Dear Primary Families,
I had a wonderful two days last weekend at the FOBISIA Leadership Conference in Bangkok. 250 heads and senior leaders from across Asia meet to learn from each other and from industry experts and thought leaders at this annual event.
In particular, I really enjoyed the two AI workshops that I attended, which focused, in part, on the game changing opportunities AI offers learners and educators. This includes AI platforms that our staff can use to personalise learning even more closely to individual students’ needs and help us craft the perfect policy and procedures to safeguard our community in the AI age.
Jeroen van del Waal was a fascinating speaker – he has set up an environment education programme focused on the world’s oceans – our students will benefit from hearing about his work in the future. #OrcaNation
I also met with others to gather ideas and contacts for the redesign of DUCKS and Juniors, and the development of a STEM Innovation Lab for the Primary School. We are working with staff and our team of architects to finetune the refurbishment projects which are planned for 2025 onwards, as part of a larger redevelopment of the campus. More news soon
Eat a Rainbow Workshop:
Over 20 parents joined us on Thursday for this term’s school lunch workshop. The morning comprised a kitchen introduction and tour with Quadra’s Ms Su; a workshop with Mrs Smith on how DCSL educates children about eating well; and ended with a delicious buffet lunch with our students. Parents asked lots of great questions and on departure filled in a survey to give us invaluable feedback.
Parents reported finding the tour and workshop very helpful and comments/feedback included:
- How clean the kitchens were (Yes, we always get a Grade A from our drop-in hygiene inspections)
- That DCSL makes and bakes all cookies and cakes fresh each day (all homemade – they aren’t bought from a bakery – with the exception of the churros)
- Students are taught about health and nutrition (yes, in assemblies and class)
- Thursday’s lunch was delicious and had many options to choose from (Yes, Quadra do a great job and are so response to our requests)
Parents suggested (with our responses in brackets):
- We should add more salt to some dishes (sorry no, the salt levels are just right for children’s health)
- Can we have more international cuisine on the Global menu (yes, we have UK, Korean, Singaporean, Italian, USA, Mexican, Thai and Indian dishes already but will look to diversify further – send your menu ideas to Mrs Smith please).
- We limit dessert (fruit for dessert is self-serve as we want children to eat lots. Cake is in 3cm squares and is portion controlled by service staff)
- We continue to offer choices (yes, and this will only increase in the new dining spaces for 25/26)
- We offer more tofu and egg dishes (yes, send me recipes for dishes your children love!)
Please click here for the power point slide from this Thursday’s Eat a Rainbow Parent workshop.
British Embassy Visit:
Class 4W visited the British Embassy today with children from Seoul National University Elementary School. The children listened to speeches about Korea’s connection with the United Kingdom over the years. They also enjoyed two talks by women from the ‘Empowerment Group’ about setting goals for the future and inclusivity.
Morning Mingling with Nursery Pelicans
Pelicans had breakfast with their parents on campus today. Good manners and polite introductions were on display as our students ensured their parents’ every need was taken care of. Thank you to all who attended! Next week it’s the turn of Year 3 and Year 5.
Reception Morning Mingle: Tuesday 3 December 7.45-8.30
Please sign-up by noon Monday 25 November to have breakfast with your child by clicking on this link. Late sign-ups are not accepted.
Year 1 Morning Mingle: Friday 6 December 7.45-8.30
Please sign-up by noon Monday 25 Nov to have breakfast with your child on by clicking on this link. Late sign-ups are not accepted.
Menu for lunches and snacks:
Our students are great eaters and really enjoy the 8-10 separate offerings each lunchtime from salad, meat dishes, rice or pasta, fruit, raw veggies, and vegetarian options too. Find out what’s being served next week below.
Please find here the menu for the month.
DCSL Parents Korean Class Information
DCSL Parent Korean Class sign up is now open for Term 2.
Please sign up via this link.
