Parent Council and Governors’ Group

Jim Stearns

Jim is an experienced school leader with 17 years of headship experience in the UK and UAE. A trained physics teacher, he has also specialised in the use of IT in education, previously serving on the national executive of the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA) in the UK and chairing its Academic Policy Committee. Over his 12 years in the UAE, Jim has worked for the Victoria International Schools of Sharjah (VISS) as Head of an IB Secondary School and founding principal of VISS Khorfakkan, and now serves as Deputy Director of Schools for the growing group. He is currently undertaking doctoral research on AI in international schooling.

Steve Walsh

Steve is the Campus Principal at VISS Sharjah, Khorfakkan Branch, having joined the school in August 2025. Originally from Ireland, he holds a Master’s Degree in Education and brings over 20 years of international experience across China, the UAE, and Ireland. Two of his own children attend VISS Khorfakkan, reflecting his trust in the school. Outside of work he is a keen football fan and a proud Liverpool FC supporter, and he is dedicated to upholding HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s vision for excellence in education, guided by the school’s core values of Excellence, Diversity, Learning, Integrity, and Community.

Hibaq Hersi

Hibaq is a Kindergarten teacher with 10 years of experience in Early Years education and serves as one of the Teacher Governors at VISS Khorfakkan. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children feel confident, safe, and supported, and she enjoys building positive relationships with children and families.

Curtis

With over 17 years of international education experience, including more than 10 years in the UAE, Curtis joined VISS Khorfakkan in 2023. He has played a key role in developing the Secondary English department and leading whole-school data systems that support student achievement and school improvement. Curtis is passionate about inclusive education, innovation, and data-informed practice, and is recognised for building strong systems and a positive school culture.

Stephanie

Originally from South Africa, Stephanie relocated to the UAE in 2015 in search of new opportunities and cultures. With a strong background in hospitality and training, she is passionate about mentoring and supporting the growth and development of others. As a parent representative on the Governance Committee, she is committed to contributing positively to the school community and supporting the best interests of students and families.

Tahra Abdalla Mohamed Abdelghani

Tahra is retired from the Ministry of Education after dedicating many years to serving the education sector and contributing to the development of future generations. She has extensive experience in educational and administrative fields and is known for her strong interest in cultural heritage and national identity, as well as her continuous commitment to community service.

Ryan Harb

Ryan is the Assistant Principal (Secondary) at VISS Khorfakkan, with over 15 years of international education experience across Canada, Malaysia, and the UAE. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and Master’s degrees in English Language Teaching and Educational Leadership. Ryan is passionate about curriculum development, instructional leadership, and student wellbeing. He is committed to fostering a collaborative school culture that promotes excellence, integrity, and a love of learning.

Sean McInerney

Sean is an Assistant Principal at VISS Khorfakkan with over eight years of international education experience in the UAE. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership and Management and has been part of the VISS Khorfakkan community since 2022. As a founding staff member, he is passionate about student wellbeing and creating an inclusive learning environment. Sean is committed to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while supporting every student’s academic and personal growth.

Letitia Thomas

Letitia is the Assistant Principal for Pre-KG to Grade 4 at VISS Khorfakkan, bringing 24 years of teaching and leadership experience across Australia and the UAE. She is passionate about providing high-quality education for young learners and values strong partnerships between home and school. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of supporting children’s development through collaboration with families. Letitia is excited to be part of the VISS Khorfakkan community and contribute to its continued success.

Tahra Abdalla Mohamed Abdelghani

Tahra is retired from the Ministry of Education after dedicating many years to serving the education sector and contributing to the development of future generations. She has extensive experience in educational and administrative fields and is known for her strong interest in cultural heritage and national identity, as well as her continuous commitment to community service.

Laila Abdullah Al-Ahbash

Laila is a retired teacher from the Ministry of Education and the mother of three students at the school. She has extensive experience in communication and teamwork and always strives to achieve success and excellence, while focusing on self-development and making a positive contribution to society and the workplace.

Seham AlBehissy

Seham is a Technology & Digital Advisor at NEOM with over 22 years of experience in digital transformation and innovation across global organisations. She is passionate about connecting technology, citizen science, and storytelling to create meaningful impact in ocean conservation and sustainable mobility.

Mariam AlHamadi

Mariam is a parent who believes in the importance of an effective partnership between family and school in developing students academically and behaviourally. She is committed to continuous follow-up and to supporting her children’s educational journey within an organised and motivating environment.

Manar Abdelghani

Manar works as a Planning & Data Quality Coordinator at the Ministry of Education and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. She brings experience in education and school leadership, is skilled in organising events and activities, and has a strong knowledge of digital learning tools and technology.

Houria Abdelkader Khaldi

Houria’s background is in management within the travel and tourism industry. She enjoys reading in her free time and is keen to support school activities.

Khadija Mohamed Eisa Obaid Alnaqbi

Khadija is a Senior Facilities Management & Operations Engineer, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her interests include interior design, art, graphic design, and photography, and she enjoys contributing to school events through design, decoration, and photography.

Rahima Mohamed Abdalla

Rahima is a high school graduate who enjoys supporting the educational process and actively participating in school activities and programmes. She believes in the importance of cooperation between family and school in developing a student’s personality and enhancing academic and social success, and contributes by supporting school events and cooperating with staff.

Aisha Khamis Ali Alnaqbi

Aisha is a graduate of the United Arab Emirates University with a Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language. She has a strong interest in the educational and pedagogical field and has participated in several Parent Council committees, contributing to the educational process and strengthening communication between family and school.

Mariam Rashid Khamis Al Naqbi

Mariam holds a High School Diploma and describes herself as an educator and “creator of generations,” believing strongly in the family’s role in building an aware and distinguished generation. Her interests include drawing, reading, and swimming, and she brings skills in organising events, coordination, design, and communication to support school activities.

Nabeela Abdulqadir Kalo

Nabeela is an active member of school councils in the Eastern Region and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Sharjah. She is known for her strong interest in family and educational matters, as well as her continuous commitment to supporting community initiatives.

Ms. Banan Abdalla Ali Almansoori

Banan is a Communication graduate who believes that conscious and mindful parenting is the foundation of a strong society. She strives to be a positive partner with the school in preparing an ambitious generation that plays an active role in shaping its future and serving its country.