KEVIN D'ARCY – Principal
Kevin D’Arcy opened Gdynia International School (GIS) in September 2013. This is an important starting point for the development of a full international school to serve the international and local families of Gdynia and the surrounding area.
Previous to opening GIS, Kevin D’Arcy founded the British International School Gdansk (BISG), where he served as School Principal from 2007 to 2013, at which time it was the most successful international school in Gdansk.
Kevin D’Arcy has a range of teaching and leadership roles which include working as the Head of Secondary School at the British International School Wroclaw, teacher of mathematics at The British School Warsaw, Lecturer at the University of Wollongong (Australia), and various teaching roles at the University of New South Wales as well as schools in Australia and Ireland.
His broad range of interests and hobbies include educational theory, the arts, especially philosophy, as well as the mathematical sciences. When it comes to sport, Kevin would rather participate than spectate. He enjoys squash and cycling, and long walks along the beach and in the woods around the Tricity. Kevin also enjoys garden landscaping, singing and public speaking with Toastmasters.
Qualifications:
- BSc in Physics, University of Wollongong, Australia
- MA(hons) in Philosophy, University of Wollongong, Australia
- Higher Diploma of Education (hons), University College Dublin
MAGDALENA KORPALSKA - Vice-Director of the Primary School
Magda used to run a family restaurant with her husband for most of her adult life. By chance, she ended up working in an integrated preschool. She was only supposed to help with the organization, but she stayed there for almost two years. This is how the adventure with educational institutions began. Fascinated by working with children, she started her pedagogical studies. From the administration’s perspective, she tries to make the school a friendly place where children feel cared for and happy. Privately, she is the mother of two daughters, two dogs and a horse. She is interested in art and music.
SOFIIA STUPNITSKAIA – Class 2, Teacher of English, French and Russian.
Sofiia has completed her Bachelor and Master’s degree in Linguistics (English, French and Russian) with Education. Sofiia’s research interests lie in the field of bilingualism and cognitive linguistics. Her knowledge in these fields helps Sofiia to develop bilingual and polylingual children’s language skills more efficiently.
Sofiia has been teaching for 9 years, including individual classes, groups, in primary and high school. She is passionate about teaching and loves watching her students get more and more confident with the skills they develop. During classes, Sofiia tries to create a positive atmosphere and to inspire the students to learn.
Sofiia loves music and can play the piano and drums (and a little bit of guitar). She studied in a musical school for 5 years and has performed at several concerts as a drummer and a pianist. Sofiia is also interested in dancing and has worked with professional dancers. She particularly enjoys contemporary dance with elements of ballet.
In her free time she enjoys swimming and has recently focused on tennis and Zumba.
Sofiia is happy to be a part of the GIS Primary School team as the School’s Educational Principles are an excellent match for her broad interests.
IVAN GARCIA – Teacher of Spanish
Iván is a qualified Spanish teacher for foreigners. He graduated from the Cervantes Institute in Spain. He also had many studies related to education and social services. He is continuing his education to improve his skills. Ivan has been teaching Spanish in Poland since 2015. He has worked in several preschools and primary schools and directs his own Spanish school “Viva la Vida”.
He has been leading the Spanish club in the GIS preschool since 2018. Since September 2021 he has also been teaching Spanish at GIS primary school as a part of the weekly curriculum.
As a native speaker, Iván conducts his lessons fully in Spanish. He has a lot of experience in working with children from different nationalities. He knows how to communicate with them without any language barrier. He uses a variety of methods, games and artistic means to make his lessons interesting and full of fun.
In his free time, Iván likes to dance. He used to be a Zumba instructor and he likes to use some dancing choreographies during his classes. Ivan is also proud of having worked at the “SOS Children’s Villages”, where he was helping children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it. He admits he has learned a lot of social skills from this experience.
EWA BUJNIEWICZ – Teacher of Polish
Ewa is a Polish teacher. She graduated from Polish studies and postgraduate studies of ancient tradition and culture and Jewish studies. She is a sex educator, a yoga instructor according to the Iyengar method and the owner of the Ganesha yoga school in Rumia. She believes that being a “Teacher” results not only from your profession, but mostly from the passion.
Ewa loves exploring human souls and minds – hence her fascination with religions, cultures, philosophy and history. She relaxes in movement – yoga and walking, long journeys, sightseeing, watching, searching…
MARTA JAKUBIAK – Class 3 Teacher
Marta Jakubiak is a main teacher in the 3rd grade and a Polish language teacher. She also serves as a school coordinator, specializing particularly in the Polish curriculum. She completed her pedagogy degree at the Koszalin University of Technology, specializing in Early Childhood and Preschool Education, as well as postgraduate studies in teaching English. She has many years of experience working with children, both in primary school and preschool. Currently, she is studying Polish language teaching.
What is most important to her is the individual approach, fostering independence, empathetic communication based on respect and partnership, and emphasizing the uniqueness of each of her students. She holds a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) certificate and follows the principles of this method both professionally and personally. A great fan of Jasper Juul’s pedagogy, she follows one of his main thoughts: “It’s all about showing the child the same respect you would show an adult.”
In her free time, she’s with her two children, reads books, and practices yoga.
ALEKSANDRA GAJOS - Teacher of biology and nature
Aleksandra Gajos is our biology and nature (przyroda) teacher for classes 4 and 5. She obtained a master’s degree in biology at the University of Gdańsk. Aleksandra is constantly improving her pedagogical education.
In education, Aleksandra appreciates the individual approach to each student. She is focused on mutual understanding and communication between the teacher and students. Aleksandra aims is to present nature to the students in the most empirical way. Together with the students, she wants to talk, observe and show children the close relationship between humans and our natural environment.
Aleksandra is passionate about backpacking without a detailed plan. She loves the forest and contact with nature.
SŁAWOMIR LIS - teacher of mathematics
Sławek has been involved in education for most of his professional life. He has been teaching in various schools and giving private lessons. He has been working at GIS since 2023. This is his first experience of teaching primary school children. Sławek also treats working at GIS as an opportunity to improve his language skills.
In his free time, he enjoys hiking, cycling, and swimming.
ANDŻELIKA ANTKIEWICZ - history teacher
Andzelika Antkiewicz is a history teacher at GIS. She comes from Toruń, where she graduated in history and English philology. She loves history, especially she enjoys the discussions with students about the causes and effects of historical events. Andzelika believes that history is a subject that greatly develops critical thinking.
In her free time she loves traveling.
SANDRA TSISTOL
Sandra is an English Teacher. She’s passionate about teaching and helping children learn and grow. She holds Cambridge certifications in methodology and classroom management, which have given her a strong foundation in creating effective learning environments. She also continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing studies, as Sandra believes keeping up with the latest developments and creative teaching methods is essential.
She focuses on using innovative approaches to make learning engaging and meaningful for her students. Sandra enjoys working with kids and strive to create a positive and supportive atmosphere in classroom.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing and drawing pictures by numbers. These activities help her relax and recharge her batteries.
MICHAŁ BIERNACKI – Psychologist, class 4 Teacher
Michał works as a psychologist at Gdynia International School and Preschool. He is also a main teacher of Class 4. He graduated as a master of psychology from the University of Gdańsk. Michał is constantly improving his skills in the field of working with children and youth through different courses, trainings and a volunteer work. He gained his work experience in children community centres, orphanages and preschools.
At work, he likes to focus on developing an intrinsic motivation in children. He believes that openness and authenticity are the key to develop a proper relationship with a child.
In his free time, he enjoys creative writing, reading books and playing video games.
PAWEŁ ANTONIK - Physical education Teacher
He graduated the 1st and the 2nd degree studies in Physical Education and 2nd degree studies in Sports at the Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk. He is coach of volleyball, bodybuilding and skiing Instructor, as well as a camp manager.
He has been playing volleyball from young age. He started from the sports schools and then in the youth teams of AZS Olsztyn. In the 2018-2020 he was the main coach-assistant of juniors and cadets teams.
In the summer season, his favorite forms of sport activity are beach volleyball and cycling tours. In the winter season, he loves skiing in Italian Dolomites and playing squash.
He thinks that the most important in working with children is giving each child individual attention. He teaches sports through play and also cares about the sports background of children’s development and a healthy lifestyle. He share his optymism and passion for sport with children.
Magdalena ŻEBROWSKA - Psychologist, Speech Therapist
Magdalena Żebrowska graduated from the faculty of speech therapy with a specialization in neurologopedics (University of Gdańsk – Medical University of Gdańsk) and psychology at the University of Gdańsk.
At work, she values a holistic and individual approach. She believes that only selecting the right method for the child is an effective way to achieve therapeutic goals. Her research interests focus on the issues of selective mutism and bilingualism. In her free time she likes to test new recipes and take part in cultural events.
DOROTA ŻYŁA - Support Teacher (Class 1)
Dorota has MA degree in Pre-school Education -teacher of early years education and KS1. Most of her adult life she lived in London where she gained considerable experience working with children. (family centres, playgroups, nurseries and schools) At the beginning of her career in London she worked as a nanny for an English family with whom she keeps in touch until today. ((She takes pride in the fact that „her children” are now thriving at prestgious universities in Oxford and Paris which prooves the point of good early years upbringing.))) Dorota’s experience of living in multicultural London broadened her views. The most important values according to her are respect for other people, empathy and readiness to help.
She defines herself as: „open minded person”. She adores listening and talking to children, helping to find their strengths and weaknesses.
She is also a caring mum of a great teenager, Maciej. She knows all about Minecraft, Roblox as well as football. Her son loves football so it is no wobder that she also became Chelsea fan.
Dorota loves travelling, going for walks with her husband and son and gardening but also loves going to museums and galleries.
Her favourite quotation: „When a child is laughing the world is laughing” – Janusz Korczak.
ARTUR SULSKI - Support Teacher
Artur graduated as an engineer in electronics and telecommunication systems at Maritime University in Gdynia, but his very big interest in people and their development pushed him towards psychology and working with children. He works as a support teacher at our primary school.
Currently Artur is completing a 5-year master’s degree in psychology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw at the local branch in Sopot. At work, he emphasizes empathy, openness and individual approach.
In his free time, he enjoys music and considers it “the most beautiful combination of mathematics and physics.”
