WHERE WE CAME FROM

WWhere We Came From

AIS Indonesia was founded in 1996 in response to a demand for inclusive education within international schools in Indonesia. Our founder Penny Robertson accompanied her husband to Indonesia and discovered there was no school that would accept their daughter who has Down syndrome.

With the involvement and support of professional educators, diplomatic and commercial representatives, together with a group of committed parents, Penny and Peter McGuckian set about founding the school’s yayasan on 1st May 1996, and the school opened on 15 July 1996 with an initial enrolment of eleven students and five teachers.

Today, more than 800 students thrive in an environment where they enjoy the benefits of a world-class Australian Education. Two well-resourced campuses offer Preschool to Year 12 classes with specialist support for students with learning difficulties, limited English language proficiency or physical disabilities.

At AIS, we strive for the development of the person as a whole. Academic success is balanced by the school's emphasis on personal growth and development. Our students are challenged and encouraged to discover their individual interests and abilities. AIS teachers are committed to nurturing our students into well-rounded individuals who are confident and creative problem solvers.

The AIS community is based on an extended family of teachers, students, parents and alumni students. Together we celebrate and promote the universal human values that connect us all. 

In each of our schools, you will find an international community with a warm, caring and inclusive environment. Our students learn to appreciate diversity and change, and to challenge traditional thinking and to look for new ways forward.

FOUNDING BOARD

Advisor to the Founding Board in 1996: Pak Sabam Siagian 
Founders: Penny Robertson, OAM and Peter McGuckian

Of particular importance in establishing the first AIS school were the Founding Board members:

  1. Rick Kee
  2. Ken Allen
  3. Nick Arathimos
  4. Kevin Evans
  5. Graeme Robertson
  6. Steven Smith
  7. Angela Williamson
GOVERNANCE

AIS is set up under the requirements of Indonesian national law and operates as a Yayasan (non-profit foundation) with a Board of Founders and a Board of Management. The members of the Board of Management are appointed from the business and school communities, and are responsible for the overall financial management of the school.