SMIS - Key Persons
Anita has been acquainted with St. Michael's since her arrival in Japan in 2009. She is an English instructor at Mukogawa Women's University and their branch campus in Spokane, Washington. Anita has 19 years experience of teaching English in the U.S., Canada, South Korea and Japan.
Job Titles:
- Bishop of Kobe, NSKK, Anglican Church in Japan
Augustine has been a priest of the diocese of Kobe since 1987, working in Tokushima and for almost twenty years in Hiroshima. He was elected Bishop of Kobe in summer 2017 and as such joins the Board of St. Michael's. He looks forward to learning more about the school and welcoming the SMIS community to his cathedral.
Masako joined the council in 2016 after her daughter graduated from St. Michael's International School. Masako has maintained a good association with the Parents of St Michael's (POSMs) and serves on the SMA Committee (alumni.)
Job Titles:
- Founder & Chairman at Language Resources Ltd
Geoff came to Japan in 1971. He has a B.A. in Russian and German, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics… and a black belt in Shotokan Karate. He worked as Director of Studies and Director in the Osaka and Tokyo branches of the UK's largest international language school before establishing his own company, Language Resources Ltd., in Kobe in 1981, specialising in corporate language training, teacher training (Cambridge CELTA etc.), translation and interpreting. Professional interests include language testing and teacher development. Personal interests include travel, photography, playing the drums… and karate.
John has taught at St. Michael's since 2010 and joined the School Council on appointment as Deputy Head in August 2019. John serves on the Education and Governance Committee and acts as secretary during the meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Job Titles:
- English Language Section Coordinator
Jonathan represents the English Language Section on the Council. Originally from the USA, Jonathan received his J.D. and CDR from Willamette University College of Law, and was a practicing business lawyer for over five years. Jonathan has lived and worked in Japan for over fourteen years and before joining St. Michael's he worked for a shipping company in Ehime as an English teacher and contract manager. Jonathan also holds a TESL and Teaching Business English Certificate.
Job Titles:
- Director at Pearl International Co. Ltd
Raj joined the Council in 2011 and serves on the Finance Committee. Raj is an SMIS alumni having graduated from St Michael's in 1986. Maintaining the family tradition, both of Raj's sons attended St. Michael's International School.
Satoru has the longest connection to SMIS, having entered as a student in 1949, soon after the School was founded, and graduated in 1958. He was appointed by Miss Lea to serve on the Council when it was established in 1970 and joined the Board on its establishment in 2008. He is a founding member of The Breeze alumni publication (1969). Satoru served as Chair of the Board for nine years and now serves on the Council as President of the SMA (alumni) Satoru previously worked as an international trader, college instructor, and STEP One interviewer.
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Member of the Board
As Head of School, Gill is a member of the Board, Council and all sub-committees of the Council. Her role is to make the Board aware of the needs of the School Community and any developments in international education. As the most visible face of governance at the School, Gill also presents Board policies and decisions to staff, pupils and parents.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- UK - Year Four Class Teacher
Steven joined the Council in August 2014 as the nominated staff representative. He serves as the official Minute Taker for the Council.