Recollection of KLASS and Me

At Alice Smith, staff are one of the important pillars of our school community. Our staff go the extra mile to enhance and enrich the lives and learning of our students. Each staff demonstrates a strong commitment to the wellbeing of our students and shows support towards the development of the school.

Russell Moore Former staff and parent KLASS 2009 - 2020

It’s sad not to see your friendly face around campus this term! Take us down memory lane, your first step in Malaysia and your next destination from here. I first arrived in August 2009 with my wife and 4 suitcases. Previously I taught for 7 years in my home city of Nottingham in the UK. The plan was to spend 2 years in Malaysia, 2 years somewhere else then go back to the UK to start a family, and 11 years later... we’re leaving with 2 children, 50 boxes and 10 suitcases, I guess our plans were flexible! I have so many wonderful memories of my time at KLASS. The Alice Smith community has been amazing, both as a teacher/football coach and in the last 3 years as a parent when my eldest son started at Primary Campus in Jalan Bellamy. Though for me the 2 areas that have been the standout and are the most memorable were the annual MAD show and coaching Football. Eventually when visas are being issued again, I’ll be heading off to teach in Chicago, USA, but for the short term I’ll be heading back to the UK. How do you keep yourself inspired with teaching throughout these years? The inspiration for me has always been about how rewarding it feels to know that you’ve helped someone else to grow, whether that be through the classroom, on the football pitch or in emotional intelligence. I want to help enrich the lives of other people. In essence, that is what drew me to Alice Smith, the idea of the enrichment I would gain, the understanding and experiences through the exposure to so many different nationalities, cultures and religions.

Can you share with us your classroom moments in these last few months? The current pandemic certainly presented an unprecedented experience both in teaching and learning for our students. It’s been tough for everyone not being together these last few months, and I feel sad especially for those who are graduating or leaving KLASS that have been robbed of all those last moments and goodbyes. However, I have been amazed by the resilience of our student body in dealing with all this change, and I have seen some truly outstanding creative and imaginative tasks being completed throughout all key stages!

What would the students be surprised to find out about you? It certainly wouldn’t be that I love Lego. I talk about it all the time! I haven’t told many student’s that according to our family tree, on one side my roots supposedly go back to Norwegian royalty in the Viking times prior to moving to Ireland and then England. I like to think it’s true! Haha!

You’ve won the lottery! Maybe not today, but if you did what would you do?! Buy or start a football club for sure! I’d love to be a chairman if I had the money! I’d have to be the owner and manager though! I’d also probably buy a huge house and fill it with Lego!

Ever wondered how it’d be teaching another colleague’s class? Tell us who and share with us why! Wow this is tough. There are many, but if I had to pick one, I’d choose a History class with Mr Rob Kimura-Davies. I’ve always enjoyed listening to him, and enjoy history too, so I think it would be fun and enjoyable! I almost studied archaeology before deciding upon Design.

If you would like to stay in touch with Mr Moore, reach out to the KLASSics team! Email us at klassics@alice-smith.edu.my