Panthers of ISKL #277: Tina and Peter Casey - The Purposeful Panthers
After 15 memorable years at ISKL, Peter and Tina are saying farewell to the school they’ve called home. From their early days teaching in Canada to raising three children who graduated from ISKL, their journey has been shaped by a deep love for learning, community, and connection.
Drawn to ISKL for its strong academics and vibrant culture, they found much more—a place where their family could thrive, grow, and belong. As they prepare to return to Canada, they share what they’ll miss most, what they’ve learned, and why ISKL will always be a part of them.
Here is Peter and Tina’s story:
Do tell us more about yourself.
Peter: I was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. My father was a photographer in the Canadian Air Force, so I moved around every 3-4 years. My earlier years were spent in Holland and Germany, and then we moved around a lot in Canada as well. I think transient life was in my blood, so I guess it makes sense that after I had taught for a couple of years in Canada, I went overseas and became an international educator.
Tina: I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, and when Peter and I met at our first teaching job there, we decided to go overseas and start careers as international teachers. Over the past 32 years, we have taught in seven different countries.
When and why did you join ISKL?
Peter: We had been moving around every 3-5 years working at different schools. Still, once our kids were at an age where they needed stability, we needed to find a school with an excellent reputation, strong academic and extra-curricular programs, and a strong sense of community. We interviewed at many schools and had several offers in the region, but as soon as we walked onto the ISKL campus, we could feel the difference. ISKL had a sense of community unlike any school we had been a part of, and we knew this was the place for us.
Tina: We came to ISKL when we were looking for a place to stay long-term so that our three children could go through high school without moving. ISKL was the perfect school for us and our children because it was vibrant and progressive and had many opportunities for us across the arts and athletics.
What have been the most memorable moments or milestones during your time here?
Peter: There are so many highlights at ISKL for our family. I think having 3 ISKL graduates and seeing all they accomplished in their time, from ISKL championships to musicals, travel, and friendships, has made them into the global citizens they are today, and my wife and I as parents.
Personally, I think being able to lead the most incredible group of educators as the Middle School Principal is definitely the highlight of my educational career. Finally, the friends I have made, teachers and parents, and the incredible students I have taught, coached, or mentored have been the most memorable in my 15 years at ISKL.
Tina: We enjoyed all the extracurricular moments for our children, including ES, MS, and HS sports and shows. Ultimately, every IASAS our children participated in was a highlight.
What will you miss most about ISKL?
Peter: I will miss this community of people who really look out for one another.
Let's be honest: You have to buy into the culture at ISKL. The school expects a lot from everyone—students, parents, teachers, and administrators—but if you are willing to put your heart and soul into this place, the school, the community, and most of all, the students will make it the most rewarding place imaginable—at least it was that way for me.
Tina: The people, of course. We have been here for 15 years, and we have not only made friends but also cultivated new family members. So many people here are like our family, and we will miss them. Oh, yes, and the food! Malaysian food and culture is the heart of our time here as a family.
Can you share a saying, idea, or experience you learned at ISKL that you will always carry?
Peter: I know it is cliche, but this school really does embody the "work hard, play hard" philosophy. I have worked hard, but I think I have played even harder. I have had many amazing times with friends and family, both at school and in KL and Malaysia.
Tina: Be all you are was a motto here at ISKL. I can honestly say this school allowed all five of us to be everything we wanted to be during these 15 years, including career moves, opportunities to coach and direct, and simply having fun and enjoying our lives. We have many incredibly fun memories of our time here with everyone, past and present.
Do you have any advice for new faculty members joining the community?
Peter: Get involved! Get to know your students on a deeper level, and then find a passion (a sport or activity) that you want to share with others and jump in. It is important to strike a balance, but teaching internationally requires a higher level of commitment, and ISKL is probably even more than most international schools, and that's what makes it such an amazing place to work.
Tina: My biggest tip is always to give it a year. It takes at least a year to get your bearings in a new place, to understand the culture of the school and the city, and then to find your place in it. Don't try to do it all or be it all; just enjoy the new experience first, and the adventures will come to you.
Who or what is your source of inspiration?
Peter: Wow, there are just so many great educators out there who have inspired me; it is tough to pick one.
I will say my wife and kids are a source of inspiration for me. They help me be the best version of myself. My admin team, which consists of Jeff Farrington, Julie Olson, and Rami Madani, has been central to my growth as an administrator. My Assistant Principal, Doug Woodward, has been a pillar of support and friendship for the entirety of my tenure as principal.
What are your plans once you leave ISKL?
Tina: We are slowly going to acclimatize to Canada again. We look forward to relaxing at our cottage, reintroducing ourselves to our country's amazing seasons, and being physically present in our families' lives.
What does the ISKL vision – "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" – mean to you?
Peter: It is a simple way to sum up our goals as human beings. If we could all live by these words, the world would be a better place. I am proud to be a part of a school with this vision statement.
Tina: It was the reason we came to ISKL. Fifteen years ago, a similar vision was "..where care follows closely behind," and that struck me amongst all the other schools we were looking at. I wanted my children to have the opportunity to be all that they could be, and that care would follow closely behind and then ultimately come to know yourself, care for all, and create a better world. What more do you want for your children?
What does the ISKL vision – "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" – mean to you?
It is a simple way to sum up our goals as human beings. If we could all live by these words, the world would be a better place. I am proud to be a part of a school with this vision statement.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, 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.