Following our recent shortlist in the 2020 international Relocate Awards as a School Offering Outstanding Relocation Support, we are delighted to share the news that we WON! Announced live at their impressive virtual awards ceremony on Tuesday 12th May 2020, GIS was commended by the international judging panel for going “…beyond what would normally be expected for an education provider by supporting not only students on the move but also parents and staff in an exceptional manner.” The award is testament to the strength and attraction of the GIS community. We are truly honoured by such international recognition.
Our commitment to ensuring families’, students and staff have smooth, positive transitions, both when joining and leaving our school community, impressed the Relocate Global judging panel – so we wanted to share our hard work with you, too! This is the third time we have entered for the prestigious award and although we have been twice shortlisted and highly commended, we are thrilled to take the winning title this year.
So what does our relocation support ‘look like’? With expatriate families making up 65% of the GIS community we are very aware of the challenges faced when integrating into a new school and often (for our members), Malaysia is a new country too. In recognising this, we also know it takes more than one approach and one school of thought when meeting the needs of such a large and diverse body. As such, we take great care to ensure all members of our community have the opportunity to get involved in the induction and transition of new students, parents and staff. As a result, YOU, our amazing community are our best advocates!
The ‘GIS Welcome Crew’ is a unique body made up of Student, Parent and Staff Buddies; Parent Country Reps; GIS Digital Coaches; PTF; Student Services; Play Pals; Learning Support; Student Transition Leaders; GIS Counsellors, our brilliant Health Centre and many more. There is not an area of school untouched or unrepresented ensuring our New Family and New Staff Induction Programmes are simply top-notch!
Involving all members of our community in our extensive induction programme ensures it is interactive, has a great sense of energy and we all get to share the pride! This culture of collective efficacy permeates everything that we do at GIS; ensuring the induction process is:
- Inclusive
- Caring, and
- Guided by our community values
As a result, we feel confident in our ability to offer all new members the tools, knowledge and personal attention you might need for a positive transition. That’s whether you’re joining us for the first time, moving through different phases of the school or (sadly) saying goodbye. Whatever the move, the reason, or circumstances, we do our utmost to support you supporting each other every step of the way.
There is no conclusion to our induction programme at GIS, it is the start of a process that thrives, adapts and continually improves through the members who support it. For this reason, we are incredibly proud of YOU, our community, who shape what is such a fundamental and evolving foundation of our school and learning culture.
A huge thank you must go to everyone in our community who helps support those facing or preparing for upcoming relocations, and for always making our new families feel so welcome. An empowered community empowers community, we know you agree!
We are honoured to reward the GIS community with this award.
If you’re currently thinking about living in Malaysia download a copy of our prospectus to find out more about life at GIS.
You can also reach us on Facebook and Instagram @gismalaysia
