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Northview International Day

a vibrant celebration

of our different cultures

We marked a milestone on January 25th by hosting our first-ever International Day, a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our school community. This event turned the school into a microcosm of the world, showcasing the rich tapestry of our global family. The day began with an opening ceremony that set the tone for unity and appreciation. Students dressed in traditional attire representing their countries paraded through the school in a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. This procession was not just a display of cultural garments but a powerful statement about the beauty of diversity and the pride each student holds for their heritage.

The school transformed into a bustling international hub as we entered the day. Classrooms and halls were adorned with flags, artifacts, and informative displays about different countries. These exhibits were more than just educational; they were windows into the lives of our students, offering glimpses of the world through their eyes. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the cultural performances. Students took to the stage with traditional dances and music, each performance embodying their culture’s unique rhythm and spirit.

However, what truly brought everyone together was the array of international cuisines. The food court was a gastronomic delight, from spicy Thai curries to Italian pasta, Mexican tacos, and Lebanese falafel. Each bite offered a taste of different corners of the world, reminding us that food is a universal language that connects us all.

‘International Day’ at Northview was more than just a day of fun; it was a profound experience of learning, sharing, and understanding. It reminded us that while we may come from various parts of the globe, our similarities bind us. It was a day where cultural barriers were dissolved, and friendships were forged in the spirit of international harmony and respect. The sense of community and joy was palpable as the day ended. Northview International Day was not just a celebration of cultures; it was a testament to the unity in our diversity and the strength it brings to our global family. Here’s to many more such days to celebrate where we’re from and our shared journey.

International Day Gallery

More News

Northview International School hosted its annual Open House Day on May 20th, welcoming parents, students, and community members to tour the campus and learn more about its programs and offerings.
On Thursday, June 8th, Northview Elementary School held its Grade 5 Graduation ceremony, a momentous occasion for the students, parents, and teachers.

Jennifer Madla

Deputy Head of Middle School & English Teacher.

We welcome Jennifer Madla to Northview International School as our new Deputy Head of Upper School and the English teacher for Grades 7 and 8. Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in education, demonstrating a deep commitment to inspiring and empowering students. Her career has been marked by diverse roles, including English teacher, curriculum writer, and technology integration manager, allowing her to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of effective teaching and learning practices.

Jennifer’s journey in education has taken her from New Jersey, where she made significant contributions as an educator and advocate. She was a Teacher Consultant for the National Writing Project, empowering fellow educators to enhance their instructional practices. Additionally, she actively acted on a New Jersey Department of Education Committee, shaping educational policies and initiatives at the state level.

Expanding her horizons, Jennifer embraced an international teaching role at an American school in Gran Canaria, Spain. There, she served as the English lead teacher and curriculum writer, ensuring a rigorous and engaging English language program for students. Furthermore, she spearheaded the Model United Nations program, fostering students’ global awareness and diplomatic skills.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Her academic achievements and extensive practical experience have equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Jennifer’s diverse experiences have shaped her approach to creating inclusive, engaging, and innovative learning environments. She is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and empowering every student to reach their full potential. We are excited to have Jennifer join the Northview community, and we look forward to her valuable contributions to our students’ growth and success.

Pieter Du Preeze

Grade 1 Classroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Andrei Sima

Physical Education/ Swimming Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Andra Stefanescu

Physical Education/ Swimming Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Abby Ellams

Homeroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Jeremy Cartwright

Homeroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Miché Benjamin

Homeroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Maha Mazen

Kindergarten Arabic Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Waleed Mamduoh

National Studies Coordinator

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Aine Keenan

Kindergarten Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Shanice Sunker

Kindergarten Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Baire Pinsker

Head of Lower School

Barie brings over 18 years of experience in education, demonstrating a profound dedication to nurturing and inspiring young learners. Her career has spanned continents and curricula, reflecting her commitment to fostering global perspectives and inclusive learning environments.

Barie’s educational journey began in the USA, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for teaching led her to Germany, where she worked at a private bilingual school for three years. In 2010, Barie moved to Qatar, where she has since made a significant impact on the educational landscape.

Before joining Northview, Barie served as the Early Childhood and Lower Elementary principal at Vision International School in Al Wakrah for eight years. Her leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a vibrant and supportive learning community for young students.
Barie’s extensive experience with various curricula, including the IB, Common Core, Creative Curriculum, and the British National Curriculum, equips her with a deep understanding of effective teaching and learning practices. Her passion for the arts, particularly her enjoyment of playing the flute in the Doha Community Orchestra, adds a cultural dimension to her teaching approach.

Barie’s diverse experiences have shaped her approach to creating inclusive, engaging, and innovative learning environments. She is deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering every student to reach their full potential. Her dedication to student empowerment reassures us of her ability to lead and inspire. We are excited to have Barie join the Northview community and look forward to her valuable contributions to our students’ growth and success.

Sheldon Smith

Founding Principal

Welcome to our website. As the principal, I am excited to share my international experience spanning over 24 years in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Qatar. Previously, I worked for Al Khor International School (8 years) and Al Jazeera Academy (4 years) in Qatar. With this experience, I am confident that I can bring the kind of management and leadership to Northview International School that will make it known throughout the region as a school of choice.

I am committed to fostering an environment that not only encourages academic achievement but also promotes the overall development of our students, preparing them for a globalized world. I plan to build on the existing strengths of our school while introducing new initiatives to ensure we continue evolving as a leading educational institution. As a father of a teenage daughter, I understand parents’ anxieties and aspirations when it comes to choosing a school for their children. Ensuring a safe, nurturing, yet challenging environment that cultivates a love for learning is crucial.

I have had the unique position of seeing a school built from scratch and have worked with the construction team from ground zero. I have seen the eventual rising of the beautiful school building we have today and have been able to handpick excellent teachers who are dedicated to our student’s success.

I invite you to come to Northview International School and see how we are making a difference. Thank you for visiting our website, and we look forward to welcoming you to our community.