Specialist Teachers Profiles

Mr Mikko Perkowsky

Bachelor of Arts Washington State University, USA
Teaching Diploma Modern Montessori International (AMI), London
Diploma Early Childhood Helsinki University, Finland

Mr Perkowsky has a very multicultural teaching background having taught in the UK, Finland, Saudi-Arabia and China. He has 15 years experience in early childhood teaching and sports education.

Some of the highlights of Mr Perkowsky's international moves include The English School in Helsinki, Yew Chung International School in Chongqing (China), Asrary Montessori School in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and most recently the German European School in Singapore.

Mr Perkowsky specializes in teaching soccer and tennis and has lead many after school sports programs such as wrestling classes and adventure sports clubs. He is thrilled that he has been able to combine his love of early childhood teaching and sport.

"I love the feeling of Avondale's friendly, respectful, multicultural and a community spirit. It is very positive in every way. "

Mrs Shanhong Hughes

Bachelor of Music Education Shenyang Conservatory, China
Diploma in Music Education Shenyang Conservatory, China

Mrs Hughes brings over 15 years of specialist Music Teaching to Avondale Grammar School. After completing a teaching degree and 4 years of teaching experience in Shenyang Conservatory, Shanhong moved in to International Education, having taught in International Schools in Thailand and China before coming to Singapore.

Her experience includes UK National Curriculum, Montessori and American Curriculum School, as well as both the International Primary Curriculum and the IB Primary Years Programme, for which Shanhong has advanced certification. She has also attended workshops on Kodaly, and been a tutor of classroom music and keyboards for Yamaha Music Schools.

Shanhong's passion is for performance, and she has organised successful concerts and musicals in all her schools. In China, one show made the National Press, and a student choir group were invited to sing at the lighting ceremonies of two major hotels in Beijing.

"I am looking forward to further developing the musical talent at Avondale - and hope to see you at various performances throughout the year."

Mrs Savneet Bali

Bachelor of Arts (French & English) University Delhi, India
Diploma in French Language Alliance Francais de Paris

Mrs Bali enjoys the multicultural feel of Singapore and has found Singapore a very comfortable place to live since 2006.

Mrs Bali began teaching French to flight attendants and then worked for Lufthansa as a French translator. She has also taught French at Delhi University and private schools in Singapore such as St Francis Methodist School.

To ensure children love to learn French, Mrs Bali believes that French must be taught in a very interactive way. She is always seeking new ways to make French a truly loved subject at Avondale.

"The thing I love most about Avondale is the benefits that the children enjoy because every child is catered for individually."

Ms May Xin Xiaomei

Master in Anthropology Central University for Nationalities, China

Ms Xin was born in China and has been in Singapore for almost a year. Before coming to Singapore, she worked in Beijing as a Chinese teacher, journalist and editor for more than eight years.

Prior to joining Avondale, Ms Xin worked in a Chinese tuition centre in Singapore. Ms Xin is an expert in Chinese language as a result of her years of experience in teaching, writing and editing in Chinese. She wishes to teach and cultivate this valuable linguistic skill and cultural sensitivity in the Avondale children.

"Avondale is a unique international school. I appreciate the racial harmony and the belief in lifelong love of learning, student focus and open-minded teaching philosophy."

Ms Wang Qian

Bachelor of Chinese Education Ha Er Bin University, China
Diploma in Preschool Education Frobel Academy, Singapore

Ms Wang was born in Ha Er Bin, China and has been a permanent resident of Singapore since 2006. She enjoys the atmosphere and multicultural environment of Singapore.

Ms Wang began teaching Mandarin in China at Zhoa Lin Primary School. In Singapore she taught Mandarin for 4 years in the PCF Education Centres. Prior to joining Avondale she taught Mandarin at Zhi Cheng Private School and Eton House International School.

"Avondale is a wonderful place to teach. Everyone is friendly and the students are so fortunate to have lots of extra curricular activities to explore their interests."

Avondale welcomes Ms Amarjit Kaur as our Librarian in 2010.

Mr Juan O'Shea

Masters of Teaching (Primary) Charles Sturt University, Australia
Bachelor of Arts (Information & Communication Services) Macquarie University Australia

Mr O'Shea came to Singapore in January 2007 when his partner was offered a job here. He was keen to experience a new culture and thrilled about the opportunity to travel around Asia.

He began his career in IT and Operations, as well as Workforce Management and worked in the Call Centre Industry in both Sydney and London for seven years. Mr O'Shea has had teaching experiences at the Australian International School in Singapore. At Avondale, Mr O'Shea is able to combine his expertise in IT and his passion for teaching.

Mr O'Shea is working in a dual role at Avondale, as an IT teacher and Classroom Support teacher.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to teach at Avondale and I particularly enjoy working with the unique talents of each child. I admire the down to earth philosophy of Avondale and the fantastic low teacher to student ratios offered."

Avondale welcomes Ms Michelle Ow as our art teacher in 2010.

Avondale welcomes Ms Amanda Dundas as our Year 1 Classroom Support Teacher in 2010.

Additionally we welcome Ms Lorena Romero as our Year 2 Classroom Support Teacher.