High School (HS)/IB Theatre Teacher and Performing Arts Director Tina Casey has brought over one particular tradition from the Ampang campus to the Ampang Hilir campus. She shares, “Often if you visit the older theaters in Broadway or the West End of London, or even Chicago, performers will sign the theater walls after a show to share that they have been there. And so we originally started this tradition at our Ampang campus where every closing night of a show, our ISKL Thespian Honor Society would sign the Robert B. Gaw Theater wall and forever be part of the history of the school’s Performing Arts division.”

Tina went on to explain how they had a slow start in bringing the tradition over to the Ampang Hilir campus due to the restrictions during the Covid pandemic lockdowns. However, this tradition has been reignited, and it is an excellent way to honor and celebrate ISKL Thespians who have graced the stage over the years.

By reintroducing rituals, events, and organizations, our ISKL community can undoubtedly relish in the nostalgia and strengthen ties with alums while creating lasting memories. These traditions, such as the signing of the Robert B. Gaw Theatre wall, indeed provide much stability and familiarity, honoring past achievements and cultivating a strong sense of school spirit. They establish a cohesive identity, fostering a vibrant community and ensuring our legacy lives on for years to come.

Do you remember being part of the ISKL Thespian Honor Society and participating in this tradition at the old Ampang campus? Let us know in your comments or email us at [email protected].

The post ISKL Thespians Reignite An Old ISKL Tradition appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

As we have listened to alumni reminisce about the fun, incredible, and life-changing experiences they had in their years at ISKL, we have thought about what we can do to help students create their own memories and stories at ISKL. One of our ideas was to create a place for Alumni on campus. The Alumni office was built over the 2022 summer holidays. The space includes a lounge area complete with a collection of ISKL memorabilia for those wishing to take a walk down memory lane. The hallway outside of the office is full of murals, photos, and posters, drawing connections between then and now. The Alumni office and hallway are located on one of the main walkways on the new campus, situated between the admissions office and the MS/HS entrances. We quite literally wanted to show current students that once a panther, always a panther – and they would always have a place to come back to thats just for them.

Our first visitors to the new Alumni space were class of 2012 Alumni McKayla Burnstad and Nurelain Anwar. McKayla and Nurelain, visiting from Los Angeles and Singapore, respectively, were greeted by the new Alumni office on their visit to campus in the first days of the 22-23 school year. They took some time to catch up with Alumni Engagement and Development Lead Kendra Jones and to thumb through some old yearbooks. They also took some time to pose next to the new highly-instagrammable Alumni murals.

Most Alumni come back to catch us with their favorite teachers. For those with a love of the written word, their time with Mr. Venables is a treasured memory. Some Alumni managed to sit in for a Quill Poetry Club meeting and re-live their days as students in Mr. Venables class. Alumni Esther Tan (21), Shu Chuan Wei (21) and Sophia Lee (21) found themselves back in the mix as if they had never left. Another Alumni reconnecting with a former teacher was class of  2014 Salutatorian Rohil Bhargava, who visited his former IB English Language and Literature teacher Noren Sahari. While he was a student he was also a member of the much loved band, Set 5, who won the Battle of the Bands in 2014. Rohil stopped by near the end of August 2022 with family to visit the new campus, which he hadn¡¯t seen before. Noren remembers Rohil fondly reminiscing? ¡°I trave

The post Alumni visits to Campus appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

A notable event that took place was ISKLs selection as the first international school Vaccination Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The large gymnasium, better known as The Jungle was transformed into a clinic which administered around 1,000 vaccinations daily between September 29 and November 5, 2021. During this period more than 11,000 first and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine were administered to students aged 12-17 years as part of Malaysias National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme.  In a demonstration of ISKLs commitment to the wider community, students from a large number of private and international schools in the district were immunized, and with the approval of the District Health Office, the team was able to arrange for the vaccination of more than 600 students from over 15 different NGOs and Refugee Learning Centers in Kuala Lumpur. A truly monumental undertaking, that no doubt couldn’t have been such a success without the help of parent and staff volunteers who coordinated arrangements.

Campus Reopening

Most notably in recent news, the campus reopened under strict SOPs. First, for our early childhood, Life Centered Education and Grades 11 and 12 on 4th October. This was a promising turn of events after the long restrictions on in-person learning. On Nov 1, 2021 Grades 1,2,3, and 9 were welcomed back to campus, and finally, on November 8 our remaining grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 joined the others. Its hard to believe on-campus learning only resumed for all students five short weeks ago. That campus buzz we all know and love has started to return. Since returning to campus it has been humbling to see the hard work of our faculty, staff, parents and students. Despite the many months spent in continuous online learning, it’s inspiring to see the students remaining enthusiastic and engaged.

Elementary School Playground

Construction of the ES playground began in March with the removal of the existing playground structures during spring break.Since then, and despite a strict lockdown over the summer, construction has continued steadily along. The green oasis has been planned and constructed by an experienced team of adventure park designers. The transformation over the last several months has been nothing short of remarkable from the hoisting of 200-300 kilogram logs and attaching them to the rooftop, to installing the ropes, ladders and handholds characteristic of any true adventure park. The unique design incorporates natural materials and extensive landscaping. Approximately 400 plants, including palms, climbers, and ground coverings, have been planted. To complete the scene, mature trees have been craned onto the rooftop. The playground structures include a hobbit mound, swing structures, a climbing wall, climbing net, monkey bars, suspension bridge, sandbox, a tunnel, and even zip lines and a low ropes course. There will be no shortage of fun! We can’t wait to welcome our Elementary students to their new playground in January. Projects like this would not be possible without the generous donations to our development fund from Alumni and ISKL community members. If you are interested in contributing to projects that will have an impact now, or in the years to come please check out our giving page for how you can get involved.

Christmas Around the World

Lastly, as we close out Semester 1 (Where has the time gone?!?), a little bit more normalcy returned to campus with an SOP-compliant Christmas Around the World. For this annual event organized by our amazing PTA, a Christmas tree is sponsored by different countries represented amongst the ISKL community and decorated with items traditional to that country’s Christmas celebration. The Melawati Theater was transformed into a magical Christmas forest for the elementary students to wander through. The excitement on their faces as they saw traditional Christmas decorations from throughout the world was priceless. This unique event, like so many of our long-standing traditions at ISKL, generates a common experience for our students, regardless of their beliefs. From the oranges and Panettone of Italy to traditional Batik ornaments from Malaysia, this year Christmas displays were seen representing Italy, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, China, Australia, and Malaysia amongst others. The highlight of the event for the students was likely the visit from the big man himself, Mr. Clause, but the melodious singing from the choir and the heartwarming tree of wishes filled everyone’s spirits with a familiar sense of holiday levity. What a wonderful way to close out another unforgettable year, and get ready to welcome the Semester 1 break, and New Year.

The post Campus Updates August 2021 to December 2021 appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

With leadership being tested like never before this year, we asked a selection of ISKL alumni – an activist, a futurist, an athlete, and a recent graduate – to share their perspectives on leadership for our cover story. It’s a fascinating read and definitely a conversation starter.

We showcase our newest ISKL alumni – the Class of 2021, as well as our faculty and staff who have retired or moved on. You will also meet the recipients of this year’s Senior Awards. Also featured in this issue is one of ISKL’s great institutions,

Forensics, and who better to tell its story than Leslie Muri who has been involved with Forensics almost from its inception forty years ago.

You’ll find out what inspired the Class of 1978 to get together to support our ISKL 55th Anniversary Pewter Panther fundraising campaign and see how our latest campus project, the new playground on the Elementary School rooftop, is progressing.

As usual, we showcase this year’s alumni events, including our two new offerings, the Future Ready: Alumni Black Box Conversations, and Get Real!, a collaboration with the High School Counselling Department. You’ll also find out how you can get involved. Plus, we have the latest news from our ISKL Alumni around the world.

Enjoy this latest edition and remember Once a Panther, Always a Panther!

View here >> https://www.iskl.edu.my/alumni/selamanya/

The post ISKL Selamanya July 2021 Out Now! appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

Sometimes, we realize that we can do better. That was the case when we started thinking about this gift for the Class of 2021 and considered once again ordering plastic tags and metal locks. Was there a better, more sustainable way to allow our seniors to leave their legacy at ISKL? Turns out, the answer is yes!

This year’s senior tags are made from 100 percent recycled plastic retrieved from the ocean and landfill right here in Malaysia. The metal locks have also been replaced by fully recycled plastic carabiners. Each is unique and, as we know from problematic plastic in the environment, will pass the test of time.

The reaction from seniors who received and attached their tags during the “returns” day on 27 May, was overwhelmingly positive, with “Wow! That’s awesome!” the common response. Many seniors have spent years working with environment clubs at ISKL during their High School years, and earlier in Middle and Elementary School, and have helped to build a culture of sustainable thinking and exploring new initiatives.

ISKL Alumni collaborated with the SeaMonkey Project, a Penang-based NGO that assists sustainability-minded organizations to create recycled plastic products, often to replace existing materials. The process includes the creation of special molds, that allow for the collected shredded plastic to be shaped into whatever form is required. The NGO works extensively with businesses and events companies, and has an education arm to encourage schools to get on board as well.

ISKL Alumni’s carabiner mold is the first of its kind, which employs a dual injection method. It is a versatile item that we know will find other uses at ISKL. As we own the mold, we are able to explore those options. The tag mold also has a life beyond 2021 as it allows us to replace the final number on the year (the 1 in 2021) with other numbers that we have already pre-purchased for the Class of 2022 and 2023.

Some of the plastic used in the Class of 2021 tags and carabiners came from a collection drive on campus in April, when we asked the ISKL community to bring their blue and yellow type 2 and 5 plastics to special collection points for this special project. Perhaps one day it may be our own ISKL students not only collecting, but also shredding and molding the plastic as part of our environment club activities, helping to close the circle on plastic use at ISKL.

The post Sustainable Legacy – Class of 2021 Tags and Carabiners appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

Taking center stage are our Malaysian staff and faculty. Graphic Designer, Ross, takes us on a lunchtime tour of his favorite “mamak” stalls that will undoubtedly bring back memories, and a hankering for some good Malaysian food. Teacher Assistant and Staff Committee member, Naji, guides us through the history of Malaysian batik, and looks fabulous in the many and varied styles.

There is a deep sense of pride in sharing Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage with newcomers to ISKL and lots to learn. Throughout the series, we learn how to make a traditional Wau kite, using bamboo and paper, as well as how to use Malaysian’s favorite suf x – lah! If you want to tell someone they are no fun at all, it’s easy.

Simply say: No fun-lah, you!

ISKL’s Events Manager, Krystle, and Teacher Assistant, Nadine, are cousins and descendents of the Berawan tribe indigenous to Sarawak in East Malaysia (otherwise known as Borneo). The pair are also direct descendants of a very important tribal leader who founded Mulu. Krystle and Nadine give us an insight into their rich heritage of longhouses, hunting and exploring magni cent rivers and jungles. However, one tradition that has fortunately passed into history is that of headhunting, which was once a part of their culture.

Take a dive into Malaysia’s colorful and diverse culture and history with Jom Balajar here.

The post Jom Belajar! It’s Malaysian for “Let’s Learn!” appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

“I’m very privileged to have the issues and problems I have.” That’s Gerald Anyi (‘17) talking about the mindset that has inspired him to be part of an inspiring initiative encouraging people to join up for exercise programs while also supporting a local refugee school in Kuala Lumpur.

Gerald continues, “Others worry about where their next meal will come from and if they will be able to have an education.” His approach certainly puts things into perspective!

Move for Hope came about when fitness-loving friends, led by dance teacher Amira Kamaluddin, decided to pool their talents and raise enough money to provide the 77 families of students at Hope Learning Centre with internet access for a year. To date, some 40 fitness instructors in KL and around the world have volunteered to run classes, with participants donating a minimum of 30 ringgit per session. They have already raised more than half the RM100,000 target for the month-long online campaign.

