Shelly Ritchie

As the Junior School Principal, I feel incredibly grateful to spend my days supporting children as they grow into confident, curious, and kind learners. I have been an educator for over 20 years, and throughout that time my focus has remained the same: creating a safe, caring environment where every child feels known, valued, and excited to come to school each day. When students feel happy and secure, meaningful learning naturally follows.

What makes this school so special to me is its small, welcoming community. It’s a place filled with amazing people, rich cultural experiences, and a genuine sense of belonging. Living and working on the beautiful island of Sumbawa has strengthened my belief that learning happens best when families, teachers, and students feel deeply connected to one another.

My family and I have called Sumbawa home for over five years. My husband and I are raising our two boys here; one who is graduating from the DP programme this year, and another who began his journey in EY1 and is now in Year 2. Being both a parent and an educator gives me a deep understanding of the trust families place in our school.
Outside of school, you’ll often find us hiking, camping, or enjoying time at the beach, grateful for the life and learning we share here together.