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Leadership Team

Head of School - Dr. Jason Walter

Dr. Walter joined the DSC family in 1998 as a grade 4 homeroom teacher. Since joining DSC, Dr. Walter has held positions at all levels of leadership including Grade Team Leader, Division Leader, Head Teacher, IT Manager, Director of IT, Deputy Principal, Principal, and Head of School. During this 23-year journey, Dr. Walter has witnessed the development and transformation of DSC into one of the top educational providers in Hong Kong. He can speak to the quality of programming from the lens of an educator and a parent. Dr. Walter's son is an alumnus of DSC and was enrolled in DSC from PG1B to grade 12. His daughter is entering grade 12 in September 2021 with her sites set on post-secondary studies in Canada in 2022.
 
Dr. Walter is committed to lifelong learning, the acquisition of futureproof skills, and maintaining a passion for creativity and innovation. As a true believer and champion of DSC's motto "Canadian Curriculum: Global Pathways", Dr. Walter ensured that even after joining DSC he continued to follow his passion for learning by studying at various universities globally. He holds academic and professional degrees from universities in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. In 2021-22, Dr. Walter will lead the DSC@Harvard Initiative which will see two cohorts of educators from DSC enter Harvard University's "Certificate in School Management and Leadership" program.
 
Dr. Walter's academic background is reflective of 21st-century learning and includes multiple disciplines such as the Arts, Education (teacher training and certification), Information Technology, Business, and Educational Leadership. In his most recent academic works, Dr. Walter has focused his research on leadership, staff retention in international schools, and international school student admissions. In addition to academic qualifications, Dr. Walter is a qualified and registered teacher in Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Hong Kong. He also holds Canadian principal certification and is the School's registered Principal with Hong Kong Education Bureau.
 
Dr. Walter is a firm believer in educating students for the future, where they will live and work. The future work environment will require individuals to have a keen understanding of entrepreneurship and the value of creating, developing, and inventing. This means embracing 22nd Century Learning and ensuring that every student finds their passion for learning and a drive to create, collaborate and contribute. 

Principal (Secondary) - Dr. Allan Morrison 

Dr. Morrison has been a member of the DSC senior leadership team since 2013. During this time, he has been a Sectional Head in both the Elementary and Secondary Divisions providing him with a clear understanding of the educational needs of students from PG1 to Grade 12.

Prior to joining the DSC team, Dr. Morrison was a teacher in Ontario (Canada) then a teacher/Senior Leadership Team member in Tokyo (Japan). An Ontario-certified teacher, he also holds the credentials of a fully qualified Principal from the province of Ontario.

As an educational leader, Dr. Morrison believes firmly in the importance of lifelong learning. In today’s society, we must continue to learn in both formal and informal settings in order to increase our understanding of the complex world in which we function. It is important to stay relevant, stay engaged, and maintain one’s professional growth and development.  Learning never ceases!

As a lifelong learner, Dr. Morrison has, to date, earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Guelph, a Master of Arts (Political Science) from McGill University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, a Master of Business Administration from Keele University (UK) with a specialization in Education Leadership and has completed a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

Currently, staying true to the value he places on continuous professional development, Dr. Morrison recently completed his doctorate in International Education Leadership and Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. He has also published academic articles on leadership studies in leading peer-reviewed education journals.

On a personal note, Dr. Morrison is from Ottawa, Ontario. He has been married for over 30 years to his wife, Natalia, and has one son, Eric. His son, a DSC alumnus, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree from SOAS, University of London - personal evidence of the power of the OSSD, the benefits of a DSC education, and a passion for learning!

Principal (Elementary) - Ms. Adrianna Mahoney

Ms. Mahoney has been a dedicated member of the DSC International School community since 2011, beginning her career as an English, Drama, and Dance teacher across five different grade levels. Her journey from classroom teacher to educational leader demonstrates a commitment to DSC's vision and mission.

