Our primary classroom teachers are dedicated to providing your child with the very best learning experiences possible. Please see below for a full list of KTJ’s primary teachers. 

Primary Leadership Team

Head of KTJ Primary: Kris Davis BA (Bath), PGCE (Plymouth)

Kris arrived at KTJ from the United Kingdom in January 2015 having previously taught in England for 4 years. Since then, Kris has worked in a range of leadership roles including as Key Stage Leader and Deputy Head of Primary before taking on the role of Head of Primary in August 2020. Kris believes that at the heart of any school, there must lie a vision to develop all students academically and holistically, beyond the curriculum. He is passionate about helping students to receive the best possible educational experience and strongly believes in the importance of developing effective and meaningful relationships with parents. In addition to his role as the Head of Primary, Kris is also a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team and is also the Safeguarding Lead for the Primary School. Away from KTJ, Kris enjoys spending time with his young family and is also a keen sportsman who loves to play football, cricket and golf.

Deputy Head of KTJ Primary: Michelle Fletcher BA (Canterbury), MA (Massey)

Michelle graduated from The University of Canterbury in New Zealand with a Bachelor of Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary). She enjoyed teaching in New Zealand before moving to her first international position at a school in Korea. Since joining the team at KTJ, Michelle has obtained her Masters in Education, with a focus on how technology can be used to enhance learning. Alongside ICT, Michelle has a passion for speech and drama and has attained her letters (ATCL) through Trinity College. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys diving and hiking and is enjoying exploring Malaysia and this corner of the globe.

Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning): Matthew Dalby, Year 3 Teacher, BA and QTS (Nottingham Trent)

Matt is from England and graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts honors degree in Primary Education. He has been teaching for four years and has previously taught in Year 3 and Year 5 in an English school. KTJ is his first international school, so he is really excited to travel around Malaysia, meet lots of new people and try lots of new food! He is passionate about exploring the outdoors, drawing, creative writing and cooking.

Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Year 6 Teacher: Daniel Romeril B.Sc (Bournemouth), PGCE (Uni of St Mark & St John)

Daniel was educated on the British island of Jersey where he was born. He continued his studies in the UK, completing his Sports Science degree at Bournemouth University before obtaining his Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of St Mark and St John. He returned to Jersey and worked as a classroom teacher, and later as head of ICT, for 6 years at a prestigious preparatory school. During this time Daniel coached various teams in a wide range of sports with great success. He is a keen sportsman who has competed at a high level in a number of sports including football and tennis and also internationally in athletics. Daniel strives to pass on his passion for sport to the children, wanting them to access as broad a range of activities as possible, so that they too can enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. In his role as Key Stage Two Leader, he is committed to monitoring progress and ensuring both students and teachers' needs are being met to allow them to perform at their best.

Early Years

Head of Early Years: Emily Nora Monaghan BA (Staffordshire) and PGCE (Newman)

Emily studied Early Year childhood development and education in the United Kingdom. She achieved a First Class Donors Degree BA at Staffordshire University in 2018. Then went on to complete PGCE Primary at Newman University in 2019. She started her career at St Margaret Mary Catholic Primary school in Birmingham, before becoming Head of Early Years. In her spare time Emily enjoys pilates and running, reading, travelling and spending time with her family. She is married to Tom and they have one dog, Bailey.

Simone Nicola Felix, Early Years Teacher, BBA (Victoria)

Simone is a loving and cheerful teacher. She has been teaching for 8 years and enjoys listening to music, reading and of course, having fun with family and friends. 

Learning Assistants
  • Indra Dewi 
  • Siti Maheen Aqilah bt Mohamed Taufik
  • Suhashini a/p Tamilchilluan

Year 1

Caroline Miller, Year 1 Teacher and Maths Subject Leader, HDE (Natal), PGCE (Buckingham)

Caroline graduated from University of Natal in South Africa with a Higher Diploma in Secondary Education (Accounting/Business Studies). Shortly after graduating, she moved to the UK where she settled. She continued her studies and obtained a PGCE from Buckingham University. Her last post was at a prestigious preparatory school in Berkshire, where she taught both Year 1 and Year 2.

