Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you are all enjoying the cooler, refreshing weather that has finally arrived after an unusually extended summer. The clear, crisp air has been a welcome change and has added an extra spring in everyone’s step around campus.
This week has been filled with inspiring events that have brought our community together in meaningful ways. On Thursday, we celebrated World Peace Day with the theme of peace woven into our lessons and conversations throughout the day. It was great to see our students engage deeply in discussions about global conflicts, the importance of unity, and ways to foster peace in their everyday lives.
We were honoured to kick off our Dulwich Talks series for the 2024-2025 academic year, focusing on Global Citizenship & Sustainability, with a very special guest speaker. Ilhwa Choe, a North Korean defector and advocate, shared her powerful and moving story with our Senior students, staff, and parents. Her insights into her personal struggles, the fight for peace and human rights, and her dreams for the future sparked meaningful dialogue and reinforced the importance of empathy, understanding, and global peace within our community.
Our Primary School students showed tremendous spirit and teamwork during the House Tug of War competition. Congratulations to our newly elected House Captains for leading their houses with enthusiasm and kindness. The competition was fierce yet friendly, and it was wonderful to see students and even parents participate with such gusto. A special congratulations to Shackleton House for reigning supreme on the day!
On Tuesday evening, four of our musically talented Year 7 students—Evelyn, Jayden, Elizabeth, and Erin—performed at the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) Garden Party held at the British Ambassador’s Residence. Their courage, skill, and collaboration shone through, making it a proud moment for our school. The event was a lovely opportunity to connect with the wider community and learn more about the UK’s continued commitment to its relationship with South Korea. I was incredibly impressed by their performance and the positive feedback from attendees.
Our Year 6 students, together with 20 of their Senior School peers, had the opportunity on Wednesday to attend the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University. This international football tournament brings together players from around the world who have experienced homelessness, using the unifying power of sport to promote social change and hope. As a ‘Home Game Sponsor,’ we were thrilled to support this meaningful event and contribute to its inspiring mission.
Our students also had the amazing honour of presenting the Man and Woman of the Match awards. This experience fits well with the community service element of the Year 6 Award, giving our students real-world insights into social issues and the importance of empathy and giving back. It truly encapsulated the spirit of global citizenship and compassion that we strive to instil in our school community.
Looking ahead, next week we will be celebrating the European Week of Languages. A series of activities have been planned to promote diversity and multilingualism. Our students will engage in language-based games, cultural exchanges, and discussions, all aimed at fostering a greater appreciation for the richness of European languages and cultures. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to embrace the diversity that makes our school so special.
Please note that next week includes two public holidays: Tuesday is Armed Forces Day and Thursday is National Foundation Day. There will be no school on these days. We hope you enjoy the extra days off and perhaps take the opportunity to make the most of the beautiful autumn weather with your families.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.
With warm regards,
Ms Alison Derbyshire