This week has been pivotal at Dulwich College Seoul, as we welcomed three distinguished candidates who are being considered to fill my position when I leave as the Head of College. Their visit spanned Sunday through Tuesday, giving them a firsthand experience of the warmth of our community and the strengths of our programmes. In a series of comprehensive interviews, they interacted with our passionate students, dedicated staff, and committed parents. I am heartened by the depth of expertise, innovative ideas, and visionary thinking each candidate brought to their meetings with representatives from all sectors of our school. Selecting a successor amidst such exceptional talent is a challenge, yet I am confident in our comprehensive and thoughtful process. All feedback from these interactions will be carefully reviewed, and a decision made and announced in the coming weeks. We are committed to ensuring the best possible leadership for guiding our school into a continued bright and prosperous future.
I have just returned from the IGCSE award ceremony, a celebration of the academic achievement and hard work of our Year 11 and Year 12 students. Witnessing these young individuals complete their courses with such dedication and success was a privilege. Their accomplishments in this challenging program are not just a testament to their resilience and commitment, but also to the strong support system of our school community. Congratulations to all these students for reaching this significant milestone in their ongoing educational journey.
This week’s Winter Recitals at Dulwich College Seoul were a wonderful celebration of our students’ musical journeys. Observing the performances, I was deeply impressed by the spectrum of musical engagement, reflecting various stages of learning and practice. From novices bravely stepping onto the stage for the first time to adept students who have honed their skills, each performance highlighted the dedication and growth of our young musicians. The journey of learning an instrument is one of continuous development and self-expression, making it a joy to witness these significant milestones. A big thank you to Mr Mark Knights, our Director of Music, for his outstanding organisation of the event and his dedication to nurturing the musical talents of every student within our school community.
This week marked a significant milestone for our school with the unveiling of the Eco Schools Plaque, a recognition of our students’ dedicated efforts in environmental stewardship. This achievement not only highlights our commitment to sustainability but also garnered praise from the Foundation for Environmental Education, a testament to our effective measures in promoting global awareness and enhancing our school’s ecological footprint. Special thanks are due to James Loft and James Tosdevin, our Global Citizenship and Sustainability Leads, for their exceptional leadership in guiding this successful endeavor.
Tomorrow, I am honoured to represent our College in attending the 20th Traditional Culture Presentation at our neighbouring Gyeseong Elementary, marking their remarkable 141st anniversary. This special event is set to be a magnificent showcase of traditional culture and community spirit. Participating in their milestone celebration is not only a privilege but also an opportunity to strengthen the ties between our schools. Occasions like these serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage all around us, even on our doorstep, and underscore the importance of nurturing connections within our local educational community.
Next Friday after school, we are set to hold our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the Winter Concert. The festivities will kick off at 3.40pm in the B1 Atrium, where we’ll serve light refreshments. Live music performed by our students will set a festive tone leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at 4pm. We’ll then transition into the magnificent Winter Concert in the auditorium starting at 5pm, featuring our full offering of orchestras, choirs, and other student performers. This special day is an opportunity to bring our Dulwich community together, marking a memorable beginning to the festive season.
The next morning, on Saturday, 2 December, we continue our festive celebrations with the Winter Bazaar. This event, a perfect opportunity for our families to gather, offers a range of shopping, food options, and activities that embody the community spirit of Dulwich College. We are excited to welcome you to this special day, filled with joy and community engagement. For detailed information about the Bazaar, please refer to the recent email invitation or the whole school section of this update.
With my best wishes,
Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson
With my best wishes,
Mr Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson