Meet the School Council
The School Council consists of parents and teachers from across the two school locations. The School Council is tasked with approving prescribed school policy documents (for example, the school guide, school plan, annual budget, safety plans) and advising school leaders of the viewpoints of these groups on matters affecting the school.
Council members usually meet on the first Wednesday of every month.
Gilles Thal Larsen (SC Chair/Parent Representative)
I am Dutch, and grew up in the Netherlands, though English is my mother tongue. I am currently working as a lawyer for the Dutch government. My daughter left IPS in 2022 and my son Lukas is currently in group 7. I see the growing importance of the school environment in their lives. The older they get, the larger the role of the IPS: the classroom, teachers, and their school friends. I am glad to play an active part in helping to make IPS as wonderful as my children say it is.
Tresia de Jager (Parent Representative)
Originally from South Africa, our family relocated to the Netherlands in 2017 after living in Hong Kong for seven years. We have two girls in group 8 and 7. Representing parents on the School Council is a great opportunity and responsibility to elevate the experience of our kids at school. I aim to actively support and positively influence key decisions that impact our kids’ environment and the future of the school.
Ahmet Polat (Parent Representative)
Born in the Netherlands, I lived and worked abroad for more than 10 years as a film director, photographer and teacher. Our family moved to the Netherlands six years ago. Within an ever-changing world, an inspiring education, a healthy environment and a supportive community are key to the future of our children. And I hope to do my part for the coming period.
Olga Koroleva (Parent Representative)
Our family relocated to the Netherlands in 2021. I’m a proud mom of two boys, who are studying in groups 5 and 7 at IPS. I joined the School Council because I’d love to be part of school life and school decisions. I want to stay connected to the school management, teachers, and other parents. I believe that if we work together as one team, there is so much we can do to foster effective communication, support the educational process, and contribute overall to the happy childhood of our kids.
Nadia Welsh-Boucard (Teacher Representative)
I am originally from France. I lived in Scotland for 11 years and have been teaching for over 20, including 12 at IPS Hilversum. I have two children and am very enthusiastic about education in general and the PYP curriculum in particular. Being a member of the School Council is a great opportunity to take an active part in our ever-changing international environment, and a way to help improve our (already amazing) school!
Leigh Ammeraal (Teacher Representative)
I am originally from sunny southern California and moved to the Netherlands in January 2022. I teach Early Years at IPS and have worked with young children for over 10 years in America, the UK, and China. I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and love my role at IPS. This year is my second year teaching at IPS Hilversum and I am so excited to be representing our school as part of the MR. I hope to be able to give a voice to the younger students at IPS.
Asia Sulowska (Teacher Representative)
I moved to the Netherlands over 20 years ago after graduating from Pedagogy at the University of Lublin, Poland, where I come from. I have two daughters, 19 and 16 years old, who are both in higher education now. Before joining IPS Hilversum, I worked with the refugees, helping them to organise their life in the Netherlands. This year is my eighth year at IPS Hilversum. I am a part of the Student Support Team, helping children who need extra attention for shorter or longer periods of time in different fields at school. I am passionate about providing equal chances and giving voice to everyone within the school community.
Therefore, I am excited to join the School Council this year.
Michelle Lewis (Teacher Representative)
I moved to the Netherlands to be closer to home after spending nine years in Dubai. I worked at a school in Scotland prior to moving to Dubai where I taught groups 1-7 and was part of the management team. I transitioned from teaching the British Curriculum to the International Baccalaureate and I am delighted to have made the change. I have had first-hand experience at seeing the benefits that inquiry-based learning techniques can bring. I am excited to be a member of the School Council and hope that I can help evolve and develop our great school.
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The School Council has an advisory role and is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. If there are any educational issues, parents address queries directly to the Principal or one of the Assistant Principals.
The School Council may be contacted at: sc@ipshilversum.nl
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