Educating with Heart and Vision
As Principal at AIS Bali, John Milliss leads with passion, purpose and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. Under his guidance, the school has grown into one of Bali’s leading international learning communities.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education and eventually become Principal at AIS Bali?
A: From an early age, I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. I was lucky to have amazing teachers throughout my school life, and when I went to university, the only thing I wanted to do was teach. What inspired me most was that it’s such a rewarding profession; you get to see students grow and develop into amazing young people. I moved to Bali in 1993, and when AIS Bali opened in 1999, I joined as part of the founding team. I was a classroom teacher for many years before being appointed Head of School in 2007.
Q: What makes AIS Bali unique compared to other international schools on the island?
A: Several factors make us unique. We’re the only school in Bali offering the Australian curriculum and following the Southern Hemisphere timetable. We also own our land and have a purpose-built, modern campus with excellent sporting and learning facilities. Our inclusive philosophy sets us apart; we believe every child deserves an education and we cater to a diverse range of learning needs.
Q: Could you tell us about the school’s facilities and how they support learning and wellbeing?
A: Our facilities are among the best on the island. We have a football pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool, an indoor basketball court that doubles as a multi-purpose hall and even a tennis court on the roof. Our newest building includes an indoor space for events and innovation projects. The design allows clear visibility across classrooms, supporting both wellbeing and child protection. It’s a spacious, modern campus, one we’re incredibly proud of.
Q: What academic or extracurricular programmes are you most proud of?
A: We’re accredited as an IB World School and by the Council of International Schools, which ensures quality across all levels. For younger learners, we follow the Australian Early Years Framework and Curriculum, then move into the IB programme for Years 11 and 12. For students who prefer other pathways, we’ve introduced a vocational programme through our Australian partner GTNT. I’m also proud of our inclusive approach, where learners of all abilities can access support, from English language assistance to special education.
Q: How does AIS Bali encourage creativity, leadership and empathy?
A: These values are embedded in everything we do. All students study arts, music, media and design technology, and our new Innovators Hub encourages hands-on creativity. Leadership takes many forms, from academic, artistic, to sporting, and we support all of them. Our inclusion model promotes empathy by having students of all abilities learn together, while our community service programmes help them give back to Bali and beyond.
Q: How does the school engage with the local community?
A: Our students are actively involved in the community through the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme. We support the Bali Children Foundation, sponsor local students and respond to community needs. These projects teach our students the value of empathy and global citizenship.
Q: What has been the most rewarding moment in your career?
A: Seeing AIS Bali grow from eight students and three teachers to over 320 students and 35 teachers has been incredible. Watching our school evolve from a small space to a 2.2-hectare purpose-built campus has been a highlight of my career.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for AIS Bali?
A: We’ve just completed our master plan, and now we’re looking to expand enrolments, particularly in primary and high school. Our goal is to remain the school of choice for families in Bali, a place where students can learn, grow and thrive.
Asia Dreams Volume 57
Australian Independent School
(AIS) Indonesia
IG: @ais.school @ais.school.bali
Jakarta
Jalan Pejaten Barat, Jakarta Selatan
Jakarta 12510, Indonesia
T: (+62) 217821141
E: admissions@ais-indonesia.com
W: ais-indonesia.com/ais-jakarta
Bali
Jalan Imam Bonjol, Denpasar
Bali 80119, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3618452000
