Mr Andy Pybus (Typhoon-Thunder)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to introduce myself as a Design Teacher and a Year 10 tutor. I am very excited to be back in Hong Kong and working at DBIS. I am an experienced designer and design teacher with many years experience designing and leading technology and design faculties in top tier schools both internationally and in the UK. I have recently developed a wide range of STEAM education courses for delivery in a number of International schools in China. I believe that design and the use of existing and emerging technologies can provide many of the STEAM and EQ skills required for the future employment market.
“I am interested in all things ‘Design’ and have a love of anything technological with a particular interest in 2-D, 3-D CAD and CAM and Electronics. I also write and develop educational materials to promote the value of design thinking as a tool for problem solving and have won many awards for delivering IGCSE and IB design technology courses. The design cycle model and multidisciplinary collaboration is something that I am hoping to inspire at DBIS and to encourage students to attempt to solve ‘big world problems”.
Outside of the classroom my interests include travel, rock climbing, cycling, squash, swimming, reading and most recently scuba diving, which I find is a great opportunity to think quietly away from the joys of noisy family life. I have also helped run a number of scuba diving courses for students and look forward to possibly continuing this at DBIS in the future!
In the meantime, if you do have any questions, please feel free to contact me: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Andy Pybus.
Mr David Jonhstone (Typhoon-Lightning)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome your son or daughter to Year 10. I hope you managed to have a restful and enjoyable Summer break. Wow, time really does fly! I can’t quite believe I am now embarking on my second year at DBIS. While my first year was nothing like I had anticipated, it still proved to be an amazing year. I have learnt so much these last 12 months both as a teacher and as a resident of beautiful Hong Kong.
The highlight of my summer has to be finishing the 4 hiking trails in HK. The first few stages of Maclehose, and the last few stages of the Wilson trails were my favourites. If you haven’t done that already, I strongly recommend it. I can still see myself speechless at some of the breathtaking views.
So now on to Year 10 and a busy year ahead. Given our online experiences of last year, I think we are all in a good position to take this forward and make it work for everyone. Even though I eagerly await a return to the classroom. In particular with Year 10, I am looking forward to helping your child gear up towards their GCSEs. One of my main focuses with the tutor group is to develop their study skills so they understand the attributes of a good learner and develop these into their habits. Sometimes these aren’t so obvious and need nurturing.
As always please feel free to contact me at any time through the school email: [email protected]
Sincerely,
David Johnstone.
Ms Amrith Prabhu (Typhoon-Storm)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to warmly welcome your son/daughter to a new school year and to Year 10. I am excited about taking over as the tutor and look forward to facing the challenges and opportunities along with the students over the 2-year course ahead.
Though I have already taught most of you last year or the year before, I would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself. As you know, I teach Mathematics in the Secondary school. I have lived between Hong Kong and China since 2006. This is my 6th year teaching at DBIS having spent the previous years at Harrow School, ESF’s South Island School and YMCACC. I have lived in the South-east Asian belt of Indonesia and Singapore for a long time. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering – Information Technology and Management from the University of Bangalore, India and earned my Postgraduate Certificate of Education in Mathematics from the University of Sunderland, UK.
Research demonstrates that regular attendance and good punctuality are key factors in academic success. Lost learning time, for whatever reason, can lead to a student falling behind and ultimately not making the progress they should. In Year 10, as students move through the school, I wish to support them to become increasingly independent and responsible for their own learning.
Your support , encouragement and interest can make a spectacular difference to your child’s motivation and ability to cope with the increasing demands of the course. Please ensure that your child:
- agrees with you, on a balance between his/her work and social life.
- starts to put in individual learning time. The earlier the better.
- completes all homework assignments given by teachers.
- uses the Planner effectively to record all deadlines, announcements and assignments and reminds you to sign it every weekend. This would be valid when online schooling ceases.
- informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject.
Please do not hesitate to communicate with me any piece of information about your child that you think might help in ensuring that he/she achieves their fullest potential in the GCSE years. Any information you share is completely confidential and will be made known only to our Year 10 Group Leader – Nicholas Moore. My email address is [email protected]
I look forward to a great year with you all.
With warm regards,
Ms Prabhu.