New to the VIS Team

We're excited to welcome our new staff members to our International School Community this year. Each of them brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for teaching, which will greatly benefit our students' learning experience.

Andreea Constandache

Secondary French & Spanish Teacher

Andreea Constandache is thrilled to be moving to Malta and joining VIS, fulfilling her dream of living in a sunny, lively place by the sea. She is coming from Dubai, where she taught as a Secondary French Teacher for two years at an international school. This experience allowed her to travel and gather numerous stories and experiences. Passionate about teaching and languages, Andreea looks forward to sharing them with her future students. She also loves being active, with dancing as her favourite activity, but she never says no to a good hike, including her 315 km walk in Spain. She is excited to meet everyone and learn about them!

Aaron Jaffe Careers Guidance Counsellor

Aaron is arriving in Malta from the US, having lived in Israel, Korea, Ecuador, Taiwan, amongst various other places. He is excited to join VIS as the new University & Career Counsellor, assisting students with their paths to university, apprenticeships, gap years, and more. Aaron will also join the English department, sharing a love of storytelling. He enjoys creating opportunities for students to travel and experience the world meaningfully. After two and a half years in Taiwan, Aaron leaves behind a close-knit community. He has a passion for learning local dishes, and looks forward to exploring the delights that await him in Malta.

Christopher Joyce ES Teaching Assistant

Chris and his family have lived in India and Malaysia for the last eight years and are excited to return to Europe. During this time, he has been a specialist teacher, helping students build their academic understanding and empowering them with tools for daily learning. Before that, they lived in Slovakia for seven years, where he was a Primary Homeroom Teacher. Originally from England, his wife Zita is from Slovakia, and their son Ben has left home to study Engineering in the Netherlands, leaving Zita and him alone for the first time in 18 years. He enjoys playing snooker, cricket, and Minecraft (survival mode only - no cheating!).

Claire Angelletti IB Theatre Teacher

Claire first visited VIS in 2023 as an ISTA Artist and is delighted to return as a theatre teacher. Before teaching, she toured the world as a performer, singer, director, and voice coach. Claire has been an IB Theatre Teacher since 2009, working in Rome and Florence. She loves the universal language of theatre. When not engaged in theatre, Claire enjoys being in nature. Her husband, a writer, musician, and kitemaker, shares their home filled with books. Both share a passion for kite flying. Claire also loves gardening and spending time with their three dogs and four cats. She looks forward to creative adventures at VIS

Debbie Vella Science / Chemistry MLT

Debbie adores animals, sharing her home with a dog, three cats, and various birds. Outdoors, she loves camping and has recently developed an appreciation for sports. Music is another passion, and she enjoys playing the piano to express creativity and unwind. With 20 years of teaching experience across various schools in Malta, she brings extensive knowledge and enthusiasm. Debbie looks forward to fostering international mindedness and connecting with everyone. She is excited to make this year incredible, full of learning, growth, and fun!

Davina McCarthy Interim ES Principal

Formerly the Executive Head at Australian Int'l School in Vietnam, Davina is UK-born and studied English & Art History at University College London. She taught in London for 14 years before starting her international career in 2008 with SSAT Abu Dhabi as a Project Director and School Improvement Partner. Davina then held leadership roles in Kuwait and Malaysia, focusing on school start-ups and development. She holds an NPQH (2011) and has extensive international experience, most recently with IB and PYP. Davina enjoys travel, cooking, art, and is passionate about developing educational communities. She is married to Peter and has four children and two grandchildren.

Gema Sacanell IBDP Psychology and ToK

Gema holds a BA in Psychology, a Masters in Secondary Education, and an Expert Course in International Education. She was an IB student herself and has since taught at the American School of Bilbao and King’s College Madrid. As a Spanish native, this will be her first experience abroad, which excites her greatly. Outside of school, Gema enjoys theatre, both as a spectator and actress, reading fiction and fantasy, and travelling. She looks forward to moving to Malta, exploring its offerings, and joining VIS's close-knit international community.