Our Team, Our Opening Hours and How to Reach Us

Katarina Guggenbühler has been working at SIS Zürich since 2010. Until 2017, she taught the specialised subject “philosophy, psychology, pedagogics”. In the 2015/16 school year, she became vice-principal and in the 2018/19 school year, principal. Katarina Guggenbühler comes from Karlsruhe, Germany. After graduating from high school, she worked for a year at a school in Leicester, England. She studied psychology and philosophy at the universities of Kiel, Zürich and Bonn. After graduating in Bonn, she moved to Zürich where she currently lives with her family. The direct contact and exchange with people, especially young people, has always fascinated her. The internationality and cultural diversity at SIS appeal to her very much. She likes to spend her free time with her family, in nature and horse riding.

Matthew Hall has been working as a primary school teacher at SIS Zürich since August 2015, and as part of the history teaching team for the Matura since August 2019. He took over the role of vice-principal in August 2022. Matthew Hall originally comes from Cornwall in the UK, earning his PhD in modern history there before moving to Switzerland with his wife. He then completed a master’s degree in international education. Matthew Hall has lived in Switzerland and taught at international schools for over 15 years. He is passionate about teaching and making connections with each student 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 garden.

Shane Peter has been working at SIS schools for over seven years. He took over the role of CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) Coordinator in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme 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 and was raised in Colorado, USA. He completed a master's degree of education in sports management and a master's degree of education in linguistics 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 and volunteer 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 began her time at SIS Zürich in August 2022. She currently works as a primary school teacher alongside her role of Head of Primary, for which she works in close coordination with the Head of Kindergarten. Chloe Smith is originally from Yorkshire in the UK. 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 student. During her free time, Chloe Smith enjoys hiking with her partner, spending time in nature, cooking and reading.

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 attained his postgraduate Certificate of Education in Switzerland. Matthew Ryder has lived in Switzerland and worked in international schools for over six 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.