Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week was marked by transitions and new beginnings. Our Year 6 students had a glimpse into their future during the Move Up Morning. They stepped into the corridors of the senior school, met their future teachers, and discovered the exciting changes that await them after the summer break. This opportunity to experience the new environment firsthand undoubtedly eased many nerves and built fresh anticipation for the next chapter of their academic lives.
Our Year 11 students also had a big day with their IB induction. They had a taste of the IB programme, from the intriguing Theory of Knowledge Exhibition (more on that further down) to engaging taster sessions of their chosen subjects. The day’s activities were capped off with a celebration – a pizza party to congratulate them for their efforts in the IGCSE exams.
On Wednesday, I took a tour of the Theory of Knowledge Exhibition. Our Year 12 students cleverly used diverse objects, from Persian arrowheads to scenes from ‘Black Swan’, as their focal points to investigate complex knowledge concepts. Each object was transformed into a conduit of inquiry, revealing the power of everyday items to ignite thoughtful discussions and deep understanding.
It was fascinating to see how our students connected these objects to broader themes and their personal experiences. My sincere thanks go to our dedicated Theory of Knowledge teachers – Emma Chamberlain, Áine Staunton, and Rebecca Gardner – for guiding the students in this learning journey.
In a similar academic pursuit, the Year 9 Humanities Showcase took centre stage this morning. Our students proudly exhibited their research and creativity, each display being a product of diligent investigation and painstaking design. The display boards, a tapestry of text, images and graphics, were crafted not only to catch the eye, but also to enlighten the mind. Each student brought to life a topic they were passionate about, and happily discussed the subject with parents, students, teachers and other visitors to the exhibition. Their dedication and the depth of their understanding were evident to all who paused to appreciate their work.
There was a strong sense of house spirit in the air as Year 3 to Year 6 students took part in their House Swimming Competitions this week. I was extremely impressed by the super performances of our more seasoned swimmers, and it was also inspiring to see a few developing swimmers bravely leave their comfort zones and score valuable points for their respective houses. Well done to all!
Thank you to those of you who purchased a Dulwich Ribboned Hat at Founder’s Day. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised 460,000 KRW, which we will be donating to the Myongdo Welfare Center, an organisation that is deeply committed to supporting underprivileged individuals in the southernmost part of the country. These funds will assist in their ongoing efforts to provide employment and skill-building opportunities for disabled adults through the operation of the Myongdo Bakery. Thank you again for your support.
More than a few personal items have taken a detour from their rightful owners this term. Our attentive Friends of Dulwich (FoD) members have kindly sorted these lost items, which will be displayed in the MPR (first floor by Reception) throughout the week for retrieval. Students will have a chance to reclaim their belongings during class visits to the tables. Parents are also invited to come in and peruse the items. While named items will be returned directly to students in class, we encourage everyone to check for any unnamed items that might belong to them. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Following the recent incident where the government erroneously sent out an emergency alert, we have received several queries regarding our preparedness in the event of a real emergency. We have in place a robust Civil Defence Emergency policy which details the actions to be taken in different scenarios, including an air raid or disaster warning. A full explanation of the procedures can be found in the ‘Whole School‘ section of this e-update. We believe in being prepared, and we strive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every individual in our community.
As we approach the end of this academic year, I want to express my sincere thanks to all our departing staff members for their service and dedication. Your contributions have shaped Dulwich College Seoul in numerous ways, and we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. Concurrently, we look forward to welcoming our new staff members joining us from all corners of the globe in August. For a comprehensive list of both leaving and incoming staff, please refer to the Whole School section.
With my best wishes,
Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson