Investiture Ceremony 2025-2026
As we step into the 2025–2026 academic year, Dulwich International High School Suzhou celebrated one of its most significant annual traditions: the Student Investiture Ceremony, a moment that symbolises responsibility, commitment, and growth.
The ceremony opened with an inspiring address from our Head of School, Ms Sarah Tielman, who shared her reflections on what leadership truly means within the Dulwich community. Her words set the tone for the values we honour in our student leaders:
“Leadership is not a title, but a responsibility and a way of serving our community. At Dulwich International High School Suzhou, we believe that leadership is not reserved for a few, it is something every student can develop. Leadership begins with the choices we make every day: how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we contribute to something bigger than ourselves.”
She reminded students that effective leadership is not about perfection, but about courage:
“Leadership is about being willing to learn, to listen, and to grow. Sometimes it means stepping forward with confidence; other times it means standing back so others can shine.”
Ms Tielman emphasised that the students invested today have already demonstrated responsibility, respect, empathy, and integrity, qualities deeply valued in the DHSZ community.
“They understand that leadership is not about privilege, but about service, making our school a place where every voice matters and every student feels supported.”
She concluded with a message to all student leaders: “You will guide our community, represent student perspectives, and lead initiatives that make a difference. Leadership will challenge you, but it will also reward you with experiences that will stay with you for life.”
With warm applause, the 2025–2026 DHSZ Student Leadership Team officially stepped into their new roles.
Student Ambassadors
They are the school’s first impression, the welcoming bridge between our campus and the wider community.
As representatives at Open Days, entrance exams, parent meetings, and major school events, Student Ambassadors play an essential role in communicating who we are.
They greet visitors with confidence, clarity, and warmth, helping families understand our ethos while modelling the values of Dulwich students.
More than guides, they are embodiments of our culture, making our campus more open, approachable, and connected.
Boarding Prefects
They are the caretakers of our boarding community, the students who help transform residences into homes.
Boarding Representatives listen, communicate, and support the daily needs of boarders. They help foster a safe, inclusive, and caring environment, ensuring every student feels grounded and supported.
Through weekend activities, community-building events, and peer support, they help boarders feel a sense of belonging, even miles away from home.
House Captains
They are the carriers of House spirit, the leaders who unite teams and ignite participation.
The House system is a core part of DHSZ’s pastoral framework, and the Head of House, Deputy Head of House and House Captains are its driving force. From leading their Houses at Sports Day to promoting participation in themed challenges, they cultivate camaraderie, resilience, and House pride.
Their leadership strengthens our sense of community and ensures every student can experience belonging through teamwork.
Student Council
They are the voice of the student body, the changemakers who help the school grow.
Comprising students from across year levels, the Student Council listens, advocates, organises, and collaborates. They initiate projects, plan activities, and work closely with staff to enhance the student experience.
They serve as the essential bridge between students and the school, representing collective needs with maturity and vision.
Head Students
They are the guiding core of student governance, the leaders who enact vision through responsibility.
Each Head Student oversees one major pillar of responsibility, leading the area with purpose and initiative.
The Academic Head Student will strengthen the school’s learning culture through peer tutoring, reading initiatives, and close collaboration with academic departments.
The Wellbeing and Global Citizenship Head Student will implement the Dulwich Student Wellbeing Framework, promote mental health and pastoral initiatives, support sustainability efforts, and foster responsibility and global awareness.
The Activities Head Student will plan and coordinate inclusive, high-impact school events, working closely with CCAs, Houses, and boarding to create a vibrant and engaging campus experience.
The Marketing and Communications Head Student will enhance communication across the school by coordinating feedback systems, supporting cross-departmental messaging, and amplifying student voice. Together, the four heads will lead from different dimensions, demonstrating leadership with both depth and empathy.
Honouring Responsibility, Service, and Leadership
The Investiture Ceremony is more than the granting of titles; it is a passing on of values and an illumination of spirit. Today, we witnessed a group of young leaders who are willing to shoulder responsibility, to listen, and to give of themselves. Through their actions, they embody what true leadership means:
Not standing in front, but standing beside their peers;
Not seeking applause, but embracing responsibility;
Not being seen, but helping others be seen.
From this moment onward, they will continue to write the story of DHSZ with new roles and new purpose. May every student leader of the 2025–2026 school year grow through responsibility, find fulfilment in service, and carry from Dulwich a chapter of life worth remembering.
Grow in Dulwich, Thrive in Life.
