I have ONLY FOND memories of my years at ISKL and in Malaysia. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to live and be among so many different nationalities. It has forever changed me and how I perceive the world.
Artimis Mardasi ‘01
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The ISKL campus has grown so much since I left in 1987 and yet there is a "core" that is instantly recognizable, in feeling and in structure. I was flooded with memories as I strolled the halls, remembering where I had taken certain classes, the many basketball games we had played in the gym, and the time we spent hanging out in the cafeteria. The school will always hold a special place in my heart. I entered ISKL in kindergarten and it was my "home" until I graduated in 1987. Friends came and went, but the spirit and essence of the school remained the same - one committed to a strong education, the promotion of different cultures, and an atmosphere that fostered long standing friendships.
I feel so happy that other students have the opportunity to have the same valuable and positive experiences that I did at ISKL. Recent graduates may not yet realize just how shaped they are by their experience at ISKL and from living in Malaysia, but with time, they will begin to understand and appreciate how it is a part of their core and will tinge, henceforth, their experiences, their perceptions, their decisions. It will have made them a better person.
Best, Petra Recter ‘87
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My wife and kids have heard many stories about my first grade experience. I realize that things have changed a great deal.
How could they not? Some of my last memories of KL were of being able to get out of the house after days of 24 hour curfew and police patrolling the street after rioting in spring of '69. Obviously, the winds of change were blowing quite strongly, although it was just life to me. People ask me whether I remember much. The truth is that it's very easy to remember a great deal, simply because it was such another worldly experience. I've always felt that being part of such a diverse group in first grade has shaped my adult perspective on culture and people in general. I have much to be grateful for.
My sister and brother were also students there at the same time: Kim and Jim. Kim was class of ‘74, and Jim, ‘72.
Sincerely,
Scott Fulmer ‘80
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We had three children at ISKL. We arrived in Malaysia in February 2003, and enrolled all three in the Elementary School. They settled immediately into the ISKL curriculum and were soon very happy in school. They have made great friends here and have formed positive relationships with their teachers.
The teachers are excellent at integrating a wide range of students from many different parts of the world and backgrounds into the school. The administrative staff is caring, approachable and available. The school is receptive to new ideas and suggestions while keeping the best interests of the students at heart.
Our eldest child has since graduated to Middle School; it has been a positive and challenging experience for him. He has had great teachers who are caring, thoughtful and responsive. The greater range of extra-curricular activities available to him in Middle School has been extensively explored!
Our fourth child enrolled into ISKL in August 2004.
Robert Fisher
Chairman, ExxonMobil Subsidiaries in Malaysia (Former Parent)
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We sincerely thank the management, staff and especially teachers of ISKL for the effort they extended in educating our children. What we parents valued from the teaching style of ISKL was the focus on making their students to "think" & "analyze" situations. We are also pleased with the balance between work/study and extra curricular activities. What we truly appreciate is the concern shown by the majority of the teachers in the educational performance/development of our children. Keep up the good work!
Mr. Walter Barrios, Regional Manager – Philip Morris (M) Sdn Bhd Mrs Amy Barrios (Former Parents) - Parents of Wanda ’01 and Walter II, ‘04
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Over the years, my family and I have lived in Singapore, Jakarta, New Delhi and Hong Kong before moving to Kuala Lumpur. As we compare our experience at the various international schools in these cities, I think it is fair to say that ISKL stacks up exceedingly well. The academic curriculum and standards are rigorous, and the complimentary extra-curricular program would do a much larger school proud. Our children are gaining breadth in their exposure, even as they achieve academic excellence.
One of the things that is special about ISKL is the high level of parent involvement in the running of the school, something that ensures very high congruence between the objectives of the administration and the parent body.
Overall, we (including the children), are extremely happy with ISKL and have no hesitation in recommending it to other parents.
Piyush Gupta
Citigroup Country Officer, Chief Executive (Former Parent)
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When they first joined ISKL, they had no problem mixing around with other students, except for the new environment and country they are in. It did not take them too long to adapt to the new environment and culture of ISKL.
They find ISKL interesting and the system of education is acceptable to them. Frequent communication with their teachers via the ISKL online parent folder is an added benefit.
We find that teachers and staff at ISKL were very co-operative and caring for the children. They could be contacted for information, be it their studies, activities or personal. They are very helpful and friendly.
Keep up the good work!
