Team Küsnacht

Qualified People You Can Rely On

We all share the same passion: guiding your child to reach their full potential and thus preparing the next generation for the world of tomorrow. Your child spends a large part of their day with us. That is why we place a lot of importance on an open and trusting relationship between school and home, giving you the confidence to rely on us.
We look forward to getting to know you.

We look forward to getting to know you.

Senior Leadership

Dr. Daniel Ng
Head of School & CEO
Jane McTigue
Early Years Principal
Ramona Camenzind
Primary School Principal

Pre-Kindergarten

Marc Ilgindan
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Mara Eisele
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Patricia Opoku-Pollow
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant

Kindergarten

Helen Cornu
Kindergarten Teacher
Heidi Harman
Kindergarten Teacher
Rima Macikunas
Kindergarten Teacher

Primary School

Anja Stelzner
Primary Teacher Grade 1 & 2
Kiana Mantel
Primary Teacher Grade 1 & 2
Alex Bernheim
Primary Teacher Grade 3 & 4
Miya Holbrook
Primary Teacher Grade 3 & 4
Simone Korolnyk
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6
Elizabeth Clouston
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6
David Schaufelberger
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6 & German as an Additional Language (DaZ)

Specialist Subject Teachers

Nicole Albani-Perquy
Primary Teacher - French
Joanna Brittain
Student Support Coordinator
Jennifer Di Maio
Primary Teacher - EAL - English as an Additional Language
Meredith Horan
Primary Teacher - Crafts, Design, Technology
Nicola Jennings
Primary Teacher - Music
Roch Lehmann
Digital Learning Coordinator & ICT Support
Joanne Postma
Primary Teacher - Drama
David Schaufelberger
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6 & German as an Additional Language (DaZ)
Samuel Schoepke
Primary Teacher - Physical Education (PE)

Day Care

Habibe Buzuku-Kukaj
School Bus Driver, Hot Lunch
Selina Camenisch
Day Care, Lunch Service Assistant, Teaching Assistant Grad 1 & 2
Mohammed Hakimi
School Bus Driver, Hot Lunch
Jennifer Jung
Class Assistant, Day Care, Hot Lunch, Swimming Assistant
Patricia Opoku-Pollow
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant, Teaching Assistant Grade 1 & 2
Ismeta Stupar
Hot Lunch

School Administration | Caretaker

Uschi Aebi
Head of Operations
Candice Mettler
School Secretary
Léonie Jakupovic
Admissions Coordinator / School Secretary
Youssef Chakir
Caretaker & School Bus Driver
Youssef Chakir
Caretaker & School Bus Driver
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
1999
at Lakeside School

I enjoy working with the school management, the secretariat, the teachers, and the children. It gives me a lot of energy. I also appreciate the contact with parents very much.

I have enjoyed working at Lakeside School for more than 22 years. I feel at home in the school team because I have always been respected and supported. Easy and uncomplicated cooperation is the norm.

Uschi Aebi
Head of Operations
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
1997
at Lakeside School

In more than 25 years, I have experienced a lot at Lakeside School. Interacting with the children, parents, and team members is always a pleasure. It is great to experience the development of the children into distinct personalities during their years here.

The tasks at our school are as diverse as the people. This always makes the day-to-day work exciting and extraordinary.

Selina Camenisch
Day Care, Lunch Service Assistant, Teaching Assistant Grad 1 & 2
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2020
at Lakeside School

My son's birth in September 2019 was one of my dreams come true. After a short time off, I wanted to get back into the educational field right away. Helping children develop while seeing their progress means a lot to me.

At Lakeside School, the development of language is always fascinating to observe. Also, the acceptance and helpfulness among the students.

Simone Korolnyk
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2018
at Lakeside School

"With head, hand and heart" is my creed as a teacher. It motivates me to accompany my students on a part of their life’s journey and to help them in their academic, social, and personal development. It makes my work rich, interesting, challenging, valuable, touching, and fulfilling.

I particularly appreciate the family-like, personal environment at Lakeside School, which is enriched by the bilingualism and the different nationalities on campus.

Samuel Schoepke
Primary Teacher - Physical Education (PE)
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2022
at Lakeside School

Sport is essential for a person’s health. It is important to offer the students a wide range of sports activities and to help them enjoy moving around. At the same time, the sports lessons should support the students’ development in a performance-oriented yet supportive way. With my polysportive abilities and experience in professional sports, I design physical education lessons to suit each and every student.


Rima Macikunas
Kindergarten Teacher
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2017
at Lakeside School

With a background in visual art and design, I am passionate about fostering creativity and healthy communication skills for my students. Offering various opportunities for hands-on learning is very important to me. It brings me great joy to get to know my students as individuals and to support their development.

Lakeside School is a special place for me because it feels like a family and offers a very dynamic bilingual setting.

Roch Lehmann
Digital Learning Coordinator & ICT Support
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2024
at Lakeside School

I believe kids should discover all the good they can do with technology in the safe environment a school offers.

