Dulwich College Shanghai Minhang officially celebrates its Opening Ceremony

Dulwich College Shanghai Minhang (DCSM) celebrated their Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday 31 March receiving over 300 parents and visitors to the College on the day.

The event was held in the stunning Alleyn Theatre and centered entirely around student performances which ranged from the DUCKS kindergarten’s multi-media presentation of “The Monkey King” to uplifting songs by the newly formed DCSM orchestra, chamber choir and school choir. All of the song choices were selected by Junior School students and appeared to match the occasion perfectly, with “The Building Song” highlighting how students have bought sunshine and life to their new school buildings and surroundings.  

Christian Guertler, the CEO of Dulwich College International, remarked, " Only seven months ago, Dulwich College Shanghai Minhang opened its doors for the first time to its founding students and their families. I am delighted and proud to stand here today to witness the eighth sister school in the Dulwich College International family already acting like a developed and mature school. Congratulations to the College Leadership Team, the teachers and all students at Dulwich College Shanghai Minhang for your successful start."

Head of Creative Arts, Mr Haslett did an outstanding job preparing the performances together with the students and the sentiment of occasion was captured perfectly by British Deputy Consul General, Mr Tony Clemson, when he said, "Today, in this beautiful theatre, I have had the great pleasure of watching and listening to young students perform - and I have seen enjoyment, passion, and hard work come together on this stage. Those personal relationships between teachers and students are what truly creates an outstanding education experience, and I can see that there is a tremendous amount of respect for personal relationships growing here. Teachers and students have together created this event, together worked very hard. These are the hallmarks for outstanding education."

After a morning of performances, students and guests were treated to a spectacular visit from a Dragon and a Lion, who grandly paraded around the College’s main entrance, inviting and encouraging good luck and fortune upon us all, whilst any scent of a bad spirit was booted far beyond the college walls. The afternoon was party-time as teachers, students and their families enjoyed a BBQ lunch followed by dancing, games and activities around the pitch.    

Headmaster David Ingram summed up the day saying, “Dulwich College Shanghai Minhang is growing its reputation as a school known for the personal opportunities open to each and every student. Many of our students here today previously had limited experience performing on stage or speaking in public and today really celebrates their progress. I know that this personal approach to education is going to be our foundation for success in the future.”