The project team includes three dynamic and complementary people :

All 3 of whom are sensitive to cultural interaction and particularly aware of the major asset bilingual education means for our children, coming themselves from multinational and multilingual families.

Thanks to this complementary experience, we have a clear vision of what the Ecole Bilingue de Haute-Savoie should be.

Sherri Michaux, Teacher of Kindergarten (Petite Section).

Hello,
My name is Sherri Michaux. I was born in Toronto Canada in 1961. I am married and have 3 daughters. I moved to London England in 1980 and because of a wonderful job opportunity for my husband, I came to the paradise of Annecy in 1995.

During my 15 years in London I completed 2 teaching degrees in the Montessori Method of Education and a Bachelors Degree in Education at Kingston University of Surrey England.

My teaching career in London was varied and fascinating. I taught in 4 different Nursery schools, 2 of which I was Directice and Co-Directrice. For a period of 5 years I ran a Mothers and toddlers group at my local health clinic. In addition to working directly with children I also played a key role for one of the main Montessori Training Centers in London. My roles included examining and lecturing student teachers in addition to inspecting schools in view of placing students for their apprenticeship.

Over the past 15 years in Annecy my professional experiences have been put to good use teaching English. Shortly after my arrival I acquired an Agreement from the Education National. I taught for 5 years at the private Nursery and Primary School of Menthon St. Bernard in addition to giving lessons in my home with people from ages 3 to 83 . I have taught for several groups specialised in teaching English to children. While teaching children is what I love to do most I have also worked for companies whose main function is teaching English to adults and I am currently working with the Chambre de Commerce and Chambre de Maitre as well as establishing a popular lunch time English club for children in my home.

I am very enthusiastic about working with such a wonderful team at the Ecole Bilingue de Haute-Savoie and I have no doubt our school will become a jewel in the crown of Annecy.

Louise Knight, Teacher of Kindergarten (Petite et Moyenne Section).

Hello,

My name is Louise Knight and I was born in Exeter, in Southern England. I was very lucky to have travelled a lot as a small child and then to have grown up on a farm in one of the most beautiful areas of Britain.

I went to Bretton Hall College, which is part of Leeds University, where I studied Arts in Education, majoring in Drama.

From here shortly after I graduated, I moved to Taiwan to fulfil two wishes, to travel and of course, to teach. 
After four and a half years teaching there I moved to France with my partner and spent the following two years gaining my TEFL certification and learning French.
After two years we were called back to Asia this time spending a year and a half in China where I taught at an international School and then a further two years back in Taiwan, returning to my old school and many of my old friends and students.
Late last year saw a more permanent return to France and I am happy to say that I love being back here again.
I love being surrounded by the awesome beauty of the mountains, the lake and the countryside here and draw so much life and spirit from them.

I was very impressed with the philosophy, atmosphere and high level of care and professionalism I found at the Ecole Bilingue de Haute Savoie and am very excited to be joining their team this September 2011.

Kristine Copkov, Teacher of Kindergarten (Grande Section).

Hello,
My name is Kristine Copkov and I'm very excited to be moving from Canada to join the Ecole Bilingue de Haute-Savoie.

I was originally born in Croatia and moved to Toronto with my family when I was 4 in 1965, but returned regularly to Europe, and, in particular, to France where I spent two glorious years studying at both the Sorbonne and the Université de Grenoble III.

I received my Bachelor of Education degree as well as a TESL (Teacher of English as a Second Language) certificate, both from the University of Toronto and I hold an Honours B.A. in English-French translation from York University.

Throughout the years, I have taught and supervised a variety of English as a Second Language programs until my son turned 4 in 2005. Then, I spent an amazing month teaching English upgrading and methodology to elementary and highschool English teachers in Korea.

In 2007, I was offered a wonderful opportunity to start up and teach French Immersion to kindergarten children for the Toronto District School Board and truly enjoy it.

In my spare time, I love being with family and friends, dancing, mountain hiking, watching good movies, and, of course, all things French. I'm very much looking forward to teaching at the Ecole Bilingue de Haute-Savoie. It's my dream come true!

Martine Ouellette, French Teacher of primary class ( CP / CE1 / CE2).

Hello!  My name is Martine Ouellette, I am Canadian and I have been living in the
marvelous region of Annecy for two years.  Following a professional opportunity, my husband and I were able to realize one of our dreams : live in France.

Originally qualified in Business Management (marketing),  I went back to university and graduated in Primary and preschool teaching at the University of Québec, Montréal in 1993.

I have been able to feed my passion for teaching for thirteen years at the Terry Fox school, a bilingual school around Montreal (Pierrefonds). As a CP level teacher, I enjoy creating fun learning activities.  I have organized meetings with artists, fundraising for different causes, school’s project to let the children discover the world of arts, the difference between people, the importance to take care of the environment and the joy of helping and sharing with others.

After a year of being in charge at the Wednesday Club of École Bilingue de Haute-Savoie, I am very happy to join the teaching team! I am looking forward to meeting you.

Leanne Veitch, English Teacher of primary class (CP / CE1 / CE2).

Hi, my name is Leanne Veitch. I moved last year to beautiful Annecy-le-Vieux with my husband and dog.

I was born and raised in Canada. I grew up in a small town, Clarenville, and completed my Bachelor of Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I moved to London, England when I was 23 to experience life and teaching in another country. I stayed there for 10 years. While there, I taught at a primary school where I gained experience in teaching a range of ages, from Year 1 (CP) to Year 6 (CM2/6ème).

I am thoroughly enjoying life in Annecy-le-Vieux and all that it offers in outdoor adventures. After a year of teaching at the Wednesday Club at Ecole Bilingue de Haute-Savoie, I am looking forward to working as a primary school teacher.