QSI International School of Phuket

Allison Notaro

On a sight seeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, my guide, (talking about the sights) told me “What is for you won’t get past you.” He has no idea how right he was! Coming from the hustle and bustle of New York, Phuket is quite a change for me! But after two years, I’m finally acclimatized, can pood passa Thai (nid noi), and am doing what I believe I was meant to do: teach.

I received my undergraduate degree in English from Adelphi University near my hometown in Long Island, immediately followed by my Master’s degree from the same school. Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to teach many different age groups, running the gamut from 11-year olds to 18-year olds, and now, 9 and 10-year olds. If you step inside my classroom, you will find a community of world citizens who are creative, inquisitive, caring, and hard working. They teach me more about myself as a teacher everyday, and I only hope I can give back to them what they give to me.

When I’m not lesson planning, laminating things, or teaching, you can find me at the local badminton court, the beach, and often swimming in the waterfalls of neighboring provinces. I’ve also been known to cliff-dive, rock-climb, and white-water raft on occasion. If I’m not off having an adventure, I’m hanging out in the sleepy café’s of Phuket Town with my nose buried in book.

I feel honored to have been hired by QSI and look forward to watching my students mature, progress, and find ‘what’s for them’ within my classroom and in the years to come!

Anneliese Storm

Six years ago I joined the QSI ‘family’ in Phuket as the 5 year old teacher. Since then I have taught combination classes of 5/6 year olds and 7/8 year olds. This school year (2011/2012), sees me once again with the 7/8 year olds, an age where my students are beginning to understand and appreciate different kinds of humor, and to recognize their own strengths.

This year I look forward to implementing our new and improved Science curriculum. Based on ‘learning through doing’, I’m sure these hands-on activities will lead to some great discoveries!

Being involved in various activities within the school, I also come in contact with many of the older, high school students. Over the years I’ve seen how they’ve grown and matured, and I always appreciate the cheery, ‘Hi, Mrs. Storm,’ as we pass in the hallways.

I’m also lucky to have my children attend the same school I do! It’s an added bonus to see them around campus even though we may not always have time to stop and chat.

Phuket is a wonderful place to live. I feel very fortunate being here, working here, and bringing up children here. 2011/2012 is going to be another great year.

Hello! My name is Jack Donohue and I am the eleven-year-old elementary teacher here at QSI Phuket International School. This is our second year in Phuket but my wife, Rita, and I have taught at the elementary level for QSI International School in Almaty, Kazakhstan. We are residents of the North Bangor, New York, which is located on the Northern New York/Canadian border near the St.Lawrence Seaway.

We are the parents of four adult children, three daughters and one son and have four grandchildren. Rita and I have worked with and taught young children for over thirty years. We bring a wealth of teaching experience and we are also open to our own continuing education in these rapidly changing times.

We came to Phuket International School for three reasons. 1.We like to work in a small school setting so that we can get to know the children and parents on a more personal level. 2. We are familiar with, and comfortable with the QSI way of educating children. 3. We are happy to be teaching in beautiful Phuket and living in the Thai culture.

Here in Phuket, besides my elementary teaching duties, I am organizing a musical activity for high school students by forming a Rock Band. You can also find me down at the soccer field supervising an elementary pick up soccer match called “play yard football”.

We are pleased to be contributing team members of Phuket International School and feel priviledged to have the opportunity to work with your children in a challenging educational school

Sarah Grue

My name is Sarah Grue and I am the 5/6 teacher at the school. I love teaching this age range because the students are eager to come to school and excited about learning. Prior to coming to Phuket, I taught in Washington State, Oregon, and Montenegro. I have been teaching this age group since 2006. I love working in all school settings, but my real passion is international teaching because I get to work with a more diverse student body and parent community. I look forward to a fantastic year at QSI Phuket and I am very happy to be here!