Staff

Padre Vitangelo Carlo Maria Denora è nato a Napoli nel 1968.
Dopo la laurea in Giurisprudenza, nel 1992 è entrato nella Compagnia di Gesù, dove si è fin da subito dedicato all’educazione e alla formazione dei giovani, con particolare attenzione a quelli che vivono in condizioni di disagio.
I suoi anni di studio – sia quelli universitari sia quelli per diventare gesuita – sono stati accompagnati dal servizio nelle periferie delle grandi città (soprattutto con bambini, immigrati e persone senza fissa dimora), impegno che ha continuato anche quando ha iniziato l’attività di docente e di educatore: durante il magistero ha lavorato nel centro storico di Genova con le persone senza dimora nell’Associazione San Marcellino, nel periodo degli studi di teologia a Napoli ha seguito progetti contro la dispersione scolastica a Scampia, fin dagli studi di filosofia a Padova ha coordinato e tuttora segue, con la Lega Missionaria Studenti ed altre associazioni, delle case famiglia per minori abbandonati a Sighet in Romania ed il loro inserimento lavorativo.
In un periodo di formazione a Parigi completa la sua specializzazione nel campo socio-educativo, collaborando con il Centro per la formazione dei docenti della Provincia Francese e proseguendo la collaborazione con l’omologo centro italiano Cefaegi (Centro per formazione all’attività educativa dei Gesuiti d’Italia). Da allora ha sempre curato insieme all’equipe del Centro, la formazione dei docenti dei collegi d’Italia e di Albania.
Ordinato Sacerdote a Roma nel 2004, nel 2007 viene nominato Rettore dell’Istituto Sociale di Torino.
Dal 2011 è presidente e legale rappresentante dell’Istituto Leone XIII di Milano.
Nel 2010 il Provinciale lo nomina anche suo Delegato per tutti i collegi dei gesuiti della Provincia d’Italia e di Albania.
Con grande passione, energia e determinazione, si dedica alla costruzione di una rete di Scuole, che rilancia l’apostolato educativo nella Provincia e che crea occasioni di condivisione e crescita tra scuole, dirigenti, docenti, alunni, il cui momento più bello si può certamente individuare nell’incontro delle scuole dei gesuiti con Papa Francesco del 2013.
La Rete nel febbraio del 2014 assume una forma più ufficiale con la costituzione della Fondazione Gesuiti Educazione.
Con il passaggio delle scuole dei Gesuiti d’Italia al nuovo modello di governance, diviene presidente dei Consigli di Amministrazione dell’Istituto Sociale di Torino, del Leone XIII di Milano, membro del CdA del Liceo Meshkalla di Scutari in Albania e del CdA del Gonzaga di Palermo.
Occupandosi anche di educazione informale, è stato direttore e rappresentante della rete delle scuole di Fe y Alegría Italia, un sistema di scuole e di educazione popolare coordinato dalla Compagnia di Gesù in tutto il mondo che porta l’educazione “dove finisce la strada” e in Italia agli immigrati latino americani.
È anche impegnato per il coordinamento e il sostegno della scuola cattolica a livello nazionale, in quanto membro del direttivo della Fidae Nazionale, presidente della Fidae Sicilia e membro del Consiglio nazionale della Scuola cattolica.
In questi anni ha dimostrato anche una passione e una fiducia particolare nella valenza formativa e nel ruolo dello sport, tanto che è stato presidente dell’Associazione Polisportiva Istituto Sociale di Torino e, ad oggi, presidente della Società Leone Sport di Milano. Ha tenuto per anni corsi di formazione a insegnanti e allenatori della Fondazione U.S. Petrarca di Padova, ha favorito l’apertura delle due accademie di rugby di Milano e di Torino e dei licei scientifici sportivi del Leone e del Sociale, ed infine ha accompagnato il progetto della rete dei centri sportivi della Compagnia, valorizzando l’esperienza del Centro Shuster di Milano.
Tra le sue pubblicazioni, oltre a saggi, documenti e articoli su temi di pedagogia e didattica, si ricorda “Dal letame nascono i fiori – Una lettura teologica de “La Buona Novella di Fabrizio De Andre’” edito da ADP, il saggio “Pedagogia ignaziana e Teologia”, con Claudio Barretta edito da San Paolo, “Il Paradigma Pedagogico Didattico, con Mario Danieli e Rossana Carmagnani, edito da Principato, “Francesco, ma tu volevi fare il papa?” con tanti contributi di docenti e alunni, edito da San Paolo.
Da gennaio 2018, assume anche l’incarico di Direttore Generale dell’Istituto Gonzaga di Palermo e dell’International School Palermo.

Miss Vicky is originally from Milan with both Italian and British citizenship. She holds a BA in Childhood and Youth Education, a diploma in School Management and a Masters in Education. Miss Vicky has ample experience with the IB both as a student and as an educator; she holds an IB Diploma and has worked in the International School of Milan. She moved to Palermo in 2009, to teach at the International School Palermo in the Early Years section. Since then she has obtained many IB certificates, taught in the Primary School and has become the PYP Coordinator. In 2018 she has led the Primary Years Programme through the Evaluation Visit, together with all the PYP staff. She is ISP’s Vice Director and is very enthusiast and positive on the growth and stabilization of the school.
Primary Years Programme

My name is Emma Wagland and I am from Australia. I am the PYP coordinator for the primary and early years here in ISP. I have a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Cross University in Australia, specialising in primary education. I was born in Australia and have lived and worked in both Australia and London before moving to Sicily. I have been living in Sicily for over 9 years and I love it. I have been working as a fully qualified PYP teacher at ISP for 9 years. I have a range of qualifications obtained from the IB and I currently teach Grade 6. I love what I do. I have a great passion for teaching and learning and I am inspired daily by my team. I value the community that we have built at ISP and I am constantly looking at ways to make improvements. I love to cook and have manage to build some excellent Sicilian cooking skills. I enjoy travelling the world and frequently return to visit my family in Australia. I have 2 children who attend the school, and I would not have them in other school as I truly believe that the IB philosophy combined with Ignatian philosophy is the way forward for the younger generation of today. I am proud to be part of this special school as we work together in unison to create a unique experience right here in Sicily. We do an excellent job here in ISP.



I am originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I am a qualified teacher with 13 years of experience in different schools teaching mostly the IB curriculum. Throughout all these years I have taught in different grades from pre-k to grade 4.
In 2018 I moved to Poland to volunteer in different schools teaching English and Spanish and after that I moved to Palermo to work at ISP.





Miss Diana is a fully qualified teacher and has taught using both the IB and national curriculum. She has taught students with special needs and has experience implementing Individual Education Plans. In addition, Miss Diana attended an IB curriculum high school, and thus is well versed in the ideology and the IB way of learning and teaching.
Miss Diana è un’insegnante qualificata e ha insegnato usando sia l’IB curriculum sia il curriculum nazionale. Ha insegnato agli studenti con bisogni educativi speciali e ha esperienza nell’implementazione di Piani di Istruzione Individuale. Inoltre, Miss Diana ha frequentato un liceo curricolare IB, e quindi è molto esperta nell’ideologia e nel modo di apprendimento e insegnamento IB.

I was born and raised in New Jersey, USA and try to go back whenever I can! My family and I moved to Sicily when I was 19 and I’ve been here ever since! I have experience working with young children across Italy as well as in Germany. During my free time, I love to cook, travel and spend time with my sons.


Of Sicilian origin, Conchita Vecchio was born and raised in New York, where she attended La Scuola D’Italia Guglielmo Marconi, and has lived in Palermo for 20 years. As a Teacher of English as a Second Language she has taught both general and specific purposes courses to adults and children since the beginning of her teaching career. She also ha a second career as a travel writer: in 2011 she was the author of Frommer’s Complete Guide to Sicily, 5th Edition, and has been a contributing editor to other publications. Her travel articles about Sicily have appeared in various in-flight magazines. In 2009 she worked with The History Channel and was interviewed about the Ucciardone prison, which was ultimately included in the episode of Cities of The Underworld: Real Mafia Underground. She enjoys working children because, she says, “You never know what they’re going to say next!”. She holds a degree in foreign literature as well as a CELTA and an IHCYLT and is currently undergoing IB training. She enjoys travelling, listening to music, reading biographies, and doing Pilates.



My name is Emma Wagland and I am from Australia. I am the PYP coordinator for the primary and early years here in ISP. I have a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Cross University in Australia, specialising in primary education. I was born in Australia and have lived and worked in both Australia and London before moving to Sicily. I have been living in Sicily for over 9 years and I love it. I have been working as a fully qualified PYP teacher at ISP for 9 years. I have a range of qualifications obtained from the IB and I currently teach Grade 6. I love what I do. I have a great passion for teaching and learning and I am inspired daily by my team. I value the community that we have built at ISP and I am constantly looking at ways to make improvements. I love to cook and have manage to build some excellent Sicilian cooking skills. I enjoy travelling the world and frequently return to visit my family in Australia. I have 2 children who attend the school, and I would not have them in other school as I truly believe that the IB philosophy combined with Ignatian philosophy is the way forward for the younger generation of today. I am proud to be part of this special school as we work together in unison to create a unique experience right here in Sicily. We do an excellent job here in ISP.

Sono di Montreal, dove ho insegnato alla scuola media per 12 anni. Possiedo una laurea in educazione fisica dalla McGill University. Oltre alla specializzazione in educazione fisica, ho anche insegnato matematica, geografia, storia, scienza ed etica.
La gente meravigliosa, il clima e il cibo hanno condotto me e la mia famiglia a Palermo. Ho quattro figli (Noah, Isaac, Scarlett e Ezra) e una moglie spettacolare chiamata Cristina. Ci piace scoprire nuovi posti e incontrare nuove persone.
Far praticare agli studenti un’ampia gamma di sport e attività è il centro del mio programma di educazione fisica qui all’ISP. Ritengo che sia vitale per uno studente accrescere la sua comprensione delle attività atletiche di tutto il mondo.


Miss Nina has taught in England for 17 years, after completing a BA in Design and Technology with QTS. During this time she also achieved a Masters in Education and completed the IB Certificate of Teaching and Learning – she just likes learning! Miss Nina has been expanding the MYP Design curriculum and introducing ICT to PYP since arriving last November…we are moving onward and upwards with our technology – the future is bright! On a personal note Miss Nina loves to travel with her husband, she also enjoys horse riding, reading and cooking.




Miss Lisa has taught both in Spain and the U.S.A before moving to Italy in 2012. She was born and raised in New Jersey, where she is a state-certified English and Spanish teacher. After earning a double bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Rutgers University, she then obtained her Master’s degree in Teaching from Montclair State University where she graduated top of her class. Miss Lisa has over 10 years experience teaching English as an additional language to young learners in an international setting. She is thrilled to be a part of the PYP team at ISP and is extremely passionate about the IB philosophy. In her free time she enjoys painting, singing, cooking, trekking, traveling, and photography.


Middle Years Programme

Miss Nina has taught in England for 17 years, after completing a BA in Design and Technology with QTS. During this time she also achieved a Masters in Education and completed the IB Certificate of Teaching and Learning – she just likes learning! Miss Nina has been expanding the MYP Design curriculum and introducing ICT to PYP since arriving last November…we are moving onward and upwards with our technology – the future is bright! On a personal note Miss Nina loves to travel with her husband, she also enjoys horse riding, reading and cooking.

Miss Elise is from Bristol in the UK, where she took her degree in Literature and completed her PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education.). She has been a teacher at state schools in the UK and also taught in Kuwait and South America. She has been living in Palermo for 3 years and loves the vibrancy of the city, the architecture, the food and the people. She loves the arts and enjoys visiting the many beautiful historic sites around Sicily. Her interests include travelling, live music, the theatre and snorkelling.


Miss Rosalia was born in Palermo in 1991, where she grew up and studied. She graduated in Classical Literature and Ancient History at the University of Palermo. After finishing university, she gained experience in teaching through tutoring activity with high school students. She has been teaching Italian language and literature at Isp and Gonzaga Institute since 2018. She enjoys photography and literature.

