessons, inspiring a love of English learning in her students. From a student teaching assistant in her first year of university, she has steadily grown into various leadership roles, from teacher to team leader, department head, and currently, MOET Program Coordinator in Hanoi Toronto. In every role, Ms. Tu has exhibited creativity and passion, always providing enthusiastic support to her students and colleagues.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Tu has left a remarkable impact as a judge in national English speech contests, representing various schools. With over 60 published English books, she has tirelessly worked to bring English closer to children across the country, helping them access and enjoy the language in a natural and effective way.
With over two decades of dedication to education, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Tu is not only a talented educator but also an inspiring figure. Her success is a testament to the fact that with passion, knowledge, and persistent effort, anyone can create true value. Her story will serve as a powerful motivation for those pursuing a career in education, especially those looking to enhance their English teaching skills.
Bien Nguyen
MOET Principal
Ms. Nguyen Thu Bien (Jessie Nguyen) graduated with expertise in four majors: History Pedagogy, Elementary Education Pedagogy, English Language, and Educational Management. During her student years at Pedagogy University, she excelled academically, graduating as the top student in the History major and being one of the 40 outstanding students among 120 colleges and universities in Vietnam, receiving a full scholarship from the Hessen State in Germany. Additionally, she was awarded the Gold Medal in the National Pedagogy Professional Competition organized by the Ministry of Education in 2009. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate specializing in Educational Management at the Capital University.
Creativity, enthusiasm, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge are evident in Ms. Thu Bien’s career journey. She has accumulated diverse experiences in various roles, including being an elementary school teacher, a high school history teacher, a subject specialist, a school administrator, and a founding member of several private schools in Vietnam. In addition to her professional activities within educational institutions, Ms. Thu Bien actively engages in the broader education sector. For five consecutive years, she has been a key participant in the “National Entrepreneurship Day for Students” as a judge for the student category, an annual competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training. She is also an author, contributor to educational materials, and a member of the review board for various documents related to experiential learning, career guidance, and entrepreneurship, led by the Ministry of Education and Training).
With a passion for her profession, regardless of her role, Ms. Thu Bien consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication, leadership capabilities, and the ability to inspire in any environment. Ms. Thu Bien firmly believes that “to create a learning environment that brings safety and happiness to students, teachers must be happy and creatively elevated. Therefore, leaders serve as role models, inspiring teachers, students, and parents to trust, find happiness, and be creative. A happy school is one where each element experiences happiness.”
Lee Martin Chalkly
Executive Principal
Born and raised in Luton in the UK, Lee completed a Humanities degree in History and Film at the College of St Mark and John before completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Exeter University. He returned to Luton to begin his teaching career. Whilst there he worked with Luton Town Football Club coaching at the U11, U13 and U15 levels within the community coaching program.
Following three years in Luton, Lee began his international career in Nairobi, Kenya where he was Deputy Head of Preparatory at Nairobi Academy. For the last 31 years he has worked as a teacher and school leader with 15 years as a Head of School. This experience has taken him and his family to ten countries and has included working with a variety of curriculum including IGCSE, A level, IB and AP. In this time, he has completed a MBA in Educational Management at the University of Leicester and a MA in International Education at the University of Sunderland.
Whilst serving as Director at the International School of Riga, the school leadership worked with the Latvian Ministry of Education to support the development of new pedagogy that was incorporated into the Latvian National Curriculum. The school was recognized for its innovation and commitment to great learning.
He joins Hanoi Toronto School from another ISP school, Tenby Schools Ipoh, Malaysia, where he served as Campus Principal for 3 and half years.
John Slipachenko
Deputy Principal
John is an accomplished, experienced, enthusiastic, and dedicated educational leader from Canada. Possessing over a decade of domestic and international educational experience, he is a curriculum building, child safeguarding, stakeholder partnership, and professional development facilitation expert.
John started out in the financial sector, working for one of the largest firms in Canada. As he made the jump into education, he brought with him the diligence, business acumen, and fiscal responsibility necessary to be a successful administrator and leader. Making his name in international education, he proved himself to be meticulous, collegiate, collaborative, inclusive, and flexible in his leadership style.
As a committed and dependable professional, he benefits his organization by embracing its mission and vision, facilitating the learners to thrive both academically and socially, and building up a supportive framework for staff.His two best competencies are his growth mindset and his ability to carry out his duties to the highest professional standard while aligning the efforts with institutional goals.
Bich Vu
Operation Manager
Ms. Bich graduated from the University of Languages and International Studies, Hanoi National University, with a major in English Language and Chinese as a Second Language. She began her teaching career at one of the very first international schools in Hanoi in 2001. Over the past 23 years, she has held various positions including teacher, School Office Manager, School Operations Manager, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member at several international schools locally.
As one of the very first founding members of Hanoi – Toronto School, Ms. Bich, together with her dedicated colleagues, has set the foundation and developed the school into a place where child safeguarding is always the top priority, “Learning First” and “Curious Confident Minds” are continuously fostered. Her tireless efforts and contributions can be seen in the regularly maintained facilities, the daily improved school services, and the safe and comfortable learning environment, which makes Hanoi – Toronto School a “School of Choice” for hundreds of students and parents.
With extensive experience in school operations management and a passion for creating efficient and effective processes, Ms. Bich will strive to make positive and meaningful contributions to the lives of young learners.
Josie Llewellyn
Art Teacher
Hello, my name is Josie, and I am so happy to be joining Hanoi Toronto School as the new art teacher!
I began my teaching journey in Vietnam just before the pandemic struck in 2020. Over the past four years, I have been working and living in Vietnam, and I have had the privilege of teaching various age groups as an ESL teacher, with a special focus on kindergarten.
I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to return to my true passion of teaching art. Back home in Wales, I dedicated my time to teaching art and ceramics workshops, in schools and communities using learn-through-making teaching methodologies and working with children who have a wide range of learning abilities. My commitment to curriculum development and alignment enabled students to exceed academic expectations while developing a deep appreciation for art and creativity.
My experience working with both secondary and primary school students has equipped me with the ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to suit varying developmental stages and learning styles. Whether introducing secondary students to advanced ceramic techniques or guiding primary students in exploring the fundamentals of artistic expression, I am committed to nurturing each student’s unique talents and helping them reach their full potential.
Beyond the classroom, I actively participated in extracurricular activities, such as art exhibitions and community projects, which enriched students’ learning experiences and strengthened their sense of belonging within the school community. Art has always been a central part of my life, and I believe it plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and expression in young minds. I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute my skills, experience, and passion for art education to the school, and I am eager to inspire my students and help them discover their artistic talents.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Hanoi Toronto School community. I can’t wait to start this new chapter and contribute to the vibrant learning environment here!
Joshua Webb
HPE Teacher
I am very excited to be joining Hanoi Toronto School and to work alongside fantastic staff and students here in Hanoi. As a teacher of Physical Education for more than 7 years, I have taught both practical and theory-based PE to students of all ages and abilities in many countries including the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and the United Arab Emirates. My teaching philosophy revolves around holistic development and inclusive education, providing stimulating and accessible lessons for all learners and developing well-rounded and confident individuals who are adaptable, diligent and are able to realise their full potential for the future.
James Forrest
Design & Technology Teacher
Hello, my name is James, and I am from Cork, Ireland. I have a passion for a wide range of activities, including soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, golf, reading, drawing, and all aspects of coding, technology, and engineering. I have a keen interest in all sports and enjoy staying active. I am relatively new to Vietnam and Asia, bringing with me five years of teaching experience in Ireland. This move has been a significant change, and I am excited about the new opportunities it presents.
I am dedicated to creating a learning environment that fosters both academic growth and a lifelong passion for the subjects I teach. My teaching philosophy centers around engaging and inclusive lessons that accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student feels understood and valued. I strive to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication in each lesson.
I lead my classes with a structured approach, setting high expectations for all students. I maintain a firm yet fair teaching style, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect while valuing students’ opinions and ideas. Building a strong rapport with my students is essential, as it creates a supportive atmosphere where students feel heard and valued.
My ultimate goal is to inspire a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. By nurturing critical thinking and creativity, I aim to empower students to become confident and articulate communicators, equipped with the skills to succeed in their educational endeavors and beyond.
Jordan Holbrook
Secondary Teacher
I am a dedicated and enthusiastic math teacher with 4 years of experience in education, both in England and Vietnam. Throughout my career, I have developed and delivered comprehensive schemes of work based on the English National curriculum and the Ontario curriculum. My expertise lies in lesson planning, developing a positive culture within the classroom, and employing new teaching and learning techniques. I am passionate about inspiring and motivating students, and I am constantly striving to develop, refine, and improve my practice.
In addition to my professional achievements, I take great personal pride in my open-mindedness and my ability to cope with challenges. These qualities have not only helped me grow as an educator but have also enabled me to foster a classroom environment that encourages students to embrace challenges and persevere through difficulties.
My teaching philosophy centres on assisting each child in reaching their full potential as intuitive and conscientious learners while fostering a passion for mathematics. I believe in building self-reflective and resilient mindsets that can navigate and solve problems effectively. Mathematics, to me, is a tool that sharpens the mind, builds resilience, and opens doors, and I am committed to helping students recognize and seize this potential.
Outside the classroom, I am an avid traveller who loves exploring new cultures and destinations. I am also passionate about sports, both as a participant and a spectator, and I find great joy in trying different cuisines and exploring the world of food. These hobbies not only enrich my life but also bring a broader perspective to my teaching, allowing me to connect with my students on multiple levels and share diverse experiences.
Hai Dang
Science Teacher
Hang Trieu
Primary Teacher
Thuy Mai
Primary Teacher
Thao Nguyen
VAL Teacher