Mirella Pandjaitan
Apr 13, 2026
“I lead with a child-centred approach where every decision begins with what is best for each individual child,” remarked Melissa Meyers, the Head of School of Wellington College Independent School Jakarta (WCIJ).
“Every child is unique, and I believe in working very closely with families to understand them fully. That partnership allows us to create a personalised learning journey—one where the child is genuinely seen, heard, and supported.
At WCIJ, I’m committed to creating that environment, one where curiosity, kindness, and cultural pride grow alongside academic excellence.”
A curriculum, therefore, should reflect the voices and experiences of all pupils. This stance manifests through Melissa Meyers’s passion for nurturing the whole child; helping them discover their interests, build self-confidence, and grow into healthy young learners, while building strong communities around them.
Her belief that “every child deserves a safe, inclusive space where they can flourish” has led her to work in education with diverse curricula throughout her 30-year experience in Early Years and Primary education across the world, including the National Curriculum of England, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), and the national frameworks of China, Australia, and New Zealand.
The mother of three, equipped with an MSc in Educational Leadership, grew up as a Third Culture Kid in the Middle East, the UK, and the Caribbean. Her upbringing cultivated a deep appreciation for diversity and cultural exchange, which has profoundly influenced her approach to education.
“I love working with talented educators to bring out the best in every child, ensuring their success not just academically, but holistically and ultimately, in all aspects of life,” she added. Collaboration is subsequently key. Her seven-year run as the Head of Early Years and Junior School at Wellington College International Tianjin entailed her support for pupils and staff alike in surpassing their own expectations.
Creativity has always been central to Melissa Meyers’s essence. Outside of education, she is an artist. If not working on large canvases, curating bold, abstract, and expressive pieces, she’s outdoors either hiking, swimming, or taking long walks in nature. Her pursuit of reconnecting with nature in Indonesia has even sparked a great desire to consider competing in triathlons and long-distance adventure races again. Nonetheless, family is her heart, especially spending time reading and cooking together.
On the flip of a coin, this educator never discards educational research. A sense of challenge derives from exploring a myriad of approaches to innovate for better, more meaningful learning experiences for children.
Indonesia was always part of her wider experience from her time living in Singapore for 11 years, through friendships and travel. In many ways, coming to Jakarta feels like her homecoming.
“Jakarta families will discover a place where their children truly belong, their cultures are celebrated, and their aspirations are elevated by Wellington’s legacy,” she noted. This August, WCIJ’s first chapter will be written together, and she could not be more excited to welcome the pupils into this extraordinary community.
Why was Jakarta chosen as the first private UK school to open in Indonesia?
We are notably inspired by the Indonesian government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, to elevate educational standards nationwide. Wellington College shares this vision, and we're eager to contribute to Indonesia’s journey by encouraging academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship. Our values resonate deeply with the Pancasila principles, particularly in nurturing well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Jakarta itself is dynamic, entrepreneurial, and full of energy. BSD City, specifically, was the natural choice for Wellington College’s first venture into Indonesia due to its unique combination of prestige, infrastructure, and a thriving international community, all of which align with our mission to deliver world-class British international education.
This premier master-planned development embodies the ideal setting for our campus. Known for its security, modern amenities, and green spaces, it reflects Wellington’s emphasis on holistic education. The area’s reputation as a hub for multinational corporations, expatriates, and discerning Indonesian families safeguards strong demand for high-quality international education. BSD City’s innovation and growth also align beautifully with Wellington’s forward-thinking ethos. Its accessibility via toll roads and public transport ensures convenience for families across Greater Jakarta.
Equally important is the established expatriate and international school community here, which allows for collaboration in academics, sports, and cultural exchange to enrich our pupils’ experiences. Potential partnerships with local institutions align with our vision of facilitating global citizenship and real-world learning as well.
WCIJ isn’t arriving as a standalone institution. We're part of a deeply interconnected global network. Our schools collaborate, share expertise, and continuously learn from one another. That collective strength allows us to build something truly meaningful here.
Tell us more about Wellington College Independent School Jakarta.
Wellington College Independent School Jakarta represents a transformative addition to Indonesia’s educational landscape, a premium, co-educational international school presenting an exceptional British heritage education for pupils aged 2 to 8, with higher year groups opening progressively in the coming years—up to age 18. Opening in August 2026 with Early Years and Junior School, WCIJ brings the distinguished 165-year legacy of Wellington College UK to BSD City, combining academic ambition with holistic development in a purpose-built campus.
