03 May 2024

Headmaster's Letter 3rd May 2024

Dear Parents

“We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”

Full marks to any parent who identifies the character and the novel from which this quote was taken! It is of course Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit, in response to Gandalf’s request to join him on what will turn out to be an epic adventure across Middle Earth. We were delighted to be read an extract from the Hobbit by Mr Ben Vessey, Headmaster of Canford, in our Prep School assembly on Tuesday. Mr Vessey spoke to the children about achieving our goals in life, and the need to learn how to step out of our comfort zones like Bilbo, to embrace challenges, and be willing to do new things... and hard things. It was an inspiring message and chimed beautifully with our ‘you can because you think you can’ ethos at Dumpton.

Of course, the challenge is, it is often hardwired into our protective instincts as humans to take the easy option – the low risk, the path of least resistance. The self-preservation choice! Many of us will see this with our children’s own decisions at times; indeed, many of us as parents will find our parental instinct is to protect our children too - from things that might be hard, from failure, or from the unknown. However, if our children are to fulfil their potential, it is an instinct that at times we need to learn to fight. Just as Bilbo’s journey outside his comfort zone allows him to discover an incredible world beyond The Shire, and unlock his own incredible abilities and qualities, so will our children, if we can allow them - and encourage them - to do so, and to do so with increasing independence from us as adults.

By making the choice to send your pupils to Dumpton, you are I already helping your children to be gently stretched and challenged each day. Our culture, and the rich array of opportunities, will show children that taking the harder, more adventurous option in life, will bring great rewards. It is on that note that I wish all our fantastic Y6s, off to Skern Lodge in Devon next week, and our superb Y7s, off to Normandy, a wonderful time. I hope you enjoy your adventures!

Enchanted Woodland Summer Ball

The final opportunity to buy tickets for the Ball on Saturday 18 May is today. https://www.dumpton.com/dumpton-summer-ball-2024

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Field Trip
Thanks to Mrs Cox and her team who took Y6 to explore the dramatic Jurassic Coast earlier this week. There was plenty of fascinating geography in action, a decent bit of hiking, as well as a well-deserved ice cream too. We look forward to Y3’s visit to Kimmeridge next week which should be similarly exciting and rewarding.

Cricket
Although some rain scuppered some matches, it was lovely to see so many children playing cricket this week, many their first proper game of cricket! Our U8s and U9s are making great progress with such a technical sport, and further up the school our 1st XI made it two wins out of two with a brilliant performance against Salisbury Cathedral School. Match reports are attached as usual and thank you to all those parents who have turned out to support!

Family Afternoon
Our annual Family Afternoon takes place on the final day of this half term – Friday 24 May. We will send full details a little nearer to the time, but it will begin at 1.15pm for all parents (and grandparents etc are most welcome!). It is always such a wonderful community occasion, and the children enjoy taking you around their classrooms and showing you all the other exciting areas of the school that they enjoy. The theme this year will mark the 80th anniversary of the D Day Landings as well as the school’s 120th year, and there will be performances, an opportunity to watch some sport, see some of our outdoor activities and much much more. The afternoon will conclude by 4pm with a lovely Afternoon Tea on the Front Lawn. I do hope you can all make it!

Parent Sport
It is so lovely to see parents embracing some fun sport together. With football on Friday evenings, some cricket fixtures ahead, and pickleball, netball and hockey opportunities this year, we’re delighted to see the community come together. There is info on Classlist for anyone who is interested but do contact the school office if you want to find out more and we can point you in the right direction.

Adventure Playground Closed on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 May
Apologies in advance that the Adventure will be closed after school on these days next week to allow some important maintenance work to take place.

Maths Teacher – Part Time Maternity Cover

As previously announced, we are looking to employ an outstanding Maths specialist from September. Do spread the word to any interested parties – a job description can be found in the usual place on our school website: https://www.dumpton.com/vacancies

5P DECA Toy and Book Sale – Thursday 16 May
If you have any donations of any old toys or books 5P would be grateful to receive them.

A Shoeshine for Restless Development
Hello – we are the Tornadoes (Joe B, Zac L, Thomas R and Ellis W in Year 4) and we are competing in Bryanston School’s Triathlon 2024 on Sunday 12 May to raise awