I must admit that I paused before ordering the delicious dish pictured above.

涼拌海蜇頭 (“cold jellyfish head’) is a salad made from jellyfish - parboiled and then dressed with soy, cucumber, sesame, chilli and coriander. As a culinary experience it was exciting. This came partly from the thrill of trying something that I have never eaten before and partly from a desire for revenge! The last time I came across a jelly fish was when I got stung by a medusa this summer. So, the dish brought both discovery and retribution - salty, tangy and surprisingly, crunchy!

As many of you will know, I have recently returned from Hong Kong where I was privileged to meet prospective students as well receiving a warm welcome from alumnae and current parents. The trip was truly instructive in allowing me to gain something of an understanding of the experiences of these students. Negatively, this included the pain of the long journey and the jet lag they go through in order to reach us. Positively, it was wonderful to find out some of what is unique and special about home for our Hong Kong students (those lights, those flavours!) as well as discovering how so many things are comfortingly familiar (from M&S to custard tarts) when they join us in Bath.  

Next Friday, 15th November, we will celebrate our third annual International Gala which promises to be a treat for everyone involved. We are promised stalls from around the world, two winning speeches from our recent international student voice competition, global dancing, poetry in original language and translation and musical performances aplenty, culminating in the ever popular cultural catwalk where I am sure many students will join together to share their cultural heritage to our heartfelt appreciation. 

This event brings together much that is great about out school – the diversity of our community is highlighted and opens our eyes so that we can appreciate each other all the more. In turn, this helps us to bond together as a whole and live out our school value of kindness. 

I would like to finish by sharing a photo from an expo in Hong Kong where we were so grateful for the kindness showed by Sofia and Wynette (and their families) in giving up some of their half-term to be superb ambassadors for the school. I look forward to sharing photos from the gala next week.