What a treat the Nursery and Pre-Prep Christmas performances have been this week. ‘Performing Arts for All’ is very much part of our vision at Dumpton – and it is weeks like this that remind us just how special and important it is to give every single child as many opportunities to act, sing and dance on stage as possible.
Nursery began the week brilliantly on Monday – with an incredible 50 Nursery children on stage! I must make special mention to our superb Nursery team for ensuring all the children did so well – what an amazing achievement for such young children.
We then had Reception entertaining us with their wonderful Christmas Nativity yesterday and today in the Recital Hall, whilst Y1 and Y2’s performance of ‘The Magic Jigsaw’ to a full house in the Assembly Hall yesterday was also a performance to remember.
Seeing the children’s journey as they grow in confidence on the stage, and as they sing, act and dance with such increasing skill and poise, is always a joy to behold. The sense of enjoyment on show was testament not only to the children themselves for giving it their all with such positivity and enthusiasm, but also to the brilliant staff at Dumpton who support and inspire the Nursery and Pre-Prep children.
Having been so impressed by the children, I must admit I can’t wait to see what this talented bunch will produce once they reach the Prep School!
Merit Badges – Congratulations
A merit is awarded to individual pupils in the Prep School when they live the values of ‘being kind’ or ‘aiming high’. Quite apart from being a lovely way to reward children, it's really effective at shining a light on the positive behaviours we want to see from pupils, and reinforcing the high expectations we have for pupils’ behaviour. We have given out an incredible 18634 merits this term so far!
Well done to all the pupils in the Juniors who were awarded their Bronze Merit Badge in assembly this morning as they have already surpassed 100 merits for the year. We know there are plenty more children very close to 100, and look forward to seeing some more badges being given out before the end of term.
Y8 Trip to West Quay Shopping Centre
Our brilliant Y8s were rewarded with a trip to West Quay shopping Centre this afternoon due to their brilliant efforts this term on the Y8 leadership programme, as well as their behaviour and effort in general. As the top year in the school, it is marvellous to see them being such role models to the younger pupils. They deserved this reward, and we continue to be grateful to them for all that they do.
DECA Talks - Dr Alisha Azzopardi
This week, Dr. Alisha Azzopardi gave a talk to the pupils in DECA about her career as a clinical psychologist. The pupils were transfixed throughout as Dr. Azzopardi explained what a psychologist does and talked through examples of her work. They then completed some exercises on how to maintain good mental health and finished with a question and answer session. A fascinating and important talk.
More Amazing Achievements
At the top end of the school, we’re delighted to share some fantastic achievements from our older pupils. Firstly, congratulations to Millie N who has achieved a Sports Scholarship to Clayesmore – Mille is an amazing swimmer, and it is brilliant to see her hard work (and all those early starts!) being rewarded. Izzy N in Y7 is the latest in the Dumpton talented cricketer pipeline, and has just been awarded a place on the Dorset U12 Girls Cricket Squad. Finally, Austin R’s amazing achievements in Dance continue, with him recently coming in 6th place in the country for his Jazz Solo in the Dance World Cup. He will find out in January if he will represent England in Prague next year!
Schools Triathlon
Pupils in Y3 to Y6 had an assembly today from Schools Triathlon about the charity event they are hosting at Bryanston School next year. Lots of them seemed very excited by this fantastic opportunity – we have included a poster with details of how to enter a team.
Sporting Match Reports
Our last matches of the season this week against Clayesmore and Walhampton resulted in some fantastic triangulars, and despite the very sodden pitches, all teams ended the year on a high. We’re so proud of the progress the pupils have made with their hockey, football and rugby this term – the match reports are attached as usual.
New Hobbies for the Spring Term!
We are excited that we have some brand new Hobbies in both the Pre-Prep and the Prep School to announce next week for the Spring Term! Look out for an email from Mrs Naomi Miller next week with more information about this, as well as the chance to confirm your pick up times for next term, and sign up for DECA, Hobbies and After School Club.
Next Week and Carol Service Arrangements
Do check below ahead of what will be another busy and Christmassy week! We look forward to more trips, Y7 IPQ Presentations, the Y3 performance, as well as Christmas parties and Christmas jumper day on Thursday.
Do please also refer to Mrs Shaw’s letter about the Carol Service – having been involved in some rehearsals this week, I can assure you this promises to be a very special occasion. With arrangements being different for the whole school that day, it does require all families to check the information which was sent out on 05/12/23 carefully. Parents in Reception and Nursery are reminded of the earlier finish time of 12.30pm.
Yours sincerely
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events Week Beginning 11/12/2023:
Week 14: Theme of the Week - Christmas Week
WEEK B
Monday 11 December
Reception Visit Streets Meadow
9.05: Y7 Independent Project Presentations
Tuesday 12 December
10.00: Y2 Outing to the Pantomime (Aladdin) at the Lighthouse, Poole
15.00: Y3 Christmas Play: Assembly Hall followed by festive refreshments served in the Dining Hall
15.30: Final Pre-Prep Hobbies of the Term
Thursday 14 December
Christmas Jumper Day
11.00: Christmas Lunch
14.30: Prep School Form Parties
16.15: No prep or DECA but Stay Late available as normal until 5.45pm
Friday 15 December
9.00: EYFS Christmas Party - Jamie Jigsaw
14.30: Carol Service: Wimborne Minster: All parents invited. Children to be collected from the Minster at the end of the Service
No Afternoon Buses