L-R: Richard Martin, Jaymin Baird & Jeff Farrington
What makes a school? Is it the students, the facilities, the extra-curricular activities or the faculty? We can all agree it is a combination of all of the above, and so much more.
Jaymin Baird
Congratulations to our very own Jaymin Baird for winning the University of Chicago’s (UoC) ‘Outstanding Educator Award.’ Students accepted into the University of Chicago Class of 2025 were asked to nominate an educator whose guidance has helped them along the path toward intellectual growth, and alumni Aditya S. (‘21) saw the opportunity to do just that.
Aditya shared “Ms Baird was super helpful as a teacher for most of my high school life, but also with extracurricular stuff like the jazz program. She always made it a point to give us opportunities to perform and rehearse with the choirs. She organised jazz night as well which was one of the biggest performances of the school year. She’s super easy to talk to as a person and great fun to be around!”
Jaymin runs the High School choir program and is the Head of Performing Arts at ISKL. Students at UoC are given the opportunity to nominate educators who have gone beyond their everyday teaching and made a difference in their lives.
During her six years in ISKL, Jaymin finds new ways to connect and enrich her students through music. When Jaymin is not multitasking, her daily activities include teaching four curricular choirs, planning concerts and events such as the Elements Talent Showcase, Jazz Night, and curricular concerts. She also runs rehearsals for the IASAS Vocals team and the High School Musical and spends her prep time working with her students one-on-one on any fun projects or activities they have.
She very much values authentic and genuine relationships where the person can be who they are and reciprocates that on a daily basis with the community. Thank you, Jaymin, for giving students the light to which their talent can shine!
Richard Martin
Heartiest Congratulations to High School (HS) Social Studies faculty, Richard Martin, who was awarded the ‘Spirit of IASAS’ award presented to a member of the IASAS community (individual or team). This award goes beyond athleticism, skill, or competitiveness – instead, it celebrates the individuals who exhibit exemplary sportsmanship, outstanding courage, spirit, or a selfless act during an IASAS convention.
The award commends Richard’s 16-year dedication and support for the Model United Nations (MUN) participants and program across the region.
His openness to share his knowledge, worldly perspective on current events, and world history have made a long-lasting impact on ISKL’s MUN delegations. The outcome and continued legacy that Richard paves is seen in his hard work throughout the years, which extends to the outstanding performance of the IASAS team where delegates were awarded ‘Best Delegate,’ ‘Best Judge,’ ‘Most Diplomatic Delegate,’ as well as other honorable mentions.
Alumni Nabil B. (‘15) had this to say about Mr. Martin: “I liked his upbeat attitude and his willingness to go above and beyond to teach the material to students, to teach content that would stick in our heads relating to history or historical events which have meaningful modern implications.”
He is a true mentor helping our students reach great heights. Thank you again, Richard, for your dedication and service to our school!
Jeff Farrington
Our spotlight shines further to our High School Principal, Jeff Farrington who has become one of three international educators to receive the National Distinguished 2021 Principal’s Award for secondary schools in April this year.
Jeff carries over 20 years of experience in leading instruction, assessment, and teacher supervision. The award recognizes those passionate in their commitment to the best possible learning experience for students. Through his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellent education, he is a driving force behind ISKL’s success.
The prestigious award is sponsored by the United States-based National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) through its affiliation with the Department of Defense Education Activity and the US Department of State Office of Overseas Schools.
Amongst two other international school principals, one in Abu Dhabi and the other in Chile, we are so proud to have a winner represent our home turf, The International School of Kuala Lumpur.
Following this proud moment, we also extend our congratulations to him for being featured in a news article by “The International Educator” magazine and for being named “Principal of the Year 2021”.
How fortunate are our students to have such talented and committed educators to guide and support them? Have you got a memory to share about Mrs. Baird, Mr. Martin, Mr. Farrington or another ISKL faculty or staff member? Let us know at [email protected]
Written By: Bridgette Tsin Ee Wong & Aleia Zulkifly
