Alumni Magazine

The Kilmore International School Australia

Alumni Magazine

“Excellentia Academica Persequenda”

Edition 2, June 2014

All the news on past students, find out where they are now and what tkis meant to them VOLUME 1, 2014

welcome

Dear Alumni,

It is a great pleasure to read of the careers and fortunes of former students of the Kilmore International School in our Alumni Magazine.

I commenced as Principal of The Kilmore International School in July, 2011. I am a graduate of Melbourne University and was previously Acting Principal of Jerudong International School in Brunei, a co-educational Boarding and Day School of 1500 students in Brunei Darussalam in SE Asia. Prior to that I taught at Wesley College in Melbourne.

With my wife and three children, I returned to Melbourne to take up the post of Principal at TKIS. Like many of its students and teachers, I was drawn to The Kilmore International School because of its reputation for academic results and innovation.

I believe an international education equips students to be world-ready and prepares them for university and successful careers. With its demanding two-year study of traditional disciplines and evidence that its graduates perform better in higher education than their peers, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is recognised and welcomed by leading universities and colleges around the world.

I am delighted that some of our inspiring and experienced teachers whom you will remember are profiled in the magazine.

Please stay in touch with your old school. Next year we celebrate our 25th anniversary and I hope to see you at one of the reunion celebrations we are planning.

Best wishes

Andrew Taylor Principal

1993 1995

Name: LAU, Cham Yat (Vincent) Name: SHEN, Feng-kai (Andrew/ Homeland: Hong Kong Andy)

Current location: Hong Kong Homeland: Taiwan Where is he now: Vincent gradu- Current location: Melbourne ated from TKIS back in 1993 Where is he now: After leaving TKIS when the school was only a few almost 20 years ago, Andy studied years old. He returned home and Computer Science at RMIT and then attended the Chinese University of went on to complete a Masters of Hong Kong where he completed Computer Science and then a Masters of Information his Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery. He then Systems at CQU. In 2012, Andy founded Hamilton Finley, furthered his studies with a Master sof Science a real estate agency in Boxhill, and is now a Senior (Cardiology). After working as a Physician for 10 years, Property Consultant. Ending up in real estate is he has now decided to pursue a career in General Surgery. something Andy never imagined when he was at high He is now in his second year of 4-year surgical training. school but he loves his job that helps migrants settle Vincent currently works at Tseung Kwan O Hospital in down and find a home in the beautiful city of Melbourne Hong Kong. (www.hamiltonfinley.com.au). Vincent is married to a woman called Ivy whom he de- Andy cherishes his memories of TKIS and living at the scribes as “the most beautiful Paediatrician in Hong “Golf House” with Mr Ives. He believes that the TKIS Kong” . They have 3 gorgeous children; two girls aged 4.5 dining room food is better than most canteens at other and 3 and one son aged 5 months. schools and universities that he has come across. He Vincent has so many fond memoirs of TKIS. He thorough- advises current TKIS students to cherish every moment ly enjoyed the semi-rural environment where he could of their time at TKIS and says they will understand what find peace and quiet to concentrate on his studies. he means in 20 years time. His advice to current TKIS students is: “Study as hard as you can, IB is worthy of your effort!”

Andy visited the school a couple of years and caught up with Mr Tony Zanelli (CEO), Mr Pisen Hong, Ms Georgia Wittmer and Mr Raymond Wittmer (Executive Director).

