Welcoming new students and staff members to our community
Our first-year students, or primi, have begun settling into life at UWC Adriatic. The thoughtful Welcome Week programme, organised by our second-year students (secondi), has been instrumental in making sure our newcomers feel at home. Highlights of the week included exploring Duino and our open campus by participating in a lively scavenger hunt with their Tutors (as well as indulging in local gelato), movie night, a cultural show and attending their first residence meetings. This exciting start to the year culminated in our first assembly, where the entire college community gathered to officially welcome the 2024-26 cohort of UWC Adriatic students.
The assembly, a momentous occasion, marked the beginning of a journey full of growth, discovery, and inspiration. It started with a treasured tradition: a musical performance. Younis, a first-year student from Iraq, mesmerised everyone with a soulful piece on his Iraqi oud. His music echoed the themes of love and connection, setting a beautiful tone for the year ahead.
Following this, the students were greeted with a special video message from UWC Executive Director, Faith Abiodun. His words reminded them that they are now part of a global movement, dedicated to mission-driven and transformative education. This powerful message resonated deeply, underscoring the significance of the journey they are about to embark upon.
Our Rettore, Dr. Khalid El-Meetal, further encouraged the students to reflect on their motivations for joining UWC and to fully embrace the learning opportunities ahead. He urged them to use this precious time wisely, to discover their purpose, and to cultivate the skills necessary to achieve their personal missions. Additional words of wisdom came from our Deputy Heads, Joanne de Koning (Academic) and Aparna Ramchandran (Pastoral Care), as well as the student representatives Daria, Jan, and Pradnya, all of whom offered invaluable advice and encouragement for the year ahead.
This year also brings exciting new faces to our teaching team. We are delighted to introduce Nate Di Mauro, Zane Linde, and Sarah Spicer as our new English teachers. Sarah will also be taking on the role of Theatre Studies teacher. Additionally, we welcome Cigdem Ozdemir as our new Mathematics teacher, Roberta Rodriquez as our new Physics teacher, and Sara Spanghero, who will serve as our new Learning Resources Coordinator.
It has been wonderful to see our second-year students return and reconnect with the community. Their presence and experience have been invaluable in helping our primi adjust to their new environment, offering guidance and advice from the heart.
With everyone now settled in, we are ready to embark on another exciting and transformative year at UWC Adriatic. Let the journey continue!
