All the Best Mr Herbert! We’ll Miss You!
This week, Dulwich College Beijing bids farewell to Mr Simon Herbert, thanking him for eight years of excellent leadership and service to the school and community. Mr Herbert joined DCB with his wife Helen and three sons in 2012 as the Head of Senior School and became the Head of College in 2016.
The whole community, including students, parents, staff, colleagues from the past, as well as Heads of College around the Dulwich network, joined together on this occasion by sending videos with messages of gratitude and well wishes, composing songs and poems, and sharing photo memories. COVID-19, school closure and social distancing did not stop the community from marking this occasion; it made it even more special and memorable.
Mr Michael Fosh, Chair of DCB Board of Trustees, perfectly summarises how we will remember Mr Herbert:
“Unflappable, poised, engaged … just three of the adjectives that come to mind when describing Simon. They are equally apt to his ‘public’-facing persona – addressing parents in the Edward Alleyne Theatre – as they are to his demeanour in meetings with Trustees and in private. One of the greatest qualities that an organisation can look for in its leaders is well-founded confidence and the ability to instil confidence in its stakeholders. This has been one of Simon’s great achievements over the years as Head of College.
In the face of challenges, Simon has always acted swiftly, empathetically and decisively, effectively utilising the resources available to him, be it through consultation, collaboration or delegation. Most importantly, he has kept his sense of humour throughout, which has significantly enhanced the impression of a person in control.
He will be missed tremendously, but he will no doubt be looking forward to the new challenges in Dubai, and we will also look to the future and DCB’s continued growth whilst nurturing so many fond memories of Simon’s time at the school.”
Friends of Dulwich also want to show their appreciation:
Dear Simon,
Our DCB Community would have loved to send you off in style,
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has imposed everyone its own lifestyle,
With compulsory masks, social distancing and e-learning.
Thank you, Simon, for listening and speaking without complaining!
We envy you, GEMS International School Dubai
As we send you a gem of a headmaster, aye!
So follow his leadership, as it will your children’s education enrich
But let him not forget his Beijing Friends of Dulwich!
From Chair of Friends of Dulwich,
Kalyana Maréchal
Thank you, Mr Herbert, for your enormous care and dedication to Dulwich. The College has grown significantly in both numbers and reputation under your watch. You leave the school in a stronger position than ever, and we very much appreciate your guidance and solid leadership. We wish you and your family all the best for your move to Dubai. Please do come back and visit us in Beijing.