Caroline, her husband and their three children joined KTJ in August 2019. This is their first international school. In her spare time, Caroline enjoys reading, listening to music and travelling.
 

Everose Mong’are Nyabwaya, Year 1 Teacher, B.ED (Maseno)

Everose, hailing from Kenya, graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs from Maseno University. With a solid seven years at a British International school, she has adeptly taught Years 1, 2, and 3. Now, she's embarking on a fresh chapter at KTJ and in Malaysia. Beyond her teaching expertise, Everose loves delving into local cultures, tuning into diverse music genres, reading, and practicing calligraphy and crafts.

Learning Assistants
  • Aishwerryaah Rajashegher 
  • Imelda Jeya Mary a/p Francis

Year 2

Jessica McLaughlin, Year 2 Teacher and IPC Science Subject Leader, B.Ed (Nottingham)

Jessica was born and raised in South Korea before obtaining a Bachelor of Education with Honours in TESOL qualification from the University of Nottingham. She conducted her teaching practice as an EAL teacher at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar. In her spare time, she enjoys participating in sports activities such as swimming and football and has a passion for gaining new experiences.

Preti Kaur Harnam Singh, Year 2 Teacher and Maths Subject Leader, BEd (Nottingham)

Preti graduated from the University of Nottingham with a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with First Class Honours and top of her graduating class. Preti conducted both her internship and teacher training at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar. In her time at KTJ, Preti has developed a true connection to the KTJ community. As a young child, Preti spent 2 years at Ladysmith Middle School, Exeter, UK– which she is reminded of whenever she walks across the KTJ campus. When she is not teaching, Preti is reading about teaching and enjoys photography. The spark in Preti’s life are the girls from the Jawahir house, where she is the resident tutor. Preti is a firm believer of the tenet “learning, unlearning and relearning” and considers this her teaching philosophy.

Learning Assistants
  • Rini, Wong Man Yee
  • Rosley Siluvai 

Year 3

Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning): Matthew Dalby, Year 3 Teacher, BA and QTS (Nottingham Trent)

Matt is from England and graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts honors degree in Primary Education. He has been teaching for four years and has previously taught in Year 3 and Year 5 in an English school. KTJ is his first international school, so he is really excited to travel around Malaysia, meet lots of new people and try lots of new food! He is passionate about exploring the outdoors, drawing, creative writing and cooking.

Anna Moss, Year 3 Teacher and English Subject Leader, BSC (Gloucestershire), PGCEi (Nottingham)

Anna is from the UK and moved to Malaysia in August 2017 with her family, including two children who are studying at KTJ. She graduated with first-class honours from the University of  Gloucestershire, with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She has been teaching within the EAL department for the past 3 years, having previously worked at International schools in South America and East Africa. She has been awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International), with distinction, from the University of Nottingham. Anna also works as a Boarding House Tutor in Jawahir house. She has a passion for teaching and enjoys being part of KTJ’s vibrant community. In her spare time enjoys reading, spending time with her family and experiencing all the delights that this part of the globe has to offer.

Learning Assistants
  • Annah Emannuel Joseph
  • Caroline Ann Peter Nadeson 

Year 4

Anna Dass, Year 4 Teacher and IPC Science Subject Leader, BA (Greenwich), PGCE (Nottingham)

Anna moved from England to Malaysia in February 2014, with her family, including her two children who are studying at KTJ. She joined Year 3 in August having previously worked within Key Stage 1 and Early Years, at a School in London. In her spare time Anna enjoys reading and exploring the wonderful places in South East Asia, sampling different foods and meeting wonderful people.

Amy Watson, Year 4 Teacher and English Subject Leader, BA (Manchester) and PGCE (Greenwich)

Prior to completing her PGCE in 2017 at the University of Greenwich, Amy studied Theatre Design at the University of Manchester gaining a BA in Set and Costume Design. Before joining KTJ, Amy has taught in primary schools across South East London. Most recently, she was teaching Year 4 at Babington House Preparatory school in London where she had been teaching for the past two years. In her spare time, Amy enjoys traveling, art, visiting the theatre and live music events, and spending time with family and friends. Amy has a passion for staying fit and active through dance and running. She also enjoys playing team sports such as hockey and netball.

