This week we caught up with the High School Grade 12 Level Coordinators (GLC) parents, Elinna AR., Sara M., and Finn N.!
GLCs are the liaisons between the school authorities and parents who organize activities such as Senior Treats, Cap and Gown fittings, and more. Get to know how this multicultural team from Malaysia, Pakistan, and Norway take on their collaborative duties as GLCs.
ELINNA AR.
Do tell us more about yourself.
I was born in KL and raised in PJ. I have two children, my eldest, Alex is currently at Monash University in Melbourne, and Hannah, my youngest, is in G12. My husband, Bahrin, works in Petronas.
We moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2009 for two years, returned for about three years, and moved to Bangkok, Thailand, in 2014 for six years. I have been a stay-at-home mom since our move to Bangkok in 2014.
What year did your child start at ISKL, and what made you choose ISKL?
Hannah started Grade 10 at ISKL in 2020. We chose ISKL as the system and curriculum are similar to our previous school in Bangkok. Also, ISKL has been producing stellar results for IB, which was an important factor for us.
How has your experience been as a parent at ISKL?
As an active parent at ISKL, my experience here has been wonderful, and I have met so many new friends since moving to this school. Although the school system is similar to our previous school, International School Bangkok (ISB), my experience here is different, and in a good way!
What made you decide to become a G12 GLC, and what do you enjoy most about being one?
I decided to become the GLC for G12 because I wanted to be involved in my youngest’s last year at High School and for the year to be meaningful and full of memories for her. I did the same for my eldest when we were at ISB.
I have enjoyed organizing events or treats for the Seniors and getting to know many of them, their parents, and teachers along the way.
What will you miss most about ISKL?
I will miss the people for sure and attending school events. I will need to remember to organize social events for the kids, PTA, and, of course, for my Malaysian community here. I have met many wonderful people, be it the parents, faculty members, or school staff. They have all been so welcoming and accommodating.
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the community?
Please take the initiative to join the school activities and be involved with the events organized. You will meet many new friends and learn new things along the way.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Learn to accept your weaknesses to better yourself and always be kind to others despite their differences.
SARA M.
Tell us more about yourself.
We are originally from Pakistan and have lived in Lahore, London, Johannesburg, and Jakarta, apart from Kuala Lumpur.
What year did your children start ISKL?
My children, Ayesha (G12), Haider (G8) & Noor (Grade 2), have been at ISKL since August 2019.
How has your experience been as a parent at ISKL?
Being an ISKL parent has been a wonderful experience for me – this year, I am GLC for Grade 12 and Grade 8 and a Girl Scout leader for ES, so I am involved with each of my three children across all three divisions (HS, MS, and ES).
Something truly unique I truly value about ISKL is the fantastic support parent volunteers receive from the school itself, which makes volunteering so much easier! I have been fortunate to have had meaningful engagements with diverse groups across the school. Whether it is running floral workshops for ISKL staff and parents during Covid, leading Girl Scouts activities on philanthropy, teaching an MS Math class, running an IASAS flower shop, or planning events for Seniors, each opportunity has given me enriching experiences that I genuinely value.
What made you decide to become a G12 GLC, and what do you enjoy most about being one?
Ayesha is my firstborn, and I first volunteered to be a room parent for her class when she started preschool as a four-year-old! It only made sense to finish what I had started all those years ago and contribute my time and effort to being a GLC this momentous year – Ayesha’s Senior year!
Being a G12 GLC has been truly special. My favorite moments undoubtedly are seeing my daughter during our monthly Senior Treats and stealing those precious hugs! Senior Treats, Graduation gown fittings, cheering our Seniors on during stressful times, and planning for the upcoming end-of-year events is a lot of work. Still, a small tribute from me and my fellow GLCs for our fantastic Class of 2023 – I wish them every success and every happiness in the future!
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the community?
My advice for new parents would be to get actively involved in the school community as soon as possible to make your transition easier. Children also benefit tremendously from seeing their parents endorsing and actively engaging with the school. I have been a room parent or GLC for my children’s classes for the last 13 years (often for two children in the same year!). It has been pure joy for me to be involved in my children’s education meaningfully.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
I truly believe that each of us has a unique role to play in this world, and we are perfectly positioned and fashioned for it. However, only when we fully understand ourselves can we draw on our strengths, work on our weaknesses and maximize our potential to contribute meaningfully to ourselves, our community, and beyond.
FINN N.
Do tell us more about yourself.
Finn: I’m from Norway and have worked for 34 years in the oil business. I am retired and enjoy life in Malaysia with my three High School students in Grades 9, 11, and 12. We had Two years in London from 2013 – 2015, but other than that, we have lived in Stavanger (the oil city in Norway) and Sandefjord, which is 100 km south of Oslo.
What year did your children start at ISKL? What made you choose ISKL?
Finn: We all started our ISKL life in September/October 2021 as we got recommendations from colleagues and friends about the school.
How has your experience been as a parent at ISKL?
Finn: Overwhelming and fantastic, with many practical details to sort out and settle about almost everything.
What made you decide to become a G12 GLC, and what do you enjoy most about being one?
Finn: First, I want to be better known for everything, and I am always happy to help others – that always gives you a good feeling!
What will you miss most about ISKL (if leaving the community)?
Finn: I will miss the social network and the helpful culture of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and GLCs.
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the community?
Finn: Take immediate contact early; that’s my number one advice.
What does “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
Finn: That is an overall positive statement, but almost unreachable for anyone to create a better world.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.
