New JESS director announced to start in September 2019

 #EXCELLENCE   #COMMITMENT 

07/01/2019

Mr Shane O'Brien will be taking over from Mr Mark Steed as the new Director of JESS in September 2019 the Board of Governors have announced.

"Following an international search that attracted a high calibre of candidates, we are delighted to appoint Shane as Director of JESS,” explained Mr Stuart Walker, Chair of the Board of Governors.

“The Board are looking forward to working with Shane to continue the growth and dynamism already set in place and to ensure the continued development of the nurturing environment prevalent across JESS.”

Originally from New Zealand, Shane had an illustrious career as an athlete winning an Olympic Gold Medal for rowing in the 1984 Summer Olympics before he began his teaching career.  As a qualified teacher, Shane has held a number of roles in New Zealand and the UK before moving to Dubai in 2011 to take up the headship of JESS Secondary.  Shane is married with two children, one still attending JESS and studying for GCSEs and another who as a JESS alumnus is now studying at a University in the UAE.  Shane lives within Arabian Ranches and is an active member of the Arabian Ranches and JESS community. 

Commenting on his appointment, Shane said, “I am honoured to take up this vital role at JESS and maintain the continuity in leadership that is essential for an effective and ambitious school. I have watched JESS grow and develop into a highly successful, motivating yet caring environment over many years now and I am excited to be able to continue to shape and develop our future plans.”

Outgoing Director, Mr Mark Steed added, “I am delighted with this appointment, as many of you will already know, Shane has been our Head of Secondary for the past eight years and as such he has a strong sense of the values and ethos that underpin all that is JESS as a school. I wish him every success in his new role. I know I leave the school in capable hands with a strong team.”