Panthers of ISKL #352: The Grade 12 Grade Level Coordinators 2025-2026
Meet Thejaswini K. and Daisy Q., Grade 12 Grade Level Coordinators (GLC) for the 2025-2026 school year. Together with a fellow parent, Arzu K., they have found connection and fulfillment in their roles, and as they completed the year, we learned more about their personal journeys at ISKL and what lies ahead for them.
GLCs are liaisons between the school and parents who organize activities such as Senior Treats, cap and gown fittings, and much more.
This is their story:
Thejaswini K.
Please tell us more about yourself
I was born and raised in Mumbai to a family with strong roots in Kerala. My mother was a High School teacher, and my father worked in the corporate sector. I am a Physics graduate with a specialization in Pharma Management, having previously worked with Nicholas Piramal till Oct 2008.
Beyond my corporate background, I am also an entrepreneur and the founder of Hearty Smarty Bakes. It has been a rewarding journey of building this brand from my home kitchen. I love dancing and taking long walks admiring nature.
When and why did you join ISKL?
I joined ISKL following a relocation due to my husband’s career.
What year did your children start at ISKL? What made you select ISKL as the best school for them?
My kids joined ISKL at Grade 9 and Grade 5 in August. As our children were attending Brent International School in Manila, finding a good International Baccalaureate school was our top priority. Based on recommendations from our family friends and the school’s reputation, ISKL was the first choice.
How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been?
From my very first coffee morning, I felt instantly at home thanks to the warm and welcoming community here. Starting as a Booster Volunteer was a perfect way to make friends, and I have loved jumping into volunteering at different PTA events ever since. It is a wonderful way to connect with people, work alongside the PTA, and to get involved with the school.
What made you decide to become a Grade 12 GLC? What do you enjoy most about being a GLC?
This was my son’s final year at ISKL. I wanted to be deeply involved in everything, and being a GLC was a wonderful way to do that; being connected to the students and parents at the same time.
It is an incredible journey. From being a Room Parent for Grade 5 to being a part of iFest’s core committee, working on ticket sales, undertaking the sponsorship lead role, being a part of India’s iFest core committee, and serving as Grade 12 GLC. I was skeptical at first about being a Grade 12 GLC, but due to my phenomenal teammates, Daisy & Arzu, it was an amazing journey.
What has been the best memory (or most memorable moment) for you as a parent at ISKL?
Being in a sponsorship lead role was a learning experience; being part of the India team to showcase our culture and dance at iFest, being a Grade 12 GLC and witnessing the Graduation Ceremony of my elder child, and last but not least, making lifelong friends.
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the ISKL community?
Please jump at every possible opportunity to volunteer, as this is the fastest way to make friends, to feel a sense of belonging, and to find your tribe.
Which Panther superlative best describes you as an ISKL parent and why?
I’m the Most Baik Panther (Baik means kindhearted) because I love to help people.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you.
My children are happy, and I have found long-lasting friendships and connections.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (like) ISKL because I feel connected!
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
“Know yourself” means understanding your own strengths, while “care for all” reflects my love to help others. Together, these define my journey where small, kind-hearted contributions ripple outward to make our school and our community supported in whatever possible way by us.
Daisy Q.
Please tell us more about yourself:
I came from China, and I have been living in Malaysia for more than ten years. We were looking for an international education for our son, so we decided to move to Malaysia from China. We lived in Johor Bahru for two years and transferred to ISKL when our son was in Grade 4.
What year did your child start at ISKL? What made you select ISKL as the best school for your child?
He started in August 2018 at the start of the second semester of Grade 4. Compared with the international school in Johor Bahru, ISKL has more diversity and a long history behind the school.
How has your experience as a parent at ISKL been?
ISKL is an extremely warm and welcoming community. When I first attended the meeting at ISKL, it was all very welcoming and organized. Especially with ISKL PTA members, you can find a lot of interesting things to do with ISKL parents and lots of opportunities to be involved in school. It helped me to adapt to a new environment and meet new people.
What made you decide to become a Grade 12 GLC?
I have volunteered for many things in ISKL: MS Chinese Liaison, Grade Liaison, twice as iFest Co-Chair, Scouting Committee Chair. So, since it will be my last year at ISKL, I would like to do something for the students, parents, and myself. I had heard that Grade 12 GLC was a challenging role, but taking challenges is my personal favorite.
What do you enjoy most about being a GLC?
I enjoyed being a Grade 12 GLC as I had two wonderful partners, Teju and Arzu. We worked as a team and supported each other.
If this is your final year as a parent at ISKL, what will you miss most about ISKL?
Yes, it’s my final year at ISKL. I will miss the ISKL community environment and vibe since I left school to be an alumnus.
What has been the most memorable moment for you as a parent at ISKL?
I’d say lots of memorable moments with my ISKL friends and my kid at ISKL when I was involved. For example, being a committee chair for scouting from zero knowledge to confidence, it took me five years to run this program. As a chair of iFest, I started to create my committee members from the beginning. All the problems solved and communication; it’s a personal skill-learning experience.
So far, the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony has been my most memorable moment because I attended it only as a senior parent; it’s so special to me, my family, and friends.
Can you share some advice for new parents joining the ISKL community?
Jumping in and signing up for volunteering. You will make friendships and some of them will be your best friends forever!
Which Panther superlatives best describe you as an ISKL parent?
I’m the most Onz Panther (Onz means nothing is impossible). I chose this superlative because during my years at ISKL, I learned a lot from different people and projects. In the very first days, my English was poor, but when I got the opportunity to speak, write, and read it daily, I improved a lot. I even had my formal English speech in front of a hundred people during the scout meeting. That’s something I never thought that I could do!
Taking the role of iFest Chair was another challenge, especially the second time, as I was mainly running the role. It seemed impossible too. But I did, and my team did it! It was an amazing experience, and it felt like nothing was impossible!
Also, I’m the most colorful person because I have blue and yellow glasses, and I had pink, blue, and yellow hair. A lot of people mention that I look like I represent ISKL!
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because it changed my lifestyle and mindset. Also, it was my most important and wonderful years when I was in ISKL as a parent.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Know yourself but push yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Be a better you! Care for all but take care of yourself first; otherwise you won’t be able to care for others! Create a better world; start with a small step like a smile to strangers.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member 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.