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
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.
Sian Murray
English Teacher
Since 2018, I have been residing and teaching in Hanoi, Vietnam. Working with both teachers and students from diverse backgrounds has emphasized my understanding of the significance of nurturing global citizenship among students. It is both exciting and a privilege to be part of the team of educators at Hanoi Toronto, where an environment is fostered that encourages global awareness in our students.
With over six years of experience, I have taught both primary and secondary levels, covering subjects such as English, Science, and Global Perspectives. My passion lies in teaching English and literature, as I am an avid reader myself. Throughout my teaching career, I have actively pursued professional development through various workshops, enhancing my expertise in project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. This past school year, I am particularly proud that I have helped guide my Grade 8 students to achieve outstanding marks in English and Global Perspectives for their Cambridge Checkpoint exams.
In my leisure time, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places and cultures but then also returning home to spend time with my dog, Nugget. I am a very creative person and enjoy attending dance classes, doing anything artsy and indulging in baking delicious treats in the kitchen.
Thomas Ward
English teacher
Since moving to Vietnam, I have spent almost 2 years teaching secondary science in a private school in Hanoi, which has been a truly rewarding experience where I have met so many fantastic students. Working with students where English is an additional language comes with its challenges of course. Still, it also provides so many more opportunities to learn about a student’s culture and share my own.
I have over 7 years of experience in education, yet I still find myself learning thanks to my students. The students in Vietnam have been a joy to teach and I believe they have taught me just as much as I have taught them. (checked by Ollie)
Ricardo Nel
English Teacher
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching in diverse educational environments across South Africa, Qatar, China, and Vietnam. My expertise spans various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the UK systems, allowing me to adapt and cater to different learning needs and styles.
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the constructivist approach to learning, emphasizing the importance of students actively constructing their own understanding and knowledge. I also draw upon the principles of the Zone of Proximal Development, ensuring that each student is challenged just beyond their current abilities with the right amount of support to promote optimal growth and learning.
Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about soccer, table tennis, and FIFA. These hobbies not only keep me active but also provide me with valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and perseverance, which I bring into my teaching practice.
I am incredibly excited about the potential this new academic year holds. It is a unique opportunity for both teachers and students to start fresh, set new goals, and strive to make the impossible possible. I look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and many memorable moments. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Tam Nguyen
Literature Teacher
My name is Tam, it means heart. During nearly ten years as a teacher, I have always tried my best not only to guide students in learning the knowledge of Literature, but most of all, I have given warm love from my heart to my students. I also want to spread that to each of my students. Knowledge is extremely important, but it would be sad if life lacked love, leaving only indifference. That is also the journey where I have grown and continued to improve myself. I once heard: “People often only think about bringing the best things in life to children, but few people care about bringing better children into life.” I am proud and grateful for my own journey – the journey I can contribute to bringing better children’s lives!