#ISLECISLoft: The Culture We Create: Leadership in Everyday Moments: 16 April

16 April at 09:00 London/16:00 Saigon  

Presenters: Dr. Catriona Moran and Dan Kerr

School culture is not built through slogans, posters, or polished presentations.  

• It is built in the quiet, intentional moments. 
• In how we greet visitors. 
• In how we meet with new teachers. 
• In how we handle difficult conversations. 
• In the tone leaders model when situations are challenging  

During this #ISLECISLoft session, Dr. Catriona Moran and Dan Kerr will share the leadership practices that have shaped community and culture at Saigon South International School. This discussion will be about real leadership stories, practical strategies, and reflection. 

Catriona and Dan will explore how culture grows through intentional relationships from 20-minute one-on-one meetings with new teachers to courageous conversations handled with calmness and integrity. They will share how leaders set expectations not by policy alone, but by example. 

Participants will not only listen …  they will apply. Through breakout conversations, attendees will reflect on their own context and identify small, actionable shifts that strengthen belonging, trust, and shared responsibility in your school. 

Because culture is not accidental. 

It is practised daily. 

Takeaways for Participants: 

Culture Lives in Behaviour 

An understanding that school culture is shaped by small, consistent leadership behaviours: greeting, listening, following through, and modelling values. 

Relationships Before Initiatives 

Practical strategies for building connection intentionally, including structured conversations with new staff and prioritising time for relationship-building. 

Courageous Conversations as Culture Builders 

A reframing of difficult conversations as opportunities to strengthen trust when handled with calmness, clarity, and alignment to mission and values. 

Presenters

Catriona Moran

Catriona is an Irish educator and school leader with more than 35 years of experience in education, including 30 years in international schools across Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. She currently serves as Head of School at Saigon South International School in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Dr. Moran holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Queensland and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego. Over the course of her career, she has served as an elementary principal in two international schools and as deputy head and head of school in Asia for more than two decades. 

In 2013, she was recognized as the National Distinguished Principal of the Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the U.S. Department of State for her leadership at Taipei American School. She currently serves as President of the EARCOS Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE). In Vietnam, she is Vice Chair of the AmCham Vietnam Education & Training Committee, where she contributes significantly to educational advancement initiatives, child protection, and safeguarding advocacy. 

Dr. Moran’s professional expertise includes school improvement, leadership development, governance, professional learning, assessment, program and policy development, recruitment and retention, and child protection and safeguarding. At this stage of her career, she is deeply committed to mentoring emerging leaders and building strong, values-driven professional communities that advance educational excellence across the region.

Dan Kerr 

With over 25 years of experience teaching and leading in international schools, Dan has dedicated his career to fostering meaningful learning communities across the globe. His professional journey has taken him to seven countries spanning four continents, shaping a deeply global perspective on leadership, culture, and education. 

Dan has most recently been working as the Middle School Principal at Saigon South International School in Vietnam for the past 3 years. He’s also been an Adjunct Professor with Endicott College since 2015 and has been a featured educational blogger and contributing voice for The International Educator (TIE Online) for the past 15 years, publishing more than 300 articles on leadership, culture, and school life. He is also the host of the internationally recognized podcast Blue Skies Leadership, where he engages educators in thoughtful conversations around purpose-driven leadership and personal growth. 

A sought-after speaker, Dan has presented at international school conferences worldwide and delivered a widely viewed TED Talk, “Living a Life Well Lived,” reflecting his commitment to leading with intention, balance, and authenticity. In recognition of his impact, he was honored with the 2021 NAESP (National Association for Elementary School Principals/Office of Overseas Schools) Distinguished Principal Award. 

Dan is passionate about building cultures of care, developing leadership capacity in others, and aligning systems that support both student learning and adult growth. He will step into the role of Associate Head of School at Saigon South International School (SSIS) in the upcoming school year.