Grade 8 is a very exciting and pivotal year for SSIS students as the oldest of our middle school. It is their last year as middle school students before they enter high school. Our devoted team of teachers are dedicated to preparing the Grade 8 students academically, socially and psychologically for the transition to the next stage in their educational careers. In grades 6-10, students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Part of this is program includes an active involvement Community and Service. Grade 8 students are all involved in helping the local community in Suzhou.
Students work closely and diligently with each other and their homeroom teachers in brainstorming, planning and implementing their Community and Service projects. The aim of these projects are to develop sensitivity, awareness, willingness and responsibility. Examples have been campaigning for non-smoking restaurants, fundraising for local charities like the Suzhou Social Welfare Home or BoAi school, tutoring local Chinese students in English and volunteering at Tiger Hill Orphanage.
Another important and hugely successful part of Grade 8 is going on a 3-day local camp. Also, we recently added an option for Grade 8 students to attend an international camp. All students challenge themselves to complete activities that they would not normally do. All participate fully and come away with a heightened sense of personal satisfaction having succeeded physically, mentally and emotionally in the various team building activities undertaken. It is a great way to get to know their classmates and teachers in a relaxed atmosphere outside of the classroom.
Sherry Farida
It is with great pleasure to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Sherry Farida and I am originally from Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. This is my third year as a Middle School English teacher at SSIS and my second year as the Head of Grade 8. I am very excited for the new school year and very honored to be part of the SSIS family. Your child's first point of contact is with their homeroom teacher, but I am here to oversee the entire Grade 8. Feel free to contact me at sherryfarida@ssis-suzhou.net if you should have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting you and to a very successful and productive school year!
Andrew Sierman
For those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Andrew Sierman. I am one of the grade 6, 7, and 8 Humanities Teachers in the Middle School. I am also the homeroom teacher for 8L. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about your daughter or son, please feel free to contact me at andrewsierman@ssis-suzhou.net.
Wade Foster
My name is Wade Foster. I am now entering my 5th year at SSIS as a teacher of Physical Education and the High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach. In addition, I am part of the 8L Homeroom Team. I am from the U.S.A and have taught, worked and lived overseas in 7 different countries around the world. I have a tremendous passion for sports and it is my hope that I will be able to pass on some of that passion to my students during the 2009-2010 school year. I want to wish everyone the best of luck and hope that every one has an amazing school year.
Benjamin Wylie
Hello. My name is Benjamin Wylie and I am from Brockville, Ontario, Canada. This is my second year teaching in the Middle School Science Department. I have really enjoyed my experience at SSIS so far, and I am excited to meet and learn about this year’s students in the classroom, the sports field, and everywhere else our adventures take us. It is my pleasure to be the homeroom teacher for 8E. I look forward to sharing a year of challenges and successes with our students. My e-mail address is benjaminwylie@ssis-suzhou.net. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Liu YunLu
Hello. My name is Liuyunlu and I am a Chinese teacher. This is my fourth year as a Secondary Chinese teacher at SSIS. I will be teaching Grade 6, 7and 8 this academic year. I am very excited to be part of the 8L team. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's Chinese curriculum, please contact me anytime. My e-mail address is liuyunlu@ssis-suzhou.net and you can also find me in BN108.
Jessica Li
Hello. My name is Jessica Li, an important member of 8A, and a Chinese Language teacher in the Middle School. I have Grade 6, 7 and 8 classes this year. Those who are told to go to BN115 to have Chinese lessons, please do not try to find it next to BN114. Sorry for the inconvenience, but it is next to the Secondary Gym, with some beautiful bamboos through the windows. If you have difficulty finding my room, please send me email. jessicali@ssis-suzhou.net. I wish you all have a wonderful school year!
Joanne Foo
Hello. My name is Joanne Foo and I am from Singapore. This is my fifth year teaching at SSIS. I am one of the Middle School Mathematics Teachers and one of the 8A Homeroom Teachers. Please do not hesitate to contact me at joannefoo@ssis-suzhou.net if you have any questions or concerns.
Eunkyoung Park
Hello. My name is Eunkyoung Park and I am from Seoul, Korea. This is my second year as a Korean teacher at SSIS. I am happy to be one of the homeroom teachers for 8R this academic year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at eunkyoungpark@ssis-suzhou.net.
Lyndal Studdert
My name is Lyndal Studdert and I am from Brisbane, Australia. This is my second year at SSIS and I am very excited to be back. I am very much enjoying my position as a Middle School Drama Teacher and Homeroom Teacher to 8R. Please do not hesitate to contact me at lyndalstuddert@ssis-suzhou.net if you have any questions or concerns.
Tom Millay
My name is Tom Millay and I am pleased to be a new middle school teacher this year at SSIS. I came all the way from Bowdoinham, Maine in the US to be part of this dynamic school. I will be teaching Mathematics. I am excited to work and teach students from many different countries. I will also be the homeroom teacher for 8N this year, and look forward to the opportunity to help guide students through middle school. Please feel free to contact me at tommillay@ssis-suzhou.net with any questions or concerns about your student.
