Meet Your Teacher

PNE Miss Emma

All about me: Hello I am Miss Emma. I have been teaching at PDO School for 4 years and my previous International schools have been TSS Oman. AKIS Qatar & GES Qatar which amounts to a 16 years in the Middle East! I am from Cornwall, England and live with my family with 3 children , 2 dogs. 3 cats and a tortoise called Chunk.

My favourite Book: The little mole who knew it was non of his business.

My hobbies and interests: Being a mamma, reading, kayaking, walking my doggies and spreading kindness to animals.

I like working at PDO School because I can be creative in the classroom and love dressing up for topics!

NAK Miss Anna

All about me: Hi my name is Miss Anna and I am from Ireland. I have lived in Muscat for 14 years with my family and love it very much! My favourite aspect of Oman is undoubtedly the friendly people and the outdoor life.

My favourite Book: My favourite book is Matilda as it explores how every child has infinite possibilities waiting to be brought to light.

My hobbies and interests: I love to go swimming , spend time at the beach with my family and friends. I also make a habit of keeping fit and running!

I like working at PDO School because... My favourite thing about working here is definitely how every year brings new adventures and challenges. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to get to meet the most amazing children who make me smile and laugh every day!

NAT Miss Anre

All about me: Hi, I am Ms Anre and I have been teaching at PDO school for the last 4 years. I have been privileged to teach children in the Early Years Foundation Stage in New Zealand, Qatar and Egypt. I am from New Zealand and live in Muscat with my husband and three children.

My favourite Book: I love how books can take us to different places and enjoy sharing stories with children. My favourite book is The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers.

My hobbies and interests: I love to paint, draw or spend time with my family exploring Oman.

I like working at PDO School because... we have such a wonderful community of children, parents and teachers.

NTV Miss Tone

All about me: : Hi! I am Miss Tone and I am from Norway. I have been living in Muscat for 3 years working at PDO School since January 2018. Before I decided to move abroad I taught in Norwegian Pre-Schools for 12 years. My plan was to move to an arctic island, Svalbard, but I am glad I ended up here instead, Oman is a stunning country.

My favourite Book: Astrid Lindgren is an amazing Swedish author and I love reading all of her books, you have probably heard about Pippi Longstocking and her exciting adventures.

My hobbies and interests: I love spending time outdoors and I try to stay as active as possible - hiking, cycling and swimming are great. I also spend a lot of time in the desert, as I am part of a great off-road team. Cooking and reading keep me busy when I am indoors.

I like working at PDO School because... I love being part of an International environment with people from all over of the world. Being surrounded by engaged, happy, caring children and colleagues makes my day.

P1M Miss Marilyn

All about me: Hi, I'm Ms Marilyn and I have been a Nursery teacher at PDO School since 2011. Before that I lived in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and I have also taught in South Africa. I have two grown up daughters and I live in Oman with my husband and our pets.

My favourite Book: My favourite story books to read along with my class are traditional tales. The children are always eager to take part in the repeated refrains.

My hobbies and interests: I love the outdoors: swimming, SUP, sailing, gardening, hiking.

I like working at PDO School because... each year is a new journey with fresh challenges

P2B Miss Becky

All about me: Hi. I've been at PDO school for a year now. I am from England. I started my teaching career as an English Language teacher in Spain. I then trained as a Primary School teacher in the UK. This is my first Primary School job abroad.

My favourite Book: I love historical fiction and also biographies. I think "Papillon" is one of my favourite all time books. It's about a man, wrongly accused of a crime, yet he never gives up hope of gaining freedom and a better future.

My hobbies and interests: I really enjoy travelling, so I'm looking forward to exploring Oman more. I also like hiking and learning languages. I'm currently trying to learn Arabic.

I like working at PDO School because... I love the children here. They are such enthusiastic learners and I can learn so much from them too!

P2T Miss Tracey

All about me: Hi, I'm Miss Tracey. I've been teaching in PDO School for 8 years. Before that I worked in Moscow. Born in Scotland, I grew up in South Africa but haven't lived in either for over 20 years. Now I recognize the place I am currently living as home. I love living in Muscat!

My favourite Book: Wow, so many to choose from! I love to read mostly crime fiction and fantasy books.

My hobbies and interests: Reading! I go to the gym and swim regularly. I love travelling and I also enjoy playing mahjong.

I like working at PDO School because... the children! It is a happy place to work and that is reflected in the children, staff and parents.

P2R Miss Robyn

All about me: This is my third year living in Muscat and teaching at PDO School. I have taught P3 - P6 in the past but love teaching P3! I previously taught in Kuwait and prior to that have taught in Kenya, Uganda and in Scotland. I love teaching in different parts of the world, but home will always be Scotland.

