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It is a phrase I have spoken several times over the last 11 months, but it has been a genuine delight to be back in Singapore, specifically at Dover Court, for this last academic year.
The community has been so welcoming, and my walks around campus have led to joyful interactions with students and children of all ages.
I never tire of being asked where my chicken suit is or why I am called Mr Short if I am not short – honest! One of the joys of this year has been interacting with teenagers whom I last knew as members of our Lower Primary School. I have had the privilege to go into a wide variety of amazing lessons. A practical IBDP physics lesson on the rotation of the planets and a Year 1 lesson on how doctors treat illnesses are two particular highlights. Witnessing the drama productions, sporting events, exit point exhibitions, and other assorted activities has been a privilege.
We have a talented group of staff, amazing teachers and therapists, dedicated Teaching Assistants, as well as our hard-working Business Support team, who collectively ensure the safe operation of all aspects of the school.
It has been a unique experience to return to the school and see the fruition of the work we put in place 10 years ago. I was proud to speak at the first IBDP graduation ceremony in 2019 with our 11 graduates. To come back to the school to see that this had grown to 71 students across 3 curriculum paths was exceptional. And for Dover Court to have kept up with their world-beating averages, rivalling many selective schools in Singapore, the impressive growth is nothing short of phenomenal.
Dover Court parents remain a crucial part of our success as a school. The energy and commitment of the DCA, and the practical support they give to both the school and the parent community, are invaluable, and I am very grateful to the committee and all the many volunteers for the work they do.
I now move on to Nord Anglia’s Northbridge International School in Cambodia for another year. I’m looking forward to another stint as Interim Principal – this time at a school with which I have no prior connection.
I wish Richard Vaughan all the best as he takes over what I honestly feel is the best job in education in Southeast Asia.
Chris Short