Greetings, and welcome to the 2023-24 school year! Thank you for choosing ISB and trusting all of us with your child’s education and wellbeing. You and your child are about to embark on another memorable year at ISB!
The start of a school year is a new beginning for everyone: starting a new grade, meeting new teachers and friends, and for many, a new school and a new country. We are sensitive to the many challenges involved in adjusting to these changes, and we will work in partnership with you to help make this transition a healthy, happy and successful one. Together, we will work to ensure that the Elementary School is a place where every child feels safe, and experiences the joy of learning and growing.
On behalf of all of the entire ISB Elementary School faculty and staff, we welcome you and look forward to a wonderful school year together.
Sincerely,
Michael Allen, Elementary Principal
Honey Tondre, Elementary Vice Principal
Farah Thaxton, Elementary Vice Principal
More About the 2023-24 ES Principals:
HONEY TONDRE, ES Vice Principal: Early Childhood Specialist
- Joined ISB as ES Vice Principal: Early Childhood Specialist in August 2022
- Prior to ISB was the Head of Early Years (ages 3-7) at The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 2016-2022.
- Educational Consultant and Academic Trainer for AIM Middle East located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 2018-2022.
- Head of Faculty / Special Education Coach of a KG School (Ages 3-6) at Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from XXXX.
- Early Years Teacher and PreK Program Coordinator at schools in the USA from 2005-2013.
- Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education; Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University; MA Science of Reading from University of Texas Austin.
- Joining the ISB community with her husband, Abel.
FARAH THAXTON, ES Vice Principal
- Joined ISB as ES Vice Principal in August 2022
- Prior to ISB was Principal of schools in Washington state, including West Woodland Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School, and Madrona K-8 from 2009-2022
- Art Leadership Coach, Seattle Schools 2013-2022
- Principal Mentor, Seattle Schools 2017-2022
- President of Principal Association of Seattle School, Elementary Component 2018-2021
- Administrator/Title I Coordinator, Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School, Philadelphia PA (2007- 2009)
- Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Victory Schools EMO, Philadelphia School District (2006-2007)
- Principal Certification (University of Delaware) Certified in Washington state, Delaware, Pennsylvania)
- MA. Ed, Education Leadership-Principal Certification, University of Delaware, Newark DE
- Bachelor of Arts, Sociology/Elementary Education, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle WA
- Daughter a MS student at ISB.
DR. MICHAEL ALLEN, ES Principal
- Joined ISB as ES Principal in July 2020.
- Prior to ISB was ES Principal at Shanghai American School in China (2013-20), International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile (2005-13), International School San Roberto in Mexico (2002-2005).
- ES Teacher in Mexico (2000-02), Canada (1997-2000), and Korea (1996-97).
- Principal Certification (Principals Training Center, USA).
- Ed.D, Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University, USA.
- MA. Ed, International Education, Framingham State University, USA.
- Bachelor of Arts Degrees, Psychology & Elementary Education, University of Regina, Canada.
- Son and daughter are HS students at ISB, and wife (Caty) is Director of Teaching and Learning at MYIS Bangkok.