11 September, 2020 News from NLCS Jeju
North London Collegiate School Jeju
WELCOME TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of NLCS Jeju We were very fortunate that Typhoon Haishen on Monday was nowhere near as strong as predicted, although we did have a great deal of rain. We heeded all the warnings in line with all schools in the GEC and the public schools on the island. It is always a close call but we have to be sure that all safety checks have been carried out prior to opening the campus. A delayed start to the day is always more disruptive to learning and it would mean some lessons could not take place. Instead, moving to online digital learning provides parents and students with clarity and means no interruptions to lessons. The students have returned to school full of excitement to be with their friends and teachers. We continue to stress the importance of mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing and cleanliness with regular hand washing and sanitisation. I would ask that all parents of day students would continue to stress the importance of this and monitor temperatures daily at home. It is very important that we all observe this so that our community stays safe. Likewise travel to the mainland is discouraged and we ask that any travel is updated on our travel survey. This includes any contact with visitors from the mainland, such as fathers and family members.
The pastoral care of every member of our community is very important and Tutors, class teachers, Heads of Year and House staff are supported by our Emotional Guidance Counsellors. We also have a number of older students training in the senior school as peer mentors to the students. They are undertaking a six week course so that they can support their fellow students. Likewise, student voice is important and the reps who are elected to the various School councils at all ages are learning how to represent the views of their peers, support them and bring matters to the attention of faculty. This and other opportunities in the school which senior leaders will be explaining to all of you provide opportunities for all students to learn responsibility and leadership and understand service to the community. Please stay safe and healthy in these difficult times. Yours sincerely, Lynne Oldfield Principal
RECEPTION STUDENTS
North London Collegiate School Jeju
We love the beautiful cards made by Ms. Charlotte Baxendale’s Reception class this week.They wanted to say thank you to their parents for helping them during online learning last week. We echo those thanks - to all parents! Ms. Baxendale was, of course, very glad to have her class back this week and to help them produce the cards in person.
North London Collegiate School Jeju STUDENTS
Business Enterprise Congratulations to Chris Park in Year 12 Halla North and Joe Kim Year 12 Halla East who have participated and won 2nd Prize in the National TJB/Yoosong University Start-up competition.They had to design a new product and send a current market analysis and explanation about their product. The team have created 'slide-type outsole changing shoes'. For anyone who follows in their footsteps they suggest "always think critically in order to find small inconveniences and create a great business item with that.” Well done to Chris and Joe. Principal, Lynne Oldfield met with them to congratulate them. She says “I am never surprised by the success of our students. They always work hard and go way beyond what is expected of them. Joe and Chris epitomise the creativity and application of every NLCS Jeju student.”
BOARDING SPECIAL
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Settling In Stories Moving to a new school or moving into boarding can mean very big changes in a student’s (or teacher’s) life. Here at NLCS Jeju we try to make these changes as easy and positive as possible. Lots of students moved into boarding in August and it has been a very eventful few weeks already with three typhoons and a short closure in line with government advice on COVID-19. We asked some of our students and teachers to tell us about these first weeks. What have the biggest changes been? What is the biggest surprise? What do they love and what don’t they love so much! Thank you to all our amazing Housemasters and Housemistresses and their assistants and teams for all that they do to help our students settle into House life and experience boarding to the full!
Martyn Fernandes - AHM - Halla North Mr. Martyn Fernandes has been at NLCS for three years and has been teaching in Asia for twenty years. He teaches English from Year 8 to 13. He lives in Halla North Boys as AHM. “We have settled into boarding life at Halla North very quickly - we are surrounded by an excellent team and very amiable and welcoming students. Highlights of the term thus far have been the welcome BBQ, where two students did all the cooking and the highly competitive and enjoyable Table Tennis challenge between Halla East and Halla North - the first event in the Halla House Competition. We suffered a narrow defeat but it was great to see the boys and girls working together and enjoying the challenge. (It was also good to see the two Halla houses together and Mr Baker being hit on the head by a stray ball.) Being in boarding means that you are always in close proximity to the students on a daily basis, so I have been able to interact with them more than I would have done, in a solely classroom situation. This has allowed me to gain trust very quickly, with regard to offering academic support and also to witness the girls singing abilities on the karaoke and the boys prowess on Fifa 2020 and, even, for my own pool skills to be improved (definitely needed). In addition, my children have also adapted to the house very well and play with staff kids and students alike (my daughter has become a pool professional of late). My wife has also settled into boarding life at Halla North very quickly and will be offering Chinese Cookery activities for the students in the very near future. I am looking forward to further social activities at Halla North, such as Halloween, Guys Fawkes Night and Christmas parties and the growing House Competitions”.