1999

Name: Christine Lynch (Now Christine Name: ZHANG, Jing (Joanna) Rowe) Homeland: China Homeland: Australia Current city: Shanghai Current city: Melbourne Where is she now: After high Where is she now: Christine school, Jing (known as Joanna graduated from Monash University during high school) moved to the UK

with a Bachelor of Arts and then went to study Computer Science at on to study a Diploma of Education at Imperial College in London. She Victoria University. She is currently the Head of graduated with her Masters in 2004 and joined UBS Humanities at Bentleigh Secondary College, where she investment bank in London. In 2011, the company enjoys working with young people and helping them relocated her to Singapore and more recently to achieve their goals. She loves her teaching job as every day Shanghai. She is currently working as the Director in the is different and exciting! Global Corporate Services division helping to expand the Christine married her long-term partner, Brent Rowe in company's footprint in China. 2013 (pictured together below on a recent holiday to Jing is also a single mother to two beautiful children, Japan). Christine’s fond memories of TKIS include making Joanna (fondly known as JoJo) who is 6 and Jude who is 4. new friends from around the world, playing cards in the Greenroom at lunch time and the famous “International Jing has so many wonderful memories of TKIS. She Day”, which is a tradition that the school still celebrates recalls meeting a really nice gardener on her first day at every March. the front door who turned out to be Mr. Raymond Wittmer, the Executive Director of the school! She also Christine remembers TKIS teachers being extremely fondly remembers Mr Gregory who kindly took everyone helpful and always going that ‘extra mile’ for their pupils. in his Year 12 IB Higher Level Maths class to his beach She looks back at how she was treated with respect, house in Aireys Inlet for the weekend just before their kindness and dignity and she does her best to impart these final IB exams. They had lots of revision but also tonnes of qualities within her own classroom today. fun. Great memories were made that weekend! Christine advises young TKIS students to take every Jing would like to say to current opportunity that TKIS offers TKIS students : you as there are so many great things that you can “Be humble or your will be achieve with the help of your humbled”. teachers. “Work hard, play hard”. Always remember the following … “Kindness is magic” Derek (Ricky Gervais). If you follow this….then nothing can go wrong!

2000 2001

Name: LIU, Yang (Connie) Name: CHANG, Yinhan (Avi)

Homeland: China Homeland: Taiwan

Current city: Canberra Current city: Los Angeles Where is she now: Connie left TKIS Where is she now: Avi graduated after graduating in 2000 and com- from TKIS in 2001 and went on to menced her undergraduate Com- study Kindergarten teaching at merce degree at Melbourne Universi- Chisholm Institute of TAFE in ty where she majored in Accounting Melbourne. She then moved to Los Angeles to be with and Finance. After graduating in 2003, she worked at Miu, her long term boyfriend whom she met at TKIS. TKIS for a little while helping out with marketing and stu- They got married in Taiwan in 2010 and now have a dent recruitment. She then joined Deloitte and later be- gorgeous little baby boy called Logan. came a fully qualified Australian Chartered Accountant. She now works for the Australian National Audit Office in Avi and Miu decided to go into business together in Canberra. 2012 and they opened a Taiwanese Dessert House in Los Angeles where they mainly sell popular Taiwanese Connie got married in December last year and has settled desserts such as shaved snow, red bean bun and boba into life in Canberra and her new job. She keeps in touch milk tea. They recently opened their second store in with Mr Hong and paid him a visit last Christmas in Mel- West Covina California (http://www.isweet.us/). bourne recently (pictured below). Avi loved her time at TKIS and cherishes the friendships Connie advises TKIS students to enjoy their time at TKIS she made with her classmates from around the world. as it’s the starting point of your dream life! She advises TKIS students to study hard and enjoy everything!

2001

Name: Darren Lapthorne Name: David Wittmer

Homeland: Australia Homeland: Australia

Current city: Melbourne Current city: Bendigo, Victoria

Where is he now: David has al- Where is he now: Darren gradu- ways been passionate about ated from TKIS in 2001 and com- sport, health and fitness. After menced his degree at Latrobe Uni- completing his IB in 2001, he versity studying Bachelor of Infor- went onto study Health Sciences mation Systems/Commerce. Due to at Latrobe University. Shortly opportunities to race in Europe he after finishing his undergraduate put his studies on hold for some degree, he completed a Graduate time but is now in the process of Diploma of Education (Secondary) and became a Physi- studying a Bachelor of Business at RMIT. cal Education Teacher. He did part of his teaching

rounds at TKIS and commenced teaching there full time Darren is a professional cyclist and rides for Drapac pro in 2008 after taking a gap year to travel the world which continental team spending most of his time racing in the included a working holiday season in Whistler, Canada. USA, Asia and Europe. He recently completed the Tour of

South Korea. David loves teaching and helping kids learn about

sports. When asked how he feels about his job, he re- Darren married his wife Jessica in 2012 and they have a plied: “It is important for everyone to live an active life- little girl called Florence who is 1. style and Physical Education is one way to introduce

young people to the many different activities they can

take part in to be healthy. It’s a great feeling when a stu- Darren has great memo- dent has been struggling with a particular skill or con- ries of TKIS. “The mix of cept and I am able to help them get the hang of it. Stu- nationalities and cultures dents at TKIS are generally very enthusiastic and just created a positive envi- want to have fun in PE class. That makes my job very ronment and gave me an easy and enjoyable”. understanding of different views and ways of David still leads an active lifestyle himself. He plays life. This has been very competitive AFL for Oak Park and he also plays on a bas- beneficial for working ketball team with some of his alongside people from all over the world in my friends. current situation”.

Darren advises current TKIS students to follow their dreams and enjoy everyday at TKIS as the time there will pass by very quickly!

2004 2005

Name: Neil Holdaway Name: Jessica Keep (Jimmy) Homeland: Australia Homeland: Australia

Current city: Melbourne Current city: Orange, NSW Where is he now: After Where is she now: Ever since graduating from TKIS, Neil she was very young, Jimmy has attended Melbourne University had a strong love of animals. All like many other fellow TKIS through high school she wanted graduates. to become a Vet and when she got accepted into Veterinary Sci- He studied a Bachelor of ence at The University of Sydney, it was a dream come Commerce, graduating in 2009, and is now studying a true. Jimmy graduated from university last year and has Masters of Teaching at Victoria University. He is thinking now moved to the rural town of Orange where she has he would like to teach the IB one day. secured her first “real” job at a small animal clinic called Neil’s fondest memories of TKIS are the friends he made Canobolas Family Pet hospital. (many of whom he still sees regularly today) and the great Jimmy has many fond memories of her time at TKIS but times that they had together. He believes that as hard as it she especially remembers the family bond that her year sometimes was, it was worth the effort. level shared. The friendships she formed in high school His advice to TKIS students is: with her fellow students and teachers have stayed with her over the years. “Having those friendships made for “Figure out what your passion is and work hard at that. You some amazing times together, and helped create an envi- will save a lot of time and effort, and be much happier. Set ronment where we were encouraged to be ourselves. up your life so that work, for you, is play”. Being a science nerd, Biology class and tutorials were Neil is pictured below with his older brother John (TKIS always my favourite”. Class of 1999) and younger sister Anna (TKIS Class of Jimmy’s wise words of advice to current TKIS students 2007). John now lives and works in Indonesia and Anna are: “Take homework seriously as its an excellent way to lives, works and studies in Japan. learn and solidify what you’re learning in class. Cramming is a bad habit that stays with you for life! Don’t fall into the trap of being a crammer!”

2009 2010

Name: Georgina Garner Name: WEN, Yaxin (Yan)