Over the past decade, Ms. Mahoney has served in progressively responsible leadership roles. As an OCT-certified Dramatic Arts Specialist, she led DSC's Secondary Arts Department before spending five years as the Middle School Team Leader, and subsequently took on the position of Vice Principal (Secondary) before joining the Elementary Leadership team. Her leadership experience spans from Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 12, providing valuable insight into the educational foundations elementary students need for their journey through graduation and beyond.

Ms. Mahoney holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Windsor, and is an Ontario-certified principal. She earned her Master of Education (MEd) in Leadership and Learning, with her thesis focusing on diversity in international education. An active voice in Hong Kong's educational leadership network, Ms. Mahoney has presented at renowned conferences such as the 21st Century Learning Conference, the Asia-Pacific International Schools Conference (AISC), and for the Women’s Education Network (WEN). Additionally, she has spoken at multiple DSC-hosted leadership events and other prominent forums, further solidifying her dedication to the wider education community.

Following in her grandmother's footsteps as an Elementary School Principal, Ms. Mahoney brings both professional expertise and personal investment to her role. As a mother of three—including twins who are proud DSC students—she understands the parent perspective intimately. She is committed to fostering a collaborative educational journey built on open communication, mutual respect, and inclusivity. Her goal is to create a supportive and stimulating learning environment that empowers students to achieve academic success while becoming lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

Vice Principal (Secondary) - Dr. Jonathan Comeau

Dr. Comeau has been part of the DSC community for over 14 years as a science teacher, Department Head, and Vice Principal. After obtaining a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from McGill University, he chose to leave a career path in scientific research to pursue his passion for education. Throughout his career, he has learned the importance of education that occurs outside of the formal curriculum. Interpersonal relationships, self-regulation, and responsible decision making all contribute to the critical social emotional learning that will serve students well in any endeavors they wish to pursue. This is the type of learning that occurs in schools like DSC with caring cultures and compassionate students.

Dr. Comeau is currently completing a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto where he studies managing change in schools and diversity in education. He is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada and has two young children who attend DSC. He’s been involved in competitive athletics his entire life and understands the impact that sports and other extracurricular activities can have on the well-rounded growth of students as they mature to become successful adults.  

Vice Principal (Secondary) - Mrs. Rebecca Marans

Throughout her 20 years as an educator, Mrs. Marans has held both teaching and leadership positions, often at the same time. Before joining DSC, she spent 15 years as an elementary school teacher in Toronto, Canada, working with students in grades four through seven. As a Division Head with the Toronto District School Board, she was deeply involved in student leadership and student success initiatives. She began at DSC as a Head Teacher in 2018. She has taught an array of subjects and has held various leadership roles in both elementary and secondary during her time here. She currently holds the role of Vice Principal (Secondary). Mrs. Marans is a strong proponent of inquiry-based and cross-curricular learning and thrives on building positive school culture. Additionally, she is passionate about developing teachers through mentorship and coaching. 

She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in English and one in Psychology, from McMaster University, Canada. She earned her Bachelor of Education from York University in Toronto and completed her Master of Education at University of Dundee, Scotland. In addition to her degrees, she has a specialist qualification in Media Literacy and holds teaching qualifications in the Primary, Junior and Intermediate grade levels. She has received leadership certification with the International Baccalaureate and is a qualified Ontario Principal. 

Her husband of 20 years is a photojournalist and her son is a graduate of DSC. They are an adventurous family who enjoy traveling and, during a year’s sabbatical, visited over twenty countries across three continents together. Mrs. Marans has an interest in fitness and nutrition and enjoys yoga and lifting weights. She also loves hiking the trails and tasting all the cuisine Hong Kong has to offer. She is an advocate of social justice and aims to use her role as parent, teacher, and leader to develop and mentor global citizens who will promote inclusiveness, equity and justice.

Vice Principal (Elementary) - Mrs. Peony  Shephard

 

Mrs. Shephard was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She graduated from high school with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and continued her education at York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours). She also earned her Master’s Degree in International Education from The University of Western Ontario. Mrs. Shephard also possesses numerous additional qualifications, including English for Language Learners, Special Education, and the International Baccalaureate, among others.

With over a decade of educational experience, Mrs. Shephard has held various roles. She has engaged in occasional teaching with an Ontario school board, served as a kindergarten teacher at a bilingual institution, taught at the secondary section at DSC, and was a department head. 

