Mrs Maria Gebrial

BA, MEd

Maria Gebrial is the Head of Prep at Malvern College Hong Kong. Being an educator for over two decades, Mrs Gebrial completed her Bachelor of Education and teacher training in the UK and then worked as a class teacher and middle leader in Sussex for six years. She then moved overseas to develop her inquiry-based learning and teaching approach as a PYP classroom teacher and PYP Coordinator in an IB school in Sudan, where she later became the Head of Primary.

Mrs Gebrial holds a Master’s degree in International Education and Administration from Endicott College as well as a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mrs Shelli Heathcote

BSc, PGCE

Mrs Heathcote, Assistant Head of Prep, is responsible for learning, teaching, assessment as well as Educational Technology. On a mission to provide a learning environment centred on individuals that is rightly inclusive for all children, she is focused on improving pupil progress and creating learning spaces where pupils and staff are educated to be proactive, adaptable and decisive in order for them to thrive in a changing world. South African born, Shelli holds a BSc in Microbiology and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics from Rhodes University, and a PGCE in Primary Education. Looking back on her eight years of international teaching, she is extremely fond of the diversity and international learning opportunities she has been faced with.

As a passionate educator, Shelli hopes to inspire and grow the teams she works with her inquiry and concept-based learning approach. In her spare time, Shelli thoroughly enjoys community projects, travelling and the outdoors.

Ms Benedicte Benoit

BA, PGDip

Originally from Belgium, Ms Benoit received a BA in Political Sciences from the Catholic University of Louvain. She also holds a Post Graduate diploma in English Language Education which she obtained at City University in Hong Kong. Having been an educator in Hong Kong for 18 years, Ms Benoit was appointed PYP Curriculum Coordinator at Malvern College Hong Kong in August 2019.

“Ms. B”, as she likes to be called, follows an inquiry and concept-based learning approach, drawing on her extensive IB PYP workshop leadership skills, which she has been developing since 2012.

Calling Hong Kong her home, she enjoys spending her spare time being close to nature and can often be found exploring Hong Kong’s outdoors.

Mr Matthew Shroff

BSc, DPE

Originally from New Zealand, Mr Shroff holds a BSc in Analytical Chemistry and Biological Sciences from the University of Auckland. After working in industry for several years, he completed a diploma of Primary teaching, Mr Shroff moved to the UK in 2003 with his English wife and his previous last two positions were Head of Juniors and Director of Wellbeing and PSHEe (Personal, social, health and economic education). In this time, he developed a passion for growing the whole student, including emotional and mental wellbeing, resilience and grit, and developing school community. As Assistant Head Pastoral in the Prep, Mr Shroff is responsible for all aspects of pupil welfare, whilst retaining a strong interest in developing parental and staff community.

Mr Shroff has three children and two dogs and fills his time with books, good food, travel and writing.

Mr Steve Ellis

BA, MA, PGCE

Steve Ellis joined Malvern College Hong Kong in January 2023 as the Head of Seniors. Steve is a highly experienced international educator with more than 21 years of Senior Leadership experience in two highly regarded IB world schools. He holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography & Physical Education from Open University (UK), as well as a PGCE from Loughborough University.

During his time as the Deputy Director/Secondary Principal at Dresden International School in Germany, Steve demonstrated strong leadership in MYP & DP Evaluation Visits. His extensive experience in senior leadership roles and his dedication to education make him a valuable addition to the Malvern community.

In his free time, Steve enjoys road cycling, skiing, and traveling. We are excited to have him join our team and look forward to the contributions he will make as the Head of Seniors at Malvern.

Ms Katrina Englart

BHMS Ed, MEd

Ms Englart attained a Master’s Degree in International Education with major in curriculum studies from the University of New England and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with majors in Human Movement Studies and History from the University of Queensland. Ms. Englart has more than 25 years of teaching experience in local and international schools in a range of countries including Australia, US, UK, Portugal, Thailand and Saudi Arabia. She also has more than 18 years’ experience in school administration as Head of Department and Athletic Director in three international schools.

Ms. Englart has led the MYP curriculum in an IB World School for the past four years with MYP leadership roles for the past twenty years. She has intensive IB MYP experience in curriculum review, assessment, professional development and authorization.

Ms Lianne Yu

BSc, BEd, MEd

Originally from Canada, Ms Lianne Yu holds a Master of Education focused on curriculum teaching and learning which she obtained at the University of Calgary (Canada). She also holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Music and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University (Canada). Internationally, Ms Yu has taught in Beijing for a decade and has experience in school administration as Curriculum Coordinator, Head of Music, and Head of Years.

Ms Yu joined Malvern College Hong Kong in its founding year 2018 and has been newly appointed as DP Curriculum Coordinator as of August 2021 after helping to bring the school through the authorisation process. As a trained orchestral conductor and DP Music examiner, Ms Yu greatly enjoys being occupied by the school’s musical life.

Ms Priya McPolin

BA, PGCE, MA

Ms McPolin received her BA (Hons) in History from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a PGCE in Secondary History from Canterbury Christchurch University in the UK. Originally from London, Ms McPolin has over 15 years of teaching experience having worked in the UK, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. She has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of academic and pastoral issues drawn from 11 years of working in leadership positions in international schools as ATL Coordinator, Head of Department, Key Stage 3 Coordinator, and Assistant Head of Seniors.

Ms McPolin is committed to promoting a rich and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity and motivates pupils to flourish and reach their full potential. She is a fully qualified Mental Health Counsellor and holds a Master of Counselling from Monash University (Australia), which has further developed her expertise in delivering high quality pastoral care that addresses contemporary wellbeing issues.

As an enthusiastic life-long learner, Ms McPolin is currently studying for a Diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing with a focus on Leadership and Education with the Langley Group Institute in Australia.

Ms Gemma Bell

BA

After graduating from Liverpool John Moores University with Qualified Teacher Status and BA Hons Physical Education, Sport and Dance, Ms Bell gained two years teaching experience in the UK before becoming the Head of Physical Education at a British school in Kuwait. Moving to Hong Kong, Ms Bell was provided with an opportunity to embark on her journey teaching the IB PYP and MYP curriculums.

Being heavily involved in co-curricular activities and sports teams, Ms Bell has always valued the wellbeing of pupils in her care. With this experience, she has taken the step to develop pastoral care at Malvern College Hong Kong and joined the Senior School Leadership Team as Head of Foundations Years. Ms Bell is motivated to provide opportunities for all pupils to reach their academic and pastoral potential.