Gerald, who works as a freelancer in the ISKL Advancement Department, took on the job of marketing the project and has also enlisted fellow ISKL Alumni volunteers, including Jaan Joseph (‘17) and Dzaim Dzulkifli David (‘16) who are responsible for digital marketing and content creation. They,  along with volunteer videographer/photographer Danial Marzuki (‘17) are all in Kuala Lumpur. United Kingdom-based Alex Webster (‘16) jumped in to help manage the fundraising platform and instructors in that time zone, making it a truly global ISKL Alumni effort!

The Hope Learning Centre is recognized by the UNHCR and provides education for the Zomi community, an ethnic group who come largely from Iran, Pakistan, Myanmar and the Philippines.

While ISKL families have the support of our school’s wonderful teachers and tech team allowing continuous learning despite the pandemic, the same is usually not the case for students at refugee school, and a very basic problem is not having an internet connection. This enthusiastic group of ISKL Alumni and friends are hoping to take away that obstacle entirely.

Gerald’s passion for the project came after he did some research into the Zomi diaspora, a group he hadn’t previously known about. He explains, “The only reason you don’t care about something is because you don’t know enough about it.”

To support Move for Hope, and enjoy the benefits of some great fitness classes, go to https://linktr.ee/Moveforhope.

The post ISKL Alumni Move for Hope appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

Although we have had limited campus access over the past year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the task of turning our new “house” into our “home” has begun in earnest. Our on-site teams, including some very talented ISKL Alumni, embarked on beautiful projects which are featured in the current issue of ISKL Selamanya, the ISKL Alumni magazine (page 26).

Take a look at what you can expect to see when we’re able to invite visitors back to campus (hopefully soon)

The post Watch Our Campus Grow appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

This page-turning e-magazine is a snapshot of our ISKL Alumni year to date and is full of information and photographs from this year’s events and reunions, all virtual of course, including a special feature on this December’s gala reunion, our Night of the ISKL Notables.

ISKL Alumni writers explore the highs and lows of the Third Culture Kid experience, and share their memories of creating those all important ISKL yearbooks. We also bring you news from our broad ISKL community around the world and profile EMMYnominated composer Patrick Jonsson (‘02) whose stunning work you have probably been listening to on Netflix!

The post Hot Off the Press appeared first on ISKL Alumni.

We’re excited that ISKL is celebrating 55 Years Young this year. Despite its ups and downs, this year has shown the strength and cohesiveness of our ISKL community and the incredible Panther Pride and spirit that keeps us strong.

A recent cleanout of the Alumni cupboards revealed this wonderful photo from 1990-1991, ISKL’s 25th anniversary, some thirty years ago. For those who remember the Ampang campus, note the upstairs balcony and decks had not yet been constructed.

The photo raised a whole range of questions: Who was the photographer? How did they take this photo? In that time well before drones, where was the photographer perched?

With the help of our Alumni community through the ISKL Alumni Facebook page, we tracked down the photographer, John DeNicola, faculty alumni, who’s back living in the States.

About taking the photograph, John recalls:

“I was the yearbook adviser at the time and the photograph was taken to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ISKL’s existence. The theme of that year’s yearbook was Silver Memories, Gold Future. Taking the photograph involved employing the following procedure. After determining the number of students involved, I drew up a scale model of blocked numerals that would contain all of the individuals involved in the photo. (I also taught mathematics at the time.) Then using the line marker for laying out the football field I drew the lines for the numerals.

Prior to taking the picture, I tried to gain the services of a helicopter in order to take the photo from a better perspective. However, costs were prohibitively high and so I resorted to getting the largest ladder I could find and placed it on the soccer field with the higher altitude at the back of the school. We then brought the students in to fill the numerals. We were actually short in number. You will notice that the upper left interior of the number 2 is vacant, but the outline has individuals. After arranging everyone as best I could, I then ran to the ladder.  After climbing the ladder I took several shots. The photograph was taken with Kodak Ultramax 400 color print film (36 exp) and then developed at a small photographic studio just behind the then still being constructed Lot 10 Mall on Jalan Bukit Bintang where most of my yearbook work was done.”

The post Who Took This Photo? appeared first on ISKL Alumni.