BOARDING SPECIAL
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Claire Washington is new to NLCS Jeju this year and is AHM - Noro Girls “It certainly has been a special welcome to boarding life over the first few weeks in the Noro boarding house. Three typhoons, online learning due to Covid and all of the other normal boarding activities has meant that life certainly hasn't been dull. Our family of five, feel very blessed to be in a house full of respectful caring teenage girls as they have been very welcoming to me and the children. Kate, (6 years) George (4 years) and Angus (2 years), now have 24 older sisters to play with and watch over them. They just love joining in with anything the girls are doing, whether that is table tennis, karaoke, sports hall activities, swimming. It's wonderful that boarding life offers the students a breadth of education that will develop them holistically, setting them up for a fulfilling life. Over the first few weeks of boarding I think the girls who choose to board here are extremely fortunate to be given such an enriching experience which they will treasure forever�.
BOARDING SPECIAL
North London Collegiate School Jeju
HM Ms Katie de Carteret and AHM Gemma Stevens shared some experiences of new Mulchat Girls. It sounds like there has been so much fun in there already! Yena Cho - Year 10. I joined NLCS as a boarder this year. I am actually a returning student, as I attended NLCS Jeju for 4 years and then went to study abroad. Even though NLCS and Mulchat is a very familiar environment for me, it was still a new experience this year as it is my first time experiencing boarding here. From the day I arrived, it was just a matter of time before I completely felt at home in Mulchat, quickly becoming incredibly close with all members of the house. The schedule is always filled with a variety of activities, including sports, fun games, movie nights, baking and crafts. Very recently we also launched the Mulchat Kindness Project, the idea being to give back to our community and lift the spirits of others through random acts of kindness. We have started the project by painting pebbles and writing quotes on them for anyone to take if they are having a particularly exhausting day. Also, the smallest things such as little smoothie breaks between school and CCAs, afternoon snacks after school or simply some down time with friends has made my school life so much better. I am certainly thrilled for upcoming events in house and the rest of my time here! Tara Yang - Year 10. It's great to be boarding in Mulchat. I have really enjoyed taking part in many things from various physical activities to lounging around with newfound friends in the atrium. One of my highlights during the first few weeks was watching movies with everyone and drinking homemade mango smoothies on the comfortable sofas. I think that was the first time I truly felt at home in Mulchat. I believe that some of the most important relationships in our lives can be formed while living together in one house, and am genuinely looking forward to the rest of my time here.
