International Standards, Inspired by National Values

Mr. Andrew Smyllie

School Principal

I am delighted to welcome you to our school and to the 2024/2025 school year. My name is Andrew Smyllie, the Principal of the Liwa International School – Al Mushrif. I am originally from England, in the UK, and have been dedicated to the field of education for more than 32 years. I have been very fortunate to have worked in the UAE as a school leader for the last 8 years and, with my team, will work hard to ensure we continue the excellent work that the founding Principal began when the school first opened its doors in September 2019.

As a parent, I fully understand that you want the best for your children, socially and academically and that is what we strive to provide. While your children are at our school, I will treat them as if they were my own, ensuring they are provided with a safe and stimulating learning environment. I am passionate about children’s education and believe it is my duty to support all our students to reach their full potential.

Our curriculum is constructed to ensure that our students achieve the best they can, both personally and against national and international benchmarks. We use the California State Standards to guide progression and learning, as well as those integral to the UAE and the National Agenda. At all points through the year, your child will know where they are in terms of their progress and what they need to do next, as will you as their parent. Each child is an individual, with their own strengths and areas that need more guidance; our child-centered approach ensures that all are supported and challenged

With an international teaching staff, we ensure that highly qualified teachers provide a wide range of opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, to promote social and academic development. The broad and balanced curriculum will be taught in a cross-curricular approach, underpinned by core skills, to ensure progress and depth of learning.

Our students are given the opportunities and tools to become global citizens with a strong sense of the identity, values and culture of the UAE. Student leadership development is central to our approach and all students will be given the opportunity to undertake leadership positions within the school community. We also actively encourage participation in wider community events and initiatives. Students also contribute to school life and development through the Student Council and all students share their views through regular calendared feedback opportunities.

As a school, LISM understands that parents are crucial to student success. You will be kept fully informed of your child’s progress and successes – through formal, scheduled events as well as informal contact by teachers, using the school’s communication platform. We will arrange formal forums to collect parental views and suggestions, as well as provide regular opportunities for parental feedback through regular questionnaires. I, and members of my team, are available to assist you if you wish to speak to us.

I look forward to an exciting new academic year ahead and to getting to know you all better. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the school if there is anything I can do for you.

Ms. Carmilla williams

Vice Principal (Data & Assessment)

Ms. Hiba Sleit

Vice Principal

Ms. Hiba has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of education, both as a teacher and administrator. She worked as a homeroom teacher from KG through grade 5 in Lebanon and UAE and as an elementary principal and an academic advisor in UAE. She possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the American curriculum.

In her multifaceted role as a school leader, she headed inspection and accreditation committees and led various pilot programs and initiatives by ADEK.

Ms. Hiba has a complete overview and understanding of school policies and day-to-day operations. She assisted teachers in ensuring the development and implementation of a standards-based curriculum, effective lesson planning, balanced assessment framework, and appropriate pedagogical strategies to ensure the students receive effective learning opportunities.

She has successfully coached the faculty members in curriculum mapping, classroom observation techniques, and engagement.

Her interpersonal skills helped her work collaboratively with all school community members, including staff, parents, and students.

Believing in continuous personal development has led her to earn a master’s degree in leadership in education and get certified by Tribal to serve as a school inspector focusing on improving teaching and learning, assessment, and students’ learning skills. In addition, continuously attending seminars, workshops, and conferences focusing on deep learning, engagement, and school improvement enhanced her practices to be a more efficient school leader.

Email : hiba.sleit@lism.ae

Ms. Deborah Lang

Assistant Principal (Pastoral)

Ms. Deborah has been a teacher for nearly 17 years. During this time, she has held positions of responsibility for academic and pastoral areas, including working as the Head of Pastoral Support in Scotland, ensuring students’ safety, wellbeing, and emotional development. A key part of her remit here was 16+, which focused on preparing students for life outside of school, whether in further education (UCAS) or employment.

In 2014, Ms. Deborah made a move to Dubai. During her time in Dubai, Miss. Debbie worked in two prestigious schools as Head of Humanities, UAE Social Studies, and Moral Education. Her departments were regularly judged as Outstanding per the UAE Inspection Framework, and her responsibilities ranged across the whole school. While in Dubai, she was also a Careers Advisor, which allowed her to develop a detailed understanding of the UAE education system, assessment, and other educational institutions in the UAE, as well as in the USA, Pakistan, Egypt, and Germany, to name a few.

Given her experience of the Scottish, English, and American education systems, Miss. Debbie has often been called upon to support and mentor students and teachers. She takes an active role in any school she works in to ensure that opportunities are available for the benefit of students.

Ms. Debbie is passionate about helping young people develop their skills and grow their self-esteem in a safe and caring environment. Her prior experiences give her an excellent depth of knowledge relating to pastoral care and career counseling, which will benefit students at LISM.

Email : deborah.lang@lism.ae

Ms. Lisa Bufton

Head of Inclusion

Ms. Lisa has over 15 years of teaching experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs.

After teaching in a specialist school for profound and multiple learning difficulties, she trained as a Teacher of the Deaf, leading a Hearing-Impaired Resource Base in Cardiff, UK.

Since moving to the UAE in 2018, Ms. Lisa has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and is a qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator. She is passionate about enabling children to achieve their potential and is committed to supporting the inclusion of all children at LISM.

Mr. Liam Dwan

Assistant Vice Principal for Middle and High School

Mr. Liam has over 10 years of teaching experience in Ireland & The UAE with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Physical Education from the University of Limerick.

In his role, he aims to encourage students to develop both physically and mentally with an emphasis on improvement, participation, and problem-solving across the board.

Mr. Liam believes in linking Math to the everyday life of the student, designing real-life tasks in a student-centered environment to develop students’ critical thinking skills, ability to work as part of a team & reach students’ specific targets.

Through the P.E. curriculum, Mr. Liam aims to encourage students to develop autonomy for their well-being, physical fitness & developing a healthy lifestyle. While also providing opportunities for students to improve skills in different sports and team competitions.

Mr. Waseem Wakeel

Assistant Vice Principal