Executive Leadership team

Hello there! My name is Mrs. Helene Harrison, a long-time bookworm and Dubai resident. I am delighted to be joining DBS Jumeira to set up their Primary Library.

I was born and educated in South Africa. My childhood unfolded among bookshelves as both my grandmother and mother were school librarians! It was with surprise that I found myself following in their footsteps later in life. After working in a UK curriculum primary school library in Dubai for over a decade it was time for a new chapter! I can’t wait to introduce all the students to the magic of the written word. I endeavour to live by Kate DiCamillo’s words; “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.”

As a primary librarian, I love all the illustrated literary treasures that can be found amongst the library shelves. Tales from distant lands, mysteries waiting to be unravelled, and adventures yet to be embarked upon, all ready for young minds to explore and discover. There is no place quite as inspiring for young or old as a well-stocked library in my opinion!

My home life is usually busy; a travelling husband, three teenagers, four cats and hundreds of guppies keep me occupied after hours. When I am not reading, I can usually be found propagating various and assorted plants and succulents. Alternatively I will be planning our next family travel adventure. I do enjoy exploring new countries and cultures during the school holidays.

I am extremely excited to embark on the next chapter of my “Life in Dubai” as the new librarian for DBS Jumeira.

As the Founding Principal at Dubai British School Jumeira, I feel extremely privileged and excited about the community we are building. I have spent almost twenty years in education, teaching and leading across all key stages and different curricula. I have benefited from the experiences where I have demonstrated educational leadership as a Principal in countries including the UK, UAE and Cambodia during the last decade. The contextual, cultural and educational learning made possible from working with excellent teachers and educational leaders in outstanding schools will be invaluable as I serve the Dubai British School Jumeira community.

Dubai British School Jumeira’s aim to empower students to reach for their potential aligns beautifully with my own commitment to the young people that I serve in schools. I believe that every child has the ability to achieve great things when they find the right school environment and are nurtured to achieve their best.

I look forward to working with students, partnering with families and supporting other educators as we create this environment at Dubai British School Jumeira. Throughout my career, I have always found the interplay of human connections to be at the core of successful schools. At Dubai British School Jumeira, we see the relationships amongst our community as critical to the success of our young people.

The teacher-to-student relationship is often one that has a lasting impact and is almost always the key to unlocking a child’s true potential. The partnership between a school and the families in the school community cannot be underestimated, and I have always committed time and energy into the building of collaborative, trusting relationships with parents that choose to be part of this community.

One of the most exciting aspects of leading schools is the development of a learning community. Dubai British School Jumeira is a place in which we embrace the inclusivity and complexities of the modern classroom and use every opportunity to enhance learning for every child in our care. At Dubai British School Jumeira, we believe that every member of our community should ENJOY, ASPIRE and ACHIEVE.

I am delighted to introduce myself as Dubai British School Jumeira’s new Head of Primary. My educational journey began with training as a primary school teacher at the University of Brighton, followed by a teaching career in West Sussex with a focus on Key Stage 2, after which the UAE, rcognised as as a hub for education, drew me to explore a career in intentional teaching. I have joined Dubai British School Jumeira after seven years in the UAE as a senior leader and primary school headteacher. With a passion for lifelong learning, my educational qualifications include a BA Hons in Primary Education with QTS, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management, and ongoing pursuit of the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Beyond my professional life, I am a dedicated sportswoman with a background in competitive swimming, athletics, triathlon and a love for football. As a perpetual learner, I am always engaged in reading, particularly in areas surrounding relevant educational research. My vision encompasses fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, reflectiveness and innovation, challenging the status quo to establish a student-centered approach to delivering the English National Curriculum. As I continue my journey in education at Dubai British School Jumeira, my passion for creating a positive and transformative learning environment remains at the forefront, driving my commitment to excellence and innovation.

It is a great honour to introduce myself to as Head of Inclusion at Dubai British School Jumeira. With 15 years in education across a variety of settings and 10 years of teaching and leadership experience in the UAE, I am incredibly excited to bring the inclusive, community-focused vision of our leadership team into reality.

My career started in a special education school in the UK and quickly transitioned into primary teaching and a SENCO position in a school close to St Albans, where I grew up. I also spent 10 summers in the USA, leading a lifeskills and independence transition program for young adults, which started at a summer camp.

My career path in the UAE has included Year Leader, Head of Inclusion, and Assistant Headteacher, and has now expanded to becoming Director of Inclusion, Well-being and Pastoral Care across three schools. I have also completed some private consultancy work, supporting young people and their families in navigating the challenges that can be experienced in accessing the best pathways for a happy, independent and fulfilled future.

