From The Principal #191
29th September 23
Dear Parents and Guardians
This week I wanted to highlight all the incredible things that have been happening in the boarding house! We have had a busy September in boarding, starting with the induction weekend led by one of our Houseparents (Scott Webster). Kicking off with a scrumptious brunch, the induction helped prepare our new students for life at DLD College London and the incredible opportunities that our Capital city has to offer. We might not have sprawling green fields, but we are certainly spoilt for choice with culture, arts, science, and sporting activities right on our doorstep!
As the Assistant Principal (Pastoral and Boarding) it has been heartwarming to see how quickly our new students have settled into life at school, making new friends and embracing all the opportunities we have to offer. I have also been impressed with how our returning boarders have embraced our values of tolerance, kindness and respect to help welcome our new boarders into the school. At my first assembly with the whole boarding house, I emphasised the importance of community and respecting everyone within it. As I walk around the boarding house the positive way in which this culture of community has been embraced is clear to see.
Over the course of September our boarders have had wide a range of exciting trips to participate in and unwind from the rigours of academic life. These have included Matilda -The Musical and Bowling. In October students will have the opportunity to go to Thorpe Park, The London Bridge experience and can learn how to play golf. Looking ahead to November there will be a visit to the Battersea Park Fireworks and the opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural significance of this annual event.
Other than our trips we have launched a timetable of activities for our boarding community running every night of the week. On Mondays it’s Knit and Natter, Tuesday features Running Club and Art Therapy, on Wednesday we have Medical Drop ins and Dog Walks, Thursday is Music club, Friday is an opportunity to learn to play Basketball, Saturday our students can try their hand at Chinese Calligraphy and on Sunday they can learn Embroidery. That’s not to mention the monthly activities in the form of Marketing Workshops, Book Club, Late Night Movie and Cooking Classes. It almost makes me wish I could go back to boarding school again!
On Saturday 7th October it is National Boarding Day and as a boarding community we are keen to contribute to the wonderful borough of Lambeth that we call home. Therefore, to celebrate this our boarders will be volunteering in Archbishops Park to clear fallen leaves, pick up rubbish, plant bulbs and stain benches. It was felt by the student community that as this is a tranquil green space we frequently visit, it was our duty to help retain its beauty for others to enjoy.
Outside of boarding we held a PSHE session on the Police and Keeping Safe in London. Our students took part in a whole school interactive quiz – a DLD College first! Congratulations to Jasper and Izzy who beat the 400 strong school community to first place – quite a feat! Thursday also saw us welcoming several prestigious Universities to the school to speak to our students about their options when they progress onto the next stage of their academic journey!
As you can see it’s been a busy, event filled start to academic year and with half term a mere two weeks away its not surprising it feels like the half term has gone so quickly.
Gareth Evans
Assistant Principal (Pastoral and Boarding)
