Backstage Pass: The People Who Keep It All Running
Ever wonder who really keeps our school running? Spoiler alert: it’s not just the teachers and principals. Behind every clean classroom, every secure hallway, and every smooth school day are the unsung heroes—people who don’t always get the spotlight but deserve every bit of it. In this special feature, we’re taking you behind the scenes to meet three of them: the heart of HR, the man behind the water, and the guardians of the gate. Get ready to see SA L’Avenue in a whole new way.
More than HR: Insights with Ms. Izmi
By Emma
When you think about what keeps a school running, HR probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But after spending time with Ms. Izmi, one of our amazing HR staff at Sampoerna Academy L’Avenue, I realized just how important her work really is.
HR might sound like a behind-the-scenes job, but it’s actually all about people. Ms. Izmi helps make sure every staff member—teachers, support staff, everyone—feels supported, heard, and motivated. And that has a huge impact on us as students too. Happy teachers = better learning.
I asked her what the hardest part of her job is, and she was honest. “Being the middle ground between staff and management can be tricky,” she said. “You can’t always please everyone. But with honest communication and the courage to make tough calls, you find solutions.”
What stuck with me most was her take on failure. “It’s okay to make mistakes,” she said. “No one gets it right all the time. What matters is how you bounce back and grow.” That’s advice I think we all need to hear—whether it’s about school, friendships, or life in general.
If she weren’t in HR, Ms. Izmi said she’d love to be a travel vlogger—sharing her food finds, travel stories, and adventures online. (I’d totally subscribe to that channel, by the way.)
And if she could have lunch with anyone? Emma Watson. Not just because she’s famous, but because she stands for something—education, equality, and making the world better. Honestly, that sounds a lot like Ms. Izmi too.
Talking to her made me see our school—and the people behind it—in a whole new light. She reminded me that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it, and that the way we treat people matters more than we think.
So next time you walk past the HR office, maybe give a little wave. There’s a lot more going on in there than meets the eye.
The Man Behind the Water: A Chat with Bapak Wahyu,
By Dena
We walk past him almost every day. He doesn’t wear a suit or stand in front of a class, but without him, our school wouldn’t function as smoothly as it does. His name is Bapak Wahyu—and he’s the reason we have clean classrooms and fresh water in every dispenser.
When I asked what he enjoys most about his job, his answer was simple:“I just enjoy it.”At first, I didn’t know how to respond. But then I realized—there’s beauty in that kind of simplicity. While many of us chase excitement or complain about routine, Bapak Wahyu finds quiet joy in doing his work well.
Every day, he cleans the school and refills the water dispensers. It may seem like a small task, but think about it—how often do we stop to appreciate the fact that clean drinking water is always there when we need it? That’s because of him.
“I make a schedule and follow it,” he told me, explaining how he prioritizes tasks to make sure everything gets done efficiently—especially in the quieter afternoons. With the help of a trolley, he safely moves heavy gallons of water across the school, making sure every station is full and hygienic.
When I asked about safety hazards, he simply said, “So far, no issues.” But lifting and moving those large water containers isn’t easy. It takes care and proper equipment—and Bapak Wahyu handles it all with calm professionalism.
Each year, his work is reviewed to ensure it meets school standards. He takes feedback seriously, always trying to improve—even in the smallest ways.“I want people to understand that our job is to fulfill the needs of others,” he shared. That’s his motivation: doing meaningful work that supports others, and earning a living that helps him meet his daily needs.
At the end of each year, outstanding staff are recognized with awards. But recognition doesn’t have to come only once a year. A smile. A “thank you.” A little kindness.
After speaking with Bapak Wahyu, I saw him differently—not just as the man who fills our water tanks, but as one of our school’s silent heroes.
The Guardians of the Gate: Meet the Heroes Keeping Our School Safe,
By Starla
They don’t wear capes, but they’re always watching. They don’t fly, but they somehow appear exactly where you need them. They’re not just guards—they’re the everyday protectors of Sampoerna Academy L’Avenue. From the lobby to the top floor, these quiet heroes keep the chaos in check and make sure we can learn, laugh, and live our school lives without worry. Meet Mr. Bagas, Mr. Raja, and Mr. Fajar—our very own guardians of the school grounds.
Their Morning Missions
Each day begins like a well-rehearsed routine.
Mr. Bagas unlocks the 10th floor, flips on the lights and AC, and prepares the space for learning. Mr. Raja greets students with a calm smile and keeps a watchful eye on the 5th floor. Down in the lobby, Mr. Fajar makes sure everyone enters safely—and that lunchtime stays fun, not frantic.
The First Rule of Guarding: Keep Everyone Safe
When asked what their top priority is, the answer was clear: safety comes first. But it’s not just about standing guard.
“It’s also about serving those who need help,” said Mr. Bagas.
Mr. Raja added, “We don’t just guard. We support—students, staff, teachers. Whatever they need.”
And as Mr. Fajar put it, “We protect. That’s our job.”
Laughs on Duty
Even heroes have their lighter moments.
“One time, a little girl fell into the pond during PE,” Mr. Bagas recalled with a chuckle. “She was fine! I helped her out right away.”
Mr. Raja finds joy in watching students play and joke during breaks—“They make the day fun.”
It’s clear: while safety is serious, laughter is part of the job too.
Latecomers Beware (But Not Too Much)
Every guard had something to say about students who arrive after the bell.
“Some are late because of traffic. Some are just... lazy,” Mr. Bagas teased.
Mr. Raja and Mr. Fajar agreed—it’s understandable, especially for younger kids. But still, a little more discipline wouldn’t hurt!
What They Love Most
Despite the responsibilities, there’s joy in the work.
“I enjoy what I do,” said Mr. Bagas. “If you do your job with a happy heart, it doesn’t feel heavy.”
Mr. Raja enjoys chatting with students during breaks. Mr. Fajar says the kids’ energy makes the job anything but boring.
So next time you see one of our school guards, remember: they’re not just checking passes or opening doors. They’re looking out for you. Give them a smile. Say thanks. After all, not all heroes wear uniforms—but ours definitely do.
Remember: the next time you fill up your water bottle, pass the security desk, or walk by the HR office, remember—there’s more to this school than just classrooms and homework. It’s powered by real people doing real work, often behind the scenes. From keeping us safe to keeping things running, they’re the quiet force that makes our school feel like a second home. Let’s not wait for Teacher’s Day or Year-End Awards to show appreciation; a smile, a “thank you,” or even just knowing their names and a simple greetings of “Good morning!”—that’s where it starts. Because behind every great school… are some seriously awesome people who keep it all running.
