Announcement of next High School Principal for SSIS 2025

Dear Faculty & Staff,

I am delighted to announce that Dan Smith has accepted our offer to become SSIS’s next High School principal, starting July 2025.  

Dan has extensive leadership experience. He is currently the Secondary Principal at the Canadian International School in Singapore. He has previously served as Principal and Head of School at Ruamrudee International School in Bangkok, Thailand, and as Head of School and Dean of Students at Mosaica International School of Hyderabad, India.

Dan holds a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Master of Arts in Social Studies, also from Columbia University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Russian Language from Brigham Young University. His educational background, combined with his extensive leadership experience, positions him as an exceptional leader for our school. He is delighted to join the SSIS High School faculty in July 2025 and to continue Ms. Mendes’s great work.

Dan and his wife, Nadia, look forward to joining the SSIS community. Dan states, “I’ve long watched the development of SSIS from afar with great interest. Visiting the school and meeting community members over three wonderful days confirmed it’s a place with a caring and committed teaching staff, a purposefully innovative leadership team, and a parent community that cheers on all learners. This was reflected authentically through the stories of students who were proud to share all aspects of their school life and learning with me. I am tremendously excited to be a part of the continued story of SSIS and support students who will be ready to change the world.”

Thank you to the Selection Committee and the Senior Leadership Team for their support in this process. I also thank Jeff Robidoux and the National Honor Society students for sharing their SSIS experience with all three candidates. In addition, thanks to Steve Petraglia, Jamie Brown, Diana Sorobey, and Carlos Adelantado for facilitating the faculty discussions. Thank you for participating in the process, for your feedback, and for helping all three candidates develop a great appreciation of this wonderful SSIS community.

Have a wonderful PD Day and a great week!

All good wishes,

Catriona