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KLASSics Chronicle May 2019

Page 6

The Alice Smith School

KLASSics CHRONICLE

The Royal Advocate Princess with a golden heart, Her Royal Highness Tengku Zatashah Idris lights up the world May 2019


From the desk of the

KLASSics Team

Contents

KLASSics Greetings for the first KLASSics Chronicle edition of 2019! It has been an exciting year for us in 2018, with the launch of The Alice Smith School Foundation on 1st November, as it coincides with the 73rd anniversary of the school. In conjunction with the Foundation’s establishment on the day, we also attended the unveiling of the newly built extension for the Humanities, Library, Sixth Form Centre and Indoor Sports Facilities. Be blown away as we highlight the event in Flashlights and check out our new philanthropic section in the #GivingNews for more stories about the Foundation and giving in a dedicated 4-page spread feature.

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Dates to Bookmark

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Message

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Flashlight

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KLASSics Konfidential

KLASSics team is also proud to present our first ever Giving themed issue! This edition we’ll take you on a journey #InLivingColours with other KLASSics members as they share their giving stories and inspire you to contribute back to our community and nature, alongside a special write-up on our featured alumni cover in the The Royal Advocate.

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In Living Colour

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KLASSNews

Our Engage section continues this month with top selections of meme-worthy photographs we’ve featured in our on-going #ThrowbackThursday posts online.

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GivingNews

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Journals

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Engage

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Nostalgia

31

This is not the end

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Tribute

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KLASSBoard

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Connect

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KLASSified

We’ve got so much more inside this issue, and we hope you will enjoy reading it through. If you have any special memories for our Journals, highlights for Connect or announcements for KLASSified... we’d like to hear back from you! Do get in touch with us anytime at our KLASSics email. Special thanks to our alumni contributors for this issue: Gerald Bishop Hannah Kam Lindsey Smith Lore Declercq Tengku Zatashah Idris Tricia Yap Zachary Liew

Your

KLASS KLASS KLASS KLASS KLASS KLASS KLASS

of of of of of of of

2003 - 2009 1995 - 2008 1950s 2008 - 2011 1978 - 1983 1988 - 1998 1996 - 2010

KLASSics Team @ Alice Smith School

KLASSics Chronicle is published bi-annually for the Alice Smith alumni comprises of former students, parents and staff. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed by the School. All rights reserved. Copyright 2018 - 2019 by the Alice Smith School. If you wish to get in touch, please email klassics@alice-smith.edu.my.

...dates for your diaries!

From the Head of School

Make a Difference

The Royal Advocate

Meet The Giftmakers

Winner - International School Awards Business Luncheon Talk PTA

The Alice Smith School Foundation Giving Alumni Feature - Lore’s work with NUV-HOP - Volunteer Talks by Alumni - KL Highland Games

A Tale of Alice Smith

#KLASSicsThrowbackThursday Trending alumni stories/posts

Recollection of KLASS and Me Coming Back Home

Alumni Announcement

KLASSics Reunite!


bookmark

DATES TO BOOKMARK

dates to

KLASSics Get-together in Kuala Lumpur Friday, 28th June 2019 Nostalgic Walk at the Primary Campus and Secondary Campus 3.00pm - 5.00pm Social Get-together at SOULed Out, Sri Hartamas 6.00pm - 8.00pm Ticket price: • RM80 per person for alumni, spouse/partner, family and friends of alumni • RM50 per person for alumni or friends of alumni who are currently still studying in university

If you missed out on our first get-together in Sydney or the spring meet in London, head over to KLASSics reunion in Kuala Lumpur this June! With a special two-part plan, comprising of a walk down memory lane tour at the campus of your choice plus a social gathering at SOULed Out after the nostalgic walk. Bring your family and friends over to join this get-together for a wonderful time of reconnecting with old classmates and meeting new KLASSics members. Look out for our announcement on social media and email for registration details or visit the school website at www.alice-smith.edu.my.

Primary Campus, Jalan Bellamy

Secondary Campus, Equine Park

MAD SHOWCASE Tuesday, 11th June 2019, 5.30pm - 7.00pm The Alice Smith School, Secondary Campus, Equine Park It’s back! The Media, Art & Design Show by our secondary students will be on again this year at the Secondary Campus in Equine Park. The show features the impressive work produced by our talented (I)GCSE and A Level students across the subjects of Media Studies, Art & Design, Digital Photography, Music, Drama and Design & Technology. The quality of the show is outstanding and the standard of work is reflective of professional practice with exhibits ranging from painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, video and installation, product design, graphic design and textiles. For further enquiries, please email klassics@alice-smith.edu.my for details.

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MESSAGE As the oldest British international school in Malaysia, the Alice Smith School has a long history of community service. Responding to the needs of others is deeply embedded in the culture and ethos of the school. The voluntary work of our governing body and Parent-Teacher Association, for example, illustrate this spirit of giving and selflessness. Since its humble beginnings over 70 years ago, these efforts have helped to shape and sustain the future of Alice Smith as a very successful, not-forprofit educational institution that engages with the local and wider community and supports it through a wide range of charity and service activities. At Alice Smith School, our expansive approach to learning gives all students and staff the opportunity to actively engage in a diverse range of activities beyond the curriculum, to allow for the discovery and nurture of talents and character, and to promote a lifelong commitment to self-directed holistic development and learning. A key part of these wider experiences is service learning - enriching the learning experience by doing something for others to help and support them, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Service learning can take a variety of guises. Most often it takes place through the expansive extra-curricular programme the school offers each year and includes supporting a range of charities, organisations and community projects both locally and regionally. For example, our annual charity dinner is an evening of quality, high-end entertainment bringing together students, parents, teachers and members of the wider community, creating a fundraising partnership to build on existing and new local and regionally based community projects carried out during the annual secondary trips week that make a lasting difference.

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MESSAGE At the Primary Campus, the annual charity days reflect the wonderful, charitable spirit of the school community through an amazing array of stalls and activities. The students showcase their creativity, collaborative efforts and entrepreneurial skills through these initiatives. This year over RM50,000 was raised. In 2015, close to RM80,000 was raised and sent to the British School of Kathmandu to support school rebuilding programmes in Nepal following the devastating earthquake that affected the lives of so many people. A fundamental understanding of being able to change the lives of others is what connects students, teachers and the greater community in service work. The very acts of service each year help connect students to the world around them. They provide the opportunity for children to look beyond themselves and see that they can make a difference, an opportunity that will also make a difference in them. Since 2010, Alice Smith has made major contributions to a Maekok River Resort community project and according to General Manager and Director, Bryan Massingham, the school has made an exceptional difference. “A total of almost US$40,000 has helped toward the construction of two toilet blocks, two canteens, two medical rooms, two libraries, two school shops and a nursery,” Massingham said. “These projects took place in schools which are mainly comprised of under-privileged ethnic minority ‘hilltribe’ students. In one school in particular, San Pha Kha, which has benefitted from seven of the above projects, the improvement in facilities was more than dramatic and has been a huge benefit to the well-being and education of the students.” Being respectful and community-minded, and contributing towards the betterment of others, is part and parcel of an Alice Smith education. It can help build personal identity, spiritual growth, and moral development as well as greater inter-cultural understanding, improved social responsibility and citizenship skills. Therein lies its true purpose and value. It offers anyone the chance to become a better person. It is pleasing to see this continuing further through the wonderful efforts of KLASSics alumni. Sic Itur Ad Astra

Roger Schultz Head of School

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FLASHLIGHT

MAKE A

DIFFERENCE Launched on the 1st November 2018, The Alice Smith School Foundation kickstarted its activities with an inaugural November Giving Campaign.

The community generously donated to the Foundation Giving Tree by purchasing the Gold, Silver and Bronze Metal Stars. The campaign has raised RM 172,000 with 53 stars purchased by the inaugural donors with most stars placed at the Secondary Campus. The scholarships and bursaries received the highest funds. The inaugural donors have made a difference! Following the successful launch of our Foundation, working alongside with our Enrichment Team and the secondary students, the Foundation Charity Dinner was held on 22nd February 2019 at the Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. For a long while now, our secondary students have hosted our annual Alice Smith School Charity Dinner, repeatedly praised as one of the highlights of the school year. Funds raised are used through service work to renovate underfunded schools, for community development and resource acquisition, as well as a range of wildlife and environmental conservation projects. From building dormitories and classrooms for primary school children in Chiang Mai and Krabi, to a recycling centre to protect the environment through sustainable waste management in Tioman and a coral conservation project in Lombok, they have been actively engaged in service projects to help others. The Charity Dinner aims to raise awareness of, and money for, our community service projects, both locally and internationally.

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FLASHLIGHT

This is an event organised and run entirely by volunteer students, staff and parents. Our students wait on tables, serving a three-course dinner to guests. During the dinner, guests were entertained by wonderful student performances, from stand-up comedy to classical music. Some of the great items that were auctioned included five lovely painted collaborative portraits of Superheroes by our Year 6 students, referenced from the work of artist Chuck Close; a large Dome art piece by Tony Proves; and an unforgettable dining experience with Danielle Peita Graham and Chef Carl Moore. All funds raised from ticket sales, raffle and auction went to support community service projects and charities supported by our secondary students during their Trips Week. Chair of the Foundation, YABhg Tun Zaki bin Tun Azmi and Board Member, YAM Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah attended the dinner this year, along with the British Deputy High Commissioner David Thomas who is also a school governor, parents, alumni, partners and friends of the school.

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KLASSics KONFIDENTIAL

The Royal Advocate In line with our Giving theme, KLASSics met with our newest addition to the Alice Smith School Foundation Board and featured alumna, YAM Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. We were waiting in anticipation as Tengku Zatashah had earlier posted on Instagram how excited she was about coming back to school after all these years. Walking in to our Primary Campus, donning a soft blue kebaya with her cheerful smile and kind voice, no one would have guessed that behind her small stature is a successful entrepreneur that balances a crown on her head while fulfilling her social obligations and relentlessly contributing all her other free time to advocacy and community work. Welcome back to school! This visit must have brought back memories that you had here. I was at Alice Smith School from nursery until aged 10 and I have happy memories of my time. I was very shy at that young age, and I remember having private classes with Mrs Lee our headmistress in order to prep for my 10+ Common Entrance Exam to the UK. I remember playing rounders (now the kids tell me they call it touch ball) after school because they felt I was rather isolated and alone. I remember my classmates and could not believe meeting up with Genevieve Sambhi, my dear friend, after all these years. I think I was one of the first to leave for the UK and I recall my classmates all writing letters to me like a pen pal when I moved to London. That was really special and heartwarming. Your work in women empowerment as well as charitable organisations has been much admired. How did it all start? I have been doing charity all my life since I was 10 years old; I was a volunteer with the British Red Cross and Cheshire Homes Oxford when I was 10.

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KLASSics KONFIDENTIAL I became school prefect after organising a school fashion show for charity and raised £300 for British Red Cross and Cleft Palate Association. In 20032010 I was National Youth Ambassador for Malaysian Red Crescent Society when I moved back to KL, and did lots of fundraising as well as youth humanitarian projects, talks and mangrove tree planting. Community work has always been something I have always gotten involved with. I have given lots of motivational university talks too for the students, to inspire them and help them in their career. Dedication to generosity is strongly in you, who is your inspiration? I was not inspired by anyone to do this, rather when I was at school it was something all of us did as classmates. But the older we get and the more hardships we see, the more I say to myself I can’t sit on my laurels and do nothing about it. If I can make that one difference, or help out at NGOs then why not. We all have this capacity to make the world a better place. And something I tell the students, don’t just sit and complain or rant about it on your social media. Do something about it. Even if it’s a small step it is still something towards positive change. We heard a lot about your passion for projects with children and youth as well the supportive work you do at the Alliance Francaise de Kuala Lumpur. Could you share more about it? I am currently Royal Patron for Make-A-Wish Malaysia, a charity that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and transformation. We have granted 509 wishes over the years and I have had the pleasure to be a Wish granter for many of our sick kids. I am President of Alliance Francaise de Kuala Lumpur and our role is to promote the French language and French culture in Malaysia. Due to my francophone ties and work in promoting France, I was awarded Chevalier de Legion d’honneur by France in 2017. I am also on the Board of Trustees of Selangor Youth Community (SAY) which aims to empower youth and provide an avenue to connect Selangor youth to development opportunities; and also the Board of Trustees to Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor (YRMS) who provide scholarships and funding for youth in Malaysia to build their talent and training, specifically those who are not academically inclined. I am also on the Board of Trustees to Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia, which is now spreading #zerofoodwastage nationwide under the purview of the government. Looks like 2019 is shaping up to be another exciting and busy year for you! I am founder and advocate of my campaign #zerofoodwastage, an initiative I created in 2016 to save surplus food and to channel it to those in need via Kechara Soup Kitchen. I realised when we throw away 230,000 tonnes of food during Ramadan, I thought that this was totally unacceptable. I saw that

France had already legislated to save surplus food at the supermarkets. So I wrote to the major hotel groups and supermarkets and since inception, we have saved 721 tonnes of food and it has benefited 22,000 people from the homeless to urban poor families, to the elderly folks home as well as disabled children. I am also founder and advocate for my campaign #sayno2plastic which I initiated in 2016 to fight against plastic pollution. Malaysia is the 8th world’s worst plastic polluter and my social media campaign has seen success with much lobbying to authorities, as well as impacting change amongst the public. I have conducted many beach cleanups, dive cleanups, coral replanting and conservation projects. I am also Sharksavers Malaysia ambassador to stop shark finning and #ImFINishedwithFINS campaign. Since 2018 I have collected (with volunteers) over 455kg of trash, mainly plastics. Last year, I was appointed Ikon Wanita in 2018 as Woman Icon for Women Empowerment Year by the government, because of my various talks on women empowerment and leadership. I continue this year in my role to push the agenda forward on women empowerment. I am also #StandTogether Ambassador since 2018 to promote National Kindness Week as part of our efforts to curb bullying at schools and instead promote kindness. And beyond this campaign, I do talks at universities on #saynommore2bullying. Last year I visited two schools and this year another 2 schools to promote this campaign amongst our children. You have recently been invited to join as Board Member for The Alice Smith School Foundation. Do you see great potential for the Foundation? I like the community work that Alice Smith School does, and I think with my involvement I am aware of many charities and NGOs, and areas of need that would require assistance. My motivation is to be able to link up those that might not necessarily be able to get the attention for funding and manpower, and that I can broaden and widen the outreach of the Alice Smith School Foundation as a facilitator. For example I would like to see more work for the rural community in Sabah and Sarawak and I have important contacts in East Malaysia. If I can link up Alice Smith School Foundation to my contacts in Sabah and Sarawak we could see some amazing projects take-off that can really help the poor rural folks, such as building schools and better facilities for them, get our students to go over and teach English too. Only recently I linked up our OKU SAY Entrepreneur with Alliance Francaise de Kuala Lumpur, so that he is able to sell his bread to our café. If I can help someone in a small way and link them up for success, then I am happy. So much can be done!

