The Leadership Team is responsible for driving the school improvement agenda and for ensuring that it continues to provide the best possible education for each child at our school.
Mrs. Neetha Shetty - Principal
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Ms. Neetha Shetty holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and Management from Middlesex University, UK. With 28 years of extensive experience in educational leadership within British Curriculum schools in Dubai, Ms. Shetty is a recipient of the prestigious Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cambridge Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the field.
Ms. Shetty’s leadership journey began with GEMS Schools, where she served for 12 years. In 2012, she transitioned to Al Diyafah High School LLC, Dubai, first as Vice Principal and later as Principal. Over the past 12 years, her primary focus has been advancing a holistic vision for student achievement, with an unwavering commitment to enabling students to "Let their Light Shine."
Her leadership is marked by a data-driven approach to enhancing student progress, enriching the curriculum, improving assessment methods, and refining self-evaluation processes. She has also played a key role in streamlining school policies and procedures, while continuously supporting the professional development of staff. Ms. Shetty has been instrumental in guiding Al Diyafah High School LLC to its Microsoft Showcase School accreditation, effectively integrating technology into the learning environment.
Ms. Shetty is a strong advocate for innovation and change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her proven ability to lead teams through strategic direction and by modelling best practices is a hallmark of her leadership style, ensuring that every area under her responsibility thrives.
Mr. Mahesh Sajnani - Vice Principal
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Mr. Mahesh Sajnani holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the Middlesex University, and has a First Class Master's Degree in Education from India, Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology and various other school-related certifications from recognised institutions. He has also presented at multiple educational seminars including in Turkey and the United Kingdom. He has co-authored a popular series of student-friendly textbooks for primary children in schools.
Mahesh has extensive and rich experience in the field of education for the past 27 years of which the last 11 years have been in Dubai at IGCSE schools. His first placement in Dubai was at Al Diyafah High school LLC in 2009, where he taught English and was the Head of Community Outreach. His other experience ranges from directing sports, educational leadership, improving outcomes and governance across many schools including The Oxford School and St. Xavier’s School. He was the Founding School Principal of the new branch of Apple International School in Dubai in 2018. Prior to joining Apple International School, he was the Vice Principal of The Sheffield Private School.
Mahesh is also hugely passionate about the community and the environment and has created opportunities for students of various schools to think of those who need their attention, ranging from within their schools, across the country, and in many parts of the world. He continually works towards inspiring teachers and school leaders to look into providing instruction, advice, and support to help students become critical thinkers, effective communicators, ethical leaders and engaged citizens.
Mrs.Sudha Charles Roberts- Head of Secondary
Ms Sudha Charles Roberts is a Postgraduate in Chemistry with a Master of Philosophy. and brings with her 20 years of experience working with schools affiliated to UK boards like the CAIE and EDEXCEL. She has held multiple positions of responsibility, such as Head of Department, Senior Secondary Supervisor, and Vice-Principal. She was also a Professional Development Trainer and has conducted online teacher training for university and school faculty across India.
Ms. Roberts has been a part of developing school improvement plans, data analysis of student performance, redesigning curriculum to match with international standards and reviewing assessment policy for international schools. Her wide range of experiences encompasses program initiation, optimizing the learning atmosphere, producing outstanding Board Examination results, promoting the spirit of team building among faculty members, multi-cultural awareness, racial and ethnic appreciation, and engaging in continuous professional development.
Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can excel, given a positive learning environment, a committed and focused educational team, and a supportive family.
Mrs. Mallika Menon - Head of Sixth Form
Mallika Menon is the Head of Sixth Form at Al Diyafah High School LLC and is responsible for the academic supervision of all Sixth Form students. Prior to joining Diyafah, she worked as Head of Math and Science Faculty and led Math and Science teams in UK curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates. Over the last 25 years she has successfully prepared students for the Edexcel and Cambridge examinations and taught Mathematics and Physics. She has a Master's degree in Physics and in Education.
In addition to teaching physics, Mallika supports sixth form students with the UCAS application process. Sixth form students appreciate Mallika's calm and considered approach - she is their sounding board for academic problems and issues relating to their move to Diyafah.
Mrs. Padmaja Menon - Head of Primary
After having enjoyed various teaching as well as leadership positions in a very reputable GEMS school in Dubai, the experience at ADHS LLC as the Head of Primary has only added to her repertoire of erudition.
She believes in the philosophy of teaching based upon the principle of empowering students so that they take ownership of their learning and are responsible for the learning outcomes. The achievement of this, makes pedagogy successful.
Backed by an encouraging Management Team, a supportive Leadership Team and a very enthusiastic Team of Teachers it has been her endeavor to shift the focus of teaching in the Primary school to a more learner-centric approach.
Her journey so far has not been less than a roller coaster ride, but nonetheless an enlightening and enjoyable experience indeed!
Mrs. Doaa Hassan - Subject Leader Arabic
Ms. Doaa Hassan brings a wealth of expertise to the Al Diyafah community. She holds a bachelor's degree in education, and a master's degree in education, with a major in leadership and management and a minor in plurilingual pedagogy, in addition to an international diploma in innovation and Digital Education.
With 20 years of experience in education, her journey began as a parental counsellor and has held leadership roles in the Arabic language and Islamic education departments in international schools in Dubai. Ms. Doaa will be an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and will work diligently to ensure that the Arabic Department aligns with the school's goals and vision.