School Leadership

Mr.John Defelice

John DeFelice is the Director of School at Manor Hall International School in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. John has 40 years of experience in Education. He has spent the past 15 years serving as a school leader in both private and government schools in the UAE. . He is passionate about ensuring every student is provided with high-quality learning opportunities to support their growth and development.

John holds a Master’s degree in School Leadership from the University of South Carolina. His second Master’s degree is in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbia International University. John’s Bachelor’s degree is in Elementary Education from Anderson University.

Vice Principal Secondary

Mr.Xander van Rhyn

I am excited to join Manor Hall International School as Vice Principal of Secondary. Education is not merely that of passing along knowledge, but rather the opportunity for teachers to help, guide and support students in building confidence, perseverance and integrity that would ultimately form a part of their lifelong success and belonging within society.
With 12 years of experience in Education and Psychology, I am looking forward to working alongside the faculty and staff at MHIS to develop positive behavioral traits, curriculum alignment and development, guiding 21st-century teaching and learning strategies, and mentoring students and staff. I am a strong advocate of student-centered learning whereby students gain knowledge and skills that can be useful during life-long learning. I believe that through effective collaboration and a commitment to excellence from all stakeholders, we can create a learning environment that will inspire and challenge all students.

“Education is the most powerful tool that we can use to change the world”. 

        – Nelson Mandela

Vice Principal Elementary

Ms.Rebecca Bellman

Dear MHIS Families,

It is a privilege to work this year as your Elementary Vice Principal. I am honored to serve the Scorpion family. My name is Rebecca Bellman, and this is my 11th year in education. Most of my experience has been as an Elementary music teacher and I have spent 6 years as a teacher leader. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Leadership.

One of my favorite quotes is from a traveler, Etienne de Grellet. He said, “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Serving the Manor Hall community with this as my mantra, I look forward to working with the students and families at MHIS to have the most positive and rewarding education experience possible.

Head of Arabic Department

Mr. Al Hassan Mohammed

I am Mr.Al Hassan Mohamed Naguib Bedaiwi Arabic and Islamic teacher with 14 years of experience, 11 of which were spent at Manor Hall International School, where I currently serve as the head of the Department of Arabic Language and Islamic Education and a member of the school’s senior leadership team since 2019. I holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a major in Arabic language and Islamic studies from Suez University. I also holds a Diploma in Islamic Studies with honors, and a preparatory Master’s degree in Curricula and Methods of Teaching Arabic Language.also taken many training courses in the field of teaching Arabic, using modern programs and technologies, and have trained more than 50 teachers. my goal is to ensure that the students at the school receive an enjoyable and quality education. my main responsibility as a member of the senior leadership team is to help teachers develop curriculum plans and enhance technical guidelines to achieve higher performance levels and academic standards.I committed to setting a high standard for the Arabic department at Manor Hall and to exceed the educational expectations within the UAE.