Letter to all the Nest Parents

Dear Parents,

It is with immense delight that we share some wonderful news: the incredible Lisa Li and I will now be co-leading The Nest, our outstanding Early Years school. This new role as Co-Heads of Early Years fulfils a lifelong dream of mine, as I've always cherished the early years of a child’s education. These formative years lay the essential foundations for future growth and learning.

Lisa and I have been working together for five enriching years, and we perfectly complement each other's leadership experience, skill sets, and passion for learning. I bring to this role over 30 years of global teaching and leadership experience in Early Years and Primary education, coupled with an MSc in Educational Leadership. My dedication to nurturing the whole child—fostering their passions, interests, and self-confidence—remains steadfast. Building strong, supportive communities around our young learners is at the heart of my educational philosophy.

Being a Third Culture Kid who grew up in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean, I've developed a unique perspective on diversity and cultural competence. This multicultural background profoundly enriches my approach to education and learning. On a personal note, I am the proud parent of three grown children—a lawyer, an English teacher, and one still in university training to be an anaesthetist. My children were fortunate to grow up in diverse settings, including Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of facilitating learning across various curricula in Early Years and Primary contexts. These experiences span the National Curriculum of England, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the New South Wales Curriculum of Australia, and the National Curriculum of New Zealand. I firmly believe a diverse curriculum that reflects the experiences and perspectives of our pupils is crucial for creating an inclusive learning environment and developing confident, caring global citizens.

In my role as Head of Early Years and Junior School at Wellington College International Tianjin, my dedication extends to supporting both pupils and staff to exceed their expectations. I am passionate about professional development and work collaboratively with exceptional teaching teams to bring out the best in each pupil, ensuring their success both academically and holistically.

Looking ahead, Lisa and I are excited about the diverse learning experiences we have planned for this year. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Please remember that our doors are always open, and we deeply value your partnership in your child's educational journey.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's early education. Together, we will make this school year a remarkable and enriching experience for all.

Warmest regards,

Melissa and Lisa