School Leaders

Dave led the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) as Principal and Head of School between 2002 and 2014 spearheading the authorization process of the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP.  Within six years of obtaining DP status, CDNIS students achieved results in the top 10% of IB schools worldwide and CDNIS was named the top international school in Hong Kong for seven consecutive years. Dave has also led multiple school capital and building projects, the most recent being with the Fairchild Group of Canada as their Head of Education to design, co-found and establish two schools in Hong Kong.

Dave’s authenticity as a leader in education is a recognised force in motivating students, parents, staff and management to continually advance the status quo, ensuring the very best in education provision and learning.  He has a proven track record in leading and operating schools and delivering programs tailored to the individual environment and its students’ needs. With a lifelong passion for education, Dave believes strongly that building a school culture based on mutual respect, happiness and setting high, but realistic expectations will ensure a successful and fruitful education for students. Dave has always stressed the importance of what he calls the ‘smile index’ as a barometer in determining the success of a school. Dave has extensive experience at recruiting, hiring and retaining top international educators and feels this is the key to success in building a new school and providing the opportunity for all students to reach and exceed their potential.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dave has been a Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal and Head of School at various public and private schools, ranging in size from 120 to 2,000 students in Canada and Hong Kong. He has led world class schools delivering IB, AP and Canadian Curriculum (BC and Ontario), as well as early childhood centres utilizing Canadian, American and British curricula with a Reggio Emilia inspired approach to learning.  Dave has also served as Governor and Treasurer of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS). He was a contributing writer and member of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Munk School of Global Affairs Task Force on Asian Competencies and is currently a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain. In 2018 Dave was selected as one of Queen’s Universities top 50 influential Alumni in 50 years of the faculty of Education. This award recognized the leadership and accomplishments of Queen’s University Faculty of Education Alumni across the globe. 

Dave received his Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, Bachelor of Arts in Geography and his Bachelor of Education at Queens university in Kingston, Ontario and his Master of Arts in Education Leadership at San Diego State University.

Dave’s wife Shelley is a teacher and has also taught in schools in Canada and Hong Kong. Shelley and Dave have two sons, Mitchell and Callahan who spent much of their childhood growing up in Hong Kong and are currently living in British Columbia.