Dear Parents and Guardians,
Greetings from Shanghai, where I’m attending the Heads Meeting alongside fellow Heads of Colleges from across our Dulwich network. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to connect with my counterparts, share insights, and learn from one another. The collaboration and exchange of ideas have been wonderfully enriching, and I’m eager to bring back fresh perspectives to our College.
While in Shanghai, I’ve had the delightful opportunity to immerse myself in the Worldwise Shakespeare Festival, an extraordinary event that brings together students from across the Dulwich family of schools. Thanks to our partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the festival is enriched by the guidance and inspiration of their expert practitioners. It has been inspiring to witness our students collaborating and performing the timeless works of Shakespeare under such skilled mentorship. Their passion, talent, and the friendships they’ve forged during this shared cultural experience beautifully highlight the unifying power of the arts.
Just before departing for Shanghai, I had the great pleasure of working with our Social Media ECA (Extra-Curricular Activity) students to create new official Head of College profile photos. I was thoroughly impressed with how they partnered with Mr Wigginton and Ms Joanne from our Marketing team. Together, we took some fun and engaging photos in the Senior School library under the expert art direction of our students. It was a joy to see our students apply their skills so professionally, and I loved how they came out!
I’m pleased to share our exceptional results from the New Families survey we received. The feedback from our New Families Onboarding Survey for Term 1 indicates significant enhancements in how we welcome and integrate new families into our community. We achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 71, up from 62 last year, placing us at the forefront within our group. Additionally, 96% of our new families reported feeling welcomed, an increase from 87% last year. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Admissions Team, Academic Staff, and Administration. Their combined efforts have made a meaningful difference in creating a warm and inclusive environment for our newest members. We are committed to continuing this positive momentum to ensure that every family feels valued and supported at Dulwich College Seoul.
Next week, we’re excited to be celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. With our Indian community being such an integral part of our school, it’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace and honour this vibrant cultural tradition. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated by millions around the world, it involves lighting lamps and candles, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive activities that promote joy and unity. Today, a group of volunteer parents adorned our foyer with beautiful decorations, setting the scene for the festivities. Throughout the week, we’ll have a range of activities planned, including non-uniform days and educational sessions, to immerse our students in the rich history and significance of Diwali. I’m looking forward to seeing our community come together to celebrate our diversity and learn from one another.
As insightful and energising as my week was, I’m eager to return and share my experiences and learnings from my trip with our staff and students.
With warm regards,
Ms Alison Derbyshire