On behalf of the Search Committee and the Administration of Harare International School (HIS) in Harare, Zimbabwe, Search Associates is pleased to announce that Mr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Marquis has been appointed as Secondary School Principal, to begin July 2024. Excited to experience how the mission statement of this “boldly diverse learning community” looks and feels, Jeff shares other facets of HIS he anticipates:
Of course, the lush, beautiful campus, with peacocks roaming freely; the tranquil setting matches the authentic sense of belonging and community values I experienced firsthand during a recent visit. And I must share that I’m keen to learn about Zimbabwe along with the students and colleagues in the longstanding experiential grade level engagements called Explore Zim. I’m excited about the curriculum coming alive in the local context, and along with my wife Angela, I look forward to learning together with our new Warthog colleagues and students!
An administrator since 2002, Jeff is currently High School Principal at Yongsan International School of Seoul in South Korea. He served previously as Secondary Principal at Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the Anglo-American School of Sofia in Bulgaria. Prior to that he was Assistant High School Principal at Seoul Foreign School in South Korea and Assistant Middle School Principal at Graded, the American School of Sao Paulo in Brazil. Throughout his career, Jeff has been guided by words of John Maxwell:
Students don't care what you know until they know that you care.
Jeff finds himself smiling and laughing out loud when asked to tease up favorite memories from his 30 years in international education. Blessed with teaching and learning alongside hundreds of colleagues and thousands of students, he exclaims,
How does one choose from the amazing theatre performances: the numerous “teachable moments” in class; hosting other international school students for robotics, sports, or MUN tournaments; coaching in the 7th place / championship game of softball, futsal, volleyball, or basketball; or speaking at commencement ceremonies. Even better is watching graduates receive their diplomas and students leading community time assemblies or service trips.
Jeff Marquis earned a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, a Bachelor of Education from Western University in Ontario, and a Master of Education in Principal Leadership from New England College in New Hampshire. He adds,
Raising a family in different cultures, countries, and contexts has taught me to be a better educator and administrator, maybe more so than much of my formal training and degrees ever did. I owe Kenan, Hannah, and Sophia and the thousands of students over the years a debt of gratitude.
During holidays, Jeff enjoys running, playing golf, and wasting time with Angela and their three grown children back in Canada at their cottage called Skoolzout. And wherever he is in the world, you will find him gardening, “Hands on Green Stuff (HOGS),” says he! This outstanding international school administrator embodies the love and wisdom he writes in every student yearbook: “Take your time and hurry back.”
The Search Committee, administration of Harare International School, and Search Associates would like to thank all candidates who expressed interest in the Secondary School Principal position and to everyone who assisted and supported the successful search process.