Class Type: A0 – Beginner Tue & Thurs 8.30-10.00, A1+ – Late Beginner Tue & Thurs 10.00-11.30
Period: 7 Jan 2025 – 12 June 2025
Fee: 25,000 KRW per hour (Add 10% VAT)
Weekly Parent Workshops:
Parents Workshops for this year will be held on Thursdays 10am-11am in the Tech Hub (2F) above the Inquiry Hub) unless otherwise stated. The Coffee Shop (B1) will be open from 9.30am. You will be escorted to Tech Hub from the Coffee Shop by the leading teacher prior to the workshop, so please wait in B1 to be escorted upstairs. For our topics for this Term, please find the PDFs here. If you have any suggestions for future workshops please let us know.
Parent Rep Meeting
Monday, 11th November (Online Meeting)
Time: 9am – 10am
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Join the Meeting: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 482 082 273 893
Passcode: Ey6JDr
Tuesday, 3rd December (Online Meeting)
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Join the Meeting: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 496 236 047 526
Passcode: fZCAPe
We need your help for Dulwich Ducklings!
Sophie Cran, our amazing DUCKLINGs parent who set up this lovely and really important programme is ready to hand it on to another DCSL parent in the coming months. It’s perfect for a parent who is free on Wednesday morning – having your own baby/toddler to take along is entirely optional! If you would like to take over the group, chat to Sophie about how it works and confirm with Mrs Smith if you are interested.
In short, the lead person for Dulwich DUCKLINGs would set up the MPR (F1) with the toys and equipment (all provided), welcome attendees and encourage everyone to connect and have some relaxed fun. Then at the end of the session tidy away. There’s lots of friendly support from school and huge appreciation for bringing our youngest siblings together to play.
Upcoming Dates for your Diary:
Tuesday 26 Nov – Y5 Morning Mingle 7.45-8.30 Dining Area
Wednesday 27 Nov – Y3 Morning Mingle 7.45-8.30 Dining Area
Thursday 28 Nov – PS Parents Workshop – “Reading with Your Child” 10.00-11.00 Tech Hub
Friday 29 Nov – ECA End
Monday 2 Dec – Y4 Celebration of Learning 10.40-11.20
Monday 2 Dec – Y1-2 Winter Recital 2.30-3.15 Auditorium
Tuesday 3 Dec – Reception Morning Mingle 7.45-8.30 Dining Area
Tuesday 3 Dec – Y3-4 Winter Recital 17.00-18.30
Tuesday 3 Dec – Parent Rep Meeting (Online) 13.00-14.00
Wednesday 4 Dec – Y2 Celebration of Learning 8.30-10.00
Wednesday 4 Dec – Y5-6 Winter Recital 17.00-18.30 Auditorium
Thursday 5 Dec – Y3 Celebration of Learning 8.30-9.30
Thursday 5 Dec – Y1-3 Christmas Party 15.30-17.30
Friday 6 Dec – Y1 Morning Mingle 7.45-8.30
Friday 6 Dec – Nursery, Reception Production The Greatest Snowman 10.00-11.00 Auditorium
Saturday 7 Dec – Winter Bazaar FOD 10.00-15.00 Field
Tuesday 10 Dec – Y6 Production & Celebration of Learning 9.00-10.00 Auditorium
Tuesday 10 Dec – Y5 Celebration of Learning 10.45-11.30
Tuesday 10 Dec – Y4-6 Silent Disco 15.30-18.00
Thursday 12 Dec – FOD Coffee Morning 8.20-9.45
Thursday 12 Dec – Primary School students’ Reports published to parents.
Friday 13 Dec – Christmas Assembly (Student Council Christmas Carol Shouts) 10.15-11.30 Gym
Friday 13 Dec – Last Day
Monday 6 Jan – First Day of Term 2
Communications:
As always, if I can assist you with any matters large or small, please get in contact with me at jane.smith@dulwich-seoul.kr
Kind regards
Jane Smith
Primary School Adventure Residential Updates:
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share exciting updates regarding the adventure residential trips, where students will experience unique outdoor learning and gain valuable skills in resilience, teamwork, and personal growth.