Learning Assistants
  • Balvinder Kaur
  • Tengku Zainab Zanariah Tengku Mohd Amin 

Year 5

Simonetta Slade, Year 5 Teacher and PSHE Subject Leader, BA (Warwick) IPGCE (Buckingham)

Simonetta completed her PGCE in English from Buckingham University after a career running her own hotel. For the past four years, she has been a housemistress at Salisbury Cathedral School where her passion for education developed. She loves to meet new people and can’t wait to explore more of the world with her family.

Andrea Luscombe, Year 5 Teacher, BCS and DIP (Waikato)

Andrea studied a Bachelor of Communication studies, followed by a Graduate diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. She started her career teaching in Auckland before embarking on her first overseas teaching experience where she taught across various schools in London, UK. She returned briefly to New Zealand before deciding to continue her world adventures. Andrea’s next teaching post was at a British International school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where she stayed for 3 years as a classroom teacher. This was followed a longer position at The International school of Western Australia, then at All Saints’ College, a prestigious private school in Perth, Australia. Andrea loves to travel and is very excited to be living in Malaysia with her husband and young family.

Learning Assistants
  • Sethu Rajeswari 
  • Vethanayagi Jaram 

Year 6

Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Year 6 Teacher: Daniel Romeril B.Sc (Bournemouth), PGCE (Uni of St Mark & St John)

Daniel was educated on the British island of Jersey where he was born. He continued his studies in the UK, completing his Sports Science degree at Bournemouth University before obtaining his Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of St Mark and St John. He returned to Jersey and worked as a classroom teacher, and later as head of ICT, for 6 years at a prestigious preparatory school. During this time Daniel coached various teams in a wide range of sports with great success. He is a keen sportsman who has competed at a high level in a number of sports including football and tennis and also internationally in athletics. Daniel strives to pass on his passion for sport to the children, wanting them to access as broad a range of activities as possible, so that they too can enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. In his role as Key Stage Two Leader, he is committed to monitoring progress and ensuring both students and teachers' needs are being met to allow them to perform at their best.

Neil Matheson, Year 6 Teacher and ICT Subject Leader, BA (Canterbury), DIPT (Columbia District)

Neil is from New Zealand and graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Arts. He also gained a graduate qualification in Event Management before traveling overseas to Korea to teach English. While in Korea, he pursued a teaching qualification through Teach-Now in Washington DC, which led to him enjoying opportunities to teach at an international kindergarten and an international school. In his spare time, Neil enjoys sports, music and spending time in the outdoors.

Vanessa Carter, Year 6 Teacher and English Subject Leader, BA (Canterbury), B.Ed (Otago)

Vanessa graduated from The University of Canterbury in New Zealand with a Bachelor of Arts before moving to the University of Otago to complete a Dip Grad in Theatre Studies and a Bachelor of Education. She also attended the Dunedin College of Education where she gained a Diploma in Teaching (Primary). She enjoyed teaching in New Zealand before moving to the UK with her husband. After nearly 20 years teaching in various locations around the UK, the decision was made to embark on a new adventure. Vanessa moved to Malaysia with her husband and daughter to join KTJ.

Learning Assistants
  • Nor Aimi Saleh
  • Reyhanas Renuga
  • Tie Ing Ing 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Lee Jia Yi Rachel, EAL Teacher, B.Ed (Nottingham, Malaysia)

Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Prior to joining KTJ, Rachel conducted her teacher training at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar. In her spare time Rachel loves listening to music, and she particularly enjoys painting while having a cup of coffee.

