I love to talk. I love to write. I am one of the people of this world who would use 100 words when 10 would probably be better. In another life, I will fulfil my dream of becoming an author. I am delighted to converse with people, I relish the opportunity to learn from others. I love to explore new ideas and challenge preconceived ones. I ask why, what, who, where? I am, quite often, just as a child. I am delighted. When I see the children talking to their friends and their teachers in the languages promoted here at the setting, it makes my heart three times bigger (from How the Grinch Stole Christmas – a saying we use at home). I am proud. I am surrounded by evidence of the hard work of many; hard work which has come to fruition and formed itself in the inclusive community and unique, warm and welcoming Wellington culture around me. I am individual. I am who I am, in spite of my family, birthplace, and upbringing. It is true that my family position afforded me certain opportunities that others may not have had, and the experiences of my life have formed me, but the essence of who I am is borne from me being me (biologically, genetically and naturally). I am individual and unique. I am me – the positives and the negatives (there are a fair amount of each, I would admit). The intrinsic elements of what makes me, me, are imprinted deep within me. When I find others who share similar traits, similar values, similar identity a bond is then formed. I celebrate. I celebrate my own uniqueness and cherish the moments when those around me demonstrate their own uniqueness. Supporting children to be happy and comfortable in their own unique skin, appreciating the differences between themselves and their friends is crucial to growth in self-esteem and self-confidence. This is not arrogance. It is acceptance. Acceptance that we are all different and by being different, we learn how to ‘be’ around others. The result of this is an inclusive mindset, inclusive attitudes and inclusive behaviour. I am lucky. I was invited to get involved in bringing a vision to life. I was part of a founding team who took a dream and made it reality. I have been fortunate to meet exceptional minds along the way who have informed the decisions made, guided the principles of what we have become and extended the Wellington family globally. Meeting the team at Wellington College in England and understanding their vision, their values and identity reinforces practice here at Bilingual, which thereby reflects the original ethos. I discover. I discovered that there are people who really think like me yet also being their own unique ideas in to the dream. I found a kindred spirit in Yuki Gong, whom I admire and respect wholeheartedly. I have like-minded leaders, teachers, interns, colleagues and team members around me who inspire me continually to strive for excellence for the benefit of our identity and vision. The success of Wellington College Bilingual Shanghai (early years) is not due to one person, the credit is no one single person’s to receive. It is a team effort. The team is large, with many members. Some of those members are more visible than others, but that doesn’t take away from the contribution made by all. I am privileged. I can watch individual characters and personalities grow daily. I see those special and magical bonds form between my team members, the families and the pupils here at the setting. I am afforded the opportunity to watch the reactions of the parents when they see their children do something unexpected and amazing. The parents become as children; filled with wonder and joy. Mutual respect and pride strengthen the partnership and community further.
The last week of term has brought much wonder and joy to the setting; the evidence of who we are and what we believe has been abundant. We have had assemblies to melt the hearts of all attending (and bring a tear to the eye of many), lots of festive activities and merriment and a visit from a very special friend (and his helper) who visited the setting to read to the children and give them a token gift for the festive season. The musical assemblies were an enormous triumph and testament to the exceptional hard work and efforts of our music team – Miss PeiHua and Miss Sarah provided an opportunity for the pupils to demonstrate just how far they have come this term and the assemblies were a celebration of their unique voices and characters. My team are ready for a break now, they have spent over 600 hours with the children and another goodness knows how many hours preparing for those 600 hours! Batteries need recharging and there are families to be wallowed in the company of. To my team, I wish you a restful and wonderful break. I’ll look forward to seeing you in the New Year for the next chapter of our story. The last week of term comes to an end and with it we send our youngest Wellingtonians off for a break with their families and friends. The College is closed now until Monday 8th January 2018. I wish our families health, happiness and joy in abundance.