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IN LIVING COLOUR

Stories by alumni for alumni In this edition of In Living Colour, the KLASSics team shares the philanthropic work of 4 of our alumni who choose to give back to society in their own way.

Contributed by

Gerald Bishop KLASS of 2003 - 2009

Hannah Kam KLASS of 1995 - 2008

Tricia Yap KLASS of 1988 - 1998

Zachary Liew KLASS of 1996 - 2010

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MEET THE GIFTMAKERS to the depths of the sea where he specialises in seismic processing and geophysical data interpretation. “I assess various geophysics datasets to build up an ‘image’ of what is on, and beneath, the seabed. I often live on the survey vessel for 4-8 weeks while we complete a survey grid and process the data on board” says Gerald. In 2018 he started running his own company that does marine survey data acquisition, data processing and interpretation, mainly for renewable energy companies. I am a drop in the ocean of society, for now. Although he spends most of his time with an oceanic view, when on land Gerald has always tried to involve himself with community work. In 2018 he ran a f undrai s i ng c ampai gn ai me d at ass i st i n g t h e development of a training village in a remote location of Lilongwe, Malawi. The training village, named ‘Sam’s Village,’ teaches groups of vulnerable individuals’ crucial skills in order to help themselves, and their communities, become more efficient and self-sustainable.

“Those who have gained knowledge from a loss, have not lost anything at all.”

Gerald Bishop

Alumnus 2003 - 2009

Gerald first came to Alice Smith in 2003, after living in Qatar. He studied at the Secondary Campus in Equine Park between 2004 and 2009, where he proudly captained the rugby team and was busily involved with sports. He later went on to Leicester University to study Geology and Geophysics. Gerald shared with us that his time at Alice Smith has shown him a multitude of opportunities to completely immerse himself in things he wanted to experience. From volunteering at Seed Orphanage in Bali, to shaking hands with former US President Bill Clinton, climbing to the top of Mt. Kinabalu, and snowboarding down Austrian mountains. Being a go-getter, Gerald became heavily involved in school life and eventually became a Prefect. Despite his tremendous effort, he fell short of being Head Boy. But he takes this experience as a motivation, and said ”It’s those times when you’ve been conquered which force you to adapt, learn from mistakes and eventually pick yourself up to become a stronger and humbler person. In school you are bombarded with the fruits of life, and they are to be enjoyed, and I can honestly say I truly enjoyed the fruits that my Alice Smith had to offer.” A modern day treasure hunter. Gerald’s work takes him all over the world, particularly

A year long campaign, in May of 2018 Gerald went out to Malawi with a group of volunteers and cycled 500km across the country, from Blantyre to Lilongwe and raised over £2,500 for African Vision Malawi. The #pledge4pledge campaign helped the charity’s outreach programmes where they develop really poor regions of Malawi, while also helping individuals with disabilities, sponsoring maternity units, building wells and much more. Gerald shared, “I personally sponsored a young lad in Malawi to attend school. Levison Katanga is one of several orphans who qualify for African Vision Malawi’s Sponsorship Programme; those who have the drive to learn and succeed, but without parents to help them along their path. African Vision Malawi comes in to help.” Having a world class education. “In year 9 we did a career projection test, to see what careers best reflect our interests. At the top of my list was a Diver. Unfortunately, I had several medical conditions that weren’t ideal for a career in diving but in work at sea I used significant amount of scientific knowledge, of which the foundations were taught to me at Alice Smith. Those mathematics classes paid off after all.” said Gerald. Gerald strongly feels his 6 years at Alice Smith shaped exactly who he has now become. His first ever work experience placement based on the career projection test at school was at an energy company; paved the way for his career through Energy & Power. “A large part of any job is not only what you know, but also who you know. My early work experience placements were helped along by helpful mentors or even parents of my friends.” So what does the future hold for Gerald... “Some day I’d like to be a pioneer in advanced energy. My background and experiences have shown me the many ways of producing energy. Perhaps I’ll run one, or several, businesses, coming up with solutions to reduce carbon emissions and stabiles the planet’s environment so that humanity can focus its time and resources on advancing as a species.” and Gerald continues, “Short term, though, more money would be nice…”.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in these stories are from the contributors themselves and not in any way expressed by the Alice Smith School. Some stories have been edited from its original content.

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IN LIVING COLOUR Economy and Women Empowerment. Our starting focus was on education”, said Hannah. She continued, “I was very fortunate coming to a school like Alice Smith where we had a very holistic education. Academics were important but we were also encouraged to do a lot of extra curricular activities. And we were taught not by rote but to understand principles rather than just memorise them.” Hannah and her team endeavoured to create projects or programmes aimed at expanding youths’ imaginations and methods of thinking. A great example would be their Pitch for Progress (PfP) programme, where both public and private university students from around the country competed in an elevator pitch style competition, where a specific topic was chosen, such as how education in Malaysia could be revolutionised. In fact, PfP was not simply about the pitching competition: during the three day event, students also participated in various workshops led by Hannah and her colleagues, which included practical training on methods of presentation and public speaking, where the skills practiced and honed by the participants would stand them in good stead in the future.

“The crux of the idea or the initiative was to inspire nation-building amongst Malaysian youths, where young Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, work together for an ever brighter future for our country”.

Hannah Kam

Alumna 1995 - 2008

Our next alumna, moderation advocate and lawyer Hannah Kam shares her journey in community work during a recent trip back to school this year. Having long been interested in community work, upon her return to Malaysia in 2014, Hannah and her friends decided to start an initiative aimed at encouraging young people to be more active in building their own future - a future that they wanted for themselves and their future generations. They started developing several programmes under their flagship theme of Our Future: 2057, which symbolises 100 years post Merdeka and the progress they hoped to achieve in nation-building by then. “We wanted a comprehensive framework and we therefore drafted our own ONE Charter, which is like our constitution, and this Charter comprises the different areas of national life in which we want to make a difference going forward, including Education,

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Get the Right Opportunity Workshop (GROW) Following the success of both PfP and PfP2.0 in 2017, where responses from participating university students were incredibly positive, Hannah and her colleagues began considering initiatives to reach more Malaysian youths, including youths who may not embark upon the traditional academic path to university, such as those who opt for vocational studies. Hannah and her team then developed a programme called GROW, a workshop that offered career and education advice for students from technical colleges and SPM leavers which includes how to prepare for an interview. Hannah says, “Our belief is that not everything is about academic education. Young people should be encouraged to follow their individual talents and preferences, and must be taught a broader perspective on life.” So what’s next for Hannah Kam? Having developed and run youth programmes for more than four years, Hannah stepped down from the ONE committee last year to pursue other interests. She wrote a book entitled “How I Co-Founded an NGO: ONE Vision, ONE Future” which was published by MPH Group Publishing in 2018, and she is now also a columnist at TwentyTwo13 (https://twentytwo13. my), an online news portal, where she publishes work ranging from poetry to opinions on political events. She’s also been busy running a female empowerment mentorship programme for young Malaysian women and is looking forward to launching a cultural and heritage themed initiative later this year. As indicated above, Hannah’s passion remains community and nation-building work, and she hopes to do more in these areas in 2019.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in these stories are from the contributors themselves and not in any way expressed by the Alice Smith School. Some stories have been edited from its original content.


