Hello, my name is Claire Kirk and I have the great joy of taking the UP cherubs on a myriad of creative adventures in the Upper Primary. I’m pleased to be in my 21st year as an Art teacher at HKIS. I'm passionate about the arts and feel they play such an essential role to knowing about ourselves, each other and the world around us. Nurturing and growing the creative seed that lies within our learners is central to what we do. I'm lucky to work along side my two new team members, and together we hope to inspire, enthuse and instill a love for the arts and all things creative. We are lucky to have two art studios which are amazing spaces with scrumptious art materials. All this, combined with students who are full of creative energy and wonder, will provide all the right ingredients for some magical art experiences at Upper Primary. 

In my spare time, I really enjoy making outlandish headdresses, costumes, murals and stage sets and I have a great love for drama and the performing arts. I love mixed media artwork, playful, exploratory moments with different materials (food included) and I am particularly inspired by the natural world. Drawing and painting nature and absorbing myself in the flow is a great way for me to calm.  I also enjoy running Wild at Art workshops for grownups to have their own creative moments, us adults need a creative pause!

Hello Upper Primary Artists! My name is Zeynep Kavas, and I'm super excited to join the HKIS community. I am from Melbourne Australia, I'm sure you'll pick up on my accent, however I come from a Turkish background. 

I really love art and doing arty things like visiting galleries, drawing, trying to make art using a variety of materials, and making hummus. I started my teaching journey in Melbourne, and then taught in China for two years before moving to Hong Kong.

I feel that making art is a form of self expression, communication, and allows us to observe and explore different perspectives. I look forward to working together on fun and inspiring art making experiences. 

Hello Upper Primary Artists! My name is Marujoche Cortes and I am so happy to be supoorting you in your craetive journey this year as the Art room Educational assistant. 

I come from the Philippines and moved to Hong kong just over a year ago. I have a baby girl who is just 5 months old called Mona.

 I am passionate about math and science, which I taught bcak home and I love making art connections to these areas.