Why
Clarence?

Before reading Psychology at the University of Glasgow, Ms Fletcher enjoyed academic and boarding school life in the Lake District, from where she originally hails. Following a stint teaching in the UK, she has been involved in international school set up and development as a Founding Deputy Head Teacher, Head of House, Head of Year and Head of English across the Middle East and Asia, namely China, Dubai and Qatar. Currently in Tokyo, as the Founding Head of School at Phoenix House International School, managed by the same group as Clarence International School, Ms Fletcher has successfully built and led a team through the initial set up of the school. An effusive, engaging and passionate Headmistress, Ms Fletcher builds excellent relationships across the school community and is excited to help further develop the learning opportunities at Clarence International School. She ensures every child enjoys every single day of their school life.

Mr Platten graduated from Durham University with a degree in Primary Education. He has experience teaching within all Key Stages across schools, ranging from preschool age to upper prep. He has previously led various departments across schools in England and Japan, most recently leading the development of the Foundation Subjects at sister-school Phoenix House International School. With a keen interest in early childhood development, Mr Platten is excited to expand on the outstanding provision already in place at Clarence International School. With high aspirations and a passion for creating an inclusive and friendly learning environment, Mr Platten is committed to giving our Clarence children the best possible start to their education journey.

Ms. Clarke originally comes from England, where she graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Economics but soon after discovered her love for teaching children. With a wide variety of interests, she has experience in musical theatre, gymnastics, and dance, but also has a strong interest in science and maths. As a teacher she believes in creating a warm and inclusive learning environment where all students feel comfortable and excited to come to class, and strives to instill confidence in every child she teaches.

Ms. Lovitos is from the Philippines. Her entire schooling was done in the University of Cebu where she completed a Bachelor in Secondary Education, majoring in Physical Education, Health, Music and Art. Having a passion for singing and experience working with students with a range of learning disabilities. She chose to be a teacher because teaching is not just a profession, it is a mission and being with children is like being endowed with perpetual youth. She finds the love, laughter, mischief, creativity and imagination of children are like an eternal fountain of joy and vitality.

Yuna is originally from Toyama Prefecture, Japan. During her student days, she studied early childhood education while doing an internship in Australia for about a year. Through that experience, she was able to enhance her abilities as a childcare worker. Through her experience in Japanese nurseries and her previous job at an international school, her interest in English and international education has deepened. She especially enjoys interacting with children from various nationalities and cultures. She is very enthusiastic in contributing to provide the best education and child care at Clarence.

Growing up in Malaysia, Ms Ramlan attended Management and Science University, where she focused on Early Childhood Education. Through her decade-long experience in  preschool settings, she has gained invaluable insights into the development of young children during their crucial early years. Her belief that children who receive abundant love and positive energy from society are truly blessed fuels her passion to create a safe and welcoming space for all children to learn and grow in a nurturing and stimulating environment. With her love for photography, she can capture and preserve beautiful moments with the children, making her work even more special and meaningful.

Ms. Ziarkowska is originally from Poland and has spent a long time living and working in the UK and Japan. Back in Poland, she benefitted from a bilingual education both in secondary school and high school. Later, she studied English philology with a Japanese translation and interpretation module at Silesian University and then became an English language instructor. She is a very keen and capable linguist and English tutor who is very familiar with the fundamentals of language learning. Ms Ziarkowska is an experienced preschool teacher who is looking forward to encouraging children to become truly bilingual.

Miss Sayson is an accomplished educator with an educational background in English who began her teaching career in the Philippines. She excels in creating an empowering and positive atmosphere for her pupils. Her ability to build strong relationships with her students and encourage a sense of teamwork among her fellow teachers displays her skill and commitment to educational excellence.

Alice was born in Tokyo and schooled in both England and an International School in Yokohama. She attended university in Oxford, England where she received her BSc in Anthropology. As a true bilingual she has a real passion for helping students to become true bilinguals themselves.

Ms Takahashi has a great deal of experience with young children and an innate nurturing manner. She can usually be found in the roleplay area of our Little Star classroom where she excels in drawing children into “real world” learning experiences, encouraging them to apply their new learning in interesting and imaginative ways.

Ms Maruyama has been involved in early childhood education since graduating from college in Japan. She has excellent experience in both an international school and a Montessori nursery school. She holds certifications as a nursery teacher and kindergarten teacher in Japan, as well as an international certification as a Montessori teacher which she obtained after studying in the UK. Her passion for learning has helped her develop a deeper understanding of each child and their individuality. She believes in creating a supportive environment for children to grow and learn, and strives to make learning a fun and enjoyable experience for the children.

Miss Robinson grew up in Zimbabwe where she developed a love of the outdoors. She always wanted to be a teacher and studied Education at university. After graduating, she combined her love of teaching and travelling, working in Italy, Spain, Zimbabwe and Japan. She has experience in English and primary education, and special needs support.

Mr. John, originally from the Philippines, completed his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology at De La Salle University. His enthusiasm and passion for nurturing children are brilliantly showcased through his positive energy, which has quickly endeared him to students. He actively encourages creativity, leading to a noticeable improvement in the students’ performance.

Ms. Memije, from the Philippines, is an educator with a Business Administration degree. Rather than a typical business career, she chose to inspire young minds through art. Her passion lies in helping students explore their artistic potential, cultivating their creativity and curiosity. Making education not just a process, but a transformative journey, shaping the future of the students.

Yanai-san has been the bus driver for Clarence International School for over five years. He loves the time he gets to spend with the children each day and ensures that our bus arrives at school safely and on time!

Ms Kawasaki  went to Kent College (UK) to study abroad while in High School. She graduated from the Department of English Language at the University of Sacred Heart. After her marriage, she retired from a major publishing company and worked as an English teacher at an International School before becoming a mother of two. She has experience  teaching Eurhythmics to children and has earnt a qualification for English and Japanese eurhythmics at the National Conservatory. Here at Clarence, she will also be leading Japanese classes. Recently, Ms Kawasaki has gained qualifications as a Developmental Disability Support Worker, Social Skills Trainer and Instructor of General First Aid Training.

Ms Yamane is from Japan and studied Visual Art at Temple University Japan. She is happy to be involved and help our pupils flourish and enjoy their school life here at Clarence.