Simon Leese has joined POWIIS as its Principal, after twelve years as Headmaster of Christ’s College, New Zealand’s oldest day and boarding high school for boys. Previously, he was Head of Sixth Form at Loughborough Grammar School, in England, and served for seventeen years as a boarding housemaster. With him in Penang is his wife Jane, a highly experienced junior school teacher and former Head of Department. They have three children, living and working in New York, London and Antibes.
He describes POWIIS as a deliberate move to a completely different challenge. He says POWIIS and Malaysia could not be more different from his former school, and New Zealand, in many ways. And yet, he says the essential elements in all schools are the same the world over – namely that parents want the best for their children, and that real education relies on the quality of personal relationships between staff and students.
Introducing POWIIS
It is a pleasure to introduce the Prince of Wales Island International School. We welcome your interest in what we believe is a unique school in Malaysia, and one which is rapidly developing a significant international reputation.
The school is young, energetic and it is future focussed – just like your child. We are a school of individuals, blended together to form a happy, coherent and ambitious community. We believe anyone can find their niche with us, as we explore their potential, build their confidence, and ignite their ambitions.
We are an English medium, English curriculum and English style school. We have a higher than usual proportion of overseas teachers, and our families value our determined promotion of English language in a comfortable and inclusive environment.
We have a large and vibrant boarding community, which underpins the 24 hour life of the campus. All benefit from a school life which never stops, where facilities are open, staff are on site, and the school is so much more than a place to achieve qualifications.
All schools can showcase their outstanding students – we have more than our fair share of very high achievers. However, schools do not get the outstanding overall results we achieve without a culture that demands the very best of all, regardless of their potential. Of course we require a significant commitment from our students, but we also know success in life is a much more than grades.
We are dedicated to helping create remarkable young people. They should be confident, influential, accomplished and good natured, ready to take their place as productive members of the adult world knowing how to direct and promote themselves, whilst caring for others.
POWIIS cordially invites you to our upcoming Open Day on Saturday, 21st November 2015 from 8.30am to 4.30pm. The school will operate as usual, and visitors with be able to observe lessons and activities for all year groups, and attend A Level information sessions throughout the day.
Come and see how we do it.
For further information, visit www.powiis.edu.my