I recognise and greatly value the vital role a school plays in helping children develop independence and skills for the future and want to ensure that every student who enrols at Dubai British School Jumeira has access to the right nurturing and support to allow them to maximise their potential in every aspect of their lives.

Beyond my working life, I spend most of my time with my young family enjoying all of the wonderful activities that Dubai has to offer. I also enjoy playing football, paddle tennis and keeping as fit as I can in the gym.

My aim is to contribute to building a school which provides our children and families with a community where they feel accepted, supported and happy.

With a robust academic foundation in Arabic Literature from Cairo University and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy, Walaa embarked on a fulfilling career in the field of education, initially serving as an Arabic teacher. Over the years, she has ascended through the ranks to hold a senior executive position, where she leads Arabic and Islamic studies.

Walaa holds a Ministry of Education (MOE) Leadership License and is an accredited BSO Level 2 Inspector, credentials that underscore her expertise and commitment to educational excellence. She has a proven track record of raising attainment and progress in Arabic and Islamic studies, significantly contributing to students’ ability to reach their full potential. Her leadership is characterised by a strategic approach to curriculum development and a deep dedication to fostering an environment that nurtures both academic excellence and cultural understanding.

Walaa’s philosophy on leading teams revolves around the core principles of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement. She believes that the most effective teams operate on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, where every member is encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative.

In addition to her educational career, she is also an accomplished writer and has published a book, showcasing her deep passion for her language.

Hello, founding families of Dubai British School Jumeira! My name is Michael, and I am excited to join this wonderful school community as the Assistant Head of Primary.

I’d like to share a bit about my background, interests, and educational philosophy so that you can get to know me better.

For the past six years, I have been a part of the Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, where I taught Year 6. During my time there, I enjoyed exploring topics such as World War II and Africa with the students. I am thrilled to bring some of the cultural and outstanding learning practices from Jumeirah Park to our new school.

I am looking forward to getting into all the classes and working with everyone to explore different learning opportunities. Together, with all our brilliant teachers I am looking forward to creating a dynamic and nurturing educational environment at DBSJ. I believe in creating an environment where students feel valued and enthusiastic about their education. I am passionate about finding innovative learning opportunities and integrating them into the classroom to enhance student engagement and growth.

Outside of school, I cherish spending time with my family, traveling, and exploring Dubai and beyond.

Ashlee is the Assistant Head Teacher Lower Primary at DBSJ. Ashlee is a passionate educator with ten years of experience in the UAE.

She believes in playful approaches that enable children to develop their skills as they explore their imagination, curiosity, and joy of learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, along with numerous other qualifications, and her passion for learning continues to grow. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Education, further enhancing her expertise and commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for young learners. With a passion for education and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment, Ashlee cultivates relationships with parents that ensure consistent connection, involvement, and communication with the DBSJ community. She believes that when parents feel valued and actively involved in their child’s learning journey, educational experiences are greatly enhanced.

Ashlee looks forward to working together to support the growth and success of all DBSJ students.Over the last decade, Ashlee has trained many early years teachers across the UAE and loves to support the professional development of staff through a coaching culture approach. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere for both students and colleagues.

Outside of her professional life, Ashlee loves being active. This includes traveling,hiking the local UAE trails with her dog. Ashlee also enjoys both playing sports and encouraging physical activity as key components of a well-rounded education.

My name is Aleksandra Pearce and I am delighted to be your child’s class teacher this year. I am a fully qualified teacher (QTS) who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Years and Pre- School Education as well as a Masters in Professional Communication.

For the past 8 years, I have taught in international settings across Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. I have a keen interest in child development and I strongly advocate the benefits of a play based curriculum to support this. There is always plenty of singing, dancing and creativity going on in my classroom. I love messy, hands-on activities as well as exploring the outdoors, as I understand the need for freedom and a natural learning environment. I am passionate not only about educating children, but also about creating an environment that promotes their well-being, social and emotional health- as I believe that they learn best when they feel safe and when they are provided with an engaging and thought-provoking class setting.

My name is Aleksandra Pearce and I am delighted to be your child’s class teacher this year. I am a fully qualified teacher (QTS) who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Years and Pre- School Education as well as a Masters in Professional Communication.

For the past 8 years, I have taught in international settings across Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. I have a keen interest in child development and I strongly advocate the benefits of a play based curriculum to support this. There is always plenty of singing, dancing and creativity going on in my classroom. I love messy, hands-on activities as well as exploring the outdoors, as I understand the need for freedom and a natural learning environment. I am passionate not only about educating children, but also about creating an environment that promotes their well-being, social and emotional health- as I believe that they learn best when they feel safe and when they are provided with an engaging and thought-provoking class setting.