BOARDING SPECIAL
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Dr. Lesley Gissane, Housemistress of Halla East wanted to introduce us to two of our new Halla East boarders. James (Hyeon Min) Bang has transferred from day to boarding for the crucial Sixth Form years and Flora (Minju) Park is brand new to NLCS Jeju. Dr. Gissane tells us “Both James Bang and Flora Park have found boarding at Halla East quite different from their previous experiences. Flora is a brand new student who comes to us from seven years as a day student in Bucharest, Romania. James has been a long-term NLCS Jeju student, but has recently made the change from day student to boarder. They both feel that they have already settled into a new "second home". Before starting boarding, Flora anticipated that it would be high pressure - but she is pleased with the relaxed, homey atmosphere and the ease with which she has made new friends. James says that the IB is a significant amount of work, but he is benefiting from the advantages of boarding life that help him balance his many interests. With his involvement in sports and drama, plus academics and time with friends, he likes the fact that he can easily make the most of the facilities and opportunities around the school. Having a range of teachers on hand also makes keeping on top of homework easier, which is crucial for IB Diploma students. Flora has settled in very quickly. She likes having her own room and personal time, but as an only child she has also really enjoyed having a group of friends around to study with at night and enjoy weekend activities with. Both James and Flora are only at the beginning of their time in Halla and they are looking forward to more Halla events, getting their famous Halla hoodies, and hopefully some House trips in the future! For a Year group that has faced many challenges from the pandemic to typhoons, James and Flora are really making the most of their time as Halla students.�
BOARDING SPECIAL
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Lina Park and Lily Park are two of our youngest boarders. They are part of the inaugural group of boarders in Darangswi, the Junior Boarding House. While boarding at such a young age is accepted and part of the fabric of the UK boarding culture - it is less well known in Korea. We think it’s an ideal way to experience a full School life. Lina and Lily explain why! How is life in Darangswi? Lina - I love the Darangswi environment. It's really neat here and I like it because the laundry and food are organised well. And I feel like I'm living in a mansion because I can use not only Darangswi but also the school's gym and art room. Darangswi gives us a lot of attention. To be specific, this House doesn't let me use my smartphone at all and makes sure that we turn off the lights at 9:15. Lily - I like the neatness of Darangswi the most like Lina. And this is the strength of Darangswi. Only nine of us live here, so it feels cozy and relaxing like a family. It's important and comfortable for me to have a leisurely life. Our teacher calls us to Atrium for important messages, school bag check, and body temperature check and so on. Do you find any difficulties in House being so young? Lily - It's the hardest thing not to use a smartphone.Thanks to my teacher these days, I don't know what's on YouTube! It's okay not to see my parents' faces every day. I'm an independent person, and I have to talk like this to make my parents feel safer in Seoul. Lina - The hardest thing for me is that I can't see my parrot called 'Yellow'. Not to see my parents everyday is okay because my parents can see me during a video call, but I miss the massage my mom gives me. Any Memorable Darangswi Moments? Any changes? Lily - I remember the day I went to the swimming pool with my Darangswi friends on the first Friday afternoon. We played with water guns.That moment was very impressive. I think I've grown taller. I'm just kidding. I think I've improved my ability to choose what to wear on my own. I'm usually indecisive, but now I'm able to decide my clothes more quickly.
BOARDING SPECIAL
Lina - I think I've developed a sense of independence. My parents are overflowing with love for me. My parents can't do everything for me like at home in Seoul. I should be anxious about the situation, but I'm not and I'm happy. Have you become great friends? Lina - Lily is like a family that I can talk to and rely on. Lily - A few days ago, there was a strong typhoon and there was a strange sound. Usually, I get scared, but that day, I fell asleep while chatting with Lina. That's how we are really. Sum up Darangswi in a word or phrase? Lina - Party Lily - There's no time to be bored.
North London Collegiate School Jeju
North London Collegiate School Jeju
ART
Celebrating Success – IB Visual Arts Ms. Sharon Kennington and her Visual Arts team - Mr. Stephen Davidson, Ms. Elizabeth Collison, Ms. Rachel Donaldson, Ms.Yeon Hwa Jung and Mr. Tim Draper have had another exceptional year for university places! Whilst many schools’ vision of a rounded education concerns concentrating purely on Maths and Sciences, NLCS Jeju stands alone in truly valuing and succeeding in the arts. Over the past 9 years, Visuals Arts have become a popular choice for ambitious and highly creative individuals, many of them going on to fulfill their dreams of becoming architects, designers and media executives. Our students consistently receive offers from top universities around the world, this year including Art and Design at Oxford, Columbia, UCL Slade, Carnegie Mellon, Parsons, RISD and Architecture at Cambridge, Columbia, UCL Bartlett, Cornell and many more, competing and succeeding against thousands of applicants for the most elite of places.
Hyeseon (Erica) Kim
Joohee Kim
North London Collegiate School Jeju
ART
Their successes can be attributed to several factors, hard work, confidence and artistic talent that has been nurtured throughout their education at NLCS Jeju. Additionally, behind the scenes, the department ensures that each student receives portfolio reviews, personal statement advice, interview practice and coaching on body language and presentation. All Visual Arts students are also given their own studio space for the full course, guidance by experienced teachers, exciting workshops, access to a wealth of resources and lectures with visiting universities and art schools. For example Parsons visited the school last year to view applicants’ work first hand.
