Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week marked the commencement of our ECA programme for Term 1. It’s been great to see our students fully engaged and enjoying a myriad of after-school activities. With options spanning from gardening and drama to boxing and mindfulness, the diverse array of activities substantially enriches our students’ school experience.
Last night, I had the pleasure, along with several other Dulwich staff members, of attending the British Chamber of Commerce Garten Party at the residence of the British Ambassador, Colin Crooks. I was very happy to catch up with some of our Dulwich parents who were also in attendance. The evening was made even more special by the musical contributions of our talented Dulwich musicians, who provided live music that added to the festive atmosphere.
We took this group photo on the field this week to celebrate a significant milestone for Dulwich College Seoul. We have been awarded the esteemed Eco-Schools Green Flag certification for the 2022/23 Academic Year! This prestigious recognition lauds our school’s dedication to environmental action. Joining me in the photograph were our dedicated sustainability leaders, James Tosdevin and James Loft, as well as committed students from both the Primary and Senior School sustainability clubs. These fine individuals spearheaded initiatives across three key areas: global citizenship, marine life, and school grounds. Their concerted efforts have led to an environmental review, a comprehensive action plan, and regular monitoring of our collective progress. A hearty congratulations and a well-deserved thank you to all involved.
This week, the B1 Atrium has been a hive of activity. Firstly, our Year 6 Pastries with Parents event was met with tremendous success. Parents relished the pastries and coffee served by their children, whilst also enjoying the chance to socialise with staff members. The following day, the same space was utilised for the Friends of Dulwich Coffee Morning and Uniform Sale. Parents and staff came together once more, this time for coffee and conversation, as well as the opportunity to purchase used winter uniform items for their children. The sale of used uniforms not only offers practical benefits but also aligns with our sustainability values. It’s gratifying to see this communal space put to such excellent use, strengthening the bonds within our Dulwich community.
Today, we were graced with a particularly impactful instalment of our Dulwich Talks series. We hosted filmmakers Julie Ha and Su Kim for a pre-release screening of their critically acclaimed documentary, “Free Chol Soo Lee.” This film tells the story of Korean immigrant Chol Soo Lee, wrongfully accused and imprisoned in 1970s San Francisco. I was deeply moved by the film, and believe it offers an invaluable learning experience for our students. The event was capped off with an intimate Q&A session, where our students got to ask all kinds of questions about the story and the filmmaking process.
As we look to the week ahead, Year 7, Year 8, and Year 11 students are set for their Adventurous Journeys, orchestrated by our newly appointed Head of Outdoor Education, Mark Lovett. These expeditions are a cornerstone of the Dulwich College Seoul curriculum, aiming to nurture attributes such as pioneering spirit, independence, and collaborative skills in alignment with our Worldwise mission. Activities range from exploring Seoraksan and cycling adventures in Korea for Years 7 and 8, to a culturally immersive experience in Namhae for Year 11.
Also next week, we will be marking International Peace Day on Wednesday, 21 September. Aligning with this year’s potent themes of ‘End Racism and Build Peace’ and ‘Actions for Peace’, we’ve planned an array of meaningful activities across the school. Students are encouraged to wear purple, a colour symbolising transformation, power, and strength, to mark the occasion. In DUCKS, the focus will be on reading multicultural books and engaging in discussions about racism and peace.
Primary School teachers will link lessons to the UN’s Global Goal 16, while students from both the Senior and Primary Schools will come together to form a symbolic Purple ‘Peace Sign’ on our field. This collective gesture, which will be photographed from above, aims to deepen our understanding of community and belonging. Our Deputy Heads of Pastoral, Maggie Goddard and John Allen, have worked diligently to ensure a thoughtful and impactful observance of this vital global initiative. To add further significance to our efforts, all proceeds raised during the day will benefit Islamic Relief in aiding Libyan flood and Moroccan earthquake victims.
With my best wishes,
Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson