Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today I write to you from the Dulwich Olympiad 2024 in Singapore, which has proved to be an extraordinary showcase of our students’ talents and dedication across all disciplines. The drama students delivered a mesmerizing performance of The Odyssey, captivating the audience with their acting prowess, beautiful costumes, and Korean dance. The art students exhibited their final pieces, the result of their hard work and inspiration drawn from Singapore’s vibrant art scene and workshops. The music students amazed with their spectacular orchestra and choir performances. Our athletes shone, earning medals in athletics, swimming, football, basketball, and badminton, often in collaboration with students from other Dulwich schools. Beyond the competitions and performances, students have immersed themselves in Singapore’s cultural highlights, from backstage tours to iconic landmarks like the Gardens by the Bay.
You may have been following the exciting updates from the Dulwich Olympiad in Singapore on our social media channels throughout the week. We will provide a comprehensive report, including photos and detailed results, in next week’s update, so you can fully appreciate the scale of our students’ achievements and the memories they’ve made at this extraordinary event. I would like to sincerely thank Dulwich College Singapore for their efforts in organizing this very special occasion, to our students for their enthusiastic participation and sportsmanship, and to our staff for their support throughout the Olympiad.
Our Year 6 students stepped into a whimsical wonderland this week at their Alice in Wonderland-themed Tea Party. Each class showcased their creativity and imagination by dressing up as beloved characters from the classic tale. The MPR was transformed into a magical setting for the occasion, complete with delectable food and drinks generously provided by the parents. A special thank you goes to our Year 6 leader, Vanessa Wilson, for her monumental effort in bringing this event to life and creating such a memorable experience for our students.
Although I wasn’t able to attend in person, I heard that our Dulwich Talk on Wednesday evening was a great success. The event featured a screening of Beyond Utopia, a powerful documentary that offers a rare look into the lives of ordinary North Koreans who risk everything to escape one of the world’s most repressive regimes. The film was followed by an fireside chat with Hannah Song, an executive producer and CEO of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), a nonprofit dedicated to helping North Korean refugees resettle and rebuild their lives. I would like to extend my gratitude to Namju Cho, our Director of Communications and Marketing, for facilitating this important event in my absence.
This week, we had the pleasure of hosting two talented authors who engaged and inspired our students. Graci Kim, hailing from New Zealand, and James Sellick from the UK, each held sessions that allowed our students to delve into the world of literature and the craft of writing. Both authors took the time to interact with our students, answering their questions and offering valuable advice for aspiring writers.
I want to give my congratulations to our talented Year 13 artists who showcased their exceptional work at this week’s IB Art Exhibition. The event, held in the IB Centre, saw staff, students, and parents coming together to admire and engage with the incredible creations on display. The exhibition space came alive with the energy and passion poured into each piece. Well done to all our Year 13 artists for putting together such a remarkable showcase of talent and creativity.
I am very proud of our Primary School Chairs who represented Dulwich College Seoul at the EIM Primary Model United Nations conference in Shanghai this week. They did a fantastic job collaborating with delegates from our sister schools in China and Singapore under the capable leadership of Ms Emma Ventham and Mr Jason Burrows. Participation in PS MUN provides our students with an invaluable early experience in formal debate, public speaking, and global citizenship – skills they will undoubtedly build upon in Senior School and showcase in their future university applications.
I am pleased to share that a significant delegation of our staff, including Jane Smith and Suzy Pugh, is currently attending the IB Global Conference in Daegu. This conference, is a great opportunity for our educators to connect with IB practitioners, learn from experts in the field, and network with colleagues from around the globe. The theme for this year’s conference, “Inspiring learners, realizing potential,” aligns perfectly with our school’s mission to nurture and maximize the potential of every student in our care. We look forward to the valuable insights and knowledge our staff will bring back to share with our community.
Year 6 students are preparing to embark on their Adventurous Journey to Hong Kong next week. This journey marks a significant milestone in their personal growth and development as they step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges and opportunities. I am confident that the skills, insights, and memories they gain during this journey will stay with them long after they return, shaping their perspectives and preparing them to become the worldwise global citizens we aspire to nurture. To our Year 6 adventurers, I wish you an exciting, safe, and unforgettable journey filled with laughter, learning, and personal triumphs.
With my best wishes,
Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson