Celebrating community: A wrap-up of PA Events in Term 3 at UWCSEA Dover
19 June 2025
By Parents' Association (PA) Dover and UWCSEA Communications team
This past term, the UWCSEA Dover Parents’ Association (PA) has been a powerhouse of connection, care, and community spirit. Through a vibrant range of events – from workshops and cultural gatherings to thoughtful panel discussions and joyful social outings, parents came together to learn, share, celebrate, and support one another. Here's a look back at some highlights from Term 3:
Exploring Big Ideas: Climate and Connection
The term began with a thought-provoking and interactive Climate Fresk workshop, facilitated by parent volunteers from the PA Sustainability Team. In this small-group session, six engaged parents explored the complex web of causes and consequences that drive climate change, using a card-based, discussion-led format. The workshop created a safe space to explore not just the science behind the crisis, but also the emotions it evokes, and the hope that can come from taking meaningful action together.
Later in the term, the focus shifted to human relationships in a workshop hosted by the PA Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. Relational Mindfulness – Moving From Conflict to Connection, led by UWCSEA alumna and psychologist Anisha Kaul, invited parents to reflect on the quality of their communication – at home, at work, and in the wider world. Drawing on psychological insights and practical tools, Anisha guided participants through ways to deepen empathy, reduce reactivity, and strengthen connection, all with warmth, humour, and clarity.
Food, Culture and Heartfelt Hospitality
One of the most beloved initiatives this year continued in Term 3: Cooking with Boarders, a heartwarming collaboration between Boarding House and the PA’s Nationality Group volunteers. Throughout the term, parents from the French, German, Greek, Turkish, Japanese, Indian, and Thai communities cooked up delicious home-style meals for boarding students, many of whom are far from their families.
More than just meals, these evenings became moments of celebration and comfort. For boarders, it was a chance to taste familiar dishes or try something new. For parents, it was an opportunity to share their culture and connect through generosity and good food.
Empowering Conversations for Parents
This term, the PA also created space for open and courageous conversations on topics that matter deeply to families.
One standout was a Birds & Bees workshop hosted in partnership with AWARE, Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group. The session focused on how to have age-appropriate and meaningful conversations with children about sexual health and relationships – a topic that many parents find challenging, yet essential. Participants left feeling better equipped to engage with honesty, openness, and confidence.
The PA’s Technology Engagement Team (TET) also hosted an impactful panel on Kids and Smartphones, exploring the big question on many families’ minds: how do we manage digital devices in a way that reflects our values?
Featuring honest insights from Dover parents, the panel covered everything from screen-time rules to managing social media and modelling healthy habits. It wasn’t about having all the answers; it was about learning from one another.
Navigating School Transitions with Confidence
Another important area of focus this term was school transitions – those pivotal points where students move from one learning phase to the next. Whether stepping into Middle School, High School, preparing for the IB Diploma, or heading off to university, these milestones can be both exciting and overwhelming for families.
The PA's popular Transition Events returned in full force, offering honest, supportive dialogue from parents who’ve “been there.” Their stories and practical advice helped calm nerves and build confidence, reminding everyone that while transitions are never perfect, they are navigable with shared wisdom and community support.
Thank you to all our panellists and organisers for making these sessions so meaningful!
Building Bonds Through Shared Celebration
Of course, no term would be complete without a little fun, and the PA delivered. The Grade 1 Year End Party at World of Blocks was a joyful celebration, bringing together more than 150 parents and children to mark the end of Infant School and the exciting step up to Junior School. Laughter, games, and shared pride filled the air.
The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, held at The Dempsey Project, brought together over 80 of our dedicated parent volunteers. From Class Parents and Grade Coordinators to Nationality Group leaders and Yearbook editors, each was recognised for the vital role they’ve played in creating a vibrant and inclusive community.
The PA hosted the annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast, offering faculty and staff a delicious spread of muffins, curry puffs, sandwiches and sweet treats. It was a simple but heartfelt way to say thank you for the dedication, care, and countless hours poured into nurturing students throughout the year.
Sustainability in Action: The First-Ever PA Car Boot Sale
A new event this term – one we hope becomes a tradition was Dover PA’s inaugural Car Boot Sale, hosted at the end of May with the support of Head of Campus, Cameron Hunter. The Bus Bay came alive with colour and community spirit as over 50 parents (including a few from East Campus!) set up booths to sell their pre-loved items.
The heat didn’t deter the crowds, and the morning was filled with conversation, friendly bargaining, and laughter. Beyond the joy of finding hidden treasures, the event embodied the PA’s commitment to sustainability and re-use. Plans are already in motion to build on this success with even better promotion next year!
Lights, Popcorn, and End-of-Year Movie Nights: Cinepicnic
To cap off the term in style, the PA hosted two End-of-Year Movie Nights that brought students and families together under the stars – or at least under the Tent Plaza lights!
Primary School students and their families gathered to watch The Wild Robot in the Tent Plaza, enjoying popcorn, fries, and ice cream courtesy of the PA. Meanwhile, Middle School students had a movie night of their own in the Multi-Purpose Hall, where Wicked kept them thoroughly entertained (and supervised by PA volunteers, not parents!).
As we close out Term 3 and look ahead to a new school year, we do so with deep appreciation for every parent who gave their time, ideas, and energy to PA activities. Whether you led a project, cooked a meal, joined a discussion, or simply showed up, your presence matters. The Parents’ Association continues to be a vibrant example of what makes UWCSEA Dover so special. Here’s to more learning, laughter, leadership, and connection in the year ahead!