Elementary School Management

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

Principal Resie Fernandez

My name is Resie Fernandez, currently serving as the Acting Elementary School Principal. I come from the Philippines but have been living in Cambodia for the past 17 years. I was a teacher for 21 years and promoted to different school leadership positions. The experience honed my skills in equipping and building the capacity of the people around me, especially my team. After completing my master’s degree in 2003, I moved to Cambodia and taught university students in the area of principles and methods of teaching.

For eight years, I worked with my students in reaching their communities; providing English classes to children, and working alongside them in small community development projects. Following these eight years of working with students, I managed a Singaporean owned language school. I led a team of national teachers and trained them to implement the Cambridge English Program and Singapore Maths.

I believe education is transformation. When a real learning process takes place, it changes the person’s perspective about himself/herself, family, community, and the world. I believe it is important to develop students’ mindset and their ability to think. Change of perspective begets a change of behavior that results in a transformation of life.

In 2016, I joined the CIA FIRST International School community as a teacher. Being a part of the CIA FIRST International School leadership now is truly a privilege. I am drawn to CIA’s commitment to “envisioning new heights of achievement for the individual learner and everything within his/ her reach and power to influence: family, community, the world…” Every student is created with unique potential and ability. I also believe that each student has a dream, ambition, and aspiration in life. I envision elementary students, learning to think and stand up for themselves as they move up to Middle School and High School, yet humbly listen to the wise guidance of their elders and teachers.

Deputy Principal Michelle Gedoria

Being an educator is one of the things that inspire me to appreciate life. As the famous Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” The beauty of being a part of the upbringing and character moulding of children from around the world is a treasure that all teachers must see. I am glad I did.

Having been in the education sector, and serving the CIA community for more than a decade now, I was able to develop the belief of “Teachers are facilitators, not instigators”. I am a strong believer that children learn best if they are guided and not if they are told. All children are capable of reaching their full potential once support is given, rather than being ordered. Witnessing this daily, I am confident that I, together with CIA FIRST, am shaping young individuals in a way that is helpful for their future.

How do I do this? How does CIA FIRST do this? How do we do this? The school-wide implementation of HoM at school serves as my backbone for me to deliver what is best for all the children, and to the whole school in general. HoM is the tool someone needs to face any professional or personal encounters successfully. CIA FIRST envisions students to be not merely a product of academic support, but rather, students that are holistically ready in facing life’s circumstances along the way.

CIA FIRST is committed to providing the environment, support, and connection to all students and their families, where everyone can feel safe and secure. CIA FIRST envisions its students to be lifelong learners, and that all students will grow up to be the individuals that our world needs. Individuals that are responsible, resilient, adaptive and capable to succeed. I am extremely fulfilled that my teaching and education philosophy aligns with that of CIA FIRST. I am at the same time honored that I am touching, inspiring, and developing the mind of the future leaders of the world: Your children! And do you know what makes this the best experience of my life? I am doing this passion of mine with nothing but the only school in Cambodia that always strives to reach new heights of achievement, CIA FIRST!