Leadership Spotlight: Jesse Donnelly

What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?

My interest in education was shaped from an early age. Both of my parents spent time working as teachers when I was young, which gave me an early appreciation for the profession and the impact educators can have on young people. During primary school, I was fortunate to have several influential teachers who made learning engaging and meaningful, and whose dedication I greatly respected. In secondary school, I began to recognize the effort, care, and passion that underpin every interaction a teacher has with students. These experiences inspired a sense of responsibility to give back to a profession that had made my own education so rewarding. Having spent part of my childhood living in a remote region of Papua New Guinea, I also developed a strong interest in international education. Exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of learning sparked a lasting curiosity and appreciation for the opportunities global education offers.

Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the International School of Suva community expect?

Education is fundamentally about people, relationships, and growth. Schools exist to help young people navigate the world with confidence, nurture their strengths and character, and aspire to lives of purpose and contribution.

Learning is most powerful when students feel known, supported, and challenged. This requires a culture where every interaction matters, where adults and students assume best intentions, and where the community works together to create a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment.

A strong school balances academic rigor with wellbeing, global perspectives with local identity, and high expectations with genuine care. Teaching is not just the delivery of content, but the cultivation of curiosity, resilience, and integrity.

The goal of education is not only to produce successful graduates but thoughtful, capable, and compassionate people who are ready to contribute to their communities. In the ISS context, this is captured in the simple message: Mo Vinaka Sara – be your best self.

Congratulations on your upcoming role at the International School of Suva! What are you excited about in this new role?

I am excited about the next chapter for International School Suva and the opportunities ahead for our community. A key priority is continuing to build trust and respect within the school and the wider community, ensuring ISS is not only a place of learning but also a hub that brings people together. I want our students to feel proud of where they come from and equally proud to call Fiji home while they are part of our school. Building on the strong foundations established by previous Heads of School, I am motivated to continue strengthening our programs, culture, and connections so that ISS can truly stand as a beacon of high-quality education, not only within the South Pacific but across the wider region.

What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?

When I completed my secondary education, I made a decision that I still laugh about today, choosing to focus on catching my train from Amsterdam to Berlin rather than updating my university course preferences. The result was a fantastic holiday, but I also missed out on a university placement. Despite that setback, one thing remained clear to me: I wanted to become a teacher. Through persistence, hard work, and navigating a few roadblocks along the way, I eventually found my way into the profession.

It is a story I often share with our senior students. My message is simple: do not let a number or a single result define you. If you truly want something and are prepared to work for it, there are always pathways forward. In many ways, initially missing out helped shape my resilience and perspective, and ultimately made me a better educator.