- Post Graduate Certificate in Education
- Bachelor of Business and Management (Hons)
- James attained Qualified Teacher Status from the Chase Lane Primary School Programme in Essex, England.
After four years teaching in his initial placement at the very same school, James moved to an 'Outstanding' school, Lawford C of E Primary School, where he led the Sports and oversaw the introduction to the new Computing curriculum.
James spent three years there, becoming part of the Leadership team and assuming the role of Key Stage 2 Manager in his final year.
Seeking new challenges further afield, James joined the Saigon Star family in 2014. James uses his soccer knowledge to good use when coaching the school team but also in his spare time when he plays in the Saigon International Football League. Elsewhere, he also enjoys travelling, adventure sports, tennis and films
Neil Christopher Jones
Year 5J Class Teacher
I am Mr. Neil and originally from Doncaster, England. I moved to Vietnam in 2018 and I have loved living in Ho Chi Minh City with its vibrant culture and wonderful food.
This will be my fourth year of teaching in Saigon Star and I am excited to continue working with such a fantastic team.
I am ecstatic to continue to explore Vietnam and continue to work at such a wonderful school.
Conor Slattery
Year 3H Class Teacher
My name is Mr. Conor and I am originally from Ireland. Since moving to Vietnam in 2018, I have loved living here, traveling, and experience the culture. I love the freedom of being able to jump on my scooter and discover the many hidden gems in Saigon. The friendly people have also made it easy to call Vietnam home!
Many of the learners and parents may know me already from various Saigon Star Community events, but for those of you who don’t, I joined the Saigon Star family in April 2019. I am very excited to start the year ahead and to meet new families and my new class.
Noel Frederick Collins
Head of Primary Years/Year 5H Class Teacher
My name is Mr. Noel. I am from Ireland where my family live in a beautiful seaside town on the coast of the country.
I travelled to Vietnam 5 years ago. I am very grateful to this wonderful country for the opportunities I’ve had and am delighted to continue my journey here, being the Year 4 teacher next year!
Teaching is my passion and building strong, welcoming communities with my students and their families is very important, you will see that this year as we collaborate and work together.
I will prepare and guide all my students with the skills and thinking to prepare them for their bright futures and we will have fun, exciting times as we learn together!
Rachael Louise Collins
EAL Teacher
My name is Rachael and I am from Belfast in Northern Ireland. I moved to Vietnam in September 2019 after falling in love with the country when I visited in 2018. I absolutely love living here, travelling, eating the delicious food and learning about the culture.
This will be my second year teaching at Saigon Star. I am very excited to continue the journey supporting our EAL students to develop their English language skills. Last year was very successful and I look forward to another successful year!
Sarah Mary Mckeogh
Year 2K Class Teacher
My name is Ms. Sarah. I moved to Vietnam from the beautiful country of Ireland, three years ago. Ho Chi Minh City quickly became my new home. I have absolutely loved my time here in this wonderful country, making great friends and eating great food!
Last year, I taught Year 2 here in Saigon Star. I am very grateful and excited to continue teaching and learning in this Year Group, and I am really looking forward to beginning another wonderful journey of learning, discovery and fun with the Year 2 learners and parents.
Van Nguyen
Head of Early Years
Working as an early childhood educator for 4 years in Sydney, Australia
Shannon Marie Grace
Year 6 S Class Teacher
I am Ms. Shannon, and I am from The United States. I moved to Vietnam in 2015, and I have been teaching here ever since.
I love the great food, friendly people, and sunny weather here in Vietnam, and I now look at it as my home.
This will be my first year teaching at Saigon Star, and I am very excited to meet my students and their parents. I cannot wait to begin this wonderful adventure together, so let’s get started!
Thomas R .Annis
Head of School
Ben Ocenar
Sports and Swimming
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Major in Marketing Management
- Ben has been teaching youth sports in the Philippines and Vietnam since 2011. He is a USA Basketball Gold License Coach and was part of the team tasked to select the top young basketball players in the country for Jr NBA Vietnam in 2017-2019.
- Ben is passionate about engaging children in sports because he knows the value and importance of sports in life. In his free time, he loves to play basketball and explore the city on his bicycle.
Nadine Sullivan
Year 1N Class Teacher
Sarai Cotter Shihade
SEN Teacher
-BSc (Hons) Health Science (specific to individuals with intellectual disabilities), EREP’s and EHFA certification, Classical Singing grade VII from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate.
-Sarai trained as an Intellectual Disability Nurse at the University College Cork. She spent three years as a student nurse supporting and advocating for the health and educational need of individuals disabilities in both the Mercy Hospital and within Cope Foundation. In her fourth year she completed a thesis on the supports and interventions in place for individuals with mild/moderate disabilities. Her studies and experience working alongside teachers in schools as a nurse (Cope Foundation) led her to explore opportunities and teach abroad.
-In January 2018, Sarai was given the opportunity to teach in both Malaysia and Vietnam. She taught at Hutech University, and then went on to fulfil her passion for early years at the Vietnam Australia International School and also at Aurora International School of the Arts. In 2021 Sarai became part of the Saigon Star team.
Ellen Hennessy
Reception M Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Studies in Primary Education from Oxford Brookes Universities.
Ellen has been teaching in Ho Chi Minh City for almost 5 years. Prior to that she taught in Thailand, and the UK. Ellen has just joined Saigon Star from another International school where she taught year 1. Ellen particularly enjoys teaching phonics and the early years. She loves to see the children enjoy learning and is super excited to join Reception Class at Saigon Star. Outside of the classroom Ellen enjoys swimming travelling and spending time with Friends and Family.
Jerome M. R. Marques
Pre-School J Teacher
- Planning and delivering homeroom-subjects lessons for EY levels
- Designing and aligning school curricula with academic standards
-Integrating Montessori activities into the instructional design ,Supporting special -needs students working knowledge of IB's PYP Musical skills(drums) with experience in touring and studio recording
- Technological fluency
- Comfortable teaching online
Derek Bickerstaff
Year 5C Class Teacher
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
I am Mr. Derek and I am from the UK. As well as teaching in the UK, I have previously taught at IPC International Schools in China and Singapore.
This year is my first at Saigon Star International School and in Vietnam.
I am very excited meeting our star students and caring parents of Year 5 and beginning our advancing learning journey together!
Away from the classroom, I enjoy travelling, playing pool and watching films.