Welcome
from the Deputy Head of Secondary (overseeing Boarding)
Here at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, the boarders constitute the very heartbeat of our school and indeed, the atmosphere that pervades is richer for the presence of our boarding community. While offering a traditional British boarding school model in a Malaysian setting, we are forward thinking in our approach, and while we could never replace the love and care of a student’s home, our boarding houses offer experiences, memories and friendships that are enhanced by the boarding environment. Dedicated house staff are focused on creating a ‘second home’ for our students, making sure our boarding houses are a place of comfort, support and belonging for all who live there.
Our holistic approach to education is rooted in the belief that we should be developing students beyond the bounds of the classroom, allowing them to grow and to prepare for all the opportunities and challenges of life beyond school.
We believe happy students will be successful ones, and therefore we focus on enriching all aspects of our students’ lives, aiding them in their development into confident and well-rounded young adults and global citizens.
Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar is an amazing school, full of happy students who benefit from our diverse pool of teaching experience and the abundance of facilities that sit within our 80-acre site. We are extremely proud of the international boarding provision we provide and are confident that our students are ready to ‘Make it’ in the ever changing global world that awaits them when they leave.
Mr Gary Slade Deputy Head of Secondary
Welcome & Introduction
from the Houseparent of Naquiah Boys House
To give you some background about myself, I have been involved with boarding education for several years, having served as a houseparent for the past four years at a large boarding school in the UK. My experience in boarding has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique needs of our students, and I am excited to bring this expertise to Naquiah Boys.
Born and raised in England, I developed a love for literature, leading me to become an English teacher. I am passionate about reading and believe it plays a crucial role in developing critical thinking and empathy in students. I look forward to sharing this love of books with the boys at Naquiah, hoping to ignite a similar enthusiasm in them.
I am also an avid sports enthusiast with a particular fondness for cricket and paddle boarding. I believe that sports are essential for developing young people and providing valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience. In addition, I enjoy all forms of drama and music, particularly musical theatre, where I have performed, directed and taught students of all ages. I am eager to engage with the boys in these activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.
I am incredibly passionate about providing outstanding pastoral care. My primary goal is to support our students in every aspect of their lives at Naquiah Boys. I am fortunate to have an exceptional House Team working alongside me, dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment. We aim to ensure that each student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. My wife also lives with me in the boarding house and works as a coordinator, so all the students will get to know her well, too.
I am looking forward to working closely with your son, and together with the Naquiah team, we hope to make his time in the House both fulfilling and rewarding. Your son’s all-round development is our priority, and we strive to support each student in making progress in all areas of life. We are a close-knit House where all the boys are encouraged to play a part and support their housemates. While we encourage the boys to take responsibility for many aspects of their lives here, there will be times when I need to communicate directly with parents. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the House phone or email me directly in the first instance.
My door is always open to both the boys and parents/guardians, and I look forward to building a strong, supportive community in Naquiah Boys.
Mr
Samuel Dunn
Houseparent
of Naquiah Boys House
Hi there, my name is Aryan, I am 14 years old. I am honoured to serve as your new Naquiah Boys House Captain. I cannot wait to meet and work with all of you. My goal is to make Naquiah a house filled with teamwork, enthusiasm and excellence. My role as your house captain is to support you in your boarding life here at KTJ, in any way I can! So, if you ever need help or just want to chat, don't hesitate to reach out—I'm a friendly guy and always ready to lend a hand. I cannot wait to make this year the best yet in NQHB!
Aryan
House Captain of Naquiah Boys House
Naquiah Boys House Staff
Hi! I am Imelda Francis, and I’m from Seremban. I have been working at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar in the Primary School since January 2014 and before that I was a Kindergarten teacher with 25 years of experience. I am married and I have two sons. I joined the Naquiah House team in August 2021 as a Resident House Tutor. I took on the role of Primary Boarding Tutor in August 2022, since the Year 6s have started boarding too. The primary boarders spend their Saturdays doing crafts, cross stitch, playing badminton, swimming, wall climbing, and other fun activities while the secondary boarders are at school. Naquiah House is a lively place with lots of laughter. I love sitting and chatting with the boys about anything, including their swimming competitions, the Park Run and the food at the dining hall.
