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Panthers of ISKL #238: Flora P. - The Supportive Panther

“I've always seen my kids happy to go to school, to be involved and learn. I believe that your kids' happiness and serenity in their daily lives are everything, especially when you are so far from your home country. ISKL is giving us this, so I can only say that my experience in this school has been wonderful and beyond my expectations.”

 

Meet ISKL parent Flora P. from Italy, who has been in the community since 2018. With three kids at ISKL, Flora has been an active parent volunteering as a community representative for the Italian community and events such as Christmas Around the World and IFest.

 

Here is Flora’s story: 

 


Can you tell us more about yourself? 

Family Holiday Photo

My name is Flora. I have three kids at ISKL: Tommaso in Grade 11, Ludovica in Grade 9, and Filippo in Grade 4. I come from a small town near Milan in northern Italy, where l grew up and met my husband. 

 

I got a master's degree in Business Administration in Milan, where I worked for different companies until 2013 when my husband had the opportunity to move to Jakarta for his job. We decided to start this new adventure together as a family and left Italy. We spent five years in Indonesia before moving to Kuala Lumpur in 2018.

 

What year did your family join the ISKL community? What made you choose ISKL?

We joined ISKL in 2018 when we moved to Kuala Lumpur. When choosing the school my kids would attend, I was sure to choose ISKL because my kids had been attending Jakarta International School (JIS) for three years. I loved the school and the system, so I wanted them to continue the experience at a similar school. 

 

My first visit to ISKL was at the old Melawati campus, and the feeling was very positive. My kids were immediately impressed, and when they told us the news about the opening of the new campus (exactly when we were supposed to start), we all felt very excited about the new beginning.

How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been?

This is our seventh year at ISKL; my kids grew up at ISKL as students and individuals with their values and personalities. Throughout all these years, I've always seen my kids happy to go to school, happy to be involved and learn. I believe that your kids' happiness and serenity in their daily lives are everything, especially when you are so far from your home country. ISKL is giving us this, so I can only say that my experience in this school has been wonderful and beyond my expectations. 

 

I had a very good experience when we arrived at ISKL. This was the very first community I met after moving to Malaysia. Here, I could find all the help I needed to settle down in a new school and country, and I had the chance to meet new people who became new friends. I really appreciate the way the school supports all the families and students and tries to meet all their needs.

Can you describe the ways you are involved within the ISKL community? Do you take part in any volunteer work at ISKL?

 

I like volunteering for Elementary School classroom activities with the kids (like reading, cooking, doing experiments, etc.). My kids are always happy when they can see me during school hours.

 

 

I took on the role of Community Representative for Italy, which means I got involved with welcoming new Italian families and community events such as ‘ Christmas around the World’ and ‘IFest.’ 

 

My kids are swimmers, so I also help out as a host family during swim meets and the IASAS tournament. 

PTA Involvements

Can you offer any advice for new ISKL parents?

 

I advise new ISKL families to enjoy the school as much as possible and get involved in what they like to do; your kids will love seeing you around. 

 

Also, feel free to ask any questions and seek help. Plenty of people are happy to give you the support you need. ISKL will become a big family for you; soon, you will feel at home.

 

Describe your most memorable moments at ISKL.

Move on ceremony

I have so many memorable memories at ISKL, starting from the very first day, for example, when my children got their first important achievements like the Robert B. Gaw Award. 

 

I have wonderful memories of the "moving on" ceremonies from Grade 5 to 6 and from Grade 8 to 9 and of all the music concerts my kids did with the school orchestra, where I was always impressed by their high level of performance.

 

I also need to mention all the sports competitions in all the school divisions and the amazing experience of IASAS.

 

I’ve also had memorable experiences at school events. One of my favorites is "Christmas Around the World," where parents put their efforts into making a special day full of Christmas magic and joy for Elementary School students every year.

What do you love most about ISKL?

First, I appreciate all the people who work hard every day to make ISKL the place it is. I love the commitment and passion all the teachers and staff have in making an environment where our kids are happy to learn. 

 

I really like the counselors' role, too, with their precious support to our children in managing their emotions and feelings throughout their school journey. They play a crucial role with our High School students, helping them make important decisions for their future and helping us parents better support our children in that phase of their lives.

 

I also love the campus, which has amazing facilities and a diversity of cultures and nationalities.

Who or what inspires you?

My kids inspire me every day. I like to see their engagement in all school activities, academic or not, and their commitment to what they have been involved in since a young age. 

 

Also, the diversity of the ISKL community and being in touch with all the different countries and cultures are very inspirational for me.

What does ISKL's vision, "Know yourself, care for all and create a better world," mean to you?

This vision is the foundation on which our kids can build their future. To do so, I believe that families and schools must work together on the same vision: raising kids to be aware of their values, strengths, and weaknesses and encouraging them to look beyond themselves and care for others without bias. They will then be able to use all the knowledge and skills they have learned in a good way to improve our society and the world we live in. 

   

 


 

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.