My favourite Book: Purple, Green and Yellow by Robert Munsch - trust me, it is very funny! I love reading novels to the class and one favourite of mine is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.

My hobbies and interests: I enjoy running and you may spot me running around camp. I also enjoy cycling and using my stand-up-paddle board. I like to try new things and I have been swimming more since moving to Oman.

I like working at PDO School because...we have such wonderful children and families from all over the world. I love the Personal Goals which are valued and I also love that we have so much space to teach, learn and play in.

P3K Miss Katherine

All about me: Hello, my name is Miss Katherine and I am from near Cambridge, England. I have been living and working in Oman for 9 years. Before teaching here I taught in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Qatar and England.

My favourite Book: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, as I remember my mum reading it to me when I was a child and it is still loved by my class now.

My hobbies and interests: I am involved with the Dive Club here and dive most weekends. I enjoy travelling and make the most of our location and our holidays. I enjoy running and keeping fit.

I like working at PDO School because... every year is different and I am always learning.

P3R Miss Rola

All about me: Hello! I am Miss Rola and I have been here at PDO School for 4 years. Before relocating to Oman with my husband and 2 children, I was both a teacher and a PYP coordinator at an IB world school in the UK. I have been a primary class teacher for 15 years and I come from the snowy mountains of Lebanon.

My favourite Book: I love reading for “Oh, the places you’ll go!”. There I gave it all away ... I love reading Dr. Seuss books and find it so hard to decide on one.

My hobbies and interests: Reading and cooking.

I like working at PDO School because... of all the international mindedness prospects it offers thanks to the teachers, children and parents.

P4J Miss Jenna

All about me: I am from a small town near Cambridge in England. This is now my fourth year in PDO School, and I have taught previously in Colombia, Cambodia and the U.K.

My favourite Book: I love reading stories about magical worlds, and if I could choose a book to read to you today, it would be something by Julia Donaldson, like the Snail and the Whale, or Room on the Broom!

My hobbies and interests: I enjoy walking with my dog on the beach, and sailing on the weekends. I like to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and nature.

I like working at PDO School because... the children are wonderful and really understand how to show their personal goals. Even when around and about the camp, they are so polite and respectful!

P4K Miss Kath

All about me: Hello, my name is Miss Kath and I am from Wales. I have taught in Wales, The Philippines and Brunei before arriving in Oman last year. I have taught in all five Key Stages in education, both as a class teacher and as a specialist Learning Support Teacher. I live here with my husband and three children.

My favourite Book: I love Julia Donaldson's books and I believe I have read all of them to my children ! I also like to curl up with a good detective novel.

My hobbies and interests: I love music and play both the clarinet and saxophone . As a family we also enjoy watching musicals , going to the movies and travelling to exciting places.

I like working at PDO School because... there is so much going on here , from the limitless learning opportunities, including the extra curricular activities, to meeting the fantastic people who work and attend PDO School from all over the world.

P4R Miss Rochelle

All about me: Hi, my name is Miss Rochelle. I am from Australia but have been living abroad in various countries now for the last 19 years. I have been teaching at PDO for the last four years. Over the course of my career, I have been a homeroom teacher in various grades as well as a specialist teacher in EAL.

My favourite Book: I have so many favourite books that there are too many to list. I tend to read a lot of fantasy, science fiction or historical books, think George R.R Martin.

My hobbies and interests: Travelling, photography, reading, going to the theatre and crocheting.

I like working at PDO School because... of the internationalism of the school environment and the children who can always make me smile.

P5D Miss Dawn

All about me: Hi! I am from England and am here in Muscat with my husband and 3 children. I have taught at PDO School for the last 4 years. Prior to that I taught in Qatar and the UK.

My favourite book: I am currently reading the Penderwicks Series by Jeanne Birdsall to my daughters!

My hobbies and interests: I like to run, do yoga and go paddle-boarding. At the weekend I like to spend time outdoors with my family at the pool and beach as well as going camping.

I like working at PDO School because... the children are amazing, the staff are great, we have excellent resources and such a beautiful building!

P5L Miss Liz

All about me: Hi, I'm Miss Liz. I am originally from the UK and that is where I trained to be a teacher. This will be my 8th year in Oman where I have been as a class teacher as well as the Mathematics Leader for Learning for 7 years. Previous to this I have also worked in Brunei for 6 years, Kenya for a year as well as several years in the UK. I am here with my husband.

