There were so many changes since we entered secondary school, perhaps the most were made in the 08-09 session. For instance, the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) has proved to be efficient as well as fun. Another change that most of us might never have thought would appear in the Damansara campus, is the beginning of the International School. Albeit it is only for those in Year 7, 8 and 9, it is still something new and exciting.

We took it upon ourselves to interview the two new teachers – Mr Moreton and Mr Morfrad – to found out a few interesting facts about them. So all those out there who are curious about your teachers, we have some answers in this article.

Mr Carroll Moreton is the resident international school English teacher. When asked his favourite subjects in school, he informed us that in high school it was Art and at university level it was Acting and his Communication courses. Yes, we did confirm that Mr Moreton was in the Navy. Specifically to learn Aviation Electronics, a year later he was on an aircraft carrier working on anti-submarine warfare equipment.

Well, Mr Moreton had taught in South Korea and Taiwan prior to Malaysia and has found the Asian experience similar. Mr Moreton did mention he would prefer students to respect themselves first and then respect him as a part of that. An interesting fact about Mr Moreton is that he loves to play ultimate Frisbee, though he is thinking of taking his passion for the game on an easier level.

YJC: Have you enjoyed teaching here so far?
MCM: So far, yes, I have.

YJC: What were your favourite subjects in school?
MCM: Probably, in high school, Art class. I enjoyed that a lot but when I went to university, I enjoyed my Communication courses. Yes, those and my Acting classes.

YJC: Word traveled around the school that you were in the Navy.
MCM: That’s right.

YJC: Could you tell us about some of your experiences?
MCM: I joined the Navy to go to a school for Aviation Electronics. So the Navy sent me to a school for about a year, to learn Aviation Electronics and then I was shipped out to an aircraft carrier. On board the aircraft carrier, I worked on anti-submarine warfare equipment.

YJC: Did you teach in the United States before this?
MCM: Well, while I was at university, I volunteered to help international students throughout the time I was at school.

YJC: How do you consider the atmosphere of school here in Malaysia?
MCM: Well, I’ve taught in South Korea, Taiwan and now I’m teaching in Malaysia. Basically I’ve found the Asian experience to be very similar across these three countries, and that the students are very respectful of the teacher. I think that it’s important for students to respect themselves first and then respect me as a part of that. And of course, we have to earn each other’s respect.

YJC: Is there any one interesting fact about yourself that you would like to share with students in the school?
MCM: Well, many students know that I really love to play ultimate Frisbee, but I’m thinking about giving up ultimate and starting to play golf instead. But I still want to continue to coach and play on an easier level.

The other addition to our Cempaka family is Mr Nick Morfrad who teaches History and Geography to International School students. Although the seventh graders have been a bit playful, Mr Morfrad still has positive things to say about his first few weeks here. For one, students here are far more eager to learn than students he had encountered in the United States.

YJC: Mr Morfrad, have you enjoyed teaching here so far?
MNM: I’m really enjoying it. I got a great welcome from the students and teachers alike, so I was surprised. There’s discipline and formality here especially when entering the classrooms which is unusual in the United States.

YJC: What subjects do you teach?
MNM: I teach History and Geography and PSHE.

YJC: We’re not familiar with this PSHE.
MNM: It’s a new subject, we’re not familiar with it either! (laughs) But it’s basically social skills and the students seem to be enjoying it.

YJC: What attracted you to Cempaka?
MNM: The fact that it is an International School and I, myself, went to an International School.

YJC: What were your favourite subjects in school?
MNM: I liked History and Geography.

YJC: I’m sure many students including us, would like to know about your heritage.
MNM: I am from Iran. Well, I was born in Iran and then I lived in the United Kingdom for five years and 36 years in the United States.

YJC: Wow, that is a long time. So, did you complete your university in the States?
MNM: Yes, at the United States International University.

YJC: Finally, is there any one interesting fact about yourself that you would like to share with us?
MNM: I like motorcycles. I used to ride a Harley Davidson (laughs) and I wish I had one here with me. I also like to rollerblade, cycle and run long distance which is hard to do here.

Well ladies and gentlemen, there you go. We hope that after reading this interview you will know the new teachers a lot better. Remember, be nice and make them feel welcome! After all, we’re all part of one big happy family!