Leadership Team

Leadership Team at Victoria International School of Sharjah.

Mr. Dan O’Reilly

Mr. Dan O’Reilly serves as the Principal of VISS Al Taawun, having joined the school in 2019 following a successful career in Victoria, Australia. A champion of educational excellence, Dan is dedicated to ensuring the Al Taawun campus remains a leader in evidence-based teaching and holistic student development.

Central to Dan’s leadership is his belief that exceptional outcomes for students are driven by an inspired and empowered team of staff. He is deeply committed to staff professional growth, fostering a culture where both academic and non-academic staff are supported to innovate and excel. By investing in talent, Dan ensures that every classroom at VISS reflects the highest global standards.

Beyond academic rigor, Dan is passionate about developing students’ emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. He views the school as a vibrant ecosystem where students, staff, and families are deeply connected. Through proactive community partnerships and a relentless focus on excellence, Dan works to nurture the ‘hearts and minds’ of the next generation of global leaders.

Dan O’Reilly

Campus Principal

Laura Robertson

Deputy Principal (Head of Primary School)

Ms. Laura Robertson

Mrs Laura Robertson is from country Victoria, Australia and has more than 20 years experience in education. Laura is passionate about evidence based practice and providing all students with the very best learning opportunities. She graduated from Monash University with a Batchelor of Education- Deans Honors and completed a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership in 2021. Laura is also an accredited Growth Coach facilitator.

As a mother of four, Laura understands the important role that families play in the education of children and enjoys welcoming the community into the school. She is dedicated to the provision of exceptional academic, social and emotional learning experiences and places high importance on teaching the basics of Literacy, Numeracy, strong routines and effective behaviour choices.

Mr. Robert Jenkins

Rob and his family come from Melbourne, Australia and enjoy traveling whenever possible. His experience comes from working in independent school settings in Australia and overseas with an expertise and passion in the areas of innovative, interdisciplinary, experiential and problem-based learning design. Rob’s involvement at both the Middle and Senior Years of education underpins his desire to challenge the traditional models of education and embed future-focused thinking in the design of pedagogy and curriculum. Rob has completed an Executive Master of Business Administration at RMIT University centred around design thinking and a Master of School Leadership at Monash University. His interests include playing basketball, running, guitar and cooking. Rob is looking forward to continue working and learning alongside all of the VISS community, particularly those in the Middle School.

Robert Jenkins

Deputy Principal (Head of Middle School)

Chelsie Bulman

Deputy Principal (Head of Senior School)

Ms. Chelsie Bulman

Chelsie Bulman has been a member of the VISS community since 2010 and is proud to call the UAE home. A graduate of the University of Adelaide with 17 years of leadership experience, Chelsie currently serves as Deputy Principal (Head of Senior School). She leads with clarity of purpose, fostering learning environments in which every student feels seen, supported and challenged. Deeply committed to authentic school improvement, she works alongside a dedicated team to enhance student learning outcomes through evidence-based teaching practices.
Chelsie is passionate about nurturing students’ interests and talents and promoting a genuine love of learning, ensuring all students are supported to achieve success in their senior school pathways and university aspirations. Her leadership is grounded in maintaining a culture of excellence through high expectations, strong partnerships with parents and a sustained focus on student social and emotional learning.

Mr. James Ritchie

With over 20 years of experience in education across the United Kingdom, Australia, and the UAE, James has been part of the VISS community since 2015. He began his journey at VISS in Middle School as a Homeroom Teacher and Head of Grade (2015–2019), before moving into Primary as Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning (Grades 3–5). In 2022, he transitioned into his current role as Assistant Head of ELC–Grade 5, focusing on Student Engagement and Wellbeing.
James is a strong advocate for student voice and agency, the development of respectful relationships, and setting high expectations for behaviour. As both a leader and a parent of two children at VISS, he is deeply invested in the school community and also serves as a member of the School Governing Board.

James Ritchie

Assistant Principal (Primary School)

Aimee Forder

Assistant Principal (Primary School)

Ms. Aimee Forder

Ms Aimee is a passionate educational leader, dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Originally from Geelong, Victoria, Australia, she has spent her entire career working within the Victorian Curriculum, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. She is deeply committed to the Science of Learning and the power of effective assessment to drive student growth. By using evidence-based practices, she focuses on leveraging assessment to inform teaching, support student progress, and create meaningful learning experiences. Inclusion is at the heart of her approach, and she strives to create a supportive and engaging space where all students can succeed.

Mr. Phil Haigh

Mr. Phil is the Assistant Principal for Middle School and has been a member of the VISS community since 2023. He initially led the Grade 2 team for his first two years here. Phil is dedicated to ensuring every student engages in purposeful learning within a safe and dynamic environment. His strategic leadership is grounded in the FISO 2.0 priority of ‘Creating a positive climate for learning,’ with a clear focus on developing strong universal practices that promote student wellbeing and engagement. A key area of his career achievements includes developing middle-level leadership capacity and driving the rigorous development and implementation of curriculum aligned seamlessly with Victorian Curriculum standards. With experience across a range of settings, including inclusive and disadvantaged schools, Phil is committed to building a strong school community where high expectations lead to outstanding outcomes for all students

Phil Haigh

Assistant Principal (Middle School)

Jennifer Haugh

Assistant Principal (Middle School)

Ms. Jennifer Haugh

Jennifer is an accomplished educational leader with a strong background in whole-school leadership, curriculum development, and data-driven decision-making. With over a decade of experience in education, including multiple leadership roles, she has successfully implemented strategies to enhance teaching and learning, streamline assessment practices, and drive school-wide improvement.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biochemical Sciences, a PGCE in Secondary Science Education, and undertaken the National Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), Jennifer has a deep understanding of school operations and strategic planning. She has led whole-school initiatives focused on assessment and data analysis, ensuring that student progress is accurately tracked and used to inform targeted interventions. Her expertise in data analysis and assessment designs has contributed to raising academic standards and fostering a culture of excellence.
Jennifer is committed to empowering educators through professional development, coaching, and collaborative leadership. Her experience in leading cross-departmental teams, implementing quality assurance processes, and enhancing student outcomes has positioned her as a key driver of school improvement. Passionate about student well-being and pastoral care, she has also spearheaded initiatives to promote holistic student development and resilience.
As a senior leader, Jennifer is dedicated to building an inclusive, high-performing school environment where every student and staff member can achieve their full potential through data-informed strategies and innovative educational practices.

Mr. Conor Ralph

Conor is an experienced educational leader with a passion for curriculum innovation, student engagement, and data-driven decision-making. With over a decade of leadership experience across IB, Australian, UK, Korean, and Irish curricula, he has successfully developed high-quality learning environments that support student growth and achievement.
Holding a Professional Master of Education and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), Conor has a strong track record of leading and developing teams of educators to maximise their collective impact. He has successfully implemented strategies to enhance collaboration, streamline curriculum planning, and refine assessment practices, ensuring teaching and learning remain both innovative and effective. His leadership encourages a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement, empowering educators to deliver the best possible outcomes for students.
Beyond academics, Conor brings a wealth of pastoral experience, helping students build confidence, resilience, and a positive approach to school life. He is committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and equipped to succeed.
As Assistant Principal for Senior School at VISS, Conor is dedicated to elevating the student experience by cultivating a dynamic, supportive, and academically rigorous environment. Through collaboration with staff, students, and parents Conor will ensure every learner is challenged, motivated, and equipped to achieve their full potential.

Conor Ralph

Assistant Principal (Senior School)