Leadership
Heikki Hirvonen
Head of School
Over the past 30 years, my career has been characterized by diversity and significant accomplishments in the fields of education and leadership. My foundation in science and administration has been a solid pillar throughout this journey. Currently, I hold the position of Head of School at the Finnish International School Thane in India, where I am responsible for educational programs and leadership initiatives. My career in educational leadership encompasses various institutions, including prominent roles at the International School of Vantaa and the Helsinki School of Natural Sciences in Finland.
Furthermore, I co-founded TutorHouse Ltd. in collaboration with my colleagues, establishing a platform dedicated to providing educational support to students. My expertise is prominent in the realm of leadership, complemented by a deep understanding of physics and mathematics education. I have also played a pivotal role in the development of educational materials.
Throughout my career, I have served as a Principal in six different schools for over two decades, making substantial contributions to educational leadership. Additionally, I assumed the role of Director of the Natural Sciences Learning Materials Division at a Finnish publishing company.
I have actively trained teachers in Physics and environmental education, emphasizing the importance of experimental teaching methods. This initiative coincided with Finland’s peak performance in PISA rankings, reaffirming the significance of our educational approach. Finland’s PISA ranking continues to be high.
Furthermore, I have shared my expertise with fellow principals, imparting knowledge about school economics, which has been instrumental in enhancing school management and financial efficiency.
Kalyani Chaudhuri
Academic Principal for ICSE/ISC section
Kalyani Chaudhuri is the Academic Principal for ICSE and ISC (7-12). She started her teaching career in 1991 as a preschool teacher gradually moving into the roles of Primary, Secondary and High School teacher of English. She has lived and worked in the Philippines and Sri Lanka and across the country during this enriching educational journey. Having worked with diverse cultural and social setups, her people management and student engagement skills have strengthened. She believes in creating transformation in every student’s life incorporating the 21st century skills.
Kalyani is a Postgraduate in English Literature with an M.Phil. and B.Ed. She speaks at various educational forums both in India and outside on student enrichment and new pedagogies, staff welfare and whole school culture development. She is also a NABET certified school assessor.
Kalyani loves reading, watching movies, travelling, and cooking.
Anna Hart
Academic Principal Pre-Primary & Primary
Anna is the Primary school Academic principal at FIS Thane. She is a lifelong learner, passionate about supporting children to achieve their full potential.
Anna graduated with a master’s degree in education from the University of Oulu in 2003. During her studies she visited schools and educational organisations in 11 countries to gain an insight into their education systems. She worked as a trainee teacher in schools in Kenya, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Anna started her teaching career in the UK in 2004, lecturing child development at a local college.
During her career, Anna has worked in the UK teaching all year groups in a combined school (FS-Year 7), at Qatar Finland International School and two IB world schools based in the UAE and in Finland. Throughout her career Anna has open-mindedly utilised routines and classroom strategies, which encourage student led inquiry. She has been a member of the pedagogical leadership team at her previous school since 2016.
In addition to her role as an educator, Anna has been involved in a phenomenon-based learning project commissioned by the Education department of Helsinki, interviewed by Michael Moore for his documentary about Finnish education, and a visiting lecturer on inquiry and phenomenon-based pedagogies.
Ms. Vaishali Phatak
Academic Principal IGCSE & IB
Ms. Vaishali Phatak is Academic Principal at FIS Thene school .Ms Vaishali has an impressive teaching career for over 25 years , she began her journey as a preschool teacher at the National Board and gradually expanded her expertise to instruct primary, secondary, and higher secondary students, including those with special needs. Her dedication also led her to teach at the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
At the international level, Vaishali Phatak has received recognition for her contributions, notably the National Award from the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) for her research and development of student evaluation proforma.
Ms.Vaishali has diverse academic background includes collaborating with various institutions and school management, and also conducted workshops in various areas for parents and teachers, covering topics such as adolescent student management, integrated planning, and the adoption of best educational practices.
Ms.Vaishali holds qualification in Business Management, Economics, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Embracing the international curriculum, exemplified pursuit of a Ph.D. degree.