In partnership with Asia Pacific Adventure, our trusted outdoor education provider based in Hong Kong, we have updated the trip dates to enhance the experience for each year group. Please see the revised schedule below:
- Year 6: February 24th – 28th, Hong Kong
- Year 4: April 16th – 18th, Chuncheon, Korea
- Year 3: April 16th – 18th, Chuncheon, Korea
- Year 2: April 17th – 18th, Dulwich College Seoul
We’re delighted to continue working with Asia Pacific Adventure, who ran our September Adventurous Journeys for Year 5 and Year 7 in Korea, as well as the Year 10 program in Mongolia. Their expertise and dedication have made a significant impact on our students’ experiences, and we’re confident that each year group will have a similarly enriching journey. Mr Bonnet and Mr Lovett will soon be heading to Hong Kong to further develop the Year 6 Adventurous Journey. Please keep an eye out for the Year 6 Parent Information session invitation which will take place in December.
We will share more details in the coming weeks, including activity outlines, packing lists, and travel logistics. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to mark.lovett@dulwich-seoul.kr
Thank you for your support in making these experiences possible for our students. We look forward to these incredible adventures!
DCSL Ski Trips
The excitement is building as we gear up for another incredible ski season! After a fantastic time on the slopes last year, we’re thrilled to announce that our ski program will be returning in Term 2. Whether your child is brand new to skiing or a seasoned pro, the program is designed for all skill levels, packed with adventure, fun, and plenty of opportunities for growth.
What makes this day so special is that it’s not just about the skiing—it’s about building a sense of community. Students will bond with classmates, encourage each other, and share in the excitement of learning something new. We’re all about improvement, whether it’s mastering the basics or fine-tuning advanced techniques, and our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping each child take their skills to the next level.
And it’s not just the skiing to look forward to! The day will also include a fantastic buffet lunch, offering a delicious spread to keep everyone energised and ready for more action on the slopes. It’s going to be a day full of memories, camaraderie, and, most importantly, fun!
Ski Levels:
Whether your child is strapping on skis for the first time, or carving turns like a pro, we’ve got the perfect group for them:
- First Timer
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Itinerary:
Here’s what a thrilling day on the mountain looks like:
- 6.30am: Arrive at Dulwich College Seoul, buzzing with excitement.
- 7am: Departure! Onward to a day of snow-filled adventures.
- 9am: Arrive at Ski Park. Time to gear up with clothing, boots, and skis.
- 9.45am: Morning Ski Lesson begins – it’s time to hit the slopes!
- 11.45am: Break time at White Tree Snow School base.
- 12pm: A well-deserved buffet lunch to recharge.
- 1pm: Back for more action with the afternoon lesson!
- 3pm: Return equipment and take a quick break.
- 3.45pm: Time to head back after an amazing day on the slopes.
- 6pm: Arrive at Dulwich College Seoul, tired but exhilarated!
- Please note there will be no school buses available.
Dates:
Mark your calendars – each year group has their own day to shine:
- 5 Feb: Year 4
- 6 Feb: Year 5
- 12 Feb: Year 6
- 13 Feb: Year 3
We can’t wait to see your child embrace the thrill of skiing, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories on the mountain!
Please keep an eye out for further information which will be sent directly to parents in December.
A Message from the Eco-Warriors:
Join us for ‘No Carbon November’! We encourage all families to walk or bike to school to help improve air quality and make our world more sustainable. If you live too far, try using public transport. Reducing our carbon footprint is vital for protecting the environment, conserving resources, and ensuring a healthier future for all. Together, we can reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet for future generations! Let’s make this a community effort!
House Advent Calendar Competition
For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us at:
younjin.seo@dulwich-seoul.kr, maggie.goddard@dulwich-seoul.kr, or heather.song@dulwich-seoul.kr
The Ambassador Platform
We’re pleased to share “The Ambassador Platform” with our community—an interactive chatting app that’s been connecting prospective parents with our dedicated community of parents. Our team of parent ambassadors has been doing a great job engaging with potential families, sharing personal experiences, and offering advice to showcase why Dulwich College Seoul is a great choice.
This platform is not only useful for prospective parents but also a helpful resource for our current parents. They can easily start a conversation with our experienced parent ambassadors to get answers to any questions they may have about Dulwich College Seoul’s school life. Click here to start chatting and learn more about our community and the enriching experiences at Dulwich College Seoul for your family!
Stars of the Week
DUCKS1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