SHAMLAN AL-ROOMI
Ambassador, Embassy of the State of Kuwait (Former Parent)
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Our stay in Malaysia is only for a three and a half year period, but we have been fortunate to have our children with us and to have them study at ISKL.
A J Coleman, Australian High Commission Kuala Lumpur (Former Parent)
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Our experience regarding the education provided by ISKL to our two daughters, who both graduated with a bilingual IB Diploma, was a very positive one in which the self-esteem and the courage to speak up for oneself were brought to life or moulded accordingly.
Hans Peter Fend (Former Parent)
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I have been an ISKL parent for seven years and I am extremely happy with the quality of education offered by the school.
YAM Tunku Dato' Seri Shahabuddin Tunku Besar Burhanuddin, Executive Chairman (Former Parent)
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ISKL TEACHERS - THE BEST!
As the new school year begins and we all get ready for another batch of students entrusted into our care, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the teachers who make ISKL the truly great school that it is.
In 1998 we arrived in KL, having never lived overseas before, and brining with us two bewildered and rather anxious children. Jon entered grade seven at ISKL, coming from a very rigid, private school in Scotland. He had recently been placed in a lower “stream” at this school based on one test and his self-belief and ‘joy’ of learning was barely evident!
From our first meeting with faculty and staff at ISKL we knew that this school had something very special. Jon was treated as an individual and was welcomed by so many teachers with good humour, smiling faces and a clearly apparent enthusiasm for their job and the total well being of the students. He sat for an entrance exam and despite getting all the easy answers wrong and some of the most difficult correct in the math test (!), he was told he had been very successful and was clearly a very able math student. He began to believe it.
He was whisked off on Malaysia week, knowing no one and came back to my great relief with friends made from all year groups. An older boy shouting as they all returned home “See you around Jon, so glad you were on my site” will remain with me as a very special moment. He then had the opportunity to go off on Starship and had yet another wonderful experience. There are so many teachers willing to give their time and energies to afford the students such great opportunities.
Kylie Walker was Jon’s first art teacher and on being told about Jon’s ability in technical drawing introduced Jon to John Stupka, who sent books and encouragement, although Jon was still in Middle School. Again, there are so many teachers going out of their way to encourage each individual child’s strength and bolster their weaknesses. Vietnam, Habitat, Nepal, Soccer, Rugby, Rock Climbing, etc. all contributed to an exciting and well-rounded program of activities.
Jon graduated last year and was recently accepted to study architecture at both Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities – his two top choices. His International Baccalaureate (IB) scores were a little less than what was required by Edinburgh, yet he was still offered a place. I can only think it was mainly due to the recognition that the IB has around the world as an excellent qualification and the portfolio of work that the English and Art departments has helped all of the students prepare.
Iain and I are proud of him, but in my heart I know it is the teachers of ISKL who should be proud. Jon wrote in the yearbook that ISKL was his life – he was right. As an overseas school ISKL provided everything that was required to bring a boy to a “right fine loon” (that’s Aberdonian for a jolly good young man!!).
As parents Iain and I would like to thank every single one of you for your encouragement, your time, your sense of humour and your recognition of each child as an individual.
Testimonial by Dorothy Morrison – (Former Parent & ES Teacher)
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As for my years at ISKL ('69-'71), they were fantastic!!!
I remember our school (K-12) located in the old plantation on the hill. All classes were accessed from outdoor walkways and it rained a lot during monsoon season. The teachers always had the "louvered” windows open so we could see and hear the rain. I had great teachers including an Indian lady that taught me more about geometry than anyone ever could have. I dissected my first frog in the biology lab.
The best thing about ISKL was the incredible diversity of kids from all over the world! I also attended Taipei American School and one thing you learn as an American that travels a lot and often changes schools, is that you MUST be open to new people and new ideas and be ready to make new friends because there is no time to worry about "who the cool kids are".
We had small classes and there was a core group of us that played EVERY sport....soccer, volleyball, track, swimming and basketball.....in fact one of my few baskets was scored on the old court near the wood shower stalls. The goals did not even have nets. I shot a jumper from 30'...."swish".....the ref said it didn't go thru the rim....I was crushed. My best game though was soccer and my introduction to the game at ISKL has stayed with me even today as I play adult soccer, coach my kids and have earned my national coaching license. I also swam with a local club and actually competed in the Malaysian National Championships.
Other memories.......
