4 minute read
WHY DWIGHT
Just like every child navigates apprehensions with big changes and new environments, so do parents. It’s a journey we constantly share, marked by adaptation and growth. Emma’s progression at Dwight, from her first days in Preschool to her dynamic development in Kindergarten, has been a testament to this, unfolding remarkably against the backdrop of our family's first international assignment.
This path, highlighting Dwight’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, leadership, and empathy, completely aligns with our aspirations for a smooth transition to a new cultural setting. Their dedication to these virtues in young minds, fostering engagement with the world through thoughtful and creative lenses, truly captures their pledge to ignite every child’s ‘spark of genius.’
The school’s inquiry-based approach and vibrant community haven’t just facilitated Emma’s evolution into a reflective and inventive young learner but have also mirrored the adaptability and warmth we wished for in this new chapter of our lives. Her journey, paralleling our venture into a new country, fills us with daily excitement, sowing seeds of confidence and joy in her that hold the promise of growing into lifelong strengths and passions.
Ingrid Gelders, Grade 12 parent
When my husband’s company asked us to return to South Korea, we were thrilled. Our previous five-year stay in Daejeon with our three young children had left us with nothing but fond memories. The prospect of moving to Seoul promised new adventures. Not only a vibrant city instead of a quiet university town, but also with only our youngest still living at home.
For most expat families, finding a suitable school is a critical challenge. Our daughter Malena was set to start Grade 10, and it was essential to find an IB school, as she had always attended PYP and MYP programs. After considering several well-known schools in Seoul, we chose Dwight for its small size, ethos of openness and inclusiveness, and its Chines and film programs. We have not regretted that decision for moment.
Gradually, I became involved in the school community. My first steps were volunteering at the Winter Market. Although I couldn’t really communicate with the Korean moms, they made me feel welcome. Then one day, I noticed an invitation for a VIP Reading Day in celebration of UN International Mother Language Day, which was perfect for me. I’ve always enjoyed reading to children, a tradition we kept even when our kids were still in their cribs. I also gave a presentation about my home country, Belgium. It was delightful to see the surprised faces of the third graders when they learned that both the Smurfs and Tintin are Belgian creations.
Through the VIP Reading Day, I met Margie, the librarian. She welcomed mt offer to help, especially when the new library was still under construction. Although books were boxed up, we maintained a cozy little library for the younger children, while the MYP and DP students still had access to well-stocked shelves. Then came the longwaited move to the beautiful new library. From behind ‘my’ computer, I saw how the library became the center of the school: with students of all grades attending classes, parents gathering for coffee mornings, and students studying or playing board games with friends.
My main responsibility has been processing a backlog of donated and new books. This involves sorting them by appropriate age, genre, and topic for non-fiction, in order to assign call numbers and make the books ready for checkout. The greatest reward, however, comes from helping a student find the book they’re searching for.
Throughout the year, I’ve collaborated with coordinators and parents from each section of the school to reflect on standards and practices in preparation for Dwight’s IB reaccreditation. It was gratifying to have my voice heard and contribute, even minimally, to the re-accreditation process.
This year, I am working alongside Ms. Taehee Kim as PL for Grade 12. My primary role involves distributing minutes from the US PL meetings to Grade 12 parents. As I write this, the IB DP exams are underway, and a few of us moms are preparing snacks in the DP Lounge for our hardworking students.
Volunteering has made me a part of the vibrant Dwight community, which includes enthusiastic teachers, coordinators, bus monitor, IT personnel, administrative staff and more. As Malena is my youngest and I’m facing an empty nest soon, I will cherish the memories of her (our) three years at Dwight.