I don’t think, as adults, we can pretend screens and devices don’t exist. I show the students the pros and cons of using them so that they grow up being critical users and not just consumers.

Coding and computational thinking in general is a great transversal skill to train that helps problem solving, organizing...

Ramona Camenzind
Primary School Principal
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2022
at Lakeside School

"You do not just teach, you inspire" is what I strive for in the classroom. I approach each child individually and offer opportunities to gain learning experiences in different ways. Using different learning methods and learning settings, I want to enable the children to bring out the best in themselves.

I appreciate the family environment at Lakeside School, the great team, and the open communication with short decision-making processes.

Patricia Opoku-Pollow
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant, Teaching Assistant Grade 1 & 2
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2016
at Lakeside School

I enjoy the multicultural work environment, the team spirit, and the students. I acquire new techniques and skills when supporting or working with colleagues. Lakeside School offers a fantastic atmosphere for learning.

Patricia Opoku-Pollow
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2016
at Lakeside School

I enjoy the multicultural work environment, the team spirit, and the students. I acquire new techniques and skills when supporting or working with colleagues. Lakeside School offers a fantastic atmosphere for learning.


Nicola Jennings
Primary Teacher - Music
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2024
at Lakeside School

Plato said, " Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything". You can find this quote in all aspects of music. I try to bring all of these together in the music lessons and of course lots of fun. Fun is most important. Learning through playing, singing and movement is key to bringing music to life.

Mohammed Hakimi
School Bus Driver, Hot Lunch
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2013
at Lakeside School

Lakeside School is like a small world with so many different nationalities and cultures. Bilingual education is a promising way to unite and respect this diversity. The children who live in this globalization are given the opportunity to shape their future at Lakeside School.

I feel welcomed and at home here. Punctuality, respect, and a good relationship lead to success!

Nicole Albani-Perquy
Primary Teacher - French
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2012
at Lakeside School

The most important thing about teaching and learning French is not acquiring the knowledge but using the language in everyday life. During my work, I have noticed the solidarity of children and how much they help each other. This leads to the strong and constructive class dynamic I appreciate so much.

Miya Holbrook
Primary Teacher Grade 3 & 4
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2022
at Lakeside School

It is a passion to help students become lifelong learners and global citizens. Ensuring they can be curious and ask questions is imperative to them taking ownership of their learning, and I am thrilled to be a part of that journey.

I feel welcomed by the staff and families and value the warm sense of community at Lakeside School.

Meredith Horan
Primary Teacher - Crafts, Design, Technology
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2020
at Lakeside School

Making cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural connections through art is central to my educational philosophy. I enjoy seeing my students express their individuality through art while discovering their strengths.

Our students are incredibly creative, and it is energising to see their passion for learning new handicraft techniques.

Marc Ilgindan
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2022
at Lakeside School

My educational approach is "learning by doing". Every child is an individual with different needs. I support each one in their areas of growth as well as with their strengths. Through hands-on practice and trial and error, new skills are unlocked, and children gain a sense of achievement.

I love that Lakeside School supports both children and teachers in their future goals.

Mara Eisele
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2021
at Lakeside School

I believe in learning through play and cultivating the natural inclination for children to learn in a fun way. I am passionate about having a variety of activity areas in the classroom where the children can explore on their own, be allowed to make mistakes, work with their hands, and actively learn while having fun. I enjoy working with such a talented team of co-educators from diverse backgrounds and witnessing how well bilingualism works in a school setting.


Léonie Jakupovic
Admissions Coordinator / School Secretary
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
at Lakeside School

“As a former student of Lakeside School, I am delighted to return as part of the office team. Lakeside School has always been a place where curiosity is sparked and learning is combined with joy. This open and inspiring atmosphere, which I had the privilege of experiencing myself, is particularly close to my heart. I am now very excited to actively contribute to shaping this valuable atmosphere and helping ensure that students and parents continue to feel at home in an environment characterized by openness, trust and warmth.”

Kiana Mantel
Primary Teacher Grade 1 & 2
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2016
at Lakeside School

An essential skill of a life-long learner is the ability to think about thinking. Through observing our own thought processes, we make better choices, solve problems effectively, and think out of the box. A rich learning environment is challenging, enjoyable, and provides opportunities to work both cooperatively and independently.

I value working in the diverse, supportive team and helping the children to grow through the bilingual environment.

Joanne Postma
Primary Teacher - Drama
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2020
at Lakeside School

In the Drama and Performing Arts classroom, we cultivate the cognitive skills of language, speech, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and quick decision-making. We regularly perform for an internal audience of peers and biannually for the whole Lakeside School community.  

Collaborative teamwork is celebrated, expected, and encouraged in a supportive, engaging, and fully inclusive environment.

Joanna Brittain
Student Support Coordinator
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2021
at Lakeside School

Some children learn best through an adapted curriculum. This could be for many reasons, such as showing gifted potential, needing support in learning languages, or needing extra creative teaching methods for literacy and numeracy. I believe every child should enjoy school and value their own progress, regardless of their challenges.

