Investiture Assembly
On Friday 29th October, at 8:00 am sharp, we held what is regarded as the second most important and formal event in our school calendar, the Investiture Assembly. This assembly ranks behind only Graduation in terms of importance. It is a special occasion in which students and staff dress in their full uniform and best clothes to celebrate the investiture of students into a wide range of leadership roles throughout the school. The following is a visual showcase of our 2021 Investiture Ceremony.
The assembly started with Peter Garnhum (in full academic dress) introducing our director, Sarah Tielman, who delivered a short and inspiring speech about the value of leadership. She explained how one of the most enjoyable parts of her job was seeing students succeed, through the leadership and growth opportunities our school gives them. Sarah believes that every student has the potential to become a leader, simply by showing initiative and taking on additional responsibilities, leadership roles, and embracing opportunities as they arise. There are many ways to do this at Dulwich International High School Suzhou. It could be by leading a peer project, acting as an open day ambassador, contributing to a student-led CCA, joining the school council, or becoming a prefect, to help in the smooth running of the school. Sarah offered her heartfelt congratulations to the upcoming invested students, for setting an example by their behaviour, through their words, actions, integrity, and courage to do the right thing, as they take the responsibility and develop as leaders.
The first group of students to be invested were the Year 11 Student Ambassadors for the first semester of 2021 – 2022. The role of student ambassador is a very important and responsible one, as, among other duties, the student ambassadors represent our school to parents on our open day.
The next students to be Invested were the Boarding Prefects. Alison Crozier, head of boarding explained that boarding prefects are an integral part of life in boarding and help to ensure that boarding runs smoothly. Each boarding prefect is carefully selected and had to undergo a rigorous interview process to be selected for the role. Boarding Prefects were invested in all three of our boarding houses:
Next, there was a delightful musical interlude to the proceedings, when Sam Mulliner, Director of Performing Arts, introduced Mia D. (the winner of our recent Young Musician of the Year competition), who delivered another enchanting and hypnotic performance, showcasing her astonishing musicianship.
After Ma’s wonderful performance, it was time for the investiture of the student council. Mr. Garnhum described this as the “main event”, as he began the process of formally investing the student council for the coming academic year.
Finally, the investiture ceremony culminated in the investiture of our Head Prefects. Head Girl Minne W., Head Boy Andy C., Deputy Head Girl Sarah C., and Deputy Head Boy Raymond F. were all formally invested by our director, Sarah Tielman, and our principal Sharon Zhuang:
All the invested students were gathered together for a group photograph for proud parents to take snaps!
