FAREWELL
Miki Devitt n Miki Devitt came to us having been in China as one of the founding staff members from KCS Chengdu. We knew from his CV and his immensely impressive recruitment process that he had a great deal to offer us, but now, looking back after nearly two and a half years, we probably underestimated even that. Miki has significantly led and transformed numerous areas of our teaching and learning during his time with us. His management style is very approachable, yet he has set high standards for all of us. He has been innovative in his development of our pedagogy (e.g., introducing DIRT time) and in updating our standardised assessments, admissions process, and use of digital learning. In this latter space, we have been blown away by his knowledge and passion. He has led the whole College in much of this, and he moves to his incredible new job as this talent will be utilised within a whole senior school at a brand new school in Dubai (Gems School of Research and Innovation), where he starts in September as the Head of Digital Technology and STEM. His swansong for us (and an example of how hardworking and talented he is) was to build a full website in five hours, recording and displaying all the scores for the Top of the Form quiz with JAGS and Alleyns. A spreadsheet and website on steroids! It was complete with digital confetti, a podium and lots of interactive features. Beyond his screen time, he has been an inspirational teacher whom the boys and staff will greatly miss – whether on the sports field or the Maths classroom. He has enjoyed all the life of the College and the common room (including playing many matches for the Dusters cricket team too). We wish him (and his wife, Gemma) the best of luck in Dubai, and we really hope that we can keep in touch. We hope that he can be part of the DC family in the future. Caitlin Osborne n Caitlin Osborne has spent the past two years as the Junior School Graduate Assistant Teacher, and it goes without saying that she made a lasting impression on the pupils during this time. Always keen to take on advice and listen to others, Caitlin’s development as a teacher and role model to others has been impressive. On top of teaching Junior School Games, PE and Swimming, she has used her deep passion and skill for rugby to great effect, especially when teaching in the Senior School. Caitlin has been part of numerous residential trips and was a real asset on all these expeditions. Whilst we are sad to be saying goodbye to Caitlin, she isn’t going all that far. She has secured a placement at Dulwich Hamlet on their PGCE teacher training scheme for primary teaching. This is a great achievement, and it is great that she will continue to be local and can stay in touch. Caitlin has been a tremendous colleague and important member of the Junior School team, always being reliable and going above and beyond where she could. We wish her every success with the next step in her teaching career. Wendy Ayling n Having worked across the College and particularly in the Boarding Houses for many years, Wendy Ayling joined the Junior School in September 2022 as our After School Care Assistant and afternoon receptionist. Wendy quickly became a much-loved and highly valued member of our community. Her warmth, cheerfulness, and tireless commitment to the wellbeing of the pupils have left a lasting impression on all who worked with her. Wendy brought an exceptional sense of care, ensuring that each child was safe, happy, and in the right place at the right time—whether that meant being on the correct coach at the end of the day or attending the right club. Her calm and reassuring presence at the front desk provided a sense of order and support appreciated by pupils, staff, and parents alike. Never one to simply do what was expected, Wendy consistently went above and beyond in her role. She was always ready to lend a hand on school trips, admissions days, enrichment events, LAMDA exam days, and with anything she could. Wendy also built excellent relationships with her colleagues, becoming a dependable and trusted member of the team. Her sense of humour, positivity and supportive nature made her a pleasure to work with, and she will be missed enormously.
As Wendy relocates to Cambridge with her family, we thank her for all she has brought to the College. She leaves with our heartfelt appreciation and very best wishes for the future.
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