Headmasters Letter 24th March 2023
24 March 2023

Headmaster's Letter 24th March 2023



Dear Parents

I suspect word of mouth may have reached you already – but I cannot stress enough how incredible the productions of Matilda Junior from both Y6 (Monday) and Y7 (Tuesday)were this week. The acting, singing and dancing were of such a high standard, and the show itself so utterly enjoyable, that I regularly had to remind myself we were watching 10-12 year old children. Remarkable! A huge thank you to Mrs Mudd, Mrs Warde and Miss Burghart – how lucky we are to have such a passionate and enthusiastic performing arts team. 

What I think is even more important to acknowledge however is the inclusiveness of the performing arts here at Dumpton. This was not a hand-picked cast of keen actors – this was every single child in Y6 and Y7, and every single one of them had their chance to shine. With the Spring Spectacular earlier this term also ambitiously showcasing all the pupils in the school, the performing arts at Dumpton really is for everyone.  

This inclusivity - and the ethos where everyone tries everything - is integral to life at Dumpton. It's for this reason that Mr Randle, Mrs Clemmitt and the sport staff work so hard to get every child playing fixtures each week, and why next term’s trips, campouts and residentials will see all the children getting stuck into those amazing experiences together.  

Sometimes, it is all too easy in life to say no to opportunities, and to stay in our comfort zones – but we risk never fulfilling our potential if we do. Hopefully life at Dumpton gives children the confidence to aim high, to try new things, to participate, and, by doing so, to realise that they are all capable of remarkable things. To realise that you really can because you think you can.... 

Y2 Spring Sports Cup! 
How brilliant to see Y2 getting so joyfully and enthusiastically stuck into their sport on Tuesday, playing competitive Netball and Hockey matches in front of their parents for the very first time. A great taste of what is to come next year! Thank you to Mr Grogan for all his superb work. 

House Cross Country 
Bravo to all the runners in this event, which with muddy conditions was a real test of character! Congratulations to every child who competed and finished the race, and thanks as ever to the parents who came to show their support. 

Science Poster Competition - from Mrs Catton
Thank you to everyone that entered the British Science Week Poster Competition. We received some incredible entries and fascinating examples of 'connections' in science. We have really enjoyed judging them, and some highly commended posters will be displayed in the main teaching block. It was a close decision, and after some debate in the science department I am pleased to announce the five chosen entries that will be sent off to be judged in the national competition are: Lauren M, Bella F, Izzy N, Georgie R, and Ivory J. There will be further congratulations in assembly next term.

Dumpton Friends Easter Egg Hunt 
Thank you to all the parent volunteers for putting on such a good show today. The children loved it, despite the blustery weather, and it really ended the term in a lovely fun way. 

Awards Ceremonies 
Both the Pre-Prep and the Prep School end each term with Awards Assemblies – it is lovely to celebrate success and achievements, as well as reinforce our school values through the ‘Kindness Cup’ and the ‘Aim High’ Cup.  Congratulations to all the cup winners, and to those who missed out, with continued efforts, we know their time will come! 

Holiday Clubs  
We are all looking forward to the Easter Holiday Clubs held here at Dumpton next week. In addition, parents may be interested to see that Bryanston and Canford are holding courses over the Easter Break, and spaces still remain.  There are some Canford flyers attached to this email (below) and the following link will take you to Bryanston's website where you will find further details https://www.bryanston.co.uk/childrens-holiday-clubs-activities-course

Wimborne Cricket Club and Dorset Junior Triathlon Opportunities 
We are pleased to be able to promote Dorset Junior Triathlon Taster Sessions which will be held at Dumpton on Saturday mornings next term (https://bit.ly/Junior-triathlon-taster-mornings) as well as some fantastic and enjoyable opportunities at Wimborne Cricket Club (please see the attached flyer). I know lots of Dumpton families are already signed up which is great to see. 

Summer Term Calendar 
The Summer Term Calendar is just being finalised, and we will publish this early next week. Do look out for the email. With some key events like Sports Days, the Family Afternoon, and of course, Speech Day, we hope parents will be able to put aside some time to join us here to share together what is always the most enjoyable of terms. 

Music Lessons and LAMDA– from Mrs Mudd 
We welcome new applications for individual music lessons throughout the year, for pupils in Years 2-8. Please complete the form here for lessons after Easter. We will also be running taster sessions for pupils looking to try out LAMDA lessons. These are available to pupils in Years 4-8. More information on that to follow early next term. Dramarama sessions will be available next term during hobbies for pupils in Years 1-3. This is a fantastically fun introduction for those looking to do LAMDA from Year 4. 
 
Global Citizenship update – from Mrs Cox 
I am delighted to share with you that, following their great efforts throughout the year, Dumpton pupils in Y5 and Y6 have provided 6 new toilet blocks and one tap for schools in the developing world who desperately need them.  In addition, they have raised over £1500 for COOP Africa - that's 10 life-changing bicycles for school pupils in Uganda.  A fantastic achievement BUT we could do so much more!  I therefore encourage all families to get active this Easter and gain sponsorship from family and friends for any activity your child would like to undertake to help raise more money for this incredibly worthwhile cause.  Donations can be made using the following link https://donorbox.org/dumpton-school-cycle-to-uganda  I thank you again on behalf of all those who benefit so much from the money we raise. 
 
Farewell to Mr Keith Randle
We said goodbye to our Clerk of Works, Mr Keith Randle yesterday morning. We wish him all the very best for his retirement and thank him very much for his tremendous service over the years.

Thank you to all parents for their support this term, to all the staff for their efforts, and to the children for being so brilliant. I hope each and everyone one of you has a great Easter break – a very well deserved one indeed. 

With best wishes

Christian Saenger
Headmaster
 
 


 

Activity camp poster.jpg

Sports Academy Poster 2023.pdf

Wimborne Cricket Club.pdf

Girls Cricket Poster (1).pdf

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