My favourite Book: As an avid reader I love to read any books but I particularly like books that are in series. I also love magazines / books about the natural world and wildlife as well as crime fiction. My favourite author is Michael Morpurgo as he uses animal characters but in real life situations.

My hobbies and interests: Learning and sharing knowledge about the natural world, playing netball, travelling and scuba diving.

I like working at PDO School because... the children and the community. The international feel of the community is wonderful and it is great to see everyone working and socialising together. Also the commitment of the staff to work in a team to benefit all the children at the school.

P5M Miss Munira

All about me: Hello! I am from London where I taught for 5 years and I was also a literacy coordinator. I have been in Muscat for 5 years and I feel very privileged to live in this beautiful city.

My favourite Book: Too many to choose from! I am currently re-reading A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) and I am discovering so many things that I didn't notice the first time round!

My hobbies and interests: Reading ( I have a different book for every room in my home), movies and learning foreign languages.

I like working at PDO School because... the children are as passionate about their learning as we are about teaching.

P6M Michelle Hill

All about me: I am from the south of England. I have taught in England, Falkland Islands and Germany before arriving in Oman last year. I have worked across all primary age phases and within the field of learning support.

My favourite Book: I don't have one favourite book. However, as a child, Roald Dahl was my favourite author. I still enjoy sharing his stories with children.

My hobbies and interests: I love to read! I also look forward to my next holiday adventure, whether that is a weekend trip to the mountains, or a longer, distant holiday destination.

I like working at PDO School because... the children are extremely well behaved and display infectious levels of enthusiasm for learning.

P7G Miss Gillian

All about me: Hi, I'm Miss Gillian. I've been teaching in PDO School for 6 years. I'm from Aberdeenshire in Scotland and worked there for many years before coming to Oman. The climate in Scotland is certainly a lot cooler than in Muscat but I definitely prefer the warmer weather here (most of the time)!

Favourite Book: My absolute favourite book is a well known traditional tale – The Elves and the Shoemaker. A simple story about a very hard working, honest but tired elderly shoemaker who is helped unexpectedly by two small elves. I love this book because it highlights the importance of being kind, and how we should never underestimate a moment of our kindness, as it has the power to change lives in ways we may never know.

Hobbies and Interests: Swimming and cycling are sports I have always enjoyed throughout my life and try to do these as often as I can! I love music and spent a lot of my youth taking part in musical productions, singing in different choirs, competing in pipe band competitions, playing the piano and any other instrument I could get a tune from!

I like working at PDO School because... of the diverse international community. I enjoy working and learning with children and teaching colleagues from many different corners of the world - in an amazing building with outstanding state of the art facilities available to everyone.

P7N Miss Naomi

All about me: My home country is Scotland but I haven't lived there for over 7 years now. I have been in Oman for 4 years and live here with my husband and daughter. Previously, I have worked in Brunei and Scotland. Before becoming a teacher, I completed a degree in Occupational Therapy.

My favourite Book: I love to read so it's difficult to choose just one book. However, I absolutely love the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio because it makes you think about how kindness and respect can really make a world of difference. I also love Charlotte's Web, Wolf Wilder and Cogheart!

My hobbies and interests: Reading! I also love to be creative so I paint and make crafty bits and pieces. During the holidays, I love to travel to new countries as it helps me to understand the world better. I'm also interested in protecting wildlife and love living in a country where I can see turtles regularly!

I like working at PDO School because... I enjoy working with my teaching team and the school building and facilities are amazing. I especially love teaching children who are from so many different countries and cultures because we learn so much from each other.

M1 Mr Joe

All about me: I am from Devon in England. I live in Muscat with my wife Dawn and three children. This is my fourth year in Oman, previously I taught in Qatar for eight years where I was head of year six and then head of PE . Before becoming a teacher I have worked as a professional sailor, worked on a gold mine and many other great jobs - none as rewarding as being a teacher! My biggest achievement so far has been to complete the Iron Man UK triathlon.

My favourite Book: Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain - mainly because it brings back great memories of my childhood, my Dad would read it to my brother and I before bed each night.

My hobbies and interests: I enjoy a large variety of sports, my favourite is rugby. I enjoy fishing, snorkeling and swimming.

I like working at PDO School because... The children, the staff and the facilities are world class.

Specialist / Support Miss Julia

All about me: Hello I am Miss Julia and I have been teaching at PDO school since 2012. I have previously taught in Borneo, Nigeria, Spain and Greece and I am originally from Bournemouth in England. I worked in schools in London before I decided to move abroad.

My favourite Book: I love to read 'The Tiger That Came To Tea' as the children always find the Tiger so funny.