Brandon Jack Loh Ewe Huey BEd (TESOL)

Brandon grew up in Penang, a small island on the west coast of Malaysia where he did his 6th form studies in Saint Xavier’s Institution. He then completed a BEd in TESOL at the University of Nottingham Malaysia under The Star Education Fund Scholarship, graduating with first class honors. KTJ is his first school, and will be a great starting point for his career in Education. He enjoys teaching EAL, but enjoys learning alongside his students even more. Outside the classroom, Brandon was also involved in many team sports, most notably Basketball, Volleyball, and Cheerleading in which he took up leadership roles. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys cooking, bodybuilding, bouldering, and gaming.

Learning Support

Hayley Rensburg, Head of Learning Support and Sustainability & Outreach Officer, HD (Pretoria), QTS (Gen Teaching Council)

Hayley has 16 years worth of teaching experience across the Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. She graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and soon moved to the UK where she taught for 4 years. Hayley then returned home to South Africa were she taught for  a further 7 years. Hayley and her family then decided that they were up for a new adventure and moved to China where they have been for the past 5 years. She was Head of Primary as well as Head of Kindergarten at an International British Boarding School. She loves travelling and spending quality time with husband and three sons. She has recently completed her NPQML (National Professional Qualification for Middle Leaders). 

Rachel Weston DIP, TEFL and TESOL

Rachel spent nine years as a specialist SEN teaching assistant in the UK before moving to Uzbekistan to set up a learning support department. She spent three years developing this before moving to Malaysia to join Learning Support at KTJ. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys swimming, watching historical documentaries and reading science fiction books. She has two children who are currently working in the UK.

Physical Education

Head of Primary PE: Richard Harries, BSc (Gloucestershire) and PGCE (Exeter)

Richard studied Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Gloucestershire before moving on to undertake his PGCE at the University of Exeter. After this, he started his teaching career in Central London, working for the Compass Partnership of Schools as Head of PE. In his spare time, he enjoys participating, watching and coaching in a range of sports. Richard grew up in Cornwall - the far South West of England, where he spent lots of his time in or around the water enjoying watersports, walking his dog and spending time with his family and friends.

Joshua Lee Xung Rong, Primary PE and Swimming Teacher, Bronze Cert, First Aid, EAR, LSSM

Joshua was born in Seremban. He holds the Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Response (EFR) and Swimming Teaching Certificate (STC) for his role in the primary and secondary schools as swimming teacher. His aim is to make the lessons as fun, easy to understand, effective and safe as possible. He always promotes swim-health, swim-safe and swim-fun into his teaching

Jordan Ivaldo Julian, Sports and CCA Assistant, DIP (MSU)

Jordan was born and raised in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He holds a Diploma in Sports Science from Management and Science University (MSU). Prior to joining KTJ, Jordan worked at J8 Autism Athletics coaching football for special needs children. He loves helping children learn about the benefits of physical education including building a strong mind and body, having fun and working together. He is a keen sportsperson and actively enjoys playing football and running.

Outdoor and Experiential Learning

Avindran Tharmasegaran B.ED TESL (UNISEL) and M.ED (UCF)

Avindran Tharmasegaran, commonly referred to as Avin, is the Head of Outdoor and Experiential Education for both Primary and Secondary schools. Avin's previous engagement was with Fairview International School, where he held the position of Outdoor Education Coordinator starting from January 2019, following his tenure as an Outdoor Trainer commencing in January 2016. His responsibilities primarily encompassed organising camps and facilitating international expeditions aimed at students' holistic development.

Avin's expertise lies in the realm of experiential and outdoor education, which he aims to seamlessly integrate into the school curriculum. Beyond his professional pursuits, Avin is an avid sports enthusiast, engaging in activities like badminton, basketball, and table tennis. His penchant for adventure is evident in his love for hiking as well.

His academic background includes a Bachelor in Education (TESL) earned from University Selangor, accompanied by a Master in Education (IB) and PGDE in Education (IB) acquired from University College Fairview. Notably, he also holds certification as a Duke of Edinburgh International Award Leader, reflecting his commitment to fostering well-rounded development in students.

Music

Kelly Hooi JIA Li, Music Teacher, BA (Newcastle

Kelly is a Primary School music teacher who joined KTJ in August 2013. She graduated from The University of Newcastle, Australia. She loves to play different musical instruments and likes soap making.

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