LYIS Visits Foshan EtonHouse International School

by LYIS

Last week, we visited Foshan EtonHouse International School, basing Leading Your International School there for two days. 

(André, Amy, Joe, Heather)

The principal’s office became our office – an incredible gesture serving to further highlight the relationships LYIS is developing with school leaders. In that time, we witnessed a unique school culture – where everyone leads through shared values and actions. Where teachers go well beyond the call of duty and whose stay at FEIS is far longer than the typical international school teacher. 

During our visit, we were fortunate in being afforded time with the school’s Principal Joe Otley and Leading Your International School members Paulyn Zinsonni (IB Coordinator), Sophie Wang (Principal of Upper School) and Hendri Mc Intosh (International Teacher). We also met and discussed leadership with Amy Blakely (Principal of Lower School), and explored the impact of drama on students with Elizabeth (Libby) Delfgou (Whole School Drama Specialist).

(Left side: Hendri, Amy; Right side: Sophie, Paulyn, Libby)

I asked Joe what it means to be the Principal of Foshan EtonHouse International School. He told me with great pride, “It’s a job I love. I love working in this school – I feel it’s a privilege to be here in Foshan and in China“. 

I follow this by asking him what he is most proud of in the students. “Our students here are incredible, Joe said. Adding, I’m so proud of them. Their confidence. The way they speak and interact with people and present themselves. The fact that they are doing these things at such a young age makes me feel there is an incredibly bright future ahead of them, where they can positively change the world“. 

Joe is a leader whose moral compass is in no doubt pointing to the furthest north star when it comes to the ambitions he holds for the students and staff. He paid a fitting tribute to the support and mentorship he received from Grainne O’Reilly (Founders of 13 schools globally; Global Head of Leadership Consultancy, LYIS). A leader with the highest of expectations (of himself first) and the wider school community, placing great trust in his teachers. In each question and corresponding answer, Joe brings the conversation back to the students. The more we talk, the more I see the desire for his school context to have a global impact. 

These ambitions are echoed through his wider leadership team. Their positivity is as uplifting as it can get. 

What does he look for in teachers? “I look for teachers who are constantly striving to learn and develop themselves…those who are not just skilled and qualified, but are prepared to take their learning to the next level”.

To be an effective leader, lead by example“, says Joe. “Where appropriate, I support the learning. I support the needs of our teachers in the way that they support the needs of our learners“. For Joe, this also involves covering classes in the absence of his colleagues. 

Thank you to Joe Otley for being not just an incredibly passionate and open leader, but now also a friend.

If you would like Leading Your International School to visit your school, or to appear in our January Magazine, drop me a line via WeChat: AndreDouble

To read Joe’s Principal’s Blog – Navigating Customer Service in International Education, click here

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