Introducing Shireen Appana - Primary Principal

Shireen Appana joins us from Nord Anglia School Nantong, in China where she was the Founding Head of the School. Her International leadership background includes serving as the Primary Principal at the United Nations International School in New York and Bonn International School in Germany. Prior to being a Principal, Shireen was a PYP Coordinator and a Language Coordinator at Bonn International School and a Subject Leader for the Arts and Homeroom Teacher at Karori Normal School in New Zealand. Shireen has worked in IB Schools since 2003.

Shireen holds a Master of Education Degree from the University of Natal in South Africa. She is also a Principal, Training Center (PTC) graduate from Miami, USA and has a Certificate in International School Leadership in School Wide Curriculum, Assessment, Leadership and Group Dynamics and Supervision and Evaluation. In addition, she has also completed PTC courses in Finance and Technology in International School Leadership. To enhance her vision and leadership skills and increase her ability for innovation in International Schools, she has completed the training for New and Aspiring Heads and participated in the Global Women’s Leadership Assembly, an initiative by five leading women CEOs in Europe and the Middle East.

Shireen has strong involvement and deep understanding of the IB Programmes, in particular the PYP having served as a PYP Workshop Leader, School Visitor and a trained Consultant for the International Baccalaureate (IB) as well as a Council of International Schools (CIS) Visitor. 

While South African by birth, Shireen has travelled extensively abroad and has lived and worked in New Zealand, Germany, the USA, and most recently China. She is excited to be back in Africa and is looking forward to working with the learning community at the International School of Lusaka.

Shireen will be accompanied by her husband, Joakim Valayutham who has also worked abroad in IB Schools, both as a homeroom and STEAM teacher. Among other things, his interests include playing the guitar, singing, playing chess and cooking. 

Shireen’s interests include reading, going to the theatre, attending live concerts, going to the gym, listening to classical and jazz music, dancing, traveling, fine dining and learning about other cultures.