At its core, WCIJ is guided by the Wellington Values: Kindness, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility. These principles shape every facet of school life, fostering a nurturing yet aspirational culture where pupils thrive as Learners, Connectors, and Changemakers. Our curriculum balances rigorous academics with creativity, sports, and leadership, preparing pupils to excel in a globalised world, while never losing sight of their well-being and humanity. We're deeply honoured to bring Wellington’s legacy to Jakarta and look forward to learning from and contributing to Indonesia’s dynamic educational community.
What sets WCIJ apart, beyond its curriculum?
WCIJ recognises that excellence is not just about achievement, but about character, care, and contribution. This is more than a school; it’s a place where young minds grow with purpose, equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world, without losing sight of what truly matters.
We benchmark against UK standards—but with the ambition to exceed them. As part of the Wellington College International family, WCIJ delivers a proven British heritage educational framework, enriched by Indonesia’s lively culture and the global perspective of our international network.
Thus, our learning approach is inquiry-based, immersive, and highly interactive. Children are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. We integrate disciplines where possible, while also ensuring strong foundations in core subjects.
WCIJ embraces cutting-edge technology (STEM, digital literacy, and AI-ready learning), yet we equally prioritise health, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. Our approach ensures pupils harness innovation responsibly while nurturing their mental and physical well-being.
A curriculum, no matter how well designed, is only as strong as those who deliver it. Because WCIJ is a new school, we’ve had the opportunity to recruit exceptional educators, many of whom are leaders in their own right. Both international and local teacher leaders are working side by side, sharing knowledge, perspectives, and expertise. That collaboration is incredibly powerful.
Beyond academics, WCIJ's purpose-built campuses will provide intentionally-designed facilities for arts, athletics, and community engagement, inspired by Wellington’s belief in educating the whole child. Green spaces, sports fields, and wellness programmes underscore our commitment to a balanced, joyful education.
Lastly, families join a dynamic network of learners and educators across the world, with opportunities for exchanges, collaborations, and shared traditions—all grounded in mutual respect and humility.
WCIJ integrates the Indonesian curriculum into the British curriculum. Why is that?
At WCIJ, we believe education should be globally ambitious yet deeply rooted in local values. WCIJ is a living ecosystem of children growing into compassionate leaders, creative problem-solvers, and proud global citizens. This “home” is set to teem with kindness and curiosity on par with academic achievement; where multilingualism and multiculturalism thrive through Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, and British traditions; and where innovation flourishes with inquiry-led learning and global collaborations. Every family will help shape WCIJ’s shared story, blending Wellington’s heritage with Indonesian, Chinese, and international perspectives.
Weaving the Indonesian national curriculum into our British framework, and enriching it with Mandarin Chinese, creates a trilingual learning experience where pupils:
- Celebrate their heritage while engaging with world-class standards.
- Develop multilingual and intercultural fluency, mastering Indonesian, Mandarin, and English alongside a rigorous international education.
- Grow as responsible global citizens, equally prepared to contribute to Indonesia’s future and thrive on the world stage.
English will remain WCIJ's primary language of instruction, but we will also have daily Mandarin and Bahasa Indonesia. We aim to support truly trilingual learners who aren’t only linguistically capable but culturally aware. This reflects Wellington’s commitment to respect, collaboration, and meaningful connection—values that correspond perfectly with Indonesia’s spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
Give a sample of what a day at WCIJ would be like for pupils.
Every day at WCIJ balances structure and creativity, academics and well-being, and local and global perspectives. Why does this balance matter? Our daily rhythm reflects WCIJ’s ethos: Rigorous academics thrive when paired with well-being, cultural pride, and inquiry. By blending the best of British, Indonesian, and Mandarin-language education, we create a learning experience that’s both aspirational and unique.
From the moment families arrive, we want them to feel a genuine sense of belonging. Leadership is visible, present—we greet pupils, we connect with parents. The environment itself is calm, light-filled, and intentionally designed to support well-being. We normally refer to it as the “third teacher.”
Morning: Foundations and Joyful Learning
08:30 – Arrival and child-led exploration
Pupils start their day with play-based learning, enhanced by adult questioning, promoting independence and curiosity in a vibrant classroom environment.
09:00 – Circle time and assembly singing
A community-building session where pupils share stories, sing together, and reinforce Wellington’s values of kindness, courage, and respect. We teach children to understand and articulate their feelings—through tools like the Zones of Regulation. Because when children feel safe and supported, they thrive academically.
09:30 – Phonics (Read Write Inc.)
Our renowned phonics programme helps children develop excellent foundations in reading through engaging, multisensory lessons.
