With the stunning backdrop of the KL city skyline visible from the Elementary School rooftop venue, ISKL’s Parent Alumni came together for an evening “under the stars” at our very first Parent Alumni event in October. There were plenty of hugs as old friends caught up for the first time in years, and took the opportunity to reminisce and look to ISKL’s future.
Organized by recent “empty-nesters” Cathy Thomas and Michelle May, along with the ISKL Alumni team, the evening was an opportunity to welcome back to ISKL those most important Parent Alumni who, over the years, helped in so many ways to make ISKL the thriving community it is today. Among the guests were former Board members, swimming club officials, Panther Hut and Pac Shack coordinators, faculty, class volunteers and the list goes on…
While we traditionally think of Alumni as those who have graduated from a school or university, there is no doubt that international school is different. When families choose an international school they are, in many cases, choosing the community that will become their extended “family”, who provide friendship and support when their real families are often so far away. As our Parent Alumni event proved, those relationships continue long after children have graduated.
For some, this was their first visit to the new Ampang campus while, for others, it was a chance to return to a place they hold dear. As Judy McCluskey, whose son Tim graduated in 2004 explains, “For many of us, this is our home now and staying in touch with this group of people is important for us as our extended families are not here.”
The evening wasn’t only for fond memories. It was also a chance to find out about the new campus and our new leadership. ISKL’s Head of School, Rami Madani shared his vision for ISKL and how our Parent Alumni can continue to be part of our school’s journey, by attending events, volunteering and supporting student activities. Designer and ISKL Alumna, Lisette Scheers, spoke of her own journey after ISKL, including starting her own KL-based design business, Nala Designs.
And, in her typically passionate way, Michelle May thanked the guests for coming back to their ISKL “home” and encouraged them to work with the Alumni team on future Parent Alumni events. Soon to repatriate to Canada, she also revealed plans for the ISKL Winter in Ottawa Reunion in February 2020 which she is jointly organizing with her Class of 2016 daughter, Jessica.
If you know any ISKL Parent Alumni who may not have registered with the ISKL Alumni Department, please pass on the contact email – [email protected].
See photos from the Parent Alumni Soiree HERE.
