As we enter the final week of the summer term and the third academic year of Wellington College International Shanghai’s existence, it’s time to look back on yet another year of milestones, challenges, successes, fun events and gatherings, discoveries and learning experiences. Gathering together all of good memories made throughout the year would easily fill a book, so instead we would like to bring to your attention just a few highlights that have made 2016-2017 such a special year for Wellington. Wellington welcomes lots of new faces… Wellington is physically growing as we warmly welcomed greater numbers of pupils of all ages – from two-year-olds in nursery to 18-year-olds joining year 13 – onto our campus and into our community this year. We have had over 800 pupils attending the College, and this will grow again in August. …While saying farewell to our first Old Wellingtonians This year saw the College say goodbye to its first group of year 13 pupils in a moving but upbeat ceremony complete with awards, heartfelt speeches and even a little comedy skit in tribute to Wellington’s original upper sixth form. We wish them all the very best of luck in exploring their bright and exciting futures. Productions and performances: Magical music and theatrics light up the stage From the recent gangster mayhem of Bugsy Malone this term, to the feel-good antics of Annie and the gorgeously colourful cultural performances of our Chinese New Year celebrations, Wellington has kept both the main stage and the Black Box buzzing with theatrical and musical talent. Sporting successes: Wellington athletes push themselves to the limit This third year has seen the College spread its wings much further in terms of participating in more local, national and international sporting competitions and tournaments than ever before. Our pupils have raised their game in turn: displaying their courage, integrity and determination across the world. From rugby and hockey tours in the UK, to swimming competitions in Hong Kong and Brunei, and mixed sports tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai, Wellingtonians are making their mark. Trips and excursions: Pupils find adventure all over the world Holistic education requires pupils to learn in a variety of environments and this year was no exception. Our pupils have hacked through jungle paths in Borneo, blitzed down the snowy peaks of South Korea, learned how to scuba dive in the Philippines and even discovered the secrets of making chocolate right here in Shanghai. Each of the many trips taken both far and wide this year have given pupils great learning experiences, tightened friendships and no shortage of memorable moments. Sharing the Wellington way with others This year has proven to be a milestone in developing Wellington’s community as well as its educational prowess and facilities. This academic year’s Festival of Education welcomed over 500 attendees to share knowledge and debate about how best to educate children in a rapidly changing world. The College has also strengthened ties to the Shanghai community through numerous charitable events and connections, which have helped to cement its place in the city and deepen its relationship with China as a whole. Our growing Wellington family becomes even closer The sense of community at Wellington is something that grows stronger and deeper each year, and teachers, parents and pupils came together this year to enjoy events that were bigger and better than ever before. Together we’ve sampled each other’s national cuisine and heritage at the International Food Fair, seen an explosion of vibrant colour and good fortune for Chinese New Year, welcomed over 2500 people to our superb Summer Festival (with truly glorious weather) and painted the town red in the opulently Moulin Rouge-themed Annual Ball. As with previous years, the success of these fantastic events is owed in large part to the truly incredible level of participation and goodwill shown by the pupils’ parents. Through them, and the great organising efforts of the Friends of Wellington group, we can look forward to our community ties becoming even closer as the College grows in size. Preparing for 2017-2018 As impressive as this short list of highlights is, one thing we can count on is that the next academic year will build on the successes and achievements made in 2016-2017. To everyone reading this list, from the pupils who have represented the College so well this year, to the parents who love and support them, and the staff members who guide and inspire them, we say: thank you and well done. It has been an outstanding year in every way, although we’re certain that 2017-2018 will somehow manage to be even better.