This week, we caught up with the High School Grade 12 Level Coordinators (GLC) parents, Shivinder D. Adhilah HM., and Mara V.!
GLCs are liaisons between school authorities and parents who organize activities such as Senior Treats, cap-and-gown fittings, and more. Learn how this multicultural team from India, Sri Lanka, and the USA collaborates as GLCs.
This is their story:
Shivinder D.
Do tell us more about yourself.
We are originally from India. I have two girls: my eldest, Shagun, works in London, and my youngest, Shreya, is in Grade 12. We have lived in Kuala Lumpur for the past 22 years, and Malaysia feels like home.
What year did your children start ISKL? What made you choose ISKL?
My eldest daughter started ISKL in 2006 and graduated in 2019. Shreya, who is in G12, started ISKL in 2010.
Our friends introduced us to ISKL. When we took our elder daughter for the interview, the teacher’s warmth melted our hearts as she held our daughter’s hand and took her into the room. Since then, the chain of holding hands has continued.
How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been?
It’s been a wonderful journey and experience as an ISKL parent. The amount of exposure and diversity our children have experienced is a blessing. I have made many friends and created lovely memories throughout these years at ISKL. The unique thing about ISKL is the support system students and parents get here, whether it’s reaching out to a teacher, counselor, principal, or, in fact, even the Head of School.
What made you decide to become a G12 GLC? What do you enjoy most about being a GLC?
I decided to take the role of G12 GLC because I wanted to be involved in my daughter’s last year of High School. Our association with ISKL has been very long, so I’ve tried to build meaningful, lovely memories to cherish for a lifetime.
I have enjoyed organizing the monthly Senior Treats, Senior Sunrise Dinner, and 100 Days To Graduation for our Seniors. So much planning goes into it, but the result is fruitful when I see my daughter and other Seniors smiling and enjoying the treats! I am so lucky and grateful to have Adhilah and Mara (also G12 GLCs) by my side.
What will you miss most about ISKL?
What will I miss about ISKL? Well, that’s a very hard question. It gets me quite emotional; my whole life has been spent only around ISKL. I will miss meeting people and attending many interesting school events and opportunities. I have met many wonderful parents, school faculty, and staff and will miss all that. The welcoming vibes of ISKL will always be missed. I would like to thank everyone for making us part of this big family community!
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the community?
I advise new parents to get involved and volunteer in school events. Once you get into it, there’s no looking back. It’s so much fun meeting new people and making so many friends along the way. We also get exposure to so many interesting things, like cultural diversity. Events like the International Fest are amazing. The whole community makes this event a big hit and memorable for all ages.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
There is always a hitch to getting out of your comfort zone, but once you take that small step, you can conquer anything that comes your way. We all leave our mark in this world in some way or another that influences someone positively. Never shy away from your weaknesses; make that your strength to move forward and positively impact one’s ability. Being kind, respectful, and loving matters the most.
Mara V.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
We are US citizens. I am originally from Kazakhstan, and my husband is from the United States. Our boys were born in Kuwait. We have lived in Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Indonesia, the USA, Angola, and Malaysia.
What year did your children join ISKL? What made you choose ISKL?
Our boys Justin and Noah started ISKL in Grades 10 and 11 in August 2022. We moved from Houston, where they attended the British International School of Houston and were introduced to the IB curriculum there.
ISKL has an excellent reputation and was one of the only schools offering them the option to continue with the IB program. Additionally, the former Admissions Director, Julia Love, was very welcoming, providing us with all the necessary information, and even gave us a virtual tour during Covid to assist in our selection of ISKL as their school.
How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been?
We have been extremely pleased with the entire staff and the school’s support as our children transitioned into their mid-high school years. The ISKL parents’ community has also been very helpful and resourceful.
What made you decide to become a G12 GLC? What do you enjoy most about being a GLC?
As I took some time off from my career, I wanted to give back to the community and be involved in my kids’ last years of High School. I enjoy working with other GLCs and parents to make this Senior year special and create sweet memories they can take with them.
I wish our Seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors!
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the community?
I encourage new parents to be positive and get involved with the ISKL community. There are tons of opportunities for activities and functions.
Happy parents, happy kids!
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Accepting and loving yourself and others as they are and being kind. Following this ideal will naturally resonate with those around you, inspiring others and spreading kindness within and beyond.
Adhilah HM.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Adhilah. I am from Sri Lanka, and I have four kids. My first is an alumni from 2020 who is now in the UK. My second son, Haroon, is a Senior this year, and my other two children, Samah and Hamdan, are in Grade 9.
We moved to Malaysia from Rwanda in August 2018.
What made you choose ISKL?
When we looked at schools, we wanted something diverse for our kids to be exposed to. We were also attracted by the level of competitiveness and, of course, the IB score.
How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been?
I appreciate the acceptance and diversity of the community.
What made you decide to become a G12 GLC?
I wanted to be involved in my son’s final year at school.
What do you enjoy most about being a GLC?
I enjoy planning all the Senior treats.
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the community?
This is a community where you can be recognized and included.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Future generations will be responsible and caring.
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.
