Parents are an important part of our GESS community, working closely with the leadership team, faculty and staff for our students. In October, the Parents’ Committee for AY2024/25 was elected. We chat with re-elected Chairman Maxim Timchenko and his new team of key members for this academic year!
Front: Bhawna | Nicole | Gayatri | Ivana
Chairman – Maxim Timchenko
For families new to GESS, my name is Maxim Timchenko. With Eastern-European roots, my family spent over 20 years living in Istanbul, Turkey – where both my children were born. I studied in the UK (A-Levels, BSc in Business Management from Kings College London and MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Bayes Business School) and I am a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London.I started working in Singapore 11 years ago as a director of a shipping company. Having joined GESS more than four years ago, my son is currently in 9th grade and my daughter in 5th grade of Euro Section. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, cycling, playing tennis and board games with my family. But our favourite family pastime is still relishing my wife’s dessert creations – she is a Le Cordon Bleu honours-graduated Pastry Chef.
I thank my fellow parents for re-electing me and I am very much looking forward to my fourth year as Chairman of the Parents’ Committee.
Treasurer – Gayatri Shankar
My name is Gayatri Shankar. My twins are in Grade 5 and this is our first year in GESS. We are from India but have been living in different Asian cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh since 2007. We moved to Singapore in 2022 and continue to enjoy travelling as it helps us understand different cultures and taste different cuisines.
I have volunteered to undertake the role of treasurer as I wanted to be part of Parents’ Committee. I observe GESS parents are very actively involved in the school, and together, we want to build a strong, supportive and best community for our GESS children. I am looking forward to contributing in all ways possible, and I will do my best in this role. Hope to meet more wonderful people through this role!
Preschool Parent Representative – Nicole Kraft
Hi, I’m Nicole. Helming from Clearwater, Florida in US, my husband Shaun and I lived in Hong Kong for five years, prior to moving to Singapore just before COVID – glad to say that we have been enjoying life here since restrictions eased. A lawyer by profession, I have worked at financial institutions and a law firm until recently. We have a daughter in her third year at GESS Preschool, and another girl in 1st grade of Euro Section. I count cooking, fitness, fashion and food among my passion!
Primary School German Section Parent Representative – Jasmin Schwintowski
My name is Jasmin Schwintowski, and I moved to Singapore in February 2023 with my husband and son. I volunteered as Parent Representative for the German Primary School for two reasons: curiosity and a desire to contribute. Alongside my position at the school, I am currently completing a master’s degree in global environment and sustainability. When not engaged in school matters or academic work, I enjoy spending time with my family exploring Singapore and surrounding areas. Additionally, I am passionate about dancing, reading and food.
Primary School European Section Parent Representative – Bhawna Sen
My name is Bhawna Sen. My family and I relocated from India to Singapore just last year. I was born and raised in Delhi. In India, I worked in the corporate sector, specialising in HR, administration, and event management. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, spending quality time with my family, shopping, and organising community engagement activities.
We have a son in Grade 5, and he is thrilled to be part of GESS. Last year, I served as the parent representative for Grade 4, and I have volunteered again this year for Grade 5. I’m also an active member of the GESS Events Team, which I thoroughly enjoy as it aligns with my professional experience in event management. Over the past year, I have led and participated in several school initiatives, including organizing the Diwali event, as well as other class and grade-specific activities. I’m excited to represent the families of the Euro Primary Section in the Parents’ Committee, working towards positive outcomes by sharing my learnings and experiences from last year. I am committed to fostering collaboration among parents, teachers, administrators, and committee members. Looking forward to making a meaningful contribution in this role.
Secondary School German Section Parent Representative and Deputy Chairperson of the Parents’ Committee – Andreas Klein
I am Andreas, and this is an extension of my role as Secondary School German Section Parent Representative, while also double hatting as Deputy Chairperson. After living in Santiago de Chile for six years with my wife and two daughters, we moved to Singapore in July 2022. My daughters currently attend grade 8 and 11 at GESS German Section. After living for many years abroad, I believe GESS’ international orientation and German curriculum make an ideal bridge back to Germany for my family.
I signed up for the Parents’ Committee as I believe my life and school experience in Germany and abroad can contribute to the development of the school’s learning environment. I pride myself on being hands-on and am open to suggestions and putting ideas into practice.
Secondary School European Section Parent Representative – Ivana Sikic
I’m Ivana. Since leaving Europe in 2018, I have made Singapore home for my family. A proud mom of three kids – all part of the GESS community – my eldest son graduated last year as the first GESS alumnus in the family, while I have a daughter in Grade 8 and a son in Grade 4 now. I have been an active member of the GESS community, building strong connections with teachers and fellow families, as a parent representative for my daughter’s class. I was also proud to share my Croatian heritage by organising the country booth at July’s Summer Festival, giving everyone a taste of my home country. I still remember how welcomed my family and I felt when we first joined GESS, we had the chance to be featured as GESS advocates in Expat Living magazine in 2022, and have since been helping new families navigate their choices for international schools.
After a fulfilling banking career in Europe, my focus now is on my family and bringing my skills and enthusiasm to GESS. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new cultures, trying different foods, staying active, and enjoying Singapore’s international vibe.
