Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today’s Remembrance Day assembly, ably led by Assistant Head of Senior School John Allen, was a particularly significant moment for our older students. I had the honour of speaking to them about the importance of remembrance, especially the crucial role of young people in carrying forward the torch of memory. We reflected on the horrors of war and the imperative need to strive for a more peaceful world. It’s vital that future generations understand and uphold these lessons, ensuring that the sacrifices made are never forgotten and that the pursuit of peace remains a guiding principle in their lives.
Our Head Students eloquently delivered poetry readings in both English and Korean, providing a profound resonance to the message of the day. Additionally, group performances from students across the senior school added a layer of communal expression to the event. These performances not only showcased the talents of our students but also served to deepen our collective understanding of the themes of remembrance and peace. The highlight was a moving rendition of the Last Post by Jisung K (Year 12), an expert trumpeter, which deeply resonated during our minute of silence.
Yesterday, a significant number of our young musicians travelled with Director of Music Mark Knights to Dulwich College Suzhou for the annual Dulwich Festival of Music. They are set to dive into intensive rehearsals, honing their skills for the Gala Concert on Sunday at 6pm Seoul time. This year’s festival, themed Heroes & Villains, promises a dynamic range of musical performances that are sure to captivate and enthral. I invite you to share in this musical adventure and tune in to the live performance via the QR code on the flyer in the Whole School Section.
Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of attending an alumni event hosted by Lucien Giordano, our EiM Group Director of International Outreach and Alumni Engagement and alumni leaders of the Worldwise Alumni Network’s Seoul Chapter. Held right here in town, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with 20 International Old Alleynians (alumni) from Dulwich College Beijing and Suzhou, who currently live, work and study here in Seoul. The evening was a delightful occasion, bringing together a diverse group of past students. It was a great opportunity for us all to connect – hearing their shared experiences, achievements, and ongoing connections with our Dulwich family was a wonderful reaffirmation of the fact that we all belong to an awe-inspiring educational community.
In the near future, EiM and the Worldwise Alumni Advisory Board, will be announcing an exciting strategy of alumni led initiatives to grow this network globally, here in Korea, and to engage directly with our students as role models and mentors. Stay tuned!
The DCSL Parents’ Football Club is an exciting new activity aimed at fostering community spirit among parents through the universal language of football. Launching with weekly sessions every Sunday morning, the club will feature a series of four 25-minute matches. With the generous provision of the College Field by DCSL, the club is currently gathering a roster of interested participants. To be part of this community-building initiative, parents can sign up via this sign-up form. For any questions or to offer suggestions, please reach out to Emil at emil.daina@gmail.com.
Following the official announcement earlier this week, I’d like to encourage you to engage with the professional profiles of Alison Derbyshire, Nina Gunson, and Sarah Tielman, our final candidates for the Head of College position. Their extensive experience and dedication to education are captured in the profiles available in the Whole School section. As we enter the concluding phase of the selection process, we look forward to welcoming the candidates to our campus on Sunday 19 November. Their subsequent interviews on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 November represent a pivotal step towards appointing my successor and shaping the future of this school.
The Friends of Dulwich (FoD) hosted a successful Coffee Morning and Used Uniform Sale yesterday, and today’s Soap Making class was a hit. The FoD calendar is bustling with activities: a Cooking Class on 17 November, Mindfulness and Yoga on 23 November, Flower Arranging classes on 27 and 28 November, and the Winter Bazaar on 2 December. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are open for the Dulwich Gala on 23 February. Each event offers a chance to engage with and contribute to our community. For more information, visit the FoD section.
Next week, we are eagerly anticipating the annual visit of Dr Cameron Pyke, Deputy Master (External) of Dulwich College in London. His visit is a vital part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence and provides an essential external perspective on our practices. During his time here, Dr Pyke will engage with various members of our community, including students, staff, and parents. These interactions are pivotal, offering us the opportunity to showcase the strengths of Dulwich College Seoul and to gain valuable insights for our continued growth and development.
With that thought, I wish everyone a happy and restful weekend. Whether it’s spending time with your loved ones, pursuing personal interests, or enjoying the Dulwich Festival of Music concert, I hope these next few days offer you a chance to rejuvenate.
With my best wishes,
Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson