Dear LIS Community,
The 1st of November marked the start of my position here at LIS as Commercial Director. This letter was issued to all in the print edition of the Observer already but here once more in digital form, I greatly welcome the opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who do not yet know me. The first few months have given me valuable insight into the school already and have certainly not been dull, given the current challenges that face us as a school and a society.
Born in Westphalia, Germany, I moved to Southern Africa many years ago and started my career in education in Windhoek, Namibia as manager of the German School for eight years. Subsequently, I spent many years as a school consultant and in 2015 I moved back to Germany to Frankfurt where I worked at the Montessori School. This particular step was most interesting and challenging, as we moved into two new buildings in a single year and grew from a small school to almost 500 children, quite rapidly. Most recently, I was Commercial Director at the Strothoff International School, a privately owned, for-profit school close to Frankfurt, an experience I am glad to have had.
With a Masters of Business Management from Maastricht University as well as a Masters in Project Management and over 20 years’ experience in the development and everyday working of schools, I feel I well placed to work with you all here at LIS to move the school forward.
I have received a warm welcome from my team in Admin as well as my Management colleagues and greatly look forward to getting to know you all and the school better.
Wishing your all good health and strong nerves,
Johannes Barabas