Wang Haolan Holly_cn@163.com Shekou International School (SIS), the first international school established in Shenzhen, has announced the appointment of Harish Kanabar as head of the school beginning in August 2022. In 1994, when SIS had just 65 students, Kanabar began his teaching career in east London instructing grade 3 students. With teaching jobs along the way in Singapore and Qatar, Kanabar arrived in Shenzhen at Shekou International School in 2017 as primary principal. From those early days of teaching, Kanabar learned the impact teaching can have on the well-being and confidence of children. “This is my fifth year at SIS,” said Kanabar. “We have been able to make positive changes at the school. In the primary school, we have established an inquiry approach with student agency at its core and we continue to develop our world languages program. Our students are confident and happy, which promotes learning.” Kanabar landed in Shenzhen with his wife and three of his five children in tow. Kanabar’s wife, Paula, has served as the high school counselor for four years while his children are attending school at the primary and secondary campuses. “As a father and an educator, my goal is for my children and my students to develop a love of learning and to acquire the skills that allow them to be lifelong learners.” Kanabar is keen to expand the projects that have been initiated and to work with the team to introduce new programs. “In August we moved into our new secondary campus at Net Valley. We now have doubled the learning and activity space which will allow us to offer increased subject options for students to choose from. Our innovative learning spaces have already allowed us to expand design and music course offerings.” Now with nearly 1,050 students, Kanabar is excited for the future of SIS and highlighted the important roles played by the students, parents and the local community in the development of SIS. “SIS is a school that many parents feel a strong connection to,” he said. “It is very well established in the community and its long-standing reputation makes it a school of choice. We want to honor this trust by excelling and leading the future of international school education in Shenzhen.” Kanabar, who stated that the students he met in his first year at SIS are already in grade 9, will benefit from his primary grade connections and continued familiarity. He intends to support students and their families by developing innovative learning programs and offering additional pathways to all students and parents who have put their trust in SIS while maintaining a personalized learning approach. “The experience I have gained and the understanding I have developed about SIS will provide continued stability and additional opportunities for growth as I move into a more influential role as the incoming head of the school,” said Kanabar. Kanabar also shared as the new head of SIS school his opinions on the development of local international schools and the relevant education industry. “From my perspective, international schools have a place in Shenzhen which is an innovative hub in China and continues to attract expatriates. International schools with good quality, student-focused programs that support student well-being, creativity and help gain a better understanding of the world are vital in our ever-changing world,” he said. | 