Mid-Morning: Language, Culture and Nature
10:00 – Snack and outdoor learning
A healthy break followed by nature exploration or storytelling with Tales Toolkit, where pupils invent their own adventures.
11:30 – Indonesian and Mandarin
Immersive language sessions through songs, games, and cultural activities—building fluency in both local and global languages while prompting appreciation for diverse cultures.
Afternoon: Creativity and Energy
12:00 – Lunch and body rest
Communal dining to enjoy eating together and chat, followed by a mindful quiet time and relaxation.
13:00 – Mathematics
Hands-on activities to develop numeracy and problem-solving skills.
14:00 – Specialist subjects (PE/Music)
Rotating sessions: Sports to build teamwork, skills, and physical confidence, or Music to ignite creativity through rhythm, melody, and collaboration.
Beyond the classroom
15:00 – Dismissal and Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
Optional clubs (spanning arts and culture, sports, and academics) allow pupils to explore their passions and talents in a relaxed, joyful setting. From robotics to traditional dance, these activities provide diverse opportunities for growth and discovery.
Through Wellington’s lens, why are the core values (Courage, Integrity, Respect, Kindness, and Responsibility) integrally set?
Our core five values are not mere words; they are the foundation of everything we do. These principles guide how we teach, learn, and grow together, preparing pupils to navigate an ever-changing world with wisdom and humanity.
1. Courage
We encourage pupils to embrace challenges, take calculated risks, and stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the resolve to pursue goodness despite uncertainty. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or in the playground, courage empowers pupils to reach beyond their comfort zones.
2. Integrity
Integrity means aligning actions with values, even when no one is watching. We teach pupils to be true to themselves and others. Whether in academics, sports, or friendships, integrity builds trust and lasting character.
3. Kindness
Kindness builds stronger connections. By teaching pupils to act selflessly and consider others’ needs, we enrich a culture of empathy and inclusion, where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. In a competitive world, kindness reminds us that true success is measured by how we lift others up.
4. Respect
Respect builds positive esteem for people, ideas, and cultures. In a diverse community like WCIJ, respect ensures we listen deeply, collaborate authentically, and celebrate the richness of our differences. It’s the foundation of empathy and the essence of global citizenship.
5. Responsibility
Responsibility isn't merely personal accountability; it’s about recognising our duty to others and the planet. From classroom chores to community projects, we instil in pupils the understanding that their choices ripple outward. They leave Wellington not just as achievers, but as stewards of a better future.
Fill in the blanks: Pupils at WCIJ are offered …… while parents simultaneously….
Pupils at WCIJ are offered a holistic learning experience that balances academic rigour with well-being and creativity, while parents simultaneously become part of a supportive network that prioritises partnership and open communication. Because without that partnership, we simply cannot be the best school we aspire to be.
Well-being seems central to everything you do here.
It absolutely is. Wellington was one of the first schools in the UK to introduce formal wellbeing education back in 2006. That commitment has only deepened over time.
Well-being isn't an add-on; it’s embedded into every aspect of school life. From daily emotional check-ins to structured lessons, from digital citizenship to pastoral care systems—we ensure that children feel supported, understood, and empowered. We also work closely with families, because well-being extends beyond the classroom. It’s a shared responsibility.
Since academics and well-being nowadays go hand-in-hand in most international schools, what is so significant about WCIJ’s approach?
Our approach goes further than token programmes; it’s a daily practice.
1. "Living" Values in Action
Our core values [Courage, Kindness, Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility] are practised through:
- Curriculum: Project-Based Learning.
- Service Learning: Daily initiatives by staff, parents and pupils.
2. Pastoral Care as a Foundation
At WCIJ, pastoral care is the heartbeat of our community. We nurture the whole child, not just the scholar, through:
- The Empathy Project: Pupils engage with real stories from diverse global communities, using tools like the Feelings Wheel to build emotional literacy and personal connections.
- Mentorship Systems: Every child is known deeply by their teachers, who act as advocates and guides.
- House System: A cornerstone of Wellington’s ethos, our Houses foster family-like bonds across the school. Older pupils mentor younger ones through structured activities, from collaborative projects to wellbeing check-ins—building leadership, empathy, and a culture of mutual support.
3. Pioneering Well-Being Education
Building on Wellington UK’s groundbreaking curriculum, WCIJ integrates:
- Health and Well-Being Lessons: Structured classes on resilience, mindfulness, and healthy relationships.
- Digital Citizenship: Practical training on online safety, ethical technology use, and balancing screen time is an essential skill for learners.
