Originally from Croatia, Ms. Jelena began her educational career as a teacher of Mathematics, Physics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) following the completion of her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Boasting over 15 years of teaching experience across Croatia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and China, she augmented her decade of international education experience with the attainment of a PGCE. Ms. Jelena has amassed extensive expertise in both teaching and management, excelling in fostering multicultural integration and collaboration among students and educators. Furthermore, she has successfully implemented globalized curricula, including IB and IGCSE, with a particular focus on international students.
Leadership
Jelena Vugdelija
Executive Principal
Tim McCauley
MYP Coordinator
Mr. Tim has been teaching in middle schools for the past 18 years. After finishing his Masters he worked in Australia for a year before returning to work in private schools in the United States. He was a Science Department Chair for nine years at an American boarding school where he was also a volleyball and tennis coach, and dorm parent. For the past three years he has been working at Wahaha’s sister school the New England Innovation Academy as the founding science teacher and Director of the Middle School.
Mr. Tim believes that schools need to foster curiosity and nurture confidence in its students so that they can be ready to navigate their futures. By responsibly crafting educational experiences we can help students develop interests and strengthen skills. Students should be able to see the importance of education through the subjects they study in school because the curriculum is connected to the world around them. For learning to be authentic it needs to be interdisciplinary, just as relevant. These beliefs have guided Mr. Tim through unit and course planning and he is looking forward to its connections to the IB foundations.
Reinette Roberts
PYP Coordinator
Mrs. Reinette Roberts is an experienced international educator with nearly 20 years of teaching and leadership experience, specializing in the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme). As the PYP Coordinator at Wahaha International School, she is responsible for enhancing the curriculum, guiding teacher development, and overseeing program evaluation to create a high-quality inquiry-based learning environment.
She holds a Bachelor of Education Honours degree in Educational Management, Policy, and Law from the University of Pretoria, along with a Higher Education Diploma in Pre- and Junior Primary Education. Mrs. Roberts has taught in the UK, South Africa, and China, and has led PYP teaching teams and curriculum reforms at one of Ningbo International Schools since 2018. She brings expertise in curriculum management, teacher training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and school policy development.
Her educational philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, inquiry-based teaching, and developing global-minded individuals with critical thinking skills. Mrs. Roberts fosters collaboration among teachers, students, and parents to support holistic student growth and strives to ensure continuous professional development for all staff. At Wahaha International School, she aims to enhance the PYP program further and provide students with an exceptional international education experience.
Izzie Jin
Principal Assistant / Administrative Coordinator
Ms. Izzie graduated with a master’s degree in International Administration from Shanghai International Studies University and has extensive experience in the international education sector. At WIS, she is responsible for school-home communication and relations, managing school-wide initiatives and events, fostering student leadership development, and providing support to families and students. With a strong commitment to enhancing the WIS community, her goal is to provide more support and create a better environment for everyone involved.
