Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) today announced that Mrs. Ruth Burke has been appointed Principal/CEO of SISD from next academic year. She will succeed Mr. Norbert Foerster who is retiring as planned and moving back to Europe.
As an educator and school leader with an outstanding record in school development, Ruth’s experience in leading a range of top-tier international schools, increasing opportunities for all students to be successful and building inclusive community cohesion will support the next stages in the development of SISD.
Educated in Trinity College Dublin (first degree) and Bath University, UK (Masters’ degree), Mrs Burke’s in-depth understanding of education, her proven track record in school improvement at the highest levels in schools such as JESS, GEMS Wellington International School and Deira International school, will see her vision for student success and wellbeing positively drive all aspects of school culture and provision at SISD in the years ahead. During Ruth’s tenure at JESS Jumeirah and GEMS WIS, the schools were rated as Outstanding in the KHDA DSIB inspections, and both schools are leading IB Diploma schools in Dubai, ensuring students achieve the best global university places.
Ambitious for students, staff and schools, Mrs Burke believes strongly in the power of education and the potential of growth mindset, supporting students to achieve their potential and creating partnerships to build effective learning communities. Both boarders and day students at SISD can expect a focus on all aspects of their pastoral, extra-curricular and academic experiences to be developed in a caring, community-focused and forward-thinking manner.
In addition, Ruth’s energetic and highly personable approach will assure her successful transition to life at SISD. As mum to three ranging in ages from 8 to 27 years and residing in Dubai for the last 20 years with her husband, Mrs Burke is looking forward to joining the SISD community and further contributing to the four central principles at SISD of Bilingualism, Excellence, Sustainability and Togetherness.
Omar Danial, Founder of SISD said:“I am delighted to welcome Ruth Burke to SISD as our new Head of School. As an experienced IB educator, and a long-standing leader in a number of ‘Outstanding’ schools in Dubai, Ruth will be an incredible asset for our school. Ruth’s vast experience of the UAE, coupled with her commitment and passion for inclusive education, will support our vision to deliver a first-class IB education for all our students. I feel very fortunate to have secured Ruth as the new Head of School, and I am looking forward to working with her on the next stage of school advancement.”
Ruth Burke, new appointed Principal and CEO of SISDsaid: “It is a tremendous privilege to have been selected as the next Head of SISD, particularly following the remarkable vision and leadership of Norbert Foerster. The SISD Education is unique: global in its outlook, bilingual in its approach, Swiss in its culture, and yet also rooted in the local community of Dubai. I am passionate about the IB, it is absolutely the gold standard of education, and it is what employers and universities are now looking for. When combined with the languages and the STEAM education that SISD offers, I have no doubt that we have developed something unique for our students – I am looking forward to developing this and supporting the school in the next stage of its growth and development.”
