It felt like a new beginning at Wellington this morning filled with mixed feelings of excitement, relief and caution. As life in Shanghai is returning to a new normal, we began to welcome pupils and staff back to campus. Today we have seen our teaching staff and years 10 and 12 pupils step through the gates of campus for the first time since January. This is something we can all be grateful for, as friends, colleagues and classmates reunite in the physical world rather than virtually and online in classes.   “The return has been a long time coming but we are finally here! It has been so wonderful to see pupils return to classrooms this morning. We are looking forward to physically welcoming more Wellingtonians back over the coming weeks and remain hopeful for all our younger children and families outside of Shanghai.” Eleanor Prescott Principal   Of course, even though the peak of the pandemic may well be behind us, prevention measures are in place, being followed and taken seriously by everyone on campus. At every step, our first priority has been to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our staff and the pupils in our care. This will not change as we reopen the campus. As well as pupils’ health, we are also determined to support their mental wellbeing, given the pressures and uncertainties pupils have experienced. As such, housemasters and form tutors will be in close contact with returning pupils. They remain the first points of contact for any issues or anxieties that pupils might wish to discuss or seek further support to address. As the following remarks from various teachers and pupils aptly demonstrate, even with the challenges and additional procedures, we are returning with our Wellington spirit intact. “After spending so much time teaching and communicating online, it has been a real pleasure to see everyone in person once again! While technology has enabled us to continue teaching during this time away from school, it is clear that it is no substitute for being physically present and learning together in a classroom.” Matthew Corke Assistant Head Curriculum   “It feels great to be back. Though some procedures are slightly different, it’s the same Wellington College that we all left in January. Our pupils have returned with a readiness to learn and have done so with a great attitude, sense of humour and more independence.” Martin O’Brien Combermere Housemaster, Geography Teacher   “I was nervous the night before, about coming back to school again, thinking school isn’t going to be the same anymore, that I won’t recognise the faces under the masks. But this morning as I stepped through the school gates, I felt more than reassured after seeing the safety measures the school has implemented. I was content to finally be able to socialise with my friends, catch up with my teachers, and most of all grateful to be finally back at school.” Chery Year 10   “This return to school has been slightly surreal, yet reassuring. Lessons have been very productive, and it is really nice to finally be back after a 110 day hiatus. Even though not all of us have been able to return to campus, classmates have joined us through zoom. The health and safety precautions that are being taken are also extremely efficient; providing a secure learning environment.” Stefania Year 10   “I was so full of energy and excitement this morning – almost like my first day of school back when I was six. The welcome and checks at the school gate reassured me, and the friendly faces of colleagues and pupils, the catching up and being in classes together made me feel that everything was well on the way to being back to normal.” Helena Hicks Director of Chinese Studies   All that remains is to again welcome back our year 10 and 12 pupils, as we look forward to welcoming more pupils back to campus in the coming weeks. Although our campus is currently closed to external visitors – you can still take a look round via our new virtual tours. Our admissions team is readily available to answer any questions you might have and to guide you through the application process.  Please do get in touch. admissions.shanghai@wellingtoncollege.cn