School Management

Our experienced team is characterised by a strong sense of responsibility, a pronounced sense of duty as well as a high level of interpersonal skills.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do. At the same time, we are aware that a school can only successfully educate young people to meet the challenges of today’s world if it is run by a management that is based on clear conceptual, economic, organisational and social principles. We have been committed to living up to this responsibility since 2005.

Below, all members of the school management are introduced in their respective mother tongue.

Katarina Guggenbühler, Schulleiterin

Seit 2010 ist Katarina Guggenbühler an der SIS Zürich. Sie unterrichtete bis 2017 das Schwerpunktfach „Philosophie, Psychologie, Pädagogik“. Im Schuljahr 2015/16 wurde sie stellvertretende Schulleiterin und im Schuljahr 2018/19 Schulleiterin.

Ursprünglich stammt Katarina Guggenbühler aus Karlsruhe. Nach dem Abitur arbeitete sie für ein Jahr an einer Schule im Leicester, England. Sie studierte an den Universitäten Kiel, Zürich und Bonn Psychologie und Philosophie. Nach dem Abschluss des Studiums in Bonn kam sie nach Zürich, wo sie zusammen mit ihrer Familie lebt.

Der direkte Kontakt und Austausch mit Menschen, besonders mit jungen Personen, hat sie stets fasziniert. Die Internationalität und die kulturelle Vielfalt an der SIS sprechen sie sehr an. Ihre Freizeit verbringt sie am liebsten mit ihrer Familie, in der Natur und beim Reiten.

Matthew Hall, Vice Principal

Matthew Hall has been working as a primary school teacher at SIS Zürich since August 2015, and as one of the Matura History teaching team since August 2019. He took over the role of vice principal in August 2022.

Matthew Hall originally comes from Cornwall in the UK. He completed his PhD in Modern History before moving to Switzerland with his wife. He then completed a master’s degree in International Education. Matthew has lived in Switzerland and taught at international schools for over 15 years.

He is passionate about teaching and making connections with each pupil in order to forge authentic learning experiences. He appreciates the open interaction at SIS Zürich and is happy with the positive parental cooperation and support.

In his free time, Matthew Hall enjoys playing board games, reading and cooking. During the warmer months he can often be found tending his allotment.

Shane Peter, Head of College

Shane Peter has been working at SIS schools for over seven years. He took over the role of CAS Coordinator in August 2021 and as of August 2022 is the IB Coordinator and Head of College for the lower secondary classes.

Shane Peter is half Swiss and half American raised in Colorado, USA. He completed a Masters of Education in Sports Management and a Masters of Education in Language Arts and Humanities. He has lived in Switzerland and taught and held leadership responsibilities at international schools for over 15 years.

He is a strong believer in project-based learning and encouraging students to take an active role in their local community. Through CAS, his students promote several charities addressing local and global issues, plan and host events around the school as well as volunteering with the Red Cross to help integrate refugee children.

In his free time, Shane Peter enjoys playing sports, reading and working on his many handicraft projects around the house.

Chloe Smith, Head of Primary

Chloe Smith began her time at SIS Zürich in August 2022. She currently works as a primary school teacher alongside the role of Head of Primary, where she works in close coordination with the Head of Kindergarten.

Chloe Smith is originally from Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She completed both her degree in English Literature and her teacher training at Leeds Trinity University. After spending over two years as a primary school teacher and English subject leader in the UK, she moved to Switzerland with her partner in 2020, where she continued her career of working with children.

She is a passionate teacher who is excited to be part of the SIS Zürich team. She particularly enjoys cultivating a motivated and supportive classroom environment, where she can build true connections with each pupil.

During her free time, Chloe Smith enjoys hiking with her partner, spending time in nature, as well as cooking and reading.

Matthew Ryder, Head of Kindergarten

Matthew Ryder has been working as a Kindergarten school teacher at SIS Zürich since August 2021. He took over the role of Head of Kindergarten in July 2022 and works in close coordination with the Head of Primary.

Matthew Ryder originally comes from Bristol in the UK. He worked with children with special needs in the UK before moving to Switzerland with his wife. He then completed his Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Switzerland. Matthew Ryder has lived in Switzerland and worked in international schools for over 6 years.

He is dedicated to creating a joyful learning environment where his students feel welcome and secure and are able to express themselves. He is thankful for the community at SIS Zürich and believes that the cooperation and coordination with parents is of utmost importance.

In his free time, Matthew Ryder enjoys making music, reading and baking. He can usually be found with a mug of tea in his garden with his rabbits.