28 February Important Family and Student Update
Dear Families and Students,
As always, we have had so many wonderful activities take place at AIS that it is difficult to choose what to share! I am delighted to provide you with a few key updates and some important information. Please take a moment to review this message.
Re-enrollment for the 2025-2026 School Year
Parents and guardians are asked to check their email for an important communication about re-enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. Families are asked to follow up on this message as soon as possible, as spaces are limited in many grades next year. We are truly fortunate that AIS remains a popular school choice for families across the city, so please be sure to secure your student’s spot for the fall.
Leadership Moves
I am writing today to make you aware of upcoming changes to our Leadership Team in the fall. It is with a mix of emotions that I write, as it is always hard to say goodbye to those we work closely with, while, at the same time, we prepare ourselves to embrace the potential that new people bring. I want to encourage each of you to acknowledge the many feelings that accompany significant change, and to accept that it’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions.
Fond Farewells
I would like to begin by expressing my genuine appreciation for our departing Leadership Team members. The contributions they have made will continue to shape the work of our school for years to come. Together, we have created wonderful memories and formed strong collegial bonds. There is no question that we are grateful for the valuable insights they brought to our collective efforts.
First, our long-standing Middle School Principal, Mr. Zach Post, will be leaving AIS after 9 years of service. AIS has been his second home for nearly a decade, and his ongoing contributions will continue to influence students into the future. Mr. JP Tomaque, our Director of Education Technology, will be returning to the classroom after two years at AIS, first as a Computer Science Teacher, and then as our Director of Educational Technology.
Both school leaders will be missed by the AIS community, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for their commitment and service to our school and their dedication to our students, families, faculty, and staff. I know I speak for us all when I say that we wish them every success as they head out on their next adventures. May the road ahead be kind to you both.
Mr. Zach Post, Middle School Principal
Mr. JP Tomaque, Director of Learning Innovation
Warm Welcomes
It is now my pleasure to introduce the new members of the Leadership Team who will be joining us for the 2025-2026 school year. We look forward to embracing their fresh perspectives, diverse talents, and unique experiences. Their arrival signifies the start of a new chapter, bringing new possibilities, opportunities for growth, and the chance to forge new connections and collaborations. We are eager to welcome them into our team and create a supportive and inclusive environment where they can share the many gifts they bring with them to their new positions.
Please take a moment to learn about our newest Leadership Team members for the 2025-2026 school year through their biographies below.
Ms. Jennifer Bertram, Middle School Principal
Jennifer Bertram has been a secondary teacher and principal in Uruguay, Brazil, Bangladesh and India. However, being part of a Middle School community is what really lights her up. For Ms. Bertram, days spent in the presence of Middle School students are happy ones. That may mean working with members of the student government to plan school spirit events, accompanying students on an excursion or sitting with a student to hear about a Spanish presentation. Regardless of the event or activity, the enthusiasm and excitement for learning that Middle School students share is contagious. That is why Ms. Bertram is so thrilled to be joining the AIS community as the Middle School Principal for the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Bertram looks forward to discovering Hong Kong and learning about her new host country after having lived in Southeast Asia for the past nine years. Both of Ms. Bertram’s children (Chiara and Luca) studied at schools like AIS. Their growth and development as both people and students was nurtured by the caring environment they studied in. As a family, they feel a great deal of gratitude to the teachers who were Chiara’s and Luca’s guides and champions along the way. Ms. Bertram is curious about the stories of AIS students, teachers and families and can’t wait to listen and learn. In fact, she’s looking forward to all the possibilities this opportunity will furnish and is happy to be sharing the experience with her husband.
Mr. Pablo Viedma, Director of Information Technology
Pablo Viedma is a dedicated Head of Technology and IT Integration Specialist with extensive experience in leveraging technology to enhance educational environments. Currently serving as the Director of Technology at Suzhou Singapore International School, Pablo has developed innovative training programs for educators on the effective use of AI tools, empowering them to create dynamic, differentiated learning experiences. With a strong background in managing technology integration across various educational institutions, he has supported teachers in utilizing smartboards and educational apps, and designed engaging, technology-integrated lesson plans. His previous roles include IT Specialist at Beijing International Bilingual Academy and Head of Technology at European International School in Ho Chi Minh City, where he led significant innovations and overhauled online teaching procedures during the pandemic.
Pablo holds a Master’s degree from Illinois State University and is committed to professional growth in the intersection of education and technology. He is bilingual in English and Spanish, which enhances his ability to collaborate in diverse settings. In addition to his technology expertise, Pablo is a Duke of Edinburgh Award leader and is very passionate about outdoor education, believing in the importance of experiential learning. He also enjoys drone photography, cycling, and padel-tennis
Summer Uniform
Families are advised that all students are expected to wear their summer uniforms on Monday, 10 March. Students are welcome to begin wearing their uniforms on Monday, 3 March, if they wish. Follow THIS LINK for a detailed outline of summer uniform requirements and to place an order.
Literacy Week!
Thanks to our wonderful staff and the support of our fabulous PTA, students enjoyed a great Literacy Week in Elementary and Middle School, which encouraged creativity and imagination in our AIS students. We are grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our faculty and PTA in making this Literacy Week a resounding success. I think that Mr. Post looks as happy as the students!
Apple Learning Academy
On Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, AIS hosted an Apple Learning Academy for public school elementary and secondary teachers from across the city. The professional learning event featured our very own AIS TECHsperts who helped the teachers who attended learn how to use Keynote and Magic Moves. We are all extremely proud of this unique student leadership group!
Grade 8 to 9 Dodgeball!!
Our Grade 8 to Grade 9 Family, Student, and Faculty Dodgeball event was a success! Everyone had a good time playing on the 127 Court and the enthusiasm was contagious. Thanks to our PTA, participants enjoyed the game and some tasty pizza on the oval after the event!
Traffic Reminder
Families are reminded to refrain from parking on the sidewalk next to the school on Essex Crescent and Rutland Quadrant when picking up or dropping off their students in the morning and after school. It is important that all families obey traffic safety rules around the school in order to keep our students, their families, and our community safe.
Ramadan 2025
On behalf of the AIS Leadership Team and Administration, we wish to extend our warmest wishes to all of our students, faculty, friends, and families who will be celebrating Ramadan from Friday, 28 February – Saturday, 29 March.
In order to best support our students, we ask that families kindly let their Divisional Principals know if their children are fasting for Ramadan. Sharing this important information with us will ensure that students have what they need to be successful at school and allow us to modify the activities that students participate in, as needed. Please be sure to contact your Divisional Principal.
For those celebrating, may the holiday ahead be filled with family, community, and peace.
Enjoy the weekend ahead.
My best,
Anita Simpson
Head of School