Mr Francesco teaches Italian in MYP 3 and 4 here at ISP, where he also served as Assistant Director in 2017-2018. He has a double background, both legal and literary. Mr Francesco graduated magna cum laude in Law at the University of Palermo (2001). He also holds an MBA in Intellectual Property Management (2002), a M.A. in Italian Studies from University of Pennsylvania (2003), and a Ph.D. in Italian from Johns Hopkins University (2013). Mr Francesco has taught Italian in American universities for nearly eight years. Besides teaching at ISP, he is also a translator and a scholar of Italian literature of the Renaissance. He is a (more than) avid reader and an enthusiast traveler.

Sono Nato a Siviglia, Spagna, laureato in Scienze dell’Educazione presso l’Università della mia città e conseguito il Master in Insegnamento dello Spagnolo come lingua straniera nel 2015. Trasferitomi a Palermo tre anni fa, ho cominciato a lavorare presso l’Instituto Cervantes sia come Professore di Spagnolo che come esaminatore DELE. Uno dei miei obbiettivi è essere sempre aggiornato sia a livello linguistico e metodologico che didattico, per poter poi usare quello che io stesso apprendo nelle mie lezioni. Questo sarà il mio secondo anno presso l’Istituto Gonzaga.


Ciao! Sono M.Victoria Martínez Gómez, sono nata a Valencia (Spagna) e sono felicemente sposata con un palermitano, ecco perché vivo qui.
Tutta la mia vita professionale mi sono dedicata alla Didattica alternandola con la Ricerca. Negli anni 80 e 90, dopo una formazione universitaria scientifica e ambientale ai massimi livelli di specializzazione, mi sono dedicata alla Scienza, come ricercatrice dell’Universitat de Valencia e dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo, e anche come docente universitario nella qualità di professore associato presso l’Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Nel 2000 mi sono seduta di nuovo sui banchi dell’Università di Valencia, questa volta come studente di Filologia, per ottenere un diploma post-laurea in “Metodologia e didattica dello spagnolo come lingua straniera”. La Lingua è per me fondamentalmente un veicolo di comunicazione, ma non solo, è anche Cultura.
Dopo aver iniziato la mia carriera nell’aprile 2002 presso l’Istituto Gonzaga, allora denominato CEI, e contestualmente dei corsi presso il Liceo G. Meli di Palermo, nel 2003 ho ottenuto l’accreditamento come Esaminatore DELE dall’Instituto Cervantes, iniziando una collaborazione con questo ente.
Dal 2002-2003 nel nostro Istituto ho condotto il Laboratorio di Spagnolo per bambini della Primaria dove la metodologia e le strategie sono collaborative e ludiche. La maggior parte del mio lavoro dal 2005 si è sviluppato nella Scuola Secondaria di primo grado insegnando lo spagnolo e aiutando i ragazzi nel loro percorso di crescita. Negli ultimi anni sono entrata a far parte del Liceo e dell’ ISP dando continuità allo studio dello Spagnolo anche con le certificazioni DELE apportando il mio contributo nell’ambito dell’Internazionalità caratteristica di questo Istituto.
I miei studenti sono molto importanti per me e con loro imparo ogni giorno.

The dirt is under my cracked nails // My life is besmurched with dung // The phlegm rattles // But listen. LISTEN ! … What am I saying over the grass, fresh with dew ? … I am Human – just like YOU.
What is the purpose of Education ? Is not a teacher’s first duty, to Truth ?
An agèd, English writer, well-traveled, declined an invitation to attend an exhibition of some or other modernity … “Don’t you want to see the future ? ” … To which question he replied, without hesitation … “No: I’ve seen enough of the past.”
If the book fits – read it.

Matteo Scala got his degree in Physics from the University of Palermo in 2004. Still in Palermo he completed his PhD in Physics in 2008 and after that he spent seven years as a postdoc, living in Madrid, Sofia, Palermo again and finally London. While in London, he did his teacher training in 2015/2016 (INSPIRE PGCE at Imperial College London/Canterbury Christ Church University) and between 2016 and 2018 worked for two years in Highgate School as a teacher of mathematics. In his spare time he may be seen tasting wine or singing in opera choruses, maybe at the same time.

Lavinia was born in Palermo where she grew up speaking Italian and English. Her passion for Sciences brought her to graduate with honours in Biological Sciences and to a PhD with a combined project between Palermo University and the Natural History Museum in London U.K., where she developed a number of skills and techniques in sciences. She also started teaching to undergraduates and master course students and was involved in UK teachers’ development courses. She then settled in London working for several years as a researcher at the Natural History Museum. Lavinia moved back to Palermo in December 2010. In 2015 she worked for a few months as a Math and Science Teacher at ISP. In 2016 she acquired her IELTS language qualification certificate.

Miss Nina has taught in England for 17 years, after completing a BA in Design and Technology with QTS. During this time she also achieved a Masters in Education and completed the IB Certificate of Teaching and Learning – she just likes learning! Miss Nina has been expanding the MYP Design curriculum and introducing ICT to PYP since arriving last November…we are moving onward and upwards with our technology – the future is bright! On a personal note Miss Nina loves to travel with her husband, she also enjoys horse riding, reading and cooking.



I was born in Leżajsk in 1991, in a town in south-eastern Poland, where I attended school. During this period I was active in the theatre and developed my interests in sports journalism, which resulted in winning the title of Polish Sports Fans’ Champion.
After graduating from high school I started studying law at the University of Rzeszów. Apart from studying and working in a law firm, I discovered my next passion which is helping people through blood donation. I was also active in the academic ministry.
At the end of my law studies I discovered my religious vocation. After graduating, I joined the Jesuit order where after completing a two-year novitiate in Stara Wieś and Gdynia, I studied philosophy in Krakow for three years. I finished it by writing a thesis on anthropology and psychiatry. Currently I was sent to Palermo for a two-year pastoral practice to teach religion. I combine my interest in religion and spirituality with psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy. I like to walk in the mountains and do team sports.
–
Sono nato a Leżajsk nel 1991, una città nella Polonia Meridionale in cui ho frequentato la scuola. Durante questo periodo sono stato attivo nel teatro e ho sviluppato i miei interessi nel giornalismo sportivo, che mi ha portato a vincere il titolo di Campione Polacco dei Tifosi Sportivi.
Dopo il diploma ho iniziato a studiare legge all’Università di Rzeszów. Oltre a studiare e lavorare in uno studio legale, ho scoperto la mia prossima passione, che è aiutare le persone donando il sangue. Ho anche partecipato attivamente alla pastorale accademica.
Alla fine dei miei studi di legge ho scoperto la mia vocazione religiosa. Dopo la laurea, sono entrato nell’ordine dei gesuiti in cui dopo aver completato un biennio di noviziato a Stara Wieś e Gdynia ho studiato filosofia a Cracovia per tre anni. Mi sono laureato con una tesi di antropologia e psichiatria. Attualmente sono stato inviato a Palermo per una pratica pastorale biennale. Insegno Religione all’Istituto Gonzaga e all’International School Palermo. Combino il mio interesse per la religione e la spiritualità con la psicologia, la psichiatria e la psicoterapia. Mi piace camminare in montagna e fare sport di squadra.

Sono originario di Orsago, paese della provincia di Treviso, sotto le prealpi tra Veneto e Friuli. Dal ‘91 sono cresciuto tra le scarpe del negozio di famiglia, lo scoutismo, la parrocchia e gli strumenti musicali. Dopo il liceo scientifico ho proseguito con la laurea triennale in ingegneria meccanica a Padova, che ho concluso proficuamente. Nonostante fosse una forte passione, o forse proprio per la qualità dell’ambiente, ho scoperto che non sarebbe stato il mio futuro. Ho fatto un percorso di discernimento entrando nel Seminario vescovile di Vittorio Veneto e poi, seguendo un desiderio profondo, sono stato accolto nella Compagnia di Gesù. Dopo i voti come fratello a Genova, ho conseguito il baccalaureato in filosofia presso la Pontificia Università Gregoriana. Infine sono stato inviato qui al Gonzaga per proseguire nella mia formazione, insegnare religione e aiutare altri a scoprire il proprio posto nella vita e nell’amore.