MEET THE GIFTMAKERS Our alumna Tricia Yap was a part of the Alice Smith School from Year 1 all the way to Year 12 (albeit a short gap in between Year 3 till 6 in Australia), and was proudly a part of the first ever graduating group of Year 12’s. Tricia recalls the Primary Campus fondly, “I remember the old Jalan Bellamy school and later the “new” Taman Equine campus - which felt tiny compared to what it is today!” After Alice Smith, she returned to Australia and pursued a double degree, Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Science, at the University of Sydney. Her first job post graduation landed her at the well known PricewaterhouseCoopers in Sydney, where she did management consulting with a technology specialisation. She also went on to acquire her professional accounting papers and was certified as a Chartered Accountant. Currently Tricia is a health and wellness entrepreneur, and a prominent motivational speaker. At one point in her career, she became the first professional female mixed martial arts fighter in Hong Kong. What an achievement, especially taking a risk to move into a completely new line of career. Being a motivational speaker, it must be an impactful line of work for you. I had done a TedXWomen talk on grit and success, and regularly speak at corporates, schools, and at wellness events on leadership, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship. In my spare time, I help other young female entrepreneurs as a mentor” and Tricia shared with us, “On a daily basis, I hope help empower women (and men too!) to take back control of their lives, live life more authentically, to be brave and do things that they otherwise thought impossible. Has being in Alice Smith helped your career in any way? Alice Smith was one of the biggest influences of my childhood and I loved that my education was well rounded in all aspects. School taught me the importance of good grades but also the importance of being a team player and using failure as a learning tool through sport and competition. Alice Smith hosted many school trips and competitions overseas such as the FOBISIA games, and it definitely instilled in a me a love for competing and travelling.

“I hope that I help empower women (and men too!) to take back control of their lives, live life more authentically, to be brave and do things that they otherwise thought impossible. ”

Tricia Yap

Alumna 1988 - 1998

Can you share with us your future aspirations, especially in the work that you do? To continue what I’m doing: inspiring people of all ages to empower themselves by prioritising their health. Money can buy you lots of awesome stuff, but it cannot buy you back good health. And to make health and wellness coaching accessible to those who otherwise cannot afford it.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in these stories are from the contributors themselves and not in any way expressed by the Alice Smith School. Some stories have been edited from its original content.

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IN LIVING COLOUR Tell us abit about yourself. I went to Alice Smith throughout my whole schooling career - all the way from Reception to Year 13. Following that, I studied Law at the University of Bristol and then got called to the UK Bar a year later upon completion of the BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course). However, I decided not to pursue a legal career (took me 4 years to realise that!) and then worked for various companies in banking and tech in London. I’ve now moved back to KL and started my own company that does financial technology.

That is indeed a big jump, from law to finance. So what are you working on now? I’m a co-founder of a FinTech startup called Curlec, that makes it really easy for businesses to collect recurring payments online. We started up the company towards the end of 2017 and since then have picked up a lot of traction. Up until us, the infrastructure to do this hasn’t existed for most companies in Malaysia and we’re now bringing this to the mass market, particularly targeting the SME segment.

“Alice Smith gave me a really good all-round foundation - from sports to studies to creative arts - which I think has been super important in my career so far.”

Zachary Liew

Co-founder, Curlec Alumnus 1996 - 2010

This sounds like a great opportunity, especially for SMEs to improve accessibility for their customers using an online payment platform. Certainly this has helped made a difference? At Curlec, our big value proposition lies in the fact that we help businesses of all sizes manage their cash flow and finances better. Traditionally, banks have overlooked these guys so we’re stepping in to allow them to use this service. We’re helping bank the underbanked business. Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business so I guess a difference we’re making in society is helping business owners throughout Malaysia manage this better and ensure that they can stay alive, pay employees etc. Has Alice Smith and your time in school played a part towards your career? Yes of course, I spent 14 years of my life there which is over half of my life so far (just!). Going to an International School and being surrounded by people from all around the world has definitely helped with how I interact and deal with people. Additionally, Alice Smith gave me a really good all-round foundation from sports to studies to creative arts - which I think has been super important in my career so far.

What are your future aspirations in the current work that you do? Become the Number 1 player in our space in Malaysia, then across South East Asia and maybe even beyond!

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Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in these stories are from the contributors themselves and not in any way expressed by the Alice Smith School. Some stories have been edited from its original content.


KLASS News

KLASS wins at The International School Awards 2019 Earlier this year, The Alice Smith School was announced as winner of the International School Awards 2019 in the Pastoral Initiative category. These much celebrated awards highlight best practice in a range of categories which include: learning and teaching, wellbeing, leadership, use of technology, pastoral initiatives, community impact, inclusion, pathway support, and international impact spearheaded by some of the best British schools and educators from around the world! Alice Smith School was shortlisted in two categories, learning and teaching and pastoral initiatives, winning the Pastoral Initiative category for its work on student led positive playtimes. The initiative involved developing Year 6 leadership opportunities which empowered students to help to transform playtimes. By developing student leadership training in the following positions: Referees, Equipment Managers, Play Mentors, Monitors, Buddies and Helpers, the children became part of the success story. New resources were purchased to use within carefully delineated playground zones with students involved at every stage of the process. Through student led assemblies and careful reviews of the implementation, our students feel happy and safe during positive playtimes. The Alice Smith School also recently achieved the Professional Development Quality Mark (PDQM) Gold Award, by the UCL Institute of Education. The PDQM was developed by experienced PD Leaders in partnership with specialists at the London Centre for Leadership in Learning to improve professional development practice in schools and educational settings across London, and beyond. We are proud to be the first international school to gain this quality mark and we are now working towards Platinum level recognition. Other notable achievements include being shortlisted for the TES International School of the Year Award in 2016, the British International School Awards (BISA) and Relocate Awards, both in 2018.

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KLASS News

BRIDGING THE TALENT GAP FOR A NEW EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE Recently KLASSics organised a Luncheon Talk in collaboration with the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC). The Alice Smith-BMCC Luncheon themed ‘Bridging the Talent Gap for a New Employment Landscape’ was a resounding success, engaging and informative for those attending. Four distinguished speakers Tunku Alizakri Raja Muhammad Alias (CEO, Employees Provident Fund), Paul Ritchie (CEO, Tesco Malaysia), Paul Cooper (Managing Director, Michael Page Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam) and Rachel Leong (Director, Group Strategy and Operations, Mah Sing Group Berhad) shared their expectations for this new employment landscape and how a harmonious confluence of academic, governmental and industrial strides ensure the continuity of businesses and confidence in the next generation of employees. Co-moderated by Roger Schultz (Head of School, The Alice Smith School) and Jennifer Lopez (Executive Director, BMCC), the panelists spoke of a rise in demand for technical (design and IT) and creative (arts and humanities) skill sets and emotional intelligence in the emerging jobs market in Malaysia and the increasing importance of managing employee expectations. Rachel Leong, who is also an alumna at the Alice Smith School between 1999 - 2007 shared, “In today’s era, technical know-how and expertise is no longer comparable to intelligent machines. The greatest value add employees can bring is essentially their creativity, passion, inter-personal skills and collaboration. As leaders, we have to take that and adapt our own leadership skills, and the way we manage people. It’s no longer enough for leaders to just guide and provide direction, upskill workforce, you now have to leverage on their humanity. We’re almost moving from a knowledge based economy to human economy where it’s all about getting the best talents by persuading them to join you for your organisation’s values.” Alice Smith Sixth Form Business and Economics students were also invited to the event and grateful for the opportunity to be present and listen to four great speakers share their knowledge and experiences. “While coming to the latter years of our secondary education, getting ever closer to university and beyond, being given this opportunity at such a crucial point in our lives has been taken with gratitude and enthusiasm. The panel discussion was able to give us a unique perspective that contributes to a more extended understanding of the economy and the real working world, something invaluable to have at a point of deciding about universities, prospective jobs, and possible careers,” shared Ethan Allwood, Head Student.

