PYP Coordinator & Grade 5 & 6 Teacher

Kaylene Bawden

Ms. Kaylene Bawden is a passionate and experienced educator originally from Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education from the University of Regina, along with a  TESOL certification and ongoing postgraduate studies in inclusive  and interdisciplinary education through Queen’s University and the University of Calgary.

Kaylene’s teaching career has spanned several countries, including Canada, China, and Cambodia. She has worked with learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, teaching everything from early years to high school English and Global Citizenship. She has held educational leadership roles and lead initiatives such as Model United Nations, mental health advocacy, and an after-school support program.
Beyond the classroom, Kaylene is deeply committed to inclusion, diversity, and student well- being. Her adventurous spirit has taken her around the world, and she finds joy in exploring    new places, spending time in nature, and being with her family and pets. These experiences continually enrich her teaching, helping her foster compassionate, globally-minded learners.

Music Teacher

Pietro Cascione
Prof. Pietro Cascione is originally from Bari city in ltaly. He obtained his Master's degree from the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Economics & Business and in Law with full marks and honors. He also holds a Master's degree from the Conservatory of Music Niccolò Piccinni of Bari in Violin and in Orchestra Conductor with full marks and honors. If you are a fan of cinema, you might be interested to know that Prof. Cascione was a student of Maestro Nino Rota, the Composer of the music from the film The Godfather. Prof. Cascione has held several important roles in his professional life including CEO in an Italian Fashion Company, Vice Director in an Italian Telephone Company, Vice Principal in an Italian public school, Music Director on Cruise ships, and Teacher and Music Director and Head of Department of music from kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, high school and university school. Creating a music class where you can have fun and learn is an important part of his goals with all students. He has been living in China for 10 years and in his free time he likes to play and sing with the guitar, spend time with his wife and two little twins and go for walks and visit new places.

PHE & Support Teacher

Donnie Lu

Mr. Donnie Lu is an innovative educator with a strong academic foundation in STEM education. He holds a Master of Education in International Education from the University of Sydney and dual bachelor’s degrees in Secondary STEM Education and Mathematics from Thompson Rivers University. With over four years of international teaching experience across PreK–12 contexts, he is committed to advancing student learning through inquiry-based pedagogy and evidence-informed practice. His work emphasizes cultivating problem-solving skills, interdisciplinary connections, and global-mindedness in young learners. In his free time, he enjoys traveling to new places, exploring diverse culinary traditions, and discovering unique food experiences around the world.

ELL Teacher

Qian Liu

Ms. Liu is originally from Wuhan, Hubei Province and graduated from Hull University in the UK. She has 5 years of experience teaching ESL—one year in kindergarten and four years in higher education. She has two kids, a daughter and a son who will both be joining the school. She enjoys spending time with her family playing board games and engaging in outdoor activities.  In her spare time, she likes reading, cooking, and handcrafts.

Grade 8 Teacher

Wendy Cao

Hello! I’m Ms. Cao, a passionate Mathematics and Science teacher with teaching experience in Vancouver, Canada. I enjoy creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that encourage students to ask questions, explore ideas, and see the connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them.

I believe that every student can grow as a confident and lifelong learner when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities to discover. I’m excited to be part of the Maple Leaf family and look forward to learning, exploring, and growing together with my students!

Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, photography, and exploring new places and ideas.

Grade 7 Teacher

Stephen Smart
Mr. Smart is from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.  He completed his B.A. in History and Political Science at the University of Toronto in 2007, and attended Queen’s University for his B.Ed.  From 2013 to 2020, he taught in the Social Studies department at Maple Leaf International School – Dalian, where he was Head of Department from 2017 to 2020. He has enjoyed organizing MLIS-Dalian’s Model United Nations club over the last five years, and in his free time enjoys reading, watching movies and travelling to new places in China. He's excited to begin the new school year and meet his new students!