Sono di Montreal, dove ho insegnato alla scuola media per 12 anni. Possiedo una laurea in educazione fisica dalla McGill University. Oltre alla specializzazione in educazione fisica, ho anche insegnato matematica, geografia, storia, scienza ed etica.
La gente meravigliosa, il clima e il cibo hanno condotto me e la mia famiglia a Palermo. Ho quattro figli (Noah, Isaac, Scarlett e Ezra) e una moglie spettacolare chiamata Cristina. Ci piace scoprire nuovi posti e incontrare nuove persone.
Far praticare agli studenti un’ampia gamma di sport e attività è il centro del mio programma di educazione fisica qui all’ISP. Ritengo che sia vitale per uno studente accrescere la sua comprensione delle attività atletiche di tutto il mondo.

Diploma Programme

Italian-born but bred in a number of places, Mr Lorenzo has taught at a few international schools, in Milan and abroad, before joining ISP in 2018. His association with the IB dates back to 1988, when he graduated from United World College of the Adriatic (an IB World School). An economist by formation, Mr Lorenzo holds a BA in Industrial and Labour Economics from Bocconi University and a Master’s in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University (which he attended on a Fulbright scholarship). He collaborates regularly with Oxford Study Courses, teaching English in the pre-IB summer course in Oxford. Since 2006, Mr Lorenzo has served as an IB English B examiner (Paper Two, Paper One, Extended Essay and Internal Assessment), as well as a workshop leader since 2009 with both IBEN (International Baccalaureate Educators’ Network) and various other providers. A trained singer, in 2009 he was briefly seen on the Italian edition of X-Factor. In 2017, he also appeared on a famous quiz show on Italian television. In 2020, he is very happy to start acting school, as well as the newly authorized Diploma Programme as a coordinator.


Mr Francesco teaches Italian in MYP 3 and 4 here at ISP, where he also served as Assistant Director in 2017-2018. He has a double background, both legal and literary. Mr Francesco graduated magna cum laude in Law at the University of Palermo (2001). He also holds an MBA in Intellectual Property Management (2002), a M.A. in Italian Studies from University of Pennsylvania (2003), and a Ph.D. in Italian from Johns Hopkins University (2013). Mr Francesco has taught Italian in American universities for nearly eight years. Besides teaching at ISP, he is also a translator and a scholar of Italian literature of the Renaissance. He is a (more than) avid reader and an enthusiast traveler.

Italian-born but bred in a number of places, Mr Lorenzo has taught at a few international schools, in Milan and abroad, before joining ISP in 2018. His association with the IB dates back to 1988, when he graduated from United World College of the Adriatic (an IB World School). An economist by formation, Mr Lorenzo holds a BA in Industrial and Labour Economics from Bocconi University and a Master’s in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University (which he attended on a Fulbright scholarship). He collaborates regularly with Oxford Study Courses, teaching English in the pre-IB summer course in Oxford. Since 2006, Mr Lorenzo has served as an IB English B examiner (Paper Two, Paper One, Extended Essay and Internal Assessment), as well as a workshop leader since 2009 with both IBEN (International Baccalaureate Educators’ Network) and various other providers. A trained singer, in 2009 he was briefly seen on the Italian edition of X-Factor. In 2017, he also appeared on a famous quiz show on Italian television. In 2020, he is very happy to start acting school, as well as the newly authorized Diploma Programme as a coordinator.

Matteo Scala got his degree in Physics from the University of Palermo in 2004. Still in Palermo he completed his PhD in Physics in 2008 and after that he spent seven years as a postdoc, living in Madrid, Sofia, Palermo again and finally London. While in London, he did his teacher training in 2015/2016 (INSPIRE PGCE at Imperial College London/Canterbury Christ Church University) and between 2016 and 2018 worked for two years in Highgate School as a teacher of mathematics. In his spare time he may be seen tasting wine or singing in opera choruses, maybe at the same time.


GONZAGA PALERMO
CONTACT INFO
Via Piersanti Mattarella 38/42
90141 Palermo
Phone: 091.302093
Fax: 091.6195317
C.F. 97119550826
Email: isp@gonzagapalermo.it
Web: gonzagaisp.it