Thank you to PTA! KLASSics was fortunate to be invited to participate in a number of activities organised by the PTA throughout the year. They tirelessly contribute towards the school and we would like to say thank you for all their hard work during recent events such as the annual Spring Fair, Christmas Bazaar and Staff Appreciation Day.

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#GivingNews

Every giving matters because your gift will make a difference. Find out how you can support us today by contacting foundation@alice-smith.edu.my

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#GivingNews

With the launch of The Alice Smith School Foundation last year, we are excited to continue engaging with our community in support of service learning, fundraising and our charity partners. The Foundation supports philanthropic work in these areas: community; scholarships and bursaries; special educational projects; buildings and facilities and endowment. It establishes a new avenue for parents, alumni, staff, students, corporate organisations and friends to contribute to the school, securing its long term future and expanding its reach, scope and impact in education. In the last 7 months since its inception the Foundation has raised over RM700,000 where major gifts were made to our scholarship and bursaries fund. We are in gratitude towards our community that has contributed to make a difference.

Amount Donated *Fund raised: RM 747,250

Alice Smith Supporters (RM 1,001 to RM 5,000)

70,000

9.4%

Rising Partners

70,000

(RM 5,001 to RM 10,000)

9.4%

Alice Smith Friends

34,250

(RM 1 to RM 1,000)

4.6% Golden Partners

57,300

(Above RM 50,000)

76.7% *Subject to Malaysian tax and excludes cost of fundraising and income generated from the funds raised.

Areas of Funding Scholarships & Bursaries

592,500 (79.3%)

Community

3,270 (0.4%)

Special Educational Projects

7,450 (1%)

Buildings and Facilities

77,000 (10.3%)

Endowment

10,500 (1.4%)

General

56,530 (7.6%) 0

200000

400000

600000

Amount donated (RM)

Making a gift that impacts positively on the dreams and aspirations of others is one of life’s most pleasurable experiences. Forging a partnership with The Alice Smith School Foundation through giving provides the exciting opportunity to make a difference to shape a better world for current and future generations. It creates opportunities such as avenues for donors to have increased visibility including networking possibilities, naming opportunities, participation at prestigious events and an association with like-minded people in education.

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#GivingNews Creating opportunities, changing lives The primary aim of The Alice Smith School Foundation is to raise awareness and financial support from the community for enhancements in these five areas: Scholarships and Bursaries In line with the school’s mission and commitment to give back to society, the school has awarded full scholarships for Sixth Form education to 31 deserving Malaysians since 2010. These scholars have been extremely successful gaining entry into Oxbridge and other top universities in the UK. Funds raised in this area will help to provide support to our Alice Smith scholars throughout their time at school and onward to university and support an expansion of this programme.

Community Having a sense of responsibility for the wider community is part and parcel of an Alice Smith education. At the Primary Campus, varied school activities such as Mufti Days, Jeans for Genes and Charity Week are run to help fund raise and support children who are less fortunate. The annual residential trips at the Secondary Campus focus on some or all of the following elements: community service; personal development and curriculum-related learning. Funds raised support service for learning and the local charitable work of the school and local and regional community based projects, benefiting others. Equally, our Sports Houses at the Secondary Campus - Fairfield, Fleming, Scott and Muir also play an active role in supporting the following charity organisations: WWF, National Cancer Council MAKNA, Lighthouse Club and SPCA.

Special Educational Projects High academic achievement, extensive wider learning activities and the development of essential life skills are key features of our school. Funding in this area enhances the range, depth, richness and diversity of learning experiences available to students.

Endowment Our “Making a Difference” endowment enables our school to maintain excellence in learning and teaching, curriculum, innovation, support of our community and further ensure our status as a regional and world leader in education.

Building and Facilities Good facilities are an integral component of an Alice Smith education. By investing in good facilities, we help to create the right environment for current and future students to receive a holistic education, and attract and retain an excellent team of teachers. This funding area further supports the physical development of the school campuses, ensuring future generations continue to benefit from an excellent learning environment.

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#GivingNews

Give the Gift That Lasts Making a gift of time is as impactful as making a donation. Sharing experiences and volunteering time to give back creates a personal connection as well as contributes towards the betterment of self and the people you work with. Read more about the stories we support at school. Making a difference with Lore Declercq and NUV-HOP Lore Declercq, our alumna from KLASS of 2008 - 2011 is on a mission this summer. Currently based in Belgium, Lore was studying Medicine when she got to know about the Northern Uganda Village Health Outreach Project (NUV-HOP) project. Together with 19 other committed medical students, she will be travelling to the North of Uganda, to a city called Gulu and devote her time to medical development cooperation. Last year Lore reached out to us on supporting her cause. Read more on her story… “NUV-HOP Project is a multidisciplinary project run by students of different disciplines and different nationalities in close cooperation with local communities in Northern Uganda. Its main goal is to improve the living conditions in underprivileged communities through increased selfreliance and responsibility, as well as establishment of sustainable development initiatives and resource management. The organisation was founded in 2013 and its results are the outcome of close collaboration between medical students from Belgium, Great Britain and Uganda. As a post-conflict country, Uganda in general and the North in particular, is characterised by an enormous need for sound health care and education. The project today is a combination of outreach on one hand and health education on the other. Outreaches are mobile medical clinics that strengthen smaller health centers in remote villages with equipment, medication with the services of doctors and supported by medical students. An outreach entails curative work such as consultations and treatment by means of medication as well as screening and preventive medicine. For example, last year NUV-HOP extended their follow-up programme for hepatitis B vaccination, this year they will start up a menstrual pad project to keep girls from dropping out of school during puberty. NUV-HOP is also increasingly investing in prevention by giving health education in schools and local communities. Because up to 700 people are present during an outreach, they can use this opportunity to provide health education as well. This includes common health problems such as malaria prevention and control, HIV / AIDS, hygiene, family planning, etc. Organising a project on this scale does not come without a price tag. To finance all these activities on-site, NUV-HOP depends entirely on sponsorship. It should be emphasised that the project is organised and carried out by students in collaboration with doctors from the regional hospital of Gulu. As a result, each and every contribution goes to the project and its activities integrally. The small operative costs are carried by the student itself so every support we can get will be vital to our mission.” The Alice Smith School is proud to support the work that Lore is bravely taking on this summer. Keep in touch with us to see what’s next from Lore after the end of her project!

