Jo Lee
Head of Drama, Garden International School 2006 – 2012
Master of Education – MEd, Drama in Education – Trinity College Dublin
Meet Jo Lee, an educator, research practitioner, workshop facilitator, consultant, and mentor. With over 20 years of experience in Drama and Performing Arts, Jo Lee has taught in many institutions across the globe including the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
As she fondly recalls her tenure, Jo walked us through some of her most cherished memories, nurturing relationships, and the thrill of her first significant leap in her illustrious career.
Join us as she reminisces through anecdotes about her time as a teacher in Garden International School from 2006 to 2012.
Tell us more about yourself and your time at Garden International School
I was a Drama teacher here from 2006 – 2012. Joining GIS was both a personal and professional joy for me because I am half Chinese-Malaysian and coming here meant that I was able to reconnect with my father’s extended family and really enjoy my life in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the whole of Southeast Asia.
What made your experience as a teacher in Garden International School so special?
I really felt that my time at GIS was very very special because not only did I have incredible colleagues and amazing students, but it was my first opportunity to take on a leadership position. I became Head Of Prefects in my second year and then I became Head Of Drama in my last years at GIS. The memories that I have from that time, being able to take that professional leap and step forward in my career are very special.
How do you feel about being back in Garden International School?
It is wonderful to be back to see the school again, to be able to feel that sense of the Garden community that has not changed in all these years. When I left, Simon Mann left at the same time. The fact that I am back here now as he has returned as Principal feels fitting.
Can you describe the impact you felt through reconnecting with former students?
I am very proud that I have stayed in touch with Garden students over the years. I have been incredibly pleased to see them progress in all kinds of different fields; seeing Shafeeq putting on performances at KLPAC and coming back to GIS to share his advice with former pupils was a real highlight. It means a lot when alumni share their success and link what they are doing now to their Drama experience. I also love seeing how friendships have remained and span across the world.
How would you describe the sense of community within the GIS alumni community?
It is hugely gratifying to see pictures and posts of former GIS students getting married, supporting each other, and celebrating each other’s life achievements. I think this is a very special place, in a very special part of the world, and it is a real pleasure to be back here now.
We would like to thank Jo Lee for sharing her wonderful memories of GIS with us and we would like to wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
A huge ‘Thank You’ to these inspiring Alumni, who generously shared their time and experiences with our students, despite their busy daily schedules. If you are interested in sharing your journey post-GIS, then please get in touch with us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my – We are always updating our page with news from the Alumni community across the continents and would love to hear from you and share your stories. Please get in touch via Facebook, or LinkedIn. We can’t wait to hear from you!