Decades of Service
FAREWELLS TO LONG-SERVING
FACULTY & STAFF
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One of the hardest parts of the year is saying goodbye to colleagues and friends who have helped shape our school. It's with a full heart that we bid farewell to the following staff & faculty who have served over a decade at HKIS.
The whole community thanks you for your many years of dedication and service to making HKIS a leading place of learning.
MORE THAN THREE DECADEs
The following faculty & staff members have served over 30 years with HKIS!
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Anita Wong
Payroll Officer
39 Years with HKIS
After an incredible 39 years of dedicated service, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Anita, our dear friend and colleague, as she embarks on a well-earned retirement. Anita has been more than just a team member; she has been a trusted friend and a valued part of the school. Her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment have shaped the heart of our workplace, and her warmth and kindness have touched the lives of everyone around her.
Lovingly known as our national treasure panda bear, Anita has brought comfort, calm, and joy to every corner of HKIS. She has always been dependable, gracious, and ready to support others. Her gentle spirit, steady presence, and nurturing heart makes her not only a pillar of our operations but also a symbol of the deep friendships.
Anita, thank you for everything. You will be sorely missed. Enjoy this exciting new chapter; you’ve truly earned it. Congratulations on your retirement!
by Stephanie Sue, HKIS Chief Financial Officer
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Steve Tse
Driver
37 Years with HKIS
I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for Steve’s remarkable dedication and commitment over the past thirty-seven years of service to HKIS.
His unwavering commitment and tireless hard work have significantly shaped our organization, leaving a lasting impact on all of us. His contributions have not only been invaluable but have also inspired those around you to strive for excellence.
As you embark on this exciting new chapter of your life, we sincerely congratulate you on your retirement! May your future be filled with abundant joy, new adventures, and cherished moments.
We wish you all the best.
by Eric Tseng, Operational Risks & Admin Services Manager
MORE THAN TWO DECADEs
The following faculty & staff members have served over 20 years with HKIS!
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Dee Mulligan
HS Biology Teacher
29 Years with HKIS
After 29 incredible years at Hong Kong International School, Ms. Dee Mulligan is preparing to retire, leaving behind a legacy that’s truly cellebratory! Known for her engaging Honors Biology classes, Ms. Mulligan has inspired countless students, helping them grow from organisms of doubt into confident scientists.
Click here to listen to our podcast with Dee!
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Karin MacKenzie
Admissions Coordinator
28 Years with HKIS
Karin (pronounce ‘Kah-wren’ or expect to be corrected!) has been a beloved and integral member of the Admissions Team.
Proud mother of HKIS alumnus Thomas, Karin’s workspace recounts his journey from primary school through graduation, and she rightfully lights up when speaking about him.
Karin, your humor, warmth, and home-baked treats will be sorely missed. We wish you well as you embark on this new exciting chapter in Australia!
Thank you for everything, and please come back to visit us!
by Câline Fonteneau, HKIS Director of Admissions
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Dean McLachlan
Primary School Activities & Athletics Coordinator
29 Years with HKIS
Our Primary School Activities & Athletics Coordinator Dean McLachlan spent 27 exciting years at HKIS. Originally arriving in Hong Kong to pursue sports management and rugby, Dean's journey evolved into a deep commitment to education and community building.
Click here to enjoy our Q&A with Dean!
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Maritess (Tess) Evans
LP Educational Assistant
25 Years with HKIS
OH MY GULAY! (Gulay is ‘vegetable’ in Tagalog) Hundreds of students who have been in Tess's care over the years can be heard saying this humorous expression. They have also basked in her loving patience, her kind words and sense of humor.
We are so appreciative of Tess's hard work and positive attitude, coming to work with a beautiful smile and willing energy despite difficult challenges. We celebrate Tess and her twenty-five years of countless contributions to the development of Grade 1 and Reception 2 students! Thank you very much, Tess!
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Ingrid Lipa
LP Educational Assistant
23 Years with HKIS
Ingrid’s presence in LP is a true gift. Her humor, with its dry wit, never fails to bring a smile to our faces. Reliability is her middle name. She can be counted on for any project whether it involves children, books, or cleaning out a fridge! She is a generous host who opens her home and heart to others. It is a well-known fact that she will make flautas happen at any G2 special event! Her commitment to fitness is admirable, proving that exercise is not just a routine but a way of life.
Ingrid is an ever-proud mom of two former HKIS students who are doing amazing things out in the world. Her love and dedication to her family are inspiring. She balances her roles with grace and strength. We are grateful to Ingrid for being a wonderful friend and colleague for many years. We are lucky to have you in our lives!
by Mekala Weerakoon and Liz Asper, LP Teachers
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Joy Okazaki
Chief Operating Officer
23 Years with HKIS
HKIS operates smoothly in large part due to the exceptional operational leadership of Joy Okazaki. After dedicating over twenty years to advancing the school, she leaves behind an indelible legacy that positions HKIS for continued success in the future. Thank you Joy for your dedication and commitment to excellence!
MORE THAN A DECADE!
The following faculty & staff members have served over 10 years with HKIS!
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Norbyah Nolasco
HS Humanities Teacher
19 Years with HKIS
Mekala Weerakoon
Grade 2 Teacher
16 Years with HKIS
Sanderla Von Cannon
UP Educational Assistant
16 Years with HKIS
Lou Ann Tobin
LP Educational Assistant
13 Years with HKIS
Veronica Booth
LP Educational Assistant
11 Years with HKIS
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UNDER A DECADE!
Katie Sonnefeld
Reception 2 Teacher - 8 years
Geoff Heney
LP Principal - 7 years
Kate Heney
Reception 2 Teacher - 7 years
Melodie Hausman
HS Choir Teacher - 5 years
Fay Leong
SW Director of Curriculum & Assessment - 5 years
Jeannie Aitchison
LP Educational Assistant - 4 years
Sheri Gates
Grade 7 & 8 Science Teacher - 4 years
Alan Kennedy Jr
HS Chemistry Teacher - 4 years
Marie Slaby
HS Teacher Librarian - 4 years
Silvia Torta Arlandez
HS French & Spanish Teacher - 4 years
Russell Aranza
UP Educational Assistant - 3 years
Ivana Bagini
Grade 1 Counselor - 3 years
Anson Fong
LP Educational Assistant - 3 years
Kamal Husain
LP Educational Assistant - 3 years
Vivienne Lam
UP Teacher Assistant - 3 years
Nidhi Mishra
LP Educational Assistant - 3 years
Pamela Peng
UP Educational Assistant - 3 years
Gabriel Price
Grade 7 & 8 Social Studies Teacher - 3 years
Iantha Scheiwe
MS Religion Teacher - 3 years
Scot Slaby
HS Humanities Teacher - 3 years
Katrina Hoelzen
Grade 5 Teacher - 2 years
Trisha Hofmann
Grade 7 & 8 Social Studies Teacher - 2 years
Taylor Ireland
Grade 2 Teacher - 2 years
Tobin Ireland
Grade 4 Teacher - 2 years
Zeynep Kavas
UP Art Teacher - 2 years
Andrew Krumland
HS Learning Specialist - 2 years
Monica Lee
LP Educational Assistant - 2 years
Kyran Lo
MS Teacher Assistant - 2 years
Naami Oddoye
Grade 2 Learning Specialist - 2 years
Sheba Samuel
HS Physics Teacher - 2 years
Sujata Uttamchandani
LP Educational Assistant - 2 years