Panthers of ISKL #230: Julia Y. – The 2024-2025 PTA President
“There are so many wonderful memories, but the ones that stand out for me are the experiences I’ve had with ISKL teachers. They’ve never failed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for my son and have always taken the time to get to know him as an individual.”
Julia Y., originally from Singapore, is a dedicated parent at ISKL who has been an active community member since 2018. She has contributed significantly as a Grade Level Coordinator (GLC) and served as the VP of Communications. Julia has now assumed the role of PTA President for 2024-2025!
Here is Julia’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am originally from Singapore but grew up in Hong Kong, where I first met my husband when we were seven – we attended the same international school there. Before settling down in Malaysia, we both spent some time in London.
I moved to Malaysia 14 years ago and have been in the ISKL community for six years. We have two sons – our oldest is in Grade 4, and our youngest has just started Prep Reception.
What year did your family join the ISKL community? What made you choose ISKL?
We joined the ISKL community in 2018 when my oldest son started Prep Reception. When we visited ISKL, we were really struck by how confident and outspoken the students were. Even as we walked around for the first time, students would come to us to say hi and ask if we needed help. The school itself is wonderful, and the teachers show genuine interest and care. Ultimately, however, we chose ISKL because my son loved it. After visiting, he couldn’t stop talking about how great the teachers were and how much fun he had.
How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been? Please tell us more about other volunteer work you’ve done at ISKL.
When I first joined ISKL, I volunteered to be a room parent as the ISKL curriculum and culture were completely foreign to me, and I thought the best way to learn about the school was to be involved. Throughout my time here, I have volunteered to be a Grade Level Coordinator and the PTA’s VP of Communications.
This year, I have taken on the role of PTA President. My experience has allowed me to get to know the school and the community, and I can honestly say that at every turn, I have only been met with kindness, support, and immense warmth, both from the school and the parents I have met.
Congrats on your new role as the President of the PTA for 2024-2025. What are you looking forward to the most?
I am excited to be taking on the role of PTA President. The PTA has an amazing team this year, and I am excited to work with many fantastic parents who bring great energy and positivity to what they do. We have some great events planned, and I can’t wait to see how we come together as a community to celebrate ISKL’s 60th Anniversary.
Can you offer any advice for new ISKL parents?
Get involved! That’s probably the best advice I can give anyone joining the ISKL Community. You will meet so many wonderful people and participate in many great activities and events. Volunteer as much or as little as you want, but get involved. ISKL is an amazing school for our kids but also offers a terrific community for parents.
Describe your most memorable moments at ISKL.
There are so many wonderful memories, but the ones that stand out for me the most are the experiences I’ve had with the teachers at ISKL. They have never failed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for my son and have always taken the time to get to know him as an individual. To this day, my son continues to visit the teachers that he’s had and talks so fondly of them. That is the impact they’ve had on him, and seeing that contribute to his learning journey is wonderful for a parent.
What do you love most about ISKL?
The community. When your child joins ISKL, your entire family really does.
Who or what inspires you?
My kids. The way that they view the world and the perspectives they have inspire me every day.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
To me, “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” means that in truly understanding who you are, you can find your purpose. And in that small part of the world that you care for, you can make all the difference.
So be kind, thoughtful, and compassionate in all that you do, and help make a difference in the lives that you touch.
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.