From our Head of College

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Today, the halls quite literally reverberated with cheers and applause as we celebrated the graduation of our Year 13 students. This impressive group of young people, the Class of 2023, not only navigated academic challenges but also cultivated the values of compassion, empathy, and global citizenship, creating a legacy of inclusivity within our diverse community.

As our graduates move onto the next phase of their lives, they’re well-equipped to explore their endless potential. We eagerly anticipate their future accomplishments, trusting they will continue to embody the Dulwich values that have guided them thus far. While today marked their formal farewell from Dulwich, we look forward to their return visits as treasured members of our alumni community. As they step out into the wider world, we hope they remember that they will always be welcome at their ‘home away from home’. To the Class of 2023, go forth with courage, curiosity, and kindness. The world awaits your contributions. Congratulations!

I would like to thank our Head of Senior School, Suzy Pugh, and her team for arranging this very successful event. I am currently on my way to the Conrad Hotel Seoul to attend the Graduation Party. I am ever so grateful to those on the organising committee who put it all together. It’s going to be an amazing night!

Wednesday’s Dulwich Talk featuring the award-winning pianist Edwin Kim created quite the buzz around school. Edwin shared insights into his musical journey, delving into the emotions and motivations that drive a composer’s creative process. With unorthodox teaching methods, like inviting listeners to experience the music from underneath the piano or inviting students to dance to his music on stage, he created an immersive experience and challenged the audience to appreciate music in new and different ways. I would like to thank Edwin for performing for our students with such creativity, energy and enthusiasm.

After a thrilling week of zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, cycling, camping, and a generous dose of heartwarming singing around the campfire, our Year 6 students have returned home safely today. They’ve embraced the spirit of adventure, learned about teamwork, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Now, they pass the baton of excitement to our Year 8 students, who are gearing up for their own adventure next week.

Next week also brings a thrilling journey for our FOBISIA sports teams. Forty of our spirited Year 5 and Year 6 students will journey to Thailand, ready to dive into three days of healthy competition with other British schools across Asia. From the swimming pool to the football pitch, from t-ball to the athletics track, they’re primed to showcase their skills and the Dulwich spirit of excellence and sportsmanship.

I extend a colossal ‘thank you’ to our Director of Sport, Jay Dines, for orchestrating this massive undertaking, ensuring our young athletes have this fantastic opportunity to represent Dulwich College Seoul on the international stage. Best of luck to our competitors – we’re all cheering for you!

Our commitment to sustainability and global citizenship came to life last week at our School Progress Indicator Report launch party. Joined by students and staff, we celebrated with a slice or two of delicious vegetarian pizza, engaging in a series of thought-provoking activities, exploring the report’s key themes. The launch was a collaborative effort, helmed by sustainability leaders James Tosdevin and James Loft, with enthusiastic participation from our students. Find out more details in the Whole School section.

Exciting updates about our forthcoming Founder’s Day celebrations on Saturday 3 June. We are deeply honoured to welcome a distinguished guest – His Excellency Colin Crooks, the British Ambassador, who will be joining us on the day. As we’re partnering with the British Embassy to celebrate 140 years of UK-Korea relations, it will be a privilege to have him participate in our festivities.

Adding an extra dash of excitement, the Ambassador will be helping to judge our cupcake bake-off and card decorating competitions. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to unleash your creativity! Find out how to enter these competitions in the Whole School section. 

As a reminder, please don’t forget to bring your lanyard for admission on the day. We’re also encouraging everyone to bring their own mugs or tumblers for the complimentary tea and coffee, as part of our commitment to sustainability. It’s going to be a great event and I’m very much looking forward to it!

With my best wishes,

Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson

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