XLIS’ Whole-school Support Team

 “Comprehensive Solutions for a Growing International School”. 

Welcome to the 2021-2022 Academic Year at XLIS! My name is Alex Rambaud, and as XLIS’ Vice Principal and Dormitory Director, I would like to introduce you to an enthusiastic and dedicated team of experts who will be supporting the entire school during the coming year. These specialists were carefully selected and recruited to provide our students with a unique support system designed to not only enhance their learning experience at XLIS, but also their physical, social, and emotional growth.

 

This year, in pursuit of fostering a love of reading for students at XLIS, we are honored to welcome our new librarian, Mrs. Karla Castle. She comes to XLIS after working in Shanghai for seven years and this is her thirteenth year of working internationally. Mrs. Karla has a Masters of Librarianship and twenty-seven years experience working with university students, high school students, middle school students, and now primary students. She loves the challenge of matching readers with exciting books. Her favorite books include A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and Skellig by David Almond. The print library collection will soon be joined by many exciting ebooks and audiobooks to improve everyone’s access to quality reading material. As we read and then share what we are reading with each other, we build a reading culture and community.

 

Mrs. Karla is supported by Mr. Patrick Li (Li, Peng), XLIS’ Librarian Assistant. Mr. Patrick graduated from the Shaanxi Normal University and joined XLIS in Aug. 2018. He is a dedicated and experienced Teaching Assistant at XLIS, and has also worked in various primary schools, kindergartens, and NGOs orgnizations prior to joining our school. Mr. Patrick enjoys nature, hiking, and spending time with his family.

 

In addition, to support the social and emotional learning needs of our students, we have also hired a new school counselor. Michelle Taylor, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A., has lived in Xi’an for the past 2 years and joins the XLIS staff as the Whole School Counselor. She brings over 20 years’ experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), having served as the Director of Student Support Services for Oral Roberts University. She is an EMDR trained mental health professional (for treating trauma) who holds certifications as a licensed supervisor, a compassion fatigue specialist, and a suicide prevention trainer. Ms. Michelle has also taught multiple psychology classes at both the university and high school level as well as teaching academic writing and literacy as a TEFL certified instructor. When she’s not at school, Ms. Michelle loves to explore Xi’an, cook with friends, read a good book, and tend to her two Xianese cats.

 

Moreover, to continue providing our students with an exciting and varied array of after-school activities, we welcome Mr. Yufei Li as our new Head of ECAs. Yufei Li graduated from the Northwest University with a major in Chinese Language and Literature. After 19 years of teaching, he was awarded the titles of High-tech Zone Xi’an Teaching Expert, and Teaching Backbone. He is qualified as a career planner for middle school students and is currently pursuing a Master of Education at the UCAM.

 

Furthermore, conducive to the development of our swimming program and to promote a love for swimming, competing and physical education, we warmly welcome Mr. Wenjie Gou. Mr. Gou aims to develop our students’ athletic attributes so that they may participate in national-level competitions in the near future. Mr. Gou was awarded the title of China’s Teaching Expert, Teaching Backbone, as well as the first prize in the national selection of high-quality courses and courseware, in China’s education system. He also received the title of outstanding coach of the Shaanxi Junior Swimming Club League and served as the host for the 13th “Five-Year Plan” meeting in Shaanxi province. Mr. Gou is also a member of the China Football Association (D level coach) and the Xi’an High-tech Zone outstanding teachers committee.

 

Our dormitory program is also proud to introduce our returning Dormitory Coordinator, Mrs. Lu Liu. Lu Liu has been working in the field of education for over four years. She has a Cambridge University TKT and an American TESOL English teacher certification. She also holds a Confucius Institute Headquarters Certificated as a Chinese teacher. Ms. Lu has experience in academic administration as a principal assistant in secondary at Xi’an Liangjiatan International School, where she is very familiar with the teachers, students, and curriculum. She is also experienced in organizing logistics for multiple high quality school events at XLIS and possesses excellent organizational and communication skills.

 

Today, I couldn’t be any happier than to work alongside such a marvelous and passionate group of educators. Having been at XLIS for 8 years has provided me with the unique opportunity to watch the school grow and overcome a series of sizeable challenges. Together we stand united and pledge to continue working towards the constant improvement of our organization and focus on our students, their success, and our community’s well-being. I warmly thank you for being part of XLIS’ international community!

 

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Author: Alex Rambaud (Vice Principal)