Homeland: Australia Homeland: China

Current city: Eden Park Current city: Sydney, Australia Where is she now: Georgina Where is she now: After graduating from TKIS in 2010, went off to RMIT to study PE for Yan was accepted into a Bachelor 4 years before returning to TKIS of Commerce at Melbourne this year to become a teacher. University where she majored in She is currently teaching Actuarial Studies and graduated Literacy, Numeracy and Science in 2013. She is now doing her to Grade 6, and Physical Education to Year 8 and Year 10. Master of Commerce at Macquarie University and continues to major in Actuarial Studies. Georgina said she originally felt strange but excited to be Yan’s most fond memories of TKIS are being a music back at TKIS! Many of the teachers she had are still here student and being involved in various concerts, and and it was hard for her to get used to them being talent shows. Music was a big part of her student life. colleagues rather than her teachers. Yan encourages all TKIS students to get involved with Georgina has wanted to be teacher ever since she can school life, both in and outside the classroom. remember. During her time at TKIS her favourite “You should actively participate in every activity and enjoy subjects were PE and Sport and she knew from then that the benefits from these activities after your intense she wanted to be a PE teacher. The best part for Georgina studies”. is being able to be outside and be active with her students. That’s what Yan did , and she enjoyed every moment. Georgina has lots of great memories of TKIS but her Yan will finish her Masters at the end of this year and will favourite year at TKIS was Year 12. return to China for some work experience. “It’s when all the hard work starts to pay off and after all She then hopes to the time you’ve spent here you develop some great obtain her Australian friendships with your peers. I had a great rapport with Permanent Residency many of my teachers; especially Mr. Mumford. Every and migrate to Wednesday was known as Australia. Cake Wednesday in Biology class and we took it in turns to bring a cake. He always seemed to complain about what a hassle it was but I think he secretly loved it!”

WEDDINGS & BABIES

LEFT: LU Xuan (Ruby) and LIU Hao (Jefferson) graduated in 2005 and married two years ago. They now have a little baby boy called Kaixin which means “Happy”.

Right: James Sheeran and HUANG Xi (Annie) graduated in 2007 and got married last year. They now live and work in Canberra.

Left: CHEN Jiachen (Christine) who now calls herself Vivian and DUAN Ming (Vincent) both graduated in 2003 and got married in 2012.

Right: DUAN Yunchao (Don) and LIU Jun (Lin) met at TKIS and graduated in 2005. They are now married with a cute little baby!

TKIS STAFF

any of you have fond memories of your time at TKIS and from the testimonials we have received from our TKIS alumni, we realise how much our past students valued their teachers. Well guess what? Some of your

old favourites are still teaching here! We have decided to do a profile on a few of them to let you know how Mthey are getting along and what teaching means to them. Here are a few familiar faces: PAUL SZCZUR PAM TRIPP

Mr Szczur (fondly known to many Most of you should remember Mrs students as “Szczur” has been teach- Tripp because she’s been here al- ing at TKIS since he first became a most as long as TKIS has! This is teacher back in 1997— this is his her 21st year teaching at TKIS. Mrs

18th year with us! Before becoming Tripp teaches TOK, English A, Eng- a teacher, he was a Civil Engineer. lish B and Intensive English and is Mr Szczur teaches Maths, Physics an IB examiner in English A. and Science and is our current Head of Learning Mathe- matics. He is a highly experienced IB teacher and is an IB When reflecting on her time at TKIS, Mrs Tripp says: “I examiner in Physics. value the opportunity to deliver an academic program that allows students to inquire and reflect which then Mr Szczur’s partner, Ms Lynda Allen also teaches at TKIS. enables them to pursue their goals. The ability to be able They have two lovely daughters who now attend TKIS; to watch young people grow and mature, and the reward Peigi who is in Year 8 and Rain who is in Year 6. of genuine interaction, is also an integral part of teaching. Mr Szczur has always been one of the TKIS students' To be a told by ex-students of the positive effect you’ve most popular teachers. He’s jovial personality along had in their lives has been very humbling”. with his fierce dedication to helping his students above “During my many years here I have witnessed, and been and beyond the call of duty has left it’s mark on the able to play a small part in, the personal triumphs and hearts of TKIS graduates over the years. When we asked accomplishments of so many wonderful students. The Mr Szczur why he is passionate about teaching, he re- TKIS community is warm, caring, and yet challenging, to plied: “There has always existed a great bond between those we cross paths with”. students and teachers at TKIS. What we teach here is an academic program that is challenging and interesting in its content. This allows for growth and interest as a teacher. I thor-

oughly enjoy the academic process- es in learning and

working with young people to help them grow into well informed and educated citi- zens”. Mrs Tripp is pictured above with a recent English B class.

