How does an international school cultivate an environment that supports both a Principal and Teacher of The Year? Find out below!
Besides being an international school with state-of-the-art facilities, a strong ethical foundation and a diverse student body, Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS) also earns kudos for its award-winning teaching staff!
This non-profit International school is academically rigorous with its International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International Middle Years Curricula (IMYC), and Cambridge International iGCSE frameworks, all led by dedicated educators who nurture students through their formative educational years. At the Singapore Education Awards 2024, two members of its teaching staff have been recognised for their outstanding contributions!
More about Elaine Robinson, voted Best Principal of the Year
Grabbing the Silver award for Best Principal of the Year (Secondary) in the 2024 Education Awards is Principal Elaine Robinson. Born and educated in the UK, her teaching career spans over 25 years with stints all over the globe. Elaine served as Deputy Headteacher of a large Secondary School in London for eight years, where she was part of the founding Senior Leadership Team that set up the school. It was during her role there that she was awarded the National PAJES School Awards for Deputy Headteachers. She started her formal teaching career at Immanuel College London, where she was responsible for creating the Social Action programme in the school and launching a very successful national programme encouraging children around the country to volunteer.
Elaine has been the Principal at SMMIS since 2017, and is here with her husband and two children, who also study at SMMIS. As a school leader, Elaine is deeply committed to her own lifelong learning and thereby creating a thoughtful teaching and learning culture. Together with her Senior Team she is dedicated to creating a child-centred learning environment, taking inspiration from the work of Carol Dweck and her theories of the Growth Mindset. By fostering an environment of enquiry-based learning, she encourages students to explore, ask questions, and develop critical thinking skills. Prioritising student well-being is at the heart of her approach, as she believes that a supportive and nurturing atmosphere is essential for effective learning. At SMMIS, they talk about the power of ‘yet’ and remind students that mistakes are part of the learning journey.
“I love being the principal of a school, and genuinely believe it is the best job in the world, continuously learning about and promoting the best educational theories and philosophy and having the opportunity to mold and lead a school is an incredible honour. Encouraging and supporting the growth of young people is amazing, providing opportunities and creating dynamic environments for them to thrive… My favourite part of being a Principal is the vibrant, diverse community of students, educators and parents from around the world. Each day presents the opportunity to celebrate different cultures and perspectives, enriching our learning environment.
“I love witnessing the growth of our students as they develop not only academically but also as global citizens. Building meaningful relationships with families and fostering a collaborative spirit among staff further enhances the unique educational experience we offer, making every day fulfilling and inspiring. The wide variety of tasks to perform means there is never a dull moment in the role. My moto is: ‘expect the unexpected’. There is nothing more rewarding than leading a school community and having the privilege to lead and develop an educational institution. I feel humbled by the task I have been given.” – Elaine
More about Junaidi Kusnong, voted Best Teacher of the Year
Mr. Junaidi Kusnong boasts over a decade of teaching experience under his belt, and has recently joined the faculty at Sir Manasseh Meyer International School. Alongside his work in education, Mr. Junaidi is also a respected musician within the local community! Blending his passion for music with a commitment to nurturing young learners brings both a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt dedication to student growth at SMMIS.
Mr. Junaidi’s approach to music education goes beyond teaching technical skills or perfecting a performance. Not only has he directed several school concerts and shows – Mr. Junaidi also recently planned a lunchtime concert series to raise musical consciousness all around the main school. This project created an attractive environment for students to enjoy live music in a laid-back environment, thereby boosting their confidence as performers and so supporting a strong musical community inside the university.
Music education doesn’t just stop with the students. Mr. Junaidi planned a teacher-parent music session meant to close the distance between classroom instruction and at-home practice. This programme gave parents useful skills and knowledge on helping their children’s musical growth, therefore ensuring that learning goes beyond the classroom and becomes a shared experience inside families.
“I focus on an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and find their own connections to music. This method allows students to take ownership of their learning by guiding them to experiment and discover musical concepts in a hands-on way. For example, I might start with a simple question like, “What makes a rhythm feel fast or slow?” and then guide students through exercises where they experiment with beats and patterns. This sparks curiosity and leads to meaningful discussions about tempo, rhythm, and how they can use these elements to express themselves.
“My favourite part of teaching is seeing students discover their own potential and watching them develop a genuine appreciation for music. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing students build confidence as they grasp new concepts and express themselves creatively. As a primary music teacher, I especially enjoy finding engaging ways to connect with students through songs, movement, and interactive activities that bring music to life.
I’ve also had the privilege of teaching a variety of music skills across different grade levels, which has allowed me to witness students’ growth over time. Whether it’s a young student who learns to keep a steady beat or an older one who starts exploring melody and harmony, each of these milestones brings a new sense of fulfilment. My goal is always to nurture a lifelong love for music in my students, helping them develop skills that go beyond the classroom and enrich their lives.” – Mr. Junaidi
Well done, Principal Elaine Robinson and Mr. Junaidi Kusnong!
This post is in partnership with Sir Manasseh Meyer International School.
