Leadership Team

Leadership Team at Victoria International School of Sharjah - Tilal

Mr. Graeme Naftel

From Sydney, Australia, I bring almost 30 years of experience as an educator and leader in outstanding schools in Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Dubai, and now Sharjah. Having served as a homeroom and specialist teacher, Head of Primary, and Whole School Principal, I have been privileged to lead diverse international communities across Australian, British, American, and IB curricula.

In August 2023, I was honoured to join Victoria International School of Sharjah – Tilal as the Founding Head of School. My vision is for VISS Tilal to be recognised as a centre of excellence, where students are empowered to think critically, act with integrity, and embrace their role as compassionate global citizens. Central to this is our commitment to a culture of care – ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.

I look forward to welcoming you to our community and working with you to ensure every child at VISS Tilal achieves their personal best.

Graeme Naftel

Principal

Leanda Kelly

Assistant Principal – Whole School Learning

Ms. Leanda Kelly

Originally from England, I began my career teaching in the UK before moving to the UAE in 2015. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working in a range of international schools offering different curricula. These experiences have enriched my understanding of how children learn best and have reinforced my belief in the philosophy of being a “lifelong learner.” With over ten years of leadership experience, I am committed to ensuring that both students and staff continue to grow and strive for excellence in all that we do. I hold a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL), am a qualified British School Overseas inspector, and am currently studying for a Masters in Education and Leadership.

As Assistant Principal for Whole School Learning at VISS Tilal, I am dedicated to ensuring that every child receives the highest quality learning experiences. My philosophy is rooted in providing opportunities for students to engage with learning that is meaningful, student-centred, and appropriately challenging. With my background in international education and leadership, I bring both experience and passion to supporting teachers and students across all phases of the school.

I believe strongly that all members of our community – families, teachers, and students – play a vital role in creating a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and excellence. Every child can thrive when provided with the right climate for learning; one that nurtures both academic success and the wider skills needed to grow as confident, globally minded individuals. My goal is for students to graduate from VISS Tilal not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the curiosity, confidence, and adaptability to succeed in a rapidly changing world. I am truly honored to be a part of community that values diversity, embraces culture and works together to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging.

Ms. Marrem Murad

I began my career in Australia, working in early years education and community services, where I held leadership roles focused on curriculum, inclusion, and family engagement. During this time, I was proud to contribute to a government reference panel that helped establish the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), shaping the way early childhood education is delivered across the country. These experiences strengthened my belief that wellbeing and learning are inseparable.

After moving to the UAE, I became part of the Victoria International School of Sharjah community, where I have spent more than a decade leading programs, mentoring educators, supporting inclusion, and working closely with families. A highlight of this journey was developing a mentoring program for Sharjah Government Nurseries, helping educators enhance their understanding of Australian play-based pedagogy and deliver quality learning experiences for young children across the Emirate.

In 2023, I was honoured to support the opening of VISS Tilal, and I have since taken on the role of Assistant Principal for Whole School Wellbeing. In this position, my focus is on working alongside students, staff, and parents to build a positive school culture where wellbeing is embedded in all aspects of daily life.

At VISS Tilal, we believe wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. Together, we are creating a community that nurtures resilience, empathy, and belonging, ensuring every child feels valued and supported to thrive in the future.