4. Research-Backed Innovation
Wellington’s well-being framework is informed by neuroscience and psychology, ensuring strategies (like gratitude journals or reflective circles) are evidence-based. WCIJ pupils develop self-awareness, empathy, and resilience to navigate life’s challenges alongside academic rigour. As one Wellington UK alumnus reflected: "Well-being lessons taught me that success isn’t just about grades; it’s about how you care for yourself and others along the way."
Evolution is never-ending, especially in education. What do adaptation and preparation to evolution look like at WCIJ?
WCIJ believes that education must evolve as swiftly as the world around us. Our approach to adaptation is rooted in three pillars: research-driven innovation, global collaboration, and pupil-centred agility, ensuring pupils graduate not just prepared for the future, but equipped to shape it.
1. Cutting-Edge Research Informs Practice
We embed the latest educational research into every facet of learning, namely, neuroscience-backed teaching methods and AI-enhanced personalised learning. For example:
- Evidence-Based Pedagogy: Regular training for teachers through weekly CPD sessions.
- Well-being Science: Leveraging data from Wellington UK’s pioneering well-being programmes to support pupil resilience.
2. Future-Ready Skills
We go beyond traditional academics to cultivate adaptability itself as a core competency. Pupils tackle real-world challenges (e.g., designing green solutions for BSD City) through STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic projects through our Changemaker Curriculum. We also teach pupils digital fluency with courses in coding, media literacy, and ethical AI use—paired with "unplugged" creativity to balance screen time.
3. Global Knowledge Sharing
WCIJ taps into a dynamic network of educators through Wellington Educational Festivals, given that we're part of the Wellington College International family. Our schools in the UK, Bangkok, and Shanghai host annual gatherings where teachers share breakthroughs on themes such as well-being, sustainability, digital literacy, global citizenship, and inclusive leadership. Not to mention, educator exchanges allow staff collaborations across borders to pilot new initiatives and best practices.
4. Listening to Our Pupils
We’re driven by pupils’ voices. Learners propose and prototype ideas (e.g., a peer-mentoring app or a zero-waste cafeteria) at Student Innovation Councils. Additionally, flexible learning pathways, including electives and passion projects, let pupils tailor their education to emerging interests.
WCIJ aims to anticipate change and lead it. Our vision is evident in graduates who are curious, agile, and research-focused learners; connectors who bridge cultures and disciplines; and changemakers, proactive problem-solvers who support their local and global communities. As the world shifts, so do we, but our compass remains fixed on educating not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact.
In what ways are educators responsible for fostering a holistic education at WCIJ?
Every teacher, coach, and staff member is entrusted with nurturing the whole child because holistic education isn’t a programme—it's our purpose. Thus, WCIJ graduates know themselves and what brings them joy, bounce back from adversity with grit, and lead and serve with confidence and compassion.
Here’s how educators bring this balance to life:
1. Building resilience and grit by challenging choices as educators scaffold tasks to stretch comfort zones while providing emotional support. Educators are also integrating well-being with lessons on mindfulness and stress management. The Feelings Wheel, for example, equips pupils to navigate setbacks.
2. Confidence through leadership and service is built from student voice as teachers empower pupils to lead initiatives, from sustainability clubs to community partnerships, supporting agency and civic responsibility. Another method includes service learning, where classroom lessons extend into real-world action, participating in Mini Duke and Junior Duke activities, tying academic skills to empathy.
3. Collaboration across the ecosystem to ensure holistic education thrives when all adults align. Parent partnerships can be done by attending workshops on digital citizenship or growth mindset, ensuring consistency between home and school. Transdisciplinary learning takes children to explore concepts across different subjects using an inquiry-based approach, demonstrating their interconnectedness.
4. Cultivating joy and self-discovery through passion-driven learning as teachers design projects that let pupils explore interests, whether robotics, traditional batik art, or debate, to assist them in discovering their interests. Moreover, engaging in reflective practices by journaling, receiving peer feedback, and having one-on-one mentoring encourages pupils to reflect on their strengths and growth areas.
5. Role modelling Wellington values enables educators to not simply teach kindness, courage, and integrity, but to truly embody them.
Would you say prestige and substance are among the benefits pupils gain through the Wellington Community?
Pupils gain far more than the esteem of a world-renowned name at Wellington; they inherit a living legacy of excellence that combines tradition with transformative outcomes.