That’s also why I love working at Lakeside School. The students are free to be themselves, enabled by our staff’s experience and high professionalism.

Jane McTigue
Early Years Principal
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2009
at Lakeside School

I am motivated to establish the best possible framework for our children and staff to flourish, work well together, and be prepared for their futures. I take great pleasure in the atmosphere of cooperation, acceptance, and respect that provides an optimal base for growth.

With the one constant being change, our evolving school life and the community it builds will always fascinate me.

Jennifer Jung
Class Assistant, Day Care, Hot Lunch, Swimming Assistant
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2023
at Lakeside School

For me, children are our teachers, who always remind us of the playful lightness ofbeing. I see nothing more meaningful and necessary than to accompany our little visitors to the earth, to give them a space to develop & to leave the big world of today and tomorrow to them.

I am very grateful to be able to care for and support children at Lakeside School.

Jennifer Di Maio
Primary Teacher - EAL - English as an Additional Language
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2004
at Lakeside School

Everybody plays a valuable role in our school community. My job is to meet students at their level and move them forward in a safe and stimulating environment, allowing them to take risks and express themselves confidently. With a focus on one-on-one interaction and support within the classroom, I can embrace a lot of differentiation in my lessons.

After 20 years of teaching, I am still in awe of the growth those little minds are capable of!

Ismeta Stupar
Hot Lunch
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2023
at Lakeside School

Because of my private experience with my own children and my work as a childminder for the children of my colleagues, I feel very comfortable at Lakeside School. My favorite activity is cooking and baking delicious dishes. Additionally, I like to travel with my family.

Heidi Harman
Kindergarten Teacher
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2018
at Lakeside School

As an educator, I passionately believe that children learn most effectively when they enjoy and are involved in the learning process. I enjoy encouraging their curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in a holistic way.

I have been a kindergarten teacher at Lakeside School since 2018 and love the warm and welcoming family atmosphere here.

Helen Cornu
Kindergarten Teacher
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2025
at Lakeside School

My aim is to give the kindergarten children a rucksack full of skills,curiosity and wonderful memories to take with them on theirjourney. I value a warm, resource-orientated approach with mypupils. I particularly enjoy immersing the class in picture bookstories and encouraging the children to express their wishes andconcerns in the class council. Analogue learning takes centre stagein kindergarten. Media also has its place, it is important to me thenthat children learn to critically question media content.

Habibe Buzuku-Kukaj
School Bus Driver, Hot Lunch
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2018
at Lakeside School

The interaction with the children and parents is interesting, and I enjoy driving. The diversity of nationalities allows me to practice my language skills. There is respectful interaction in the team, which is also important to me. I am happy to be a part of our school.

Elizabeth Clouston
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2022
at Lakeside School

Valuing each student’s unique identity is my most important first step as a teacher. I am dedicated to providing a nurturing learning environment for the children and strive to stimulate their natural curiosity and excitement for learning.

It is an enriching experience to work at Lakeside School, where teaching and learning is embraced and celebrated across languages.

David Schaufelberger
Primary Teacher Grade 5 & 6 & German as an Additional Language (DaZ)
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2022
at Lakeside School

I have been teaching as a DaZ specialist teacher at Lakeside Küsnacht since summer 2022 and am now looking forward to working with the 5th/6th grade as a primary school teacher. I have a talent for motivating children and getting them excited about the subject matter. A trusting relationship is achieved through individual support and competence-orientated learning, which I attach great importance to. In my free time, I read a lot and find variety in nature by climbing and hiking. Another great passion of mine is music; I have been playing the guitar in several formations for countless years.

Candice Mettler
School Secretary
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2017
at Lakeside School

What I enjoy most about working at Lakeside School, besides the beautiful view from the school office, is dealing with children and people of a rainbow of cultural and language diversity that exists in our school. It reflects the environment in which I grew up and developed.

Dr. Daniel Ng
Head of School & CEO
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2021
at Lakeside School

Schools are places where students, teachers, and families form a community and should feel a sense of belonging. In addition to a strong school-to-home partnership, these are the parameters that allow for successful learning in all areas. I feel privileged to be inspired by world-class educators every day and to serve a school that places its students at its core in pursuit of offering them an excellent bilingual education.

“Being in your element is not only about aptitude, it is about passion; it is about loving what you do.” - Sir Ken Robinson

Alex Bernheim
Primary Teacher Grade 3 & 4
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2025
at Lakeside School

It is particularly important to me that pupils enjoy going to schooland develop a love for learning. I therefore not only attachimportance to strengthening them academically, but also to cateringto their individual needs in order to help them develop intoempathetic, responsible and independent people.

Anja Stelzner
Primary Teacher Grade 1 & 2
English
Spanish
Italian
French
German
Arabic
Albanian
Bosnian
Since
2021
at Lakeside School

The children are at the centre of what I do. First and foremost, they need to feel safe, secure, and at home. Only then is learning possible. Individual responsibility and differentiation are an important part of my teaching. Every child is different. It is crucial to build upon the strengths and develop the identified areas of growth.