Get to know your new middle and high school teachers
Ms. Cole:
What subject do you teach?
Introduction to Psychology
Where did you come from?
London, England
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I have always wanted to teach abroad and Japan fascinates me.
What is your favourite thing about Japan?
I love Shibuya and the culture of being so busy. Also, I like the tradition of taking off shoes before entering a house, because it really represents Japanese culture.
Favourite movie?
There are so many! One of them is “Bridget Jones’s Diary”.
Interesting facts about yourself.
I’ve competed at the London Olympics Stadium for a university event.
Mr. Adams:
What subject do you teach?
I am the Head of the Values Department, and teach personal education and values.
Where did you come from?
Manchester, England
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I fancied a change and heard great things about Sacred Heart.
What is your favourite thing about Japan?
The food, whether it’s a bento box or Michelin-star food, it’s delicious.
What is your hobby?
Reading, philosophy, and seeing parts of the world that I have never seen before.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I once won a thumb wrestling competition.
Ms. Claude-Anne Ito:
What subject do you teach?
French
Where did you come from?
Alsace, France
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I married a Japanese person.
What is your favorite thing about Japan?
The people here are very nice and it is also safe here.
What is your hobby?
Singing, playing the guitar, playing tennis, and crocheting.
What is your favourite movie?
“Pride and Prejudice”–I’ve watched it so many times!
Mr. Bessault:
What subject do you teach?
French
Where do you come from?
France
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I learned Japanese at a French University, so I decided to try and experience the Japanese lifestyle.
What is your favourite thing about Japan?
The food!
What is your hobby?
I like to juggle, but I also like to spend time with my friends.
Are there any interesting facts about yourself?
I make very good crepes.
Ms. Hoshide:
What subject do you teach?
Grade 11 and 12 English
Where did you come from?
I am from Seattle, Washington (born and raised), but I haven’t lived there for the past 17 years. I earned my master’s degree here.
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I decided to move to Tokyo for my husband’s work and to send my kids to a bigger international school. Before Tokyo, I lived in Nagoya and Aomori.
What is your favorite thing about Japan?
The safety and that people are courteous.
What is your hobby?
If I had time it would be taiko drumming. For fun, I learn Chinese and swim.
Interesting facts about yourself.
I broke my leg when I was six weeks old because I got caught in my father’s shirt while I was being passed to my mother. And so, my leg was in a contraption for a while. I have a rare bone disease, actually the same disease that Samuel Jackson’s character has in the movie “Unbreakable”.
Ms. Leung:
What subject do you teach?
Moral Decision Making, Writer’s Lab, and Social Studies for grades 5 and 7.
Where did you come from?
I am originally from Canada, but moved here from Hong Kong.
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
When I first came here to visit, I liked the cuisines, and the Japanese culture and history.
What is your favorite thing about Japan?
The food and its culture.
What is your hobby?
Reading, travelling, eating, scuba diving, watching movies, and listening to music.
Interesting facts about yourself.
I love “thrilling” rides and experiences. I even bungee jumped off the Macau Tower before. I guess if I were to be in a faction in “Divergent” it would probably be the Dauntless.
Mr. Le Guen:
What subject do you teach?
Two French beginner levels for Grade 5 and 6 and 9 and 10.
Where did you come from?
France and Canada
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I was intrigued by the country when I first came here to visit. I was attracted to the country because it was very different from France. So from then on, I started to learn Japanese and explore the country.
What is your favorite thing about Japan?
Both perfection and beauty and how the people look and long for it.
What is your hobby (or maybe if it’s too similar to interesting thing change to favourite movie)?
Yoga, swimming, reading, and watching French movies. My favourite one is “Peau d’ane”, translated as “Donkey Skin”.
Interesting facts about yourself.
I like to eat different kinds of food such as Japanese food, French food, or Italian food.
Ms. Selenzow:
What is your role at ISSH?
The school nurse.
Where did you come from?
America.
Why did you decide to move to Tokyo?
I am an expatriate (immigrant) and my husband got transferred here.
Why did you decide to become a nurse?
Because I enjoy helping people!
What is your favourite thing about Japan?
The climate is temperate and the winters are good.
What are your hobbies?
I like to play the piano and enjoy playing sports.