We have had many Parent Alumni since the school opened in 1951, and all of them have played an important role in our school’s development. In order to help recognise their special contributions to our school, we are introducing a new spotlight series for our parent alumni – just a small gesture to help recognise and thank parents for their impact on our GIS community.
Starting off our GIS Parent Alumni Series: Mrs Glenda Fanner!
Glenda Fanner is a proud mother of two wonderful Alumni – Benjamin Rynjah Goh (Class of 2008) and Reuben Rynjah Goh (Class of 2013). Glenda was very busy when her two boys attended GIS – and she is still busy today as a GIS relief teacher!
Why did you first choose GIS, Glenda?
GIS was recommended to us by a family friend Mrs Rosemarie Baudzus, whose son James Baudzus was studying at GIS. Rosemarie was an active member of the PTF.
What are some of your favourite memories as a GIS parent?
As a parent, it’s been a wonderful and memorable journey. Over the years, I made many friends and participated in many school activities to help the boys’ different class teachers. One example was back in 2000, when we celebrated International Day by having different Nationality Rooms! Students were given a passport and got a stamp for every country (room) they visited. Each room was decorated with colours and Arti facets of the respective country. It was fantastic!
What were some of the other ways you got involved over the years?
I was part of a very active group of mothers who helped out whenever the school requested parent helpers. We helped the Performing Arts with their Cultural Shows, school trips, Food Fairs, Festival Bazaars, Sports Day and the Library – you name it, we were involved!
Between 2003-2006, after attending workshops on phonics, I also volunteered with the primary EAL department supporting students in Phonics. And after attending the basic ICT training, I volunteered as a parent helper assisting the Primary ICT teacher during her lessons.
I was elected Chairman of the PTF 2003-2004 and, together with a group of dedicated mothers, we did our best to help the school with our contributions.
After my boys left school, I was approached by a friend to help her son in primary as PAL(personal learning assistant). I did that continuously for a couple of years. The boy has since graduated from University!
Finally, I also had an exchange student from Sweden stay with us at one point! My older son and a group of other GIS students then travelled to Bollnas and stayed with different Swedish families.
What is your involvement with GIS today?
Mrs Lim approached me to become a relief teacher and work as an invigilator for exams. I did and have never looked back! I enjoy coming back and seeing the school grow and develop into a well established centre of learning.
In addition, it always brings back good memories from when my boys were in school and I really enjoy seeing so many familiar faces amongst the staff. With more than 50 years of history, the school has grown in leaps and bounds in all aspects of education. The wonderful facilities that the students have access to, the wide range of CCA activities to choose from, and the array of interschool activities and competitions are just some of the many benefits that GIS students have today as compared to before .
How did the GIS experience impact your children, and what are they doing now?
Watching my boys and their friends grow and graduate from school to move on and further their education has been amazing. At GIS, they were able to develop friendships with students and families from all over the world, and they still stay in touch with many of them today.
When Ben and Reuben were in school, they loved extra-curricular activities. I think they spent as much time outside of class as they did in class! They both loved playing football, got involved with the school musicals and also took part in the Duke of Edinburgh (now the International Award) scheme.
My eldest Ben, now works in AirAsia’s Branding Department handling their sports and sponsorship portfolio and my youngest, Reuben, is a Marketing Specialist for the Global Company WebHelp.
Any last words about GIS?
GIS was established more than 50 years ago, and through the years it has really stood the test of time. The school has been consistent in the quality of teachers it employs, who have helped students achieve good results – and that’s what parents look out for when choosing a school for their children.
