Meet Our Primary School Team

Our Primary School Team brings together passionate, internationally minded educators dedicated to academic excellence and nurturing every child. Guided by the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, our teachers deliver engaging, inquiry-driven learning that challenges, nurtures, and inspires. Within a warm and inclusive community, we ensure every student is known, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

At AUPP Liger Leadership Academy, our educators go beyond preparing students for the next grade – they inspire a lifelong passion for learning, leadership, and global purpose.

Dennis Hill – Founding Principal

  • Experience: Bringing over 20 years of international leadership across the UK, Malaysia, and Cambodia, Dennis specializes in student wellbeing, inclusive learning environments, and whole-school development.
  • Education: Master’s Degree in Education.
  • Approach: Focuses on creating a welcoming primary environment where strong pastoral care and academic ambition go hand in hand to help every child thrive.

Dianne Pitan – Homeroom Teacher

  • Experience: Over 10 years of versatile teaching experience across early years, primary, and secondary settings, with deep expertise in literacy and English language learning.
  • Education: Bachelor of Secondary Education (Major in English), Master’s coursework in Education, TEFL Certified.
  • Approach: Uses interactive, student-centered instruction and tailored learning strategies to support diverse learners and build confidence in the classroom.

Shannon Spence – Homeroom Teacher

  • Experience: Over two decades of international education experience, including past roles as Headmaster and Director of Studies across the US and Southeast Asia.
  • Education: Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Bachelor of Education (Minor in Psychology).
  • Approach: Combines a strong background in curriculum design and child psychology to create structured, engaging classroom experiences that foster critical thinking.

Brian Lionel Harvie – Homeroom Teacher

  • Experience: Over 40 years of international teaching across South Africa and Thailand, specializing in primary mathematics, ESL instruction, and interactive learning.
  • Education: Bachelor of Education (Honors) in Mathematics (University of KwaZulu-Natal), TEFL Certified.
  • Approach: Uses practical, data-informed teaching methods to make problem-solving approachable and help every student reach their academic potential.

Chantal Du Plessis – Homeroom Teacher

  • Experience: Over 10 years of international teaching in Namibia and Cambodia, focusing on primary literacy and multilingual learner support.
  • Education: Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Education, 120-hour TEFL Certificate.
  • Approach: Creates an encouraging, language-rich classroom where step-by-step differentiation ensures every child gains confidence in their reading and writing.

Pietro Tartaglia – Arts & Sports Teacher

  • Experience: Nearly a decade of international experience teaching visual arts and active movement across early years and primary grades.
  • Education: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – University of Essex, UK; Visual Arts Specialized High School Diploma – Portugal.
  • Approach: Blends creative exploration with inquiry-based learning, inspiring students to express themselves, think critically, and build confidence through the arts and movement.

Malekh Rous – Khmer Teacher

  • Experience: Over 10 years of experience in academic coordination, international school teaching, and language tutoring.
  • Education: Master’s Degree in Khmer Literature from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, with certifications in Pedagogy and Educational Quality Assurance.
  • Approach: Promotes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and a strong appreciation of Khmer language and Cambodian culture.