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#GivingNews

Knowledge Sharing by Alumni Sharing knowledge and learning together as a community is a thriving aspect of the Alice Smith School culture. Apart from regular alumni visits to tour the campus, we receive a number of alumni who give back to the school by volunteering their time to speak with our current students. This academic year, we’ve had a number of alumni come back to school to share their journey of higher education, employment, career and paths not taken. These sessions facilitated by our Higher Education team for the Year 12 and 13 students do shed light on the reality of the outside world and it also helps them to be more prepared on their journey into young adulthood. KLASSics would like to thank all alumni for their time and commitment. If you would like to contribute to next year’s programme, please email highered@alice-smith.edu.my. 1 Sofia Farouk enlightened the Year 13s on the reality of university life 2 Tricia Yap imparted her knowledge on the ever changing nature of careers and knowing how to adapt and be flexible in their choices. 3 Hannah Kam spoke of her career journey in Law to aspiring law students 4 & 5 Zachary Liew, Thomas Riggs and Thomas Collins shared their journey on unexpected career paths

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KL Highland Games The KL Highland Games was held on 23rd February 2019 at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Park. Traditionally held on Sundays in May, the organiser has now settled onto a new annual date on Saturdays at end of February instead. The Alice Smith School is a proud supporter of this event and have participated by opening up a booth annually in the past few years. The main objective for the event was to raise awareness of the school and the Foundation.

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JOURNALS

A TALE OF ALICE SMITH As told by Lindsey Smith

Alumna and daughter of Alice Fairfield-Smith

Yes, the school was very important to Mum. As you will see later, she could never stand to be idle and would always find some constructive occupation. As it may still be the case, it was not possible for the wives of expats to work in any ordinary job - their lives are just the Selangor Club and endless bridge parties. I don’t think mum could have stood that. On the other hand, she never set out to create a school. As her hand written document left in ‘95 says, the school just happened. There were young children there with absolutely no schooling available and she was a trained teacher. She was dragooned into it. And it just grew and grew. I think she was always a bit surprised but of course delighted. The school outgrew the small house, then outgrew the big house and moved into the Masonic Hall. More teachers were found as needed. I remember Mrs Muir and Mrs Duckworth and Hazel Read taught me piano. I recall the leave-taking ceremony when mum was completely overwhelmed and cried. As a 10 year old, I was, of course, mortified. Mum was born on 4th July 1905 as Alice Pierce Johnston from Santa Cruz, California and opened the school in 1946. She was then married to my father, Hugh Fairfield-Smith who’s Scottish/British and had me with my brother Hugh. In 1950, we moved to North Carolina where dad was a lecturer at NC State. Once the house was in order mum rapidly became bored. She trained as a librarian and worked at the Raleigh City Library. She also had creative hobbies: “button gardens” and chip-carving. In 1953, we moved back to Canberra - where my parent had agreed to retire. Mum and I went ahead to build our family house. William, our family friend at the time had arranged to buy the block of land in the area they had chosen. The two families had always been close. William and dad met when they came to Australia on the same boat in 1927 - both bound for jobs at CSIRO (The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).

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JOURNALS

Alice Fairfield-Smith (seated) and her descendants during Christmas celebrations in 1991. Her son, Hugh, and daughter, Lindsey, are directly behind. Next to them are her three grandsons, Cameron, Hilton and Andrew, with their wives and the first three great grandchildren

Once the house in Canberra was organised, my parents were separated and mum (of course) became bored so she took a job at the Australian National University at the “Central Store” - which did all the purchasing for the University. Around 1960, Len Huxley who then became Vice Chancellor asked mum (who he already knew from pre-war days) to be his secretary. She was still there when, in 1966, William asked her to marry him. Mum and dad were divorced by then and William’s wife had died. In 1966, William was Scientific Liaison Office at the Australian Embassy in Washington. The job meant a lot of entertaining. Family get-together at Christmas 2015. On the far left is Subsequently mum enrolled to cooking school and became Alice’s son, Hugh. Cameron (back row in red checkered shirt) and Hilton (on the right of Cameron) are Alice’s two grandsons. a first class chef. They then finally retired to Canberra, to mum’s Rosie, Alice’s great-granddaughter is in white house circa 1969-70. She took care of William and the general stream of family that came through. But still there were other projects. Mum and my stepsister Phillida found an old Miner’s cottage on the South Coast in a state of decay. William bought it for them and it became a major project to renovate. It was totally charming although a bit of a hand full to maintain. By the time the maintenance was getting too much, I had arrived back in Australia (1977) and bought it from William. It was a wonderful escape hole for me for many years. When the school invited her back to KL in 1981 she was completely blown away by what had evolved from simple beginnings. Sadly mum passed away on 2nd December 1992 at the Woden Hospital Canberra after a short illness. Looking at how much the School has achieved now, I know she would have been equally stunned and delighted by the creation of the Secondary School. A busy life.

Lindsey Smith

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ENGAGE

#KLASSICSTHROWBACKTHURSDAY Some back-in-the-day photos to jog your memory on the joyful memories of your time at Alice Smith. Watch out for more old but gold photos on our Facebook page every other Thursday under #KLASSicsThrowbackThursdays.

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Educators in 1957 A Christmas play in the 1950s ‘The Evening Star’ Puppet Making in the 1960s Production in the year 1978-1979 Swimming Competition at the Lake Club Circa 1978. From left: Pete Harnett, Paul Edward Harnett and Rachel Moore


ENGAGE

Prep 1.2 (1981 - 1982) Back row from left: Vera Chan, Dilruba, Tracey, Priya Pillai, Wai Sum Leong, Rachel Holmes, Mrs Lim Front row from left: Petra Doolan, Hung Chia Kan, Nikola Spatafora, Alan Singh, Anil Gill, Louise Galliano

Prep 2A (1982 - 1983) Back row from left: James Pilkington, Robin Sambhi, Heather Ho, Guin Lee, Louise, Roland Buisman, Julian Lim Front row from left: Ian Hodkinson, Jasim Puthucheary, Philip Lee, Giri Balakrishnam, Sultan Muhammad V, Zairul, Kevin Ng.

Class 9W (1999 - 2000) Back row from left: Front row from left:

Scott Web, Keigo Osaka, Kuhan Arunasalam, James Eden King, Daniel Lawder, Hannah Muir, Alex Jahshan, Michelle Djeki, Jodie Akinci, Tiknee Lee-Nowell, Kelly Robinson, Arisa Yabe, Ta Hui Hean Murray Hunter, Seng HL, Sonya Chee, Douggie Doug Lawrence, Masami Miyauchi, Purdita Webster, Junko Amaya, Rana Halabi, Tarryn Toka-Ellis, Teacher Ms. Claire Shaw

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ENGAGE

Class 7L (2000 - 2001) Teacher Mr Steve Warry (the late) & Mrs. L Lee Back row from left: Daniela Kirchhubel, (the late) Rachel Ah Cann, Bei Jeen Low, Francesca Chia, Renyi Lim, Nicola Jayne Troup, Thiranee Wong, Lucy Raggett, Marie Paxton. Front row from left: Kit Koh Hopcutt, Fraser Porteous, Patrick Blom, Jahanvir Chall, David McMorrine, Samuel McWilliams, Liam Ritson, Alex Chong, Feroz Esmail.

Year 12 & 13R (2004 - 2005) Back row from left: Middle row from left: Front row from left:

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Daryl Chew, Callum Feasby, Daniel Ballis, Roshandev Parmjit Qamra Jema Khan, Charlotte Gregory, Aaron Liddell, Alexander Chong, Melissa Spanton, Teacher Mr Imeson Emily Dass, Tatsuki Abe, Niamh Walsh, Philipa Davis, Anusha Ghanapathy, Angeline Mohanadasan


ENGAGE

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Year 5 Trip to Malacca in 2002 - 2003 Prom 2013! International Week From left: Jessica Flindell, Dania Mah, Isabella Tan, Devi Dwiputranto, Afiqah Rizah, Andrew Chong A Raya Celebration in School! From Left: Ammar Fahadh Khalid, Puan Azizah, Ana Farik, Nabilah Hanim Year 1 Trip to the Zoo in Year 2000-2001 International Week at the Secondary Campus From left: Julie Anderson, Francis Therese Calalang, Kartika Abdul Ghafar

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NOSTALGIA

Recollection of KLASS and Me At Alice Smith, staff are one of the pillars of our school community. Our staff go the extra mile to enhance and enrich the lives and learning of our students. Each staff member demonstrates a strong commitment to the wellbeing of our students and shows support towards the development of the school. In this issue of Nostalgia, we learn more about 2 of our long-service staff on their lives with Alice Smith so far. How long have you taught in Alice Smith? I started teaching in Alice Smith School in Term 3, 1996. What inspired you to teach and choose Alice Smith? I love teaching the little ones especially Foundation Stage 1 and 2, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 students. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? My students are usually surprised to see me dance and perform Gamelan especially when it is a public performance. If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead? I would open an orphanage house to help unfortunate children for them to have a better life in future.

Roslinda Othman

MFL: Bahasa Malaysia Primary Campus, Jalan Bellamy Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a mother of four adorable children. I have two girls and two boys. My eldest is Puteri Alissa Dania in Year 9, Puteri Aina Dalilah in Year 7, Muhammad Asyraf Danial in Year 8 and my youngest is Muhammad Arfan Danish in Year 3. I love cooking, arts and crafts, playing Malay traditional instrument (Gamelan) and enjoy Malay traditional dance too.

What makes a ‘good day’ at school? Every day is my good day at school. If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share? Don’t give up. Keep on trying “Nothing is impossible”.

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RECOLLECTION OF KLASS AND ME How long have you taught in Alice Smith? This year will mark the completion of 21 years of teaching at Alice Smith. What inspired you to teach and choose Alice Smith? I have always enjoyed teaching, as a child, I would play teach my older siblings. When I was little I remember my dad driving me to school and we would pass a bunch of Alice Smith students waiting for their pickup at a bus stop. All dressed up in their gingham uniforms and with their wicker baskets. Little did I know that I would one day end up teaching here. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? Not going to say as I would not like to spoil the surprise.

Stewart Edmonds Head of Computing Secondary Campus, Equine Park Tell us a bit about yourself. I am Malaysian, am married and have two children, both of whom are now part of the Alice Smith alumni.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead? Probably travel. What makes a ‘good day’ at school? Just having a lesson when you feel like you have made a difference in the lives of your students. What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for class? A nice cup of tea and maybe some Tesco Custard Creams. In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why? Mark Shine...he makes me laugh! What current trends (among students) are baffling to you? Why? Well I am not really baffled, every generation is going to have its own ‘thing’. If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share? Value your parents, value your life, stay always curious, never limit yourself and be kind to yourself, there is only one of you.

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NOSTALGIA

COMING BACK HOME Be it from the 60s, 80s, or recent 2000s, hear what our returning alumni quip about coming back to school.

Andy Homden & Jan

Erman Akinci

Sue De Bohun & Neil

Thomas Riggs

Former Staff 1996 - 2002

Alumnus 1995 - 2000

Former Staff 1992 - 1997

Alumnus 1995 - 2000

Andy Homden was Principal at the Secondary Campus and Director of School between 1996 - 2002.

Always great to come in and see the amazing things that are being done. It looks amazing!

Sue De Bohun was Principal at the Primary Campus between 1992 - 1997.

Always great to come in and see the amazing things that are being done. It looks amazing!

Isabella Tan • Farah Rizal • Luke Hopcutt • Bryan Tan Class of 2012 Isabella - It feels like it’s been a lifetime but some things never change. So happy to see that some things got improved - running to class in the rain in some departments was the worst. This school has stayed with me for so many years and will continue for a long time. It’s good to come home. Bryan - So many memories coming back to this place - many memories were made which I will now take for the rest of my life. Good to see the school improving always. Luke Hopcutt - Wow so many memories. So much has changed; yet everything feels the same. I will visit again at a later date, perhaps as a family? Who knows. 8 years since my last visit... my how time flies. So much shelter now! Uniforms the same! This place will always hold a special place! 11 plus years I spent here!! Till next time! Farah - Its been almost 9 plus years since I stopped by here. Instead of trying to find what’s changed its easier to look for the few things that have stayed the same. Being here brings back memories I didn’t even know I had and reminds me just how different life is now. I’m glad I went back to have a look at where all those building feels through the years ;) Now time flew, wonder what went down in Sixth Form.

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NOSTALGIA

Michael Winchester Alumnus 1967 - 1971 Thank you for the memories - When I left in 1971, the classes finished at Prep 2 and there was no where else to go. So my family headed back to Australia. I remember Ms. Doughty, a lovely woman but she was scary! Patricia Lee was the Principal who was a gentle, caring person. One of my best friends for 45 years was a classmate here: Ian Harring and his mother Bruni who was a teacher and is still alive!

Longley Cook Family

Jesselyn Lee

David Bryant

Alumnus 1998 - 2000

Alumna 2010 - 2013

Alumnus 1964 - 1967

The Longley-Cook family re-visited the school in November 2015 - Phobe, Giles and Flora had been at Alice Smith in the late 90s to 2000.The school has kept the wonderful family fun feel but we are so impressed with the refurbishments and developments in the facilities. And we have been made to feel welcome here!

Alice Smith provided a solid foundation for my future years in education and has given me many life skills I still use today. Returning to the school many years later and meeting with some of the teachers who helped shape who I am. I feel a sense of nostalgia and wish that I’d never left! The school has allowed me to develop into a confident individual and has helped me foster long - lasting friendships with both my peers and my teachers. It truly was an honour to study here!

A great trip down memory lane! Thank you for helping me relive happy times. I was at the Alice Smith from 1965 1967 when Mrs. Lee was Headmistress a great lady! I remember getting in to a “fight” (age 6! no damage!) I thought she’d give me a grilling but she was very kind. I am just visiting KL for 4 days and enjoying being back in the land of my youth (left in 1977). Best wishes to all alumni of a superb school.

Sofia Farouk Lara Knight Jonathan Sill Tasha Lim Niamh Quigley James Hwang Melissa Farid Class of 2018 Coming home both feels like it’s been a lifetime and an instant. Forever a special place for all of us and memories of the people that made it special.

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NOSTALGIA

Susan Skinner

Ann & Peter Gunn

Alex Rogers

Tricia Yap

Former Staff

Former Staff 1983 - 1986

Alumnus 1992 - 1995

Alumna 1988 - 1998

It was wonderful to look around and see how the school has developed. I will always cherish the memories of my time here. Love to feel that the family atmosphere still remains. Love you always Alice Smith.

How wonderful to revisit Alice Smith after more than 30 years! Alice Smith School has changed so much, but the community, happy feeling remains! Thank you to the staff for a fabulous, warm welcome.

It was a great pleasure to visit Alice Smith School today. My sister and I were here from 1992 1995 and now live in New Zealand. Today I am a diplomat with the New Zealand Foreign Service. I look forward to keeping in touch!

Amazing to see how the school has evolved in the last 20 years. I wish there was a boxing club and gym when I was there. Can’t wait to come back for a visit in the future and perhaps even help to show some MMA moves and fitness tips.

Tengku Zatashah

Zac Liew

Thomas Collins

Sheila Bushell

Alumna 1978 - 1983

Alumnus 1996 - 2010

Alumnus 2005 - 2007

Former Parent 1998 - 2008

Hannah Kam

Ben Ibrahim

Rachel Leong

Hannah Wood

Alumna 1995 - 2008

Alumnus 1987 - 1990

Alumna 1999 - 2007

Alumna 2011 - 2018

Edison Tan

Alumnus Class of 2012

Joyce Tan

Alumna 2005 - 2017

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Joe Tham & Jun Tham Alumna 2010 - 2013


This is Not The End

KLASSics Sixth Form

FAREWELL BREAKFAST It is our second time hosting the farewell breakfast event for our Sixth Form students, and the vibe was both sombre and excited. We are proud of our Year 12s and 13s and KLASSics would like to wish them all the best for their upcoming exams and for an exciting road head as they embark in their next phase of life. The special connection they have to the school will always be around and we hope they will continue to stay connected with us.

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This is Not The End

BIDDING FAREWELL TO OUR LEAVING FAMILIES At the end of Term 1 and 2 of this academic year, we bid farewell to our leaving students and their families. As they embark on a new journey and settle in to their environments we thank their continuous support towards our school throughout their time at Alice Smith. We would like to wish them a wonderful time wherever they are, and will now welcome them as KLASSics. Au revoir!

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TRUBUTE

In Loving Memory of

Arie Irawan Fauzi 21st August 1990 - 7th April 2019

On Friday, 7th April Malaysia saw a tragic loss in the world of golfing with the passing of rising star Arie Irawan Fauzi aged 28. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Arie attended the Alice Smith School from year 2002 -2006. One of our former staff George Lazaroo, fondly remembers Arie at school and his passion for golf and how he engaged into golf ECA. “Sadly we will miss him too. May the family be comforted whilst his soul rest in peace.” He made his debut in 2006 before attending the University of Tulsa in 2008. Arie turned professional in 2013 and returned to Asia to pursue his professional career. He went on to win two events on the Asian Development Tour in 2015, but recently missed the halfway cut at the Sanya Championship, the second event on the PGA Tour China Series. His brother, Danial Fauzi told us Arie would always say “I don’t want to retire and work behind a desk. I want to do this (golf) for the rest of my life. Arie was my idol, beloved son, and brother. I love him so much and always will.” Other family members, brother Adam Irawan and sister Iman Kysah echoe Danial’s words “We all loved him very much and will miss him sorely. He is at peace now.” KLASSics offers its sincere condolences to Arie’s family. He is survived by wife Marina Malek, parents Ahmad and Jeny as well as siblings Danial Fauzi, Adam Irawan and Iman Kysah.

In Loving Memory of

Ray Funnell Former Parent and Governor 26th April 2019 Our deepest condolences to the Funnell family on the sudden passing of Ray Funnell, former governor and parent of the Alice Smith School. Ray made a significant contribution to our school through his work on the development of school facilities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. He is survived by wife Gretta as well as sons, Oliver and Mark.

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KLASSBoard

Congratulations!

Alexandra Williams ♥ Tomi Saikkonen Alumna 2002

17th

Gabriella Sidhu ♥ Pawel Gaca

August 2018

Alumna 1989 - 1994 2nd September 2018

Weddings

Rachel Leong ♥ Dan Smith

Riz Azhar ♥ Emma Azhar

Alumna 1993 - 1998 7th December 2018

Alumnus 2000 - 2004 10th November 2018

Edwina ♥ Mike

Alumna 2004 - 2008 18th August 2018

Marly Nguyen ♥ Bree Ellett

Ellesse Tzinberg ♥ Henrik Gundersen

Alumnus 1996 - 2005 12th January 2019

Alumna 1997 - 2007 18th March 2019

Emily O’Neill (Saywell-Lee) ♥ Tom Breffers O’Neill Alumna 1995 - 2001

28th September 2018

Engagements 34

Akash Lagad ♥ Shoba Alumnus 2007 2nd November 2018


KLASSBoard

Births

Angela McPeake & James Percy Alumna 1996 - 1998

Alyce Rock & Josh Rock Alumna 2001 - 2005

Delivered their son Jack Percy on 7th December 2018

Jonathan Davies & Louise Lee Alumnus 1990 - 1996 Delivered their daughter Jessica Davies on 7th November 2018

Delivered their daughter Georgia Eloise Rock on 18th October 2018

Louise Garner & Matt John

Lexie Rodriguez & Drew Switaj

Alumna 2008 - 2012

Alumna 2000 - 2002

Delivered their son Leo George Garner-Greenwood on 1st July 2018

Adam Wright & Amy Wright Alumnus 1997 - 1999 Delivered their son Alexander Frederick Robertson Wright on 29th July 2018

Delivered their son Leo Forest Switaj on 19th July 2018

Alexandra Williams & Tomi Saikkonen Alumna 2002 Delivered their son Jenson Aleksander Apollo Saikkonen-Williams on 6th March 2018

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CONNECT

KLASSics REUNITE! Class of 2018 meet up! From left to right: Sofia Farouk, Jonathan Sill, Joshua Cheung, Jade Caublot, Niamh Quigley, Ollie Thesiger, Celeste Delort, Gaetan Pans, Melissa Farid, Maddy Griffith, James Hwang, Lara Knight, Zakeri Monaghan, Bayden Bromley and Jai Vithlani

Then and Now Taken in London in 2009 Top from left to right: Aiman Hassan, Seng HL, Nabila Hanim & Jeen Low Taken in KL 2018 Bottom from left to right: L-R: Seng HL, Nabila Hanim, Kyle Plumbe and Aiman Hassan

Class of 2018 From left to right: Daffa Fauzi, Kays Hud, Michael Gilmour in Chinatown London

1. Alistair Hamilton (former Head of Visual and Performing Arts, 2007 - 2012) with Pete O’Connor (former teacher) in Spain 2. Alistair Hamilton (former Head of Visual and Performing Arts, 2007 - 2012) with John Morcom (former student, 2005 - 2010) in London 3. Alistair Hamilton (former Head of Visual and Performing Arts, 2007 - 2012) with Lizzie Parkinson (former student, Class of 2013) in London

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Boys night out - Class of 2000 From left to right: Edward Kadar Shah, Michael Heywood, Gareth Taylor and Shaun Jacobson


KLASSified

You’re invited

MARK DIARY YOUR

ALICE SMITH SCHOOL

10TH YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 2009 See you in 2019

CLASS OF 2010 See you in 2020

CLASS OF 2011 See you in 2021

Organised by:

Organised by:

Organised by:

Gerald Bishop

Rachel Fairclough

Catherine Fairclough

SIXTH FORM 2001 See you in 2021 First batch reunion Looking for volunteers

Anyone who is organising reunions in your year or would like to volunteer for any alumni activities please contact the KLASSics team at klassics@alice-smith.edu.my

37


Farewell to our Sixth

Formers - wishing you all the best!

KLASSics Breakfast Tuesday, 8th May 2018

Primary Campus No. 2 Jalan Bellamy 50460 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel +603 2148 3674 Fax +603 2148 3418

Secondary Campus No. 3 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine 43300 Seri Kembangan Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel +603 9543 3688 Fax +603 9543 3788

www.alice-smith.edu.my

www.alice-smith.edu.my/379/alumni

klassics@alice-smith.edu.my

KLASSics The Alice Smith Alumni Association

www.linkedin.com/in/alice-smith-school/


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KLASSics Chronicle May 2019 by Alice Smith School - Issuu