My hobbies and interests: I like to keep fit, go to the gym and I swim regularly. I also like to visit art galleries and museums, as I am interested in past cultures. I love travelling and visiting new countries, which is so great about living abroad. I also enjoy cooking, especially cakes.

I like working at PDO School because... There is such a fantastic mix of people and children from all over the world, which makes PDO a really special place

Specialist / Support Miss Sangeeta

All about me: I have been privileged enough to teach at PDO School for many years. I live in Muscat with my husband and have two grown up children.

My favourite Book: I like books written by Eric Carle, Julia Donaldson and Jill Murphy.

My hobbies and interests: I enjoy painting, gardening, listening to music and going for long walks early in the morning.

I like working at PDO School because... I love teaching young children. I enjoy being a part of the excellent teaching team, supportive parents and adorable children.

Specialist / Support Miss Cat

All about me: Hello, my name is Miss Cat and I come from Tasmania... a very far away, magical place. I have been very fortunate to teach in Australia, England, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates prior to moving to Muscat with my family 8 years ago.

My favourite Book: My favourite children's book is The Rainbow Fish ( I think, there are too many to choose from).

My hobbies and interests: I like cooking with my children and going to the beach. I enjoy keeping fit and anything to do with design, I love good design.

I like working at PDO School because... It is all about the people. The children are amazing and the school community is supportive and friendly. You just can't beat it!

Specialist / Support Mr Erik

All about me: Hello, I'm Mr. Erik and I am the Art & Design Teacher at PDO School. I am from the Netherlands, but I have not lived there for 26 years. Before I came to Oman, I lived and taught in Burkina Faso, Kenya, China and Saudi Arabia. Ms Marleen who used to work at PDO School and I are married and we have two children: Izaak (20 years old) and Judith (16 years old).

My favourite Book: I love the book "The way things work" by David MacCauley and Neil Ardley. It's a very entertaining introduction to many simple and complicated machines and tools. A great book to learn from, in which the illustrations are just as important as the texts.

My hobbies and interests: I love to read (from newspapers to comics, from cook books to novels and everything in between). When I come home I enjoy rattling around with pots and pans to prepare healthy and yummy food, while I play records on my old record player and sing along. I'd love to travel and visit places and countries I've never been before, as I'm always interested in exploring different cultures and new types of food.

I like teaching Art because it is great to help children develop their artistic skills and to see the enjoyment they get out of creating new, colourful and beautiful images and objects.

Specialist / Support Mr Gary

All about me: I am from Shropshire in England and have been working at PDO for one year. I began teaching in 2004 and prior to this I worked for twenty years in the engineering industry. As a teacher in England, I taught in both primary and secondary schools before moving to Kuwait in 2010.

My favourite Books:

My hobbies and interests:

I like working at PDO School because... The children are always very enthusiastic.

Specialist / Support Miss Jamie

All about me: Hi! I am Miss Jamie and I am from Vancouver Island, Canada. I have lived in Oman with my husband and 2 teenage boys for 7 years and I have been at PDO School for the past 5 years. I think I have the greatest job in the world! I get to play and have fun everyday - but the best thing is, I get to see huge smiles and hear giggles on the faces of boys and girls everyday! I love to see how important sports and fitness are to all the boys and girls of PDO School.

My favourite Book: Lord of the Flies - I read this book when I was in this school and have always remembered my imagination running wild. I also love all Dr. Seuss books.

My hobbies and interests: I love every sport and so does my entire family. I don't get as much time as I'd like to be active because my boys are so busy with their sports. We love to go wakeboarding, dirtbiking, fishing and camping on weekends. Oman is the perfect place for all those activities! Downhill skiing is one of our favorite activities in the winter - of course it is I am Canadian!!

I like working at PDO School because... the staff and students are so much fun!

Specialist / Support Mr Hamish

All about me: Hi, I'm Mr Hamish. I teach the Early Years students Technology, PE and Swimming. I am originally from New Zealand but have worked in Australia and England as well. I live with my wife and 2 daughters (who both go to PDO School and love it!) in Muscat and have been teaching at PDO School for 4 years.

My favourite Book: The Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell and I have read this books lots of times. Its really 6 stories linked together by characters and events. I like it as it has a South Pacific connection and travels into the future. My favourite children's book is Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers, a story of a boy who finds a penguin, and his journey to help him get to the South Pole. It is about friendship and overcoming difficulties

My hobbies and interests: I love being in the outdoors and love fishing, kayaking and cycling. I also like cooking and trying to make the perfect cup of coffee.

I like working at PDO School because... of the opportunity to meet and learn with so many different students and staff from different parts of the world.

