Vaccination Center
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.
