Kate McGuinness by Paul Fletcher
Emma Millet by Jo Parker, Head of DUCKS
from across South-East London and is now an established date in the calendar for the keen young readers of the local area. In 2022 we received the long-awaited go-ahead for a new Library to serve the pupils of the Lower School. Kate was instrumental in managing the move from the old Raymond Chandler Library to the new building including an almost two-year hiatus operating out of a temporary location in one of the porta cabins where, remarkably, issues to Lower School students reached even greater heights. Kate left at the end of the summer of 2024 to take up a new role as the Librarian at Streatham and Clapham High School but we have enjoyed keeping in touch and seeing her at library events back at DC and at her new school. ◎
Kate joined Dulwich College as a Library Assistant in the Wodehouse Library in April 2013, combining her role with part-time teaching at St Joseph’s Primary School and quickly developing an excellent rapport with students and staff alike. Kate had a genuine interest in literature for young adults and took great pleasure in sharing this with the students, always encouraging them to read more widely and engaging them in animated discussions about the latest additions to the library. Kate embraced the sometimes chaotic nature of working in a busy library, combining a disciplinary light touch with an almost magical ability to get the best out of the boys. This came to the fore with her work on the Despatch magazine, including the inaugural online edition. Many journalistic firsts were achieved under her editorial direction, including Colin or Cuthbert: The chocolate-covered caterpillar cake comparison challenge , which was a highlight of the Summer 2024 edition. Kate’s passion for libraries saw her commencing a part-time Master’s in Information and Library Studies at Aberystwyth University (before transferring to the University of Ulster) and in January 2018, she was promoted to Librarian working alongside Liz Rowing in the Raymond Chandler Library. Kate and Liz made a great team, constantly developing creative ways of encouraging year 7 and 8 pupils to read including the Year 7 Reading Wheel and the Year 8 Around The World Challenge which culminated in an ever popular trip to the East Dulwich Picturehouse for the form that best rose to the challenge. Amongst Kate’s many achievements, the organising of the annual CWISL (Children’s Writers and Illustrators for Stories and Literacy) quiz stands out. Liaising with local writers and librarians the quiz was held in the Great Hall and attended and enjoyed by hundreds of pupils
receive are a testament to the deep and lasting impact she has made. Emma’s presence has been instrumental in creating the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines DUCKS. Her influence will be felt for years to come, and though we will miss her greatly, we celebrate her well-earned retirement as she embarks on new adventures, travel, and cherished time with her loved ones. We thank Emma wholeheartedly for her un- wavering commitment and wish her every happiness in the journey ahead. ◎
After 15 remarkable years, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Emma Millet, who has served as DUCKS’ dedicated Registrar. Emma leaves behind a legacy defined by warmth, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to our community. As the first point of contact for countless prospective and current families, Emma has shaped the DUCKS admissions experience with grace and genuine care. Her ability to make every family feel uniquely welcome highlights her expertise with personal connection and hospitality. As DUCKS has grown and evolved, so too has Emma’s role. Through every change Emma has remained kind, approachable, and generous with her time. She has supported not only new families but also her colleagues, consistently offering the same dedication and empathy. The many messages of thanks and admiration we
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