Executive Leadership team

I am delighted to introduce myself, I am Holly Westpfel. Growing up, I spent lots of time with my Nan who was a teacher. We used to play schools and she would show me all the fun things that she would teach her class.

This piqued my interest in teaching as my Nan always spoke so positively about school. I went onto study Primary Education at University and have now been teaching for 10 years, teaching between FS2 and Year 4.
I love to learn myself and try to foster a love of learning to all who I teach. I also believe that to be academically successful, we must foster secure and meaningful relationships and ensure that children feel safe and happy. One of my favourite parts about teaching is spending time creating learning environments that are engaging and evoke curiosity. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach and reading books. My favourite book as a child was ‘Esio Trot’ by Roald Dhal. I still hope that one day I will have a tortoise of my own.

My name is Miss Libby Fitton, and I am excited to join such a welcoming school community. Education has always been my passion.

I completed an undergraduate degree in Education Studies and then went onto complete a Masters in Psychology where I gained valuable knowledge and understanding around behaviour. In 2021 I completed my teacher training in Primary Education and have now had the pleasure of teaching across both Key Stages. I have a wealth of experience around different areas with key specialisms in SEND, Nurture and RE.

My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a love and pride for learning through creating a nurturing environment where children build resilience and confidence. I like to provide opportunities for exploration, creativity and critical thinking within lessons. I believe in delivering memorable lessons through stimulating a sense of curiosity and celebrating all our achievements.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my family. I have a little boy called Frankie, who likes to keep me busy! We like to go on long walks (especially for ice-cream). My favourite children’s author as a child was Roald Dahl. I love his creative spin on traditional tales in ‘Revolting Rhymes’ and the avenue to adventure and imagination his stories can create.

My name is Ms. Harriett Baxter, but everyone calls me Hattie, and I am delighted to join this wonderful school community.

I studied Primary Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, England, and have been nurturing young minds for the past 8 years. Since 2021, I have been living and teaching in the vibrant city of Dubai. My experience mainly lies with children aged 3-6 years, specifically in Foundation Stage and Year 1. As a teacher, I have a passion for crafts, creativity, and storytelling. I love to base my lessons around engaging stories, making learning a fun and imaginative journey for my students. I believe that each child is unique and my goal is to create a warm, encouraging environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn. In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball and caring for my two fluffy cats. One of my favorite children’s books is “”We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.”” I love how the entire class can join in on the actions, making it a joyful and interactive experience.

My name is Mrs. Lorna Holvey, and I am beyond excited to be a part of this wonderful school community.

I have been in the education sector for over 15 years, and my passion for teaching truly ignited when I had my own children. Before becoming a qualified teacher, I worked in various roles within a school environment, including several years as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and an Unqualified Teacher. These experiences provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the unique needs and potentials of early learners. My passion lies in helping young children develop their literacy skills through engaging and interactive activities.

As a teacher, you can expect me to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where your child can thrive both academically and emotionally. I believe in fostering a love for learning and encouraging each child to reach their full potential.

One of my all-time favourite children’s books is “”The Very Hungry Caterpillar”” by Eric Carle, which I adore for its delightful illustrations and the wonderful lesson it teaches about growth and transformation. I am looking forward to getting to know each of your children individually and creating meaningful connections with them.

My name is Mia Grant, and I am excited to join the DBSJ community. I grew up in London and studied Law at the University of Liverpool before discovering my true passion for teaching.

I completed my Primary Education degree at the University of Goldsmiths and have been teaching for three years, mainly with Year 2 students in KS1.

As a teacher, I am known for making lessons fun, hands-on, and creative. I believe in involving children in their learning, encouraging them to ask questions, participate actively, and learn from their mistakes. I aim to create a supportive and enjoyable classroom environment where everyone feels excited to learn.

In my spare time, I enjoy experimenting with new cooking recipes and exploring different cuisines. My favourite children’s book is “”Amazing Grace”” by Mary Hoffman because it teaches us that we can achieve anything if we put our minds to it and never give up. One of the things I look forward to most about joining DBSJ is being part of a new school and team. I am excited to bring my energy and passion for teaching and to make a positive difference in the lives of my students.

My name is Mr Joshua Gibson, and I am thrilled to be one of the founding teachers of what promises to be an excellent school community.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Geography from Aberystwyth University, I worked internationally as a qualified swimming teacher and coach in the UAE and USA. Following this, I returned to the UK to complete my teaching qualifications. I have been teaching for six years across a range of year groups in primary school, with four years here in the UAE. My teaching philosophy revolves around making learning as practical, engaging and relevant to the children’s interests as possible. I believe that learning should be fun and hands on, underpinned by the curriculum to ensure that all children are learning as much as possible! My classroom is a very friendly place as I view the whole class as one team, all working together. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and exercising. Swimming has always been a large part of my life, and I try to swim at least six kilometres every week!

I am thrilled to introduce myself as Ms. Sarah Webb. From a young age, I was passionate about becoming a primary school teacher.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University in Early Years and Special and Inclusive Education. I then did my PGCE at Birmingham City University. After teaching for one year in England, I moved to Dubai in 2019. I have now been teaching in KS1 for six years.

My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every child can achieve and find joy in learning. I am convinced that children thrive best in a safe environment where they understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Every child deserves an enriching education that nurtures and motivates them. My professional practice is grounded in mutual respect. I strongly believe in hands-on learning experiences and celebrating all successes, no matter how big or small.

My favorite children’s book is “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. I love this story because it celebrates differences and understands that we need to dance to our own beat; we are all going to achieve, but we take our own route. In my spare time, I enjoy going on long walks and trying out new recipes at home. I am very fond of animals, and I have a cat called Cheddar, my little pride and joy.

My name is Mita Pandya and I am so excited to be part of such a cutting-edge and caring school.

Knowing that I wanted to make a difference to the lives of children, I initially studied law, specialising in Child Protection. Being involved in many projects and in academia led me to change my path to create a positive impact for children: education. This led me to gaining my PGCE at Brunel University London. I have been in teaching for around ten years now and have loved every minute! I have worked for six of those years in the UAE.

My teaching philosophy is focussed on children’s creativity and inspiring them to reach standards of excellence. My classroom is a place where children are happy inquirers, excited about learning, independent and challenged to a level that they set for themselves.

In my spare time I love to cook, play badminton and do yoga. A book I have really loved to read and use in teaching is Dubai’s Talking Towers by Ralph Browning. We loved bringing the characters to life through drama and through creating their own version of the story.

My name is Mr. Andrew McCracken, and I am delighted to be joining your family in this exciting journey as founding members of DBSJ!

Education has always been a huge part of my life. My mother, one of my biggest role models, was a Primary School Principal. As I am sure you are aware, teaching preparation does not stop in the classroom. At home, my sister, father and I were often tasked with cutting and laminating displays and resources! My mother instilled a passion for education in me and because of this, I studied an Education Degree, and completed my PGCE in Liverpool Hope University. Now, after teaching for 10 years (8 of these in Dubai) I strive to instil this love for learning onto your children.

My teaching philosophy includes a passion for inquiry based learning. I believe in creating an environment where children take ownership of their learning and develop their unique ways to delve deeper into concepts. Creating a love for learning and an eagerness to explore is very important to me. I have a huge passion for the arts. From a young age, the stage has been my second home. I love getting involved in productions and choirs here in Dubai and I am so excited to bring this passion to DBSJ. When I am not performing, I love to go to the Dubai Opera House or delve into a good book!