Global recognition dictates that a Wellington education opens doors, with alumni studying at top universities and leading industries worldwide. But this prestige isn’t passive; it’s earned through rigour, creativity, and character. A network of opportunity exists in the Wellington International family that connects pupils to peers and mentors across continents, enriching collaborations (e.g., joint sustainability projects with Wellington Shanghai) that transcend borders. But our reputation rests on provable impact that highlights pupils thinking critically, acting ethically, and leading empathetically. For example:
1. Academic Rigour: Small class sizes and exceptional teachers ensure personalised growth, not just high grades.
2. Holistic Foundations: Well-being programs and service learning cultivate resilience and social responsibility.
3. Values in Action: The Wellington name carries weight because it’s synonymous with integrity, courage, and kindness, qualities pupils practice daily, whether in Model UN debates or peer mentoring.
The Wellington graduate is distinguished and grounded. Prestige fades without substance. That’s why Wellington pupils stand out not just for where they’ve studied, but how they’ve grown. The Wellington Community isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about proven excellence with a conscience. Parents choose us for the transformational journey it represents: one where prestige is a byproduct of purpose.
How important is being part of the Wellington College International Network for both pupils and parents?
Being part of the Wellington College International Network isn’t just a privilege; it’s a transformative partnership that enriches both pupils and parents with unparalleled opportunities, connections, and shared purpose.
Pupils engage in joint projects, exchanges, and competitions with peers across Wellington schools (e.g., a sustainability summit with Wellington Shanghai or a virtual debate with Wellington Bangkok), while simultaneously benefiting from shared traditions and innovation. An example is Wellington’s 165-year heritage in conjunction with contributing fresh ideas, whether through student-led initiatives or global "Changemaker" challenges.
The network’s reputation opens doors to top universities and internships, with alumni mentors guiding pupils worldwide. Having exclusive global access means invitations to Wellington’s international symposiums, speaker series, and cultural festivals, which connect families to thought leaders and like-minded peers across continents.
As early members of WCIJ (or the founding family), parents help shape the school’s culture, including input on facilities and co-designing community events. They gain local and international support from parent workshops on well-being to networking with expat and Indonesian families; the network raises a sense of belonging and shared growth.
In a world where isolation is increasing, the Wellington Network exclusively provides a global family rooted in shared values. As one Wellington parent remarked: “We didn’t just choose a school, we chose a community that invests in our child’s future as much as we do.” At WCIJ, we’re proud to bring this legacy to Jakarta, where every family becomes part of a story much bigger than themselves.
How do you encourage families to truly engage in the community?
It begins from the very first interaction. We emphasise open, transparent communication. Parents are not observers—they're partners. Through platforms like Toddle, they can see their child’s learning in real time, communicate with teachers, and actively participate in the journey. We host workshops, community events, and informal gatherings—everything from parent sessions to seasonal fairs. Even our on-campus café is designed as a space for connection.
Ultimately, when children are excited about their learning, that energy naturally draws families in. It becomes a shared experience.
What’s next for you and Wellington College International School Jakarta?
I’m incredibly excited to make Jakarta my home—to build something wholesome here, from the ground up.
The countdown to August 2026 is on, and the journey has already begun! Our team is focused on creating a school that exceeds expectations. Among them is finalising our purpose-built campus in BSD City, designed to inspire learning and well-being.
But before our doors open, we’re laying the foundation for a vibrant Wellington family through:
1. Family Days and Coffee Mornings: Informal gatherings where prospective families can meet our team, experience Wellington’s values in action, and connect with like-minded parents.
2. Personalised Tours and 1-to-1 Consultations: Tailored conversations to understand each child’s needs and share how WCIJ will nurture their unique potential.
Beyond 2026, we’re committed to growing alongside our families. This means expanding year groups and programmes as our pioneer cohort progresses, strengthening partnerships with local and global organisations for internships, exchanges, and service projects, as well as listening, adapting, and innovating, because education never stands still.
We’re not just opening a school; we’re building a legacy. To our future Wellington families: thank you for trusting us with your children’s education. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary, where academic brilliance meets character, and where Jakarta’s next generation of leaders begins their story. The best is yet to come.
How can our readers get in touch?
We warmly invite Jakarta’s families to join us in shaping this exciting new chapter of British Heritage Legacy blended with Indonesia’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re curious about our bold, progressive approach or eager to experience the Wellington Community firsthand, you can explore our academic rigour, holistic programmes, and campus updates via our website.
Please feel free to email Admissions at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +62 811 1101 148 for personalised consultations and school tours—I make it a priority to meet families personally whenever possible. Because at the end of the day, this school is not just about education, it’s about building a community together. Reserve a spot for the upcoming Family Day here.
As part of the Wellington College International family, your child will thrive in a globally connected yet locally rooted environment. Let’s cultivate their future together, where tradition meets innovation, and every pupil belongs!