At DSC, she has been instrumental in developing courses for the Arts and the World Studies and Social Sciences Department. Mrs. Shephard has also coached the Dance Team, leading them to secure multiple first-place trophies. In addition, she has taken the initiative to organize student events and professional development workshops that promote inclusivity and foster a sense of community.

Mrs. Shephard firmly believes in the importance of cultivating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. She advocates for diverse perspectives and encourages student engagement through collaborative learning experiences.

Vice Principal (Admissions) - Mrs. Sarah Miles

Mrs. Miles joined the DSC community in 2007. Over the past 18 years, Mrs. Miles has taught and held various leadership positions in both the Elementary and the Secondary Section. Mrs. Miles has taught many grades which include Grade 2 & 5 (French), Grade 6 Homeroom, Grade 7 & 8 ESL and a Grade 10 Guidance credit course. Mrs. Miles is certified in Primary, Junior and Intermediate. Mrs. Miles has held various leadership positions such as Head of Second Languages, Head Teacher and Vice Principal.

Mrs. Miles is extremely passionate about inclusive learning and ensuring students are supported and encouraged so all students can thrive to the best of their ability. Mrs. Miles is a firm believer in lifelong learning.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Anthropology and French from Dalhousie University, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor. She also received a certificate in Urban Education and earned her Specialist certificate in Inclusive Education from the University of Windsor. Mrs. Miles continued her passion for lifelong learning by completing a Master of Education degree in Inclusive Education at UPEI. Mrs. Miles is fully certified as a SENIA Inclusive Educator. Mrs. Miles is also working towards completing a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. 

Mrs. Miles' entire family are proud members of the DSC community where her husband teaches middle school, one of her children attends the Elementary Section while her eldest child attends the Secondary Section. During free time, Mrs. Miles can be found hiking around Hong Kong or spending time at the beach. Mrs. Miles absolutely loves welcoming new families to our incredible community at DSC where children are supported, encouraged and motivated to be the best they can be and to learn to contribute to the world as respected global citizens.

Director of International Languages and Chinese Studies – Dr. Ruth Wong

Dr. Wong has dedicated 32 years to the field of education. She is a Registered Teacher in Hong Kong and also holds registration with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) in Canada. Her teaching career began as an English teacher at DMS, a local school, following her Bachelor of Arts degree from HK Polytechnic University. Over time, she advanced to a leadership role, overseeing both the Chinese and English departments, as well as student discipline and extracurricular activities.

In 2009, Dr. Wong joined DSC as part of the academic and administrative staff. Throughout her tenure, she has held various positions, including Program Facilitator for English as a Second Language and International Languages, and Administrative Officer for office management. Currently, she serves as the Director of International Languages and Chinese Studies, collaborating with both the International Languages teaching team and the Admissions Team. Dr. Wong is also a proud parent of DSC alumni, with both her daughter and son having graduated from DSC High School. She is grateful to have witnessed their success at DSC.

Dr. Wong has a profound passion for language acquisition and education. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Teaching of English) from HK Baptist University, a Master of Arts in English Language Studies from HK Polytechnic University, a Master of Education from the University of Hong Kong, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Bristol in the UK. She believes that learning languages opens doors to wisdom and cultural understanding. To further her own language skills, she continues to learn different languages like learning Putonghua and Korean. Dr. Wong enjoys sharing her expertise in language acquisition with the International Languages teaching team to inspire students in their pursuit of second and third languages.

Director of Athletics and ECA Programs - Ms Dove Noel

Ms. Noel joined the DSC leadership team in 2022.  She has worked in education for nearly 20 years and has a  B.A. in Journalism and a M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy. Originally from the United States, she has lived and worked everywhere from London, to Paris to New York City and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. She is proud to call Hong Kong home for the last 11 years.  Participating as a student athlete and involvement in school clubs helped foster a love of extracurricular activities. She is excited about creating opportunities for students outside of the classroom. Ms. Noel is a tourist of life who enjoys finding new things to see and do wherever she may be.