Playing golf at the Royal Selangor Golf Club and talking the chauffeurs of the Rolls Royce into letting us sit in the front seats while the Royal families played golf!....snacks on the veranda at the "Dog"...the Royal Palace downtown.....batiks.....long brass fingernails on suspended shadow puppets....round-a-bouts.....rubber trees and tin smelting tours (pewter)....my first pair of Adidas shoes.....Yee-Boon-Bee, The national badminton champion (what a great game!!!)....the Merdeka Cup soccer tournament played in Merdeka Stadium...travelling via train to Singapore to play sports vs SAS....so many great memories!!!!
Following graduation with an architectural degree from the University of Oklahoma, I earned my license and now have a 30 person firm in Norman, Oklahoma that designs retail projects all over the US. I am married to Sharon since '77, have three kids and constantly tell them how great it was to be able to experience the world as a kid....especially ISKL!!!!
Rick McKinney, ‘72
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ISKL provides a warm, welcoming environment that is conducive to creative learning. Highly qualified, caring teachers challenge the students to achieve their greatest academic potential. Extra-curricular activities in athletics, fine & performing arts are offered at each level of the school, which allow our children to develop talents beyond academics. The high quality education our children receive at ISKL prepares them to be responsible world citizens. ISKL offers a wonderfully enriching experience for our three children.
Lizann & Vince Leusner (Former Parents)
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If I had to choose a single word to encapsulate my experience at ISKL it would be ‘rewarding’. But this does not mean that the two years have been smooth sailing and carefree. Quite the contrary! However, the stress of a demanding academic programme can be allayed greatly by immersing oneself in some of the varied extra-curricular activities offered by the school. This combination of equal doses of both academic attention and out-of-class pursuits allowed me to truly benefit from this opportunity. But what really made my ISKL experience an enriching one was the people, whether they were teachers, staff or fellow students. Their warmth and concern made me feel welcome while their thoughts and ideas have widened my perspectives greatly. My teachers transcended the task of being mere instructors, often acting as mentors, counsellors and at times, even friends. I always maintain that my two years at ISKL were the toughest academically, but most valuable in terms of breadth of experience. In short, it’s been an enlightening journey, a bumpy ride at times, but definitely worthwhile.
Preetha Gopalan ’04, IB Scholarship Student
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It has been my honour to serve on the ISKL Board for two years. I have had precious experience handling issues such as a second language, LRP, budget and so on.
My second son has learned at Melawati for three years. His lesson started with ' Melawati Way' which is "I take care of myself. I take care of others. I take care of the place where I live."
I am sure he has had a wonderful three years under the leadership of enthusiastic teachers. My son and I will never forget ISKL.
I heartily wish ISKL success and thank you again for your effort and support.
Sincerely Yours, Reiko Shiraishi (Former Parent)
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Attending ISKL for two years has helped me immensely as a student as I was exposed to a culturally diverse community and a learning system that differs greatly from my past experiences.
From the academic point of view, the well-organized classes made the learning process interesting, as students constantly interacted with their peers and teachers. This helped me improve the basic learning skills that I would apply when I attended university.
As a student at ISKL, time management is important. There were always events such as International Fest, musical concerts, and IASAS that were worth marking on the calendar. Every student has the opportunity to be a part of these events. Socializing with other students of different nationalities allowed me to overcome the culture shock that I first experienced during my first few days at ISKL. This has built my confidence and prepared me for student life in London.
Azmimi Ahmad Pharmy ’04, IB Scholarship Student
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I want to thank you again for the International Baccalaureate scholarship. It still hasn't fully sunk in that it's over, but it has been a wonderful two years in a wonderful school, and it would not have happened if not for the scholarship committee. One thing that I will take away with me from ISKL is that success is not always visible, nor does it have to be. I know, for example, that whichever "prestigious" college I end up attending, ISKL's faculty will rank right up there with theirs, and I don't believe that is something every High School graduate has the privilege to say.
Sincerely,
Yiwen Looi ’05, IB Scholarship Student
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I attended the International School from 1966 to 1971. From there, I went on to the University of Rochester, University of Delaware, and Johns Hopkins University for my PhD. Then I worked in Africa, at the CDC in Atlanta, back to Africa again, and am now living in Spain. I remember fondly the ISKL experience. Wonderful and motivated teachers, great students! My choices in life were to a large extent formed by my experience at the ISKL
I appreciate your efforts at keeping this wonderful school alive and vibrant.
All best wishes to you, the staff and the students.
Pieter Kat PhD ‘71
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