The Week Ahead 6 December 2019

From the Master 来自校长 마스터

Dear parents It will not have escaped your notice that the school is looking distinctly festive this week, as Christmas decorations have appeared across the estate. For many people, particularly those from countries which do not mark Christmas as a major part of their cultural experience, it can appear to be little more than a time of commercialism and excess. Certainly, the ‘spirit of Christmas’ has changed a great deal from its roots in pagan ritual, marking the mid-winter, and the Christian message of the nativity. The religious significance of the yuletide is still of central importance to many, of course, but as the world has become a more secular place, those seeking a deeper meaning to this season often look to charity and the practice of helping others. At Wellington, a commitment to service projects and charitable causes is ingrained in the DNA of the institution. As much as anything, we recognise that an opportunity of an education at Wellington is one that very few children will be lucky enough to experience, and that as such a young person’s time at the school is both a precious gift as well as a responsibility. Wellingtonians have a wider role to play in service to others, not just in the selfish pursuit of personal goals. In charitable giving, for example, we have had some startling achievements this term, with events such as the Jian Hua orphanage sleepover in September raising almost 3,000 RMB, the Pink Day in October made 14,394 RMB for cancer charities and the recent Movember, 20,250 RMB. These are huge sums for a community of our size and reflect the deeper characteristics of Christmas - a tradition of generosity and giving. Admirable as these figures are, I think we can still do more to serve the community beyond our gates. Cash donations are, of course, welcome, but we are determined to explore further learning opportunities from such events. As a result, the next steps for us involve a greater emphasis on service as a way of supporting our charitable causes. In this way, groups like the International Duke of Edinburgh (IDoE) Award scheme and the Scouts, both available as activities here at Wellington, can offer enormous opportunities for young people to help others (and themselves) by doing projects in the local community or further afield. Membership of the Scouts, or a commitment to the IDoE, can offer a real chance for Wellingtonians to show that they too can use their privileged status to make their world a better one for all. As we move into the Christmas season, I hope that all our pupils have the chance to reflect on the ways in which they contribute to their communities, be it at home, in school, across the city or any other. Christmas need not be a hollow experience, dominated by a desire for gifts and food; it can be a time for us all to think about how we want our world to be and what part we will play in shaping it to that vision. Further details of the school’s Scout activity and IDoE programme are available on request. Email Ms Emma Shi (emma.shi@welligntoncollege.cn) for the contact details.   Best wishes Julian Jeffrey MASTER MEET THE MASTER AND BURSAR Duke of York’s Room 1400hrs-1500hrs, Thursday 12th December   This week’s Meet the Master and Bursar slot is open to parents of pupils in all year groups. If you would like to attend, please confirm via email with Ms Emma Shi (emma.shi@wellingtoncollege.cn) by Wednesday 11th December. FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND ADMISSIONS Charity Christmas Bazaar Dining Hall 1500hrs-1700hrs, Friday 13th December   Christmas is fast approaching, and I am delighted that once again we are hosting an annual charity Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar will be on Friday, December 13th (1500hrs-1700hrs). The theme is the ‘Season of Giving’, to tie in with the broader messages of the Christmas season. Proceeds from the Bazaar will go to those charity organizations we have been supporting across the school. UPCOMING EVENTS Monday 09 December 2019 All Day Week 16 (B)   9:30AM - 10:30AM Year 2 Exit Point (MF) (Black Box)   8:45AM - 10:00AM FOW: French class (LL) (MB 125)   11:00AM - 12:00PM Senior School assembly (JMS) (Theatre)   4:00PM ISCOT League HS Boys and Girls Basketball vs TEDA (a) (RG)   Tuesday 10 December 2019 8:45AM - 10:00AM FOW: Pilates (LL) (Black Box)   10:15AM - 11:15AM FOW: Mandarin class (LL) (MB 113)   1:00PM - 2:00PM FOW: How to use Chinese daily life apps (LL) (MB 113)   Wednesday 11 December 2019 8:45AM - 10:00AM FOW: Yoga class (LL) (Black Box)   1:15PM - 2:45PM Milepost 3 Exit Point (NC) (Seldon Theatre)   2:30PM - 3:30PM Nest parent briefing: Parenting young children (MM) (Main Building)   3:05PM - 3:45PM Junior School assembly (RA) (Theatre)   4:00PM ISCOT League HS Basketball vs TIS; Boys (h), Girls @ TIS (RG) (Sports Centre)   Thursday 12 December 2019 8:30AM - 9:30AM FOW: English class (advanced level) (LL) (MB 234)   9:00AM - 10:30AM FOW: TCM class (LL)   10:45AM - 12:00PM FOW: Yoga class (LL) (Black Box)   2:00PM - 3:00PM Meet the Master and Bursar: all year groups (ES) (Main Building)   4:00PM ISCOT League MS Volleyball Boys and Girls vs TEDA (a) (RG)   Friday 13 December 2019 8:30AM - 11:00AM FOW: Art class (LL)   8:45AM - 10:00AM FOW: Pilates (LL) (Black Box)   9:30AM - 12:30PM Open Day: Nest (PR) (The Nest)   9:30AM - 10:30PM Year 1 Exit Point (MF) (Classrooms)   1:00PM Junior School Christmas show (AD) (Theatre)   3:00PM - 5:00PM Christmas market (PR) (Dining Hall)   Saturday 14 December 2019 9:00AM Saturday Activity Programme (SAP) (EvK)