Welcoming Back Our Community: Supporting Student Wellbeing This Term

As the new term begins, we are delighted to welcome back our returning students and warmly greet those who are joining the Epsom College Malaysia community for the first time. A strong sense of belonging is central to student wellbeing, and this term we have placed particular emphasis on ensuring every student feels supported, connected, and confident as they settle into school life.

Across our boarding houses, house staff have worked tirelessly to create calm, welcoming environments where students feel safe and at home. The focus has been on helping students settle quickly and positively. This sense of care and structure is vital in supporting both academic readiness and emotional wellbeing.

We are also delighted to open our new girls’ boarding house, Wells House. Led by Ms Gerard and her team, the house has quickly created a warm, supportive atmosphere where new students have been welcomed and helped to settle with confidence.

A key development this term has been a new induction initiative for KS3 and KS4 students who are new to Epsom. These students were taken off timetable for a short period to ensure a smooth transition, supported by prefects, our liaison team and staff under the leadership of Mr Hill. The programme included a welcome assembly, guided tours of the school, support with timetables and Google Classroom, CCA information, and dedicated time in boarding houses to understand routines and expectations. This has allowed students to ask questions, build confidence, and form early connections with peers and staff.

Community spirit has also been strengthened through a range of house competitions in the first week of term, including hockey, chess, and netball. These activities have helped students reconnect, build friendships, and develop a strong sense of house pride. In addition, tutors and teaching staff have worked closely to welcome new students into tutor groups and classrooms, ensuring they feel included from day one. It has also been wonderful to welcome parents to our boarding and wellbeing forum, both in person and online, reinforcing the importance of partnership between school and home.

Looking ahead, this promises to be an exciting and enriching term, with many opportunities for students to engage fully in Epsom life. We are especially looking forward to Culture Week later this half term, where we will celebrate the diversity of our community and promote cultural understanding. Together, we continue to build a caring, inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Mrs Katherine Fowler and Mrs Jennifer Garnett
Deputy Headteacher, Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing & Assistant Headteacher, Wellbeing and Behaviour