Ms Imelda Francis
Naquiah Boys House Resident Tutor
Hello, my name is Jordan Ivaldo, and I am the Sports and CCA Assistant. In my role, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports and co-curricular activities on our students’ lives. Through sports, I aim to instil values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience, which are crucial not only on the field but also in everyday life. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, I hope to inspire our students to explore their passions and equip them with skills that extend beyond academics.
I am deeply committed to the holistic development of our students, and I bring enthusiasm and dedication to this new role. Together with the incredible community at Kolej Tuanku Jaafar, I look forward to creating meaningful experiences and fostering a positive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Mr Jordan Ivaldo
Naquiah Boys House Resident Tutor
Hello, I’m Brandon from Penang. Since beginning my journey as a house tutor at NQHB in January 2024, I’ve found immense fulfillment in assuming the role of an ‘elder brother’ to these young boys. It’s been both challenging and immensely rewarding to witness their growth and share unforgettable moments together. My background in teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) in primary school since October 2022 has equipped me with valuable skills in handling adolescent attitudes and fostering discipline within the boarding house environment. This experience particularly benefits me in communicating effectively with those who may have lower English proficiency levels. Outside of my role, I enjoy staying active by hitting the gym, indulging in video games, and reading. This helps me stay attuned to current trends and remain relatable to the teenagers I work with.
Mr Brandon Loh
Naquiah Boys House Resident Tutor
Naquiah Boys House Staff
I am delighted to be joining you as the House Coordinator. Originally from Scotland, I am passionate about fostering a supportive and engaging environment for our students. I have experience working in several boarding schools across the UK, which has equipped me with an understanding of boarding life’s unique needs and challenges.
In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, which has allowed me to explore diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching my approach to student care. My enthusiasm for sport and fitness is a significant part of my life; I enjoy participating in and watching activities. Currently, I enjoy staying active by running and visiting the gym. I previously played volleyball and gained so much from this team and sporting environment, which I would like to encourage the students to participate in.
My philosophy is to ensure that while I am dedicated to my responsibilities, we also take the time to get to know each student personally. Building strong, trusting relationships is vital to creating a positive, nurturing environment where every student can thrive. I am excited to bring my enthusiasm, experience, and dedication, and I look forward to getting to know each of you. Together, we will create a vibrant and supportive community that feels like home for all our students.
Ms Mhairi Dunn
Naquiah Boys House Coordinator
Hi! My name is Matron Shanthia, the students know me as Ms Shan. My journey in KTJ started in 2015 as a House Matron. I was born and raised in Seremban, and I am married with three kids. Before starting at KTJ, I had been working as a state registered nurse in a hospital for 10 years.
To say that life in Naquiah is “wonderful” is an understatement. Never in my life did I think I would be a part of something so big, so caring, so loving. During my time in Naquiah, I have grown as a person and learned countless new things about young people and their development.
Two words I would use to describe Naquiah are “awesome” and “fantastic”. Being a House Matron, I am proud to say that I am really very happy to have such amazing kids under my supervision.
Ms Shanthia Adaikalam Naquiah Resident Matron
Contact Details
Contact person
Mr Gary Slade Deputy Head of Secondary
Mr David Hughes Assistant Head of School (Houses)
Mr Samuel Dunn Housparent of Naquiah Boys House
Contact details
+60 6-850 5622 garyslade@ktj.edu.my
019-239 3362 davidhughes@ktj.edu.my
House phone: 013-225 4362 samueldunn@ktj.edu.my
Ms Imelda Francis Resident Tutor imeldafrancis@ktj.edu.my
Mr Jordan Ivaldo Resident Tutor jordanivaldo@ktj.edu.my
Mr Brandon Loh Resident Tutor brandonloh@ktj.edu.my
Ms Mhairi Dunn House Coordinator mhairidunn@ktj.edu.my
Ms Shanthia Adaikalam Matron shanthiaadaikalam@ktj.edu.my
