Outstanding People

Dr Shanks is a distinguished educator with over 30 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, primarily in Scotland and Hong Kong. Her leadership emphasises fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment for approximately 900 students aged 5 to 11, focusing on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).

Dr Shanks holds a Doctorate in Education and her research centres on the capabilities approach to school leadership through reflexive practice. She engages with various educational associations and research communities, actively contributing to discussions on effective leadership and innovative teaching methods.

At ESF Sha Tin Junior School, Dr Shanks has implemented initiatives that enhance learning experiences, such as approaches to learning and inclusion educational needs support. Under her guidance, the school emphasises not only academic achievement but also instils values that promote resilience and adaptability in students.

Aaron is an experienced educator who has served in various roles, including teacher, instructional coach, Associate Division Head, and Vice Principal across Canada, St. Vincent, Mexico, the UAE, Brazil, and Hong Kong. He specialises in literacy, coaching, curriculum design, and data analysis, as well as facilitating professional learning. Passionate about empowering teachers and students, Aaron is committed to equity and inclusion, helping individuals thrive. He believes that impactful learning is rooted in strong relationships and a genuine sense of belonging. Aaron is currently completing his doctoral studies in educational leadership with a focus on inclusion.

Laura Biles is a dedicated educator who is committed to fostering an environment that prioritises the well-being of both students and teachers. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership focusing on teacher flourishing, Laura believes that by enabling teachers to thrive, the school can create the best opportunities for every student to flourish and be the best that they can be. 

Having worked at Sha Tin Junior School for eight years in various capacities and in the UK for an additional five years, Laura brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Through leading the Student Council, she values the students' voice and agency in developing the school. Laura specialises in Mathematics and has completed two Masters-level qualifications as a specialist teacher in this subject. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her participation in multiple International Baccalaureate (IB) workshops, which enhance her ability to support a diverse learning community to become internationally-minded global citizens. 

Jonny has over 12 years of experience in education, with 8 of those years dedicated to the English Schools Foundation. Throughout his career, he has held various roles across primary school year groups, allowing him to develop a diverse skill set and deep understanding of educational practices. Jonny is especially passionate about curriculum design and development, continually striving to enhance learning experiences for his students.

Jonny is deeply passionate about professional development, not only for himself but also for his colleagues, with the ultimate goal of enhancing teaching and learning for students. He has successfully completed a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership and is currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Leadership.

This combination of qualifications underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement in education. Jonny's efforts are focused on creating collaborative opportunities for professional growth, sharing best practices, and implementing innovative strategies that benefit both educators and students alike.

Alison has 33 years of teaching experience, with most of her career spent in Scotland. She has also taught in Shanghai and is now enjoying her fifth year in Hong Kong. Her educational journey is diverse and rich, having taken on several leadership roles and she is currently the Head of Support for SJS.

With a Postgraduate Diploma in Support for Learning, Alison has dedicated the last 17 years to specialising in this area, where her true passion lies—helping students succeed. She is deeply committed to Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Equalities, and is dedicated to supporting her colleagues in their professional development.

Alison’s journey reflects a strong commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every student can shine. She believes that,  with the right support, every learner can reach their full potential.

Charlotte is a passionate educator with experience in various leadership roles. She believes that every child is unique and that understanding each student deeply is essential for helping them thrive. Charlotte takes great joy in collaborating with her colleagues to ensure that SJS students feel nurtured and receive the best possible holistic education.

As a member of the senior leadership team, Charlotte is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive educational environment where every member of the community feels valued and has a strong sense of belonging. She also serves as a representative of teacher voices on the Board of Governors and actively participates in the Teacher’s Committee, working to align organisational initiatives with the School Improvement Plan.

Currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Charlotte continues to develop her leadership skills. She is deeply committed to inspiring both teachers and students to reach their fullest potential while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in education.