Specialist / Support Mr Dave

All about me: Hi, I'm Mr Dave. I teach Computing to all the classes from P2 to P7 and I've been teaching Computing at PDO School for 5 years. Before this I worked in Brunei. My home is in Devon in England. I live in Muscat with my wife and three teenage daughters. I have worked both as a class teacher and a specialist computing teacher.

Favourite Book: Cosmic by Frank Cottrel-Boyce because it is enormously funny while exploring what it means to be a dad. I dare you to try to read it and not laugh out loud.

Hobbies and Interests: I spend a lot of time swimming in the sea and like to take part in triathlons and running races. I help organise the swimming events such as the Fahal Island Swim at RAHRC. I also enjoy playing the ukulele and sometimes take part in RAHADS productions, taking a major role in last year's pantomime. Recently I've spent t a lot of time under my ancient Jeep sticking bits back on but hope not to do too much more of that.

I like working at PDO School because... we have excellent technology resources and we are always learning how to use them better.

Specialist / Support Miss Rosie

All about me: Hello, my name is Miss Rosie. I have been at PDO School for 10 years and have been teaching EAL for the past 5 years. I am from London, UK. I have lived and taught in Vietnam, Brunei and Spain. I have two sons at university, they used to attend PDO School when they were little.

My favourite Book: To read out loud, my favourite book is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, I never get tired of hearing my own voice. But my favourite book to read to myself is Watership Down by Richard Adams, it is a story about rabbits; my hero is Hazel and the baddie is General Woundwort - he is truly scary.

My hobbies and interests: I am an active member of RAHADS, the drama group at the club. I occasionally make an effort to swim or walk, but I would rather be reading a book or learning lines for our next play.

I like working at PDO School because... of the children. I have great admiration for the courage they show when they first arrive, and the kindness they show each other as they help each other learn.

Specialist / Support Elaine Steinhart

All about me: I am from the North of Scotland originally. I have worked in many international schools around the World. I have taught in all stages of Primary Education from Pre- nursery to P7, and have specialised in support for learning. In Australia, I also worked in University training teachers to work in the field of Special educational needs, social and emotional difficulties and challenging behaviours.

My favourite Book: For children I adore sharing "Oh the places you'll go!" by Dr Suess . As an adult my favourite fictional novel is " Life after Life" by Kate Atkinson. My favourite non- fiction book is "Sapiens - a brief history of humankind" by Yuval Noah Harai, which I am reading at the moment

My hobbies and interests: I love taking long walks and hill climbing, particularly when I am in Scotland. In Oman, I love to explore this beautiful country: the beaches, the wadis, the jebals and the desert. I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes. I am an avid reader and enjoy spending my evenings curled up with a good book.

I like working at PDO School because... our children are amazing. They are resilient, motivated and kind global citizens and I feel privileged to be a part of their learning journey; I am proud to be working with such a dedicated and collaborative group of colleagues at the PDO school

Specialist / Support Miss Emily

All about me: Hello, my name is Emily and I am from The Netherlands. I live here with my husband, who is already retired (he is not so old though!) and both of us are enjoying our life here. Most of our children and grandchildren live in The Netherlands and several times a year we fly back to visit them. Ten years ago we left The Netherlands, we have lived and worked in different countries till 2014 when we moved to Oman.

My favourite Book: I have read many books and like a lot of titles, but I’ve got a preference for crime fiction. Jussi Adler-Olsen is one of my favourite authors. His books are incredibly fascinating! At this moment I am reading a book written by James Patterson. It is a really good thriller as well and I hardly can stop reading it.

My hobbies and interests: When I am at home, I like to read, sew, crochet, cook or eat. I also like to travel and visit interesting places all over the world. Spending time with my children and grandchildren is however my best hobby!

I like working at PDO School because... I like working at PDO school because it has a good atmosphere and working with colleagues and students from all over the world really makes me a happy and satisfied teacher!

Specialist / Support Miss Leah

All about me: My family and I have lived in Oman for three years now and we love this bit of the Middle East! I am Canadian and this is my first expat position. My family, which includes my husband and three boys, like to have adventures and we lived on a sailboat for a year in the Bahamas.

My favourite Book: I have always enjoyed reading The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and have loved reading it out loud to my boys. We really liked Farmer Boy.

My hobbies and interests: I like to read, play board games and I love to sing. I have been singing since I was a little girl and am now part of the Muscat Singers here in Muscat. My family also enjoys travelling and we have adventures planned for all of our holidays.

I like working at PDO School because... it a friendly and open school with lovely staff and great kids!