Ye Eun (Ellie) Koo
Our students do have a great advantage over others by the sheer amount of commitment put into their success. Ms. Kennington, who has worked at the school for 7 years, says, “we place the highest expectations on our students who constantly rise to the challenge. I continue to work at the school because we have the most dedicated and ambitious students, and the resources to let them realise those ambitions. We are constantly proud of their achievements”. We are delighted to share current work from IB Visual Arts students in our current Year 13. They are ambitious to progress to Architecture and Fine Art at institutions like Cornell, UPenn and Carnegie Mellon next year.
Dae Young Kim
PARENTS
North London Collegiate School Jeju
A Very Generous Donation NLCS Jeju parents are very generous and over the years the School has received many personal donations. We would like to thank Ms. Jounga Kim, the mother of Donggyu Lee (Class of 2018) She has made a very kind donation of 3,000,000 KRW. She donated in gratitude for the education received by her child. She thought it would be wonderful if her donation can be used to purchase some school supplies. Donggyu chose to go to the UK - to Imperial College, London to study Chemical Engineering The 4-year course will lead to a Master's degree. We are delighted to hear about Donggyu’s course and wish him every success. Thank you again, Ms Kim.
North London Collegiate School Jeju
BRYANTS Mr. Douglas Machin tells us what’s new in Bryants this term!
“Side by side with academic endeavour and pastoral care, activities ‘Beyond the Classroom’ are what define an NLCS Jeju education. These activities are for the students to enjoy, but also to ensure the development of non-curricular skills and character traits. So, it is my pleasure to introduce the Senior School Bryant block 1, due to start this Saturday. Ever popular activities include Golf, Horse Riding, Baking, Fencing, Fishing, Jeju Walking, Jeju Sketching, K-Pop Dance, Jiu Jitsu, Mountain Biking, Pilates, Woodwork, Bowling and Young Artists. These activities are truly loved and share a common goal, which is to energise and revitalise the students, whether this is through action or creativity. For this Block 1, we are also offering these extra fabulous Bryants: Senior School Musical - another fantastic musical performance in the making Rackets - a chance to try all the various racket sports in a morning Clip ‘n Climb Climbing - the most fun way to climb, a fantastic new centre on Jeju Dance Performance Group - a new Bryant from our new dance teacher, Mrs. Johnson In addition, we are offering many sporting activities, such as Netball, Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby, Badminton, Swimming, Football, Cross Country and Athletics. Our new Director of Sport, Mr. Glenn Roberts is working hard to maximise the use of our onsite facilities. Dates have been amended slightly for this term to ensure that we deliver our full programme. Please see below for details.”. BRYANT 22nd August
Trials and Auditions
29th August
Non Contact Day (Boarders Only House Trips)
5th September
Non Contact Day (Boarders Only Bryant)
12th September
Block 1 Session 1
19th September
Block 1 Session 2
26th September
Chuseok Vacation
3rd October
Chuseok Vacation
10th October
Block 1 Session 3
17th October
Non Contact Day (Exeat)
24th October
Block 1 Session 4
31st October
Autumn Half Term
7th November
Autumn Half Term
14th November
Block 1 Session 5
21st November
Block 1 Session 6
28th November
Non Contact Day (Boarders Only Event)
5th December
Block 2 Session 1
BRYANTS
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Photography Bryant - Competition One of last week’s Boarders’ Bryants was a Photography competition on the theme of Typhoon and Textures. Well done to four very worthy winners - Lynn Kim - Year 7 (pallet), Ryan Hong - Year 9 (umbrella), Jiwoo Shin - Year 11 (drain grid) and David Cha - Year 8 (bark).
North London Collegiate School Jeju ENGLISH FUN FACTS
A PANGRAM SENTENCE IS ONE THAT CONTAINS EVERY LETTER IN THE LANGUAGE.
Start here. Go anywhere.
Taken by Nicholas Chaddock. If you have any good pictures to share, please send to marketing@nlcsjeju.kr.
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