News | 26 March 2025
Supporting our students: Annelies Kooijman
Our new series shines a light on the diverse and vital roles that support our students' well-being and success. From behaviour specialists to caretakers, we delve into the diverse roles that contribute to a positive and supportive school environment. Next up is Annelies Kooijman, receptionist at IES Växjö.
Describe your work and what your role entails.
As a receptionist, I see myself as a unifying link between students, staff, guardians, and visitors. I like to create a welcoming environment for everyone who comes to our school and be a source of information for all. I am part of the school’s administration team with three other colleagues.
Besides my receptionist tasks, like signing in and out visitors, taking phone calls, and taking care of the emails in the info mailbox, I am also responsible for cover coordination, onboarding of substitute teachers, signing in and out substitute teachers and registering their working hours, registering staff absence, contacting guardians and signing out students during school hours due to sickness or otherwise.
I also carry out some tasks in Schoolsoft like publishing news items and the lunch menu, as well as support with other tasks if needed. I check the staff’s time reporting at the end of the month, and other small tasks to support management and administration.
Why did you choose to start working at IES, and how long have you been working here?
I have been working at IES Växjö since August 2024. When I read the job advert, the first thing about IES that was appealing to me was the international environment. Before I got this job I worked at a school where they teach Swedish to immigrants, and meeting many people from different backgrounds has enriched my life in so many ways.
Then I started reading more about IES and learned that what they stand for aligns with my beliefs about how a school should be. I truly support IES’ three pillars, and in this multicultural world we live in nowadays the bilingual aspect is more important than ever.
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"Every student is seen, heard and cared for, as well as provided with the best support if needed."
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What would you say makes your school a great school?
Since I have worked here, I have experienced that staff here are professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to giving the students the best opportunities for the future. Every student is seen, heard and cared for, as well as provided with the best support if needed.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing for me is having many different kinds of tasks. On one hand, there is the social side of my job: interacting with many people every day, both children and adults, greeting and talking to them, and supporting and helping them if needed. On the other hand, there are my administrative tasks. I like multitasking and making sure that everything runs smoothly. I also like being a central point of contact for staff, students, and guardians because I know a lot of ins and outs about the school. It is very rewarding for me to be able to help people.
What are you most proud of when you think about your school?
I take pride in the fact that our school has a very positive and inclusive culture. I am proud to be given the opportunity to be a part of that and contribute in my own little way.
What is your favourite memory of interacting with students?
My favourite memory is the first time I set foot in IES Växjö for my job interview. I was sitting in the hallway waiting for the HR staff member to come and get me. Students and some staff members were passing me by on their way to the dining room and it struck me how they all noticed me and greeted me in an open and friendly manner. And then there was this little girl who came up to me and started asking me who I was and why I was there. We chatted for a bit, and then she had to go to the dining room. When she said goodbye she gave me a big hug, despite the fact that she didn’t know me at all. That took me by surprise (in a good way) and it just gave me such a positive feeling about the whole atmosphere in the school. I felt instantly that this was a place I wanted to work. And until this day I am so happy I got that opportunity.