Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week, I am writing to you from Osaka, where I am attending an International Baccalaureate (IB) leadership training that runs through the weekend. This professional development focuses on enhancing leadership within learning organisations, exploring topics such as building a shared vision, fostering professional growth, and strategic planning for our IB programmes. It’s been a fascinating and rewarding experience collaborating with fellow educational leaders, and I look forward to bringing back fresh ideas to our College.
I am pleased to announce this year’s Head Students: Evelyn K (Diversity), Jaewook K (Excellence), Jane L (Community), and Kamil H (Sustainability). I extend my gratitude to all applicants and to the staff who supported the selection. As Head Students, they will represent the student body, foster community, and lead initiatives that reflect our values and enhance school life. I am confident their energy and ideas will make a meaningful impact, and I look forward to supporting them as they bring their unique strengths to this important role.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the live stream of the Worldwise Festival of Music in Beijing on Friday and Saturday evening, despite a few technical hiccups along the way. It was thrilling to see our Dulwich College Seoul students sharing the stage with their peers from other Dulwich schools, showcasing their talent and collaboration on an international platform. Congratulations to all who represented us so brilliantly!
Today, our Year 4W students and students from the Elementary School affiliated with the Seoul National University of Education, as part of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education exchange programme, had a fantastic time visiting the British Embassy. They explored British history and culture, toured the historic site, and listened to inspiring talks from two participants of the Empower Programme about discovering their passion and purpose. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the British Embassy and its staff for hosting us, as well as Ms Wayte, Ms Goddard, Ms Moon, and Steve Kim for their efforts in organising this visit. My thanks also go to our bus team for ensuring smooth transportation. This visit was a wonderful culmination of the exchange, providing an enriching experience and fostering meaningful connections between the students.
Next Friday, we will hold our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony after school in the B1 Atrium, and I warmly invite you to join us for this festive occasion. The event will feature delicious food, a selection of warm holiday beverages (including apple cider and non-alcoholic mulled wine, yum!), and live music performed by our talented students – creating a wonderful atmosphere to celebrate the season together. It promises to be a lovely event, and I look forward to seeing many of you there as we kick off the holiday season as a community.
We are thrilled to share that on Wednesday, 4 December, CNN will be broadcasting live from our campus as part of their Call to Earth initiative. This special segment will spotlight our students’ impressive sustainability efforts, which align closely with our core value of making a positive difference. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the innovative and meaningful work our students are doing to promote environmental stewardship, and we look forward to sharing their story with a global audience.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Winter Bazaar, taking place on Saturday, 7 December, from 10am to 3pm. It’s set to be a day filled with festive cheer, delicious food, unique stalls, and community spirit. An official invitation with all the exciting details will be sent out next week, so stay tuned. I look forward to celebrating the season with you all at the event!
With warm regards,
Ms Alison Derbyshire