Superintendent
Cebu International School (Philippines)

On behalf of the Cebu International School (CIS) Search Committee, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Peter Welch has been appointed as the new Superintendent beginning in August 2025.  

Mr. Welch is the co-owner of the Big Blue House (BBHS) Studio, a company focused on art, design, and learning, in Nova Scotia since 2023. Mr. Welch runs the gallery and design store and offers courses for the local community. He also provides coaching and mentoring for international school leaders, both new and experienced leaders, under the umbrella of this company. His streams of consultancy include working with leadership and Boards, carrying out leadership training in India, and working with a language school in Nova Scotia to develop programs for immigrants to prepare them for entry into the workforce. He also engages with a non-profit organization in Nova Scotia which caters to people with intellectual challenges and he supports them with their strategic planning. 

Prior to moving to Canada, Mr. Welch served as the Director at the American International School in Bucharest, Romania from 2019 to 2023. Before this he served as Head of School at the International School of Helsinki in Finland from 2013 to 2018, Head of School at Istanbul International Community School in Turkey from 2010 to 2013, and Head of School at the American Pacific International School in Thailand from 2007 to 2010.  

Mr. Welch holds a MA (Cantab.) in History from Cambridge University (UK),  P.G.C.E. Certification in Secondary Education from the Institute of Education at London University (UK), an Advanced Certificate in. Educational Management from Leicester University (UK), and a Diploma in Coaching from the International Career Institute in Hong Kong. 

The CIS Search Committee selected Mr. Welch from a highly experienced and qualified group of candidates based on his considerable leadership experience in International schools. Mr. Jon Quisumbing, CIS Board Chair and Chair of the CIS Search Committee, shared the following about Mr. Peter Welch’s candidacy and appointment: “The CIS Board of Trustees, through its Search Committee, is happy to announce that the decision from students, parents, staff, teachers, administration, and the Board was unanimous. We have offered the position to Mr. Peter Welch, a former Director of a number of reputable international schools before coming to CIS. He is a strong advocate of our school’s mission, vision, philosophy, IB Program and aligns with our strong community values. Peter has enthusiastically accepted the position and will commence his role next school year.”

Mr. Welch is very happy that he will be joining CIS and looks forward to serving as the next Superintendent. In response to his appointment, Mr. Welch shared “I am delighted to serve as the next Superintendent of CIS following the long and distinguished service of Dr. Gwyn Underwood. I was drawn to the school’s strong sense of warm community, its commitment to IB education, and its scope for further strategic development.”

Search Associates extends thanks to the CIS Search Committee members for their effective partnership and continued support during the search process for the Superintendent. Moreover, Search Associates thanks all of the candidates who applied for the Superintendent position at CIS, and also everyone who played a part in the successful search process. 

We wish Mr. Welch all the best with his new position at CIS and his transition to Cebu.

Sincerely,