TKIS STAFF

CHERYL PISEN HONG

Mr Hong is TKIS’s longest serv- MOULDER ing staff member. He has been teaching here since the school Mrs Moulder has been a teacher began in 1990 which makes this since 1976 and has been teach- his 25th year! He’s actually ing at TKIS since 1995 so that been teaching since 1979 which makes this her 20th year at means he’s been teaching for TKIS! Most of your will remem- over 35 years. What an ber Mrs Moulder as a quiet yet achievement! lovely teacher, extremely dedi- cated to her main subject areas of Chemistry and Envi- Mr Hong teaches Chinese A, TOK in Chinese and also su- ronmental Systems. Mrs Moulder has been an IB Examin- pervises numerous Chinese A Extended Essays every er for many years and has been the Deputy Chief Examin- year. In the past, he’s also taught IB Art and is an accom- er for Chemistry (for the whole IB world!) for the past 5 plished Artist himself. As well has being an IB examiner years. On top of this, she is an IB Workshop Leader and for many years in Chinese A, Mr Hong is also an IB Work- has run IB workshops in Singapore, Hong Kong and Mel- shop Leader. bourne over the years. She is currently the Head of Lean- Mr Hong loves working with people, especially young ing Science at TKIS. people. He enjoys passing on his knowledge and life expe- Mrs Moulder decided she wanted to be a teacher when rience as well as promoting international understanding she was in Year 4 at just 8 years old and couldn't ever and multiculturalism to the younger generation. imagine doing anything else. She claims to have always “Literature and Art are my passions. I also have expertise been a Maths and Science nerd, ever since she can re- to benefit the students in these areas. Teaching, learning member. When reflecting on her time at TKIS, Mrs and living with the international students makes me feel Moulder says: younger and I have learnt a lot about contemporary is- “The students here at TKIS are a wonderful group of sues from our students. Apart from that, the school envi- young people from many parts of the world. It is great to ronment is full of tolerance, kindness, interaction and meet so many people with a common passion to succeed support", says Mr Hong. and to learn. I love hearing about other cultures and Mr Hong has been well known at TKIS for his love of table backgrounds. This is a unique educational facility and tennis and has been known to beat most young and ener- one with which I am very proud to have been associated getic students. He still runs table tennis as a CAS activity with. I love the interaction with students. It is rewarding and enjoys playing with his students. Mr Hong also keeps to meet past students and find out what they have done in touch with many of his past students, some of whom he with their lives, and just occasionally to be told what a has maintained contact with for over 20 years! difference I made. I love the opportunities that I have been fortunate to have through the International Bacca- laureate Organisation as well”.

ALUMNI QUESTIONNAIRE

Interested in featuring in the very next edition of the TKIS Alumni Magazine? GREAT! Simply answer the questions below and email your answers, along with a recent photo of you, or you with family/partner/pet to us for inclusion!

Family Name:

Given Name:

English Name/Nickname:

City/country of Birth:

Year of TKIS Graduation:

Current Location:

What is your current academic/career situation? Please list all universities and year(s) of graduation.

What is your personal situation (single/engaged/married/ children)?

What are your fondest memories of your time at TKIS?

What advice would you give to current or potential students of TKIS?

Do you give your permission to be featured in our Alumni yearbook page and/or to be quoted on posters to inspire our students?

□ YES NO□

If featured in our yearbook, would you like to receive a copy via mail?

□ YES NO□

The Kilmore International School Email: [email protected] 40 White St, Kilmore Victoria, 3764 Web: www.kilmore.vic.edu.au Australia Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Phone: 0011 61 3 5782 2211 thekilmoreinternationalschool

Fax: 0011 61 35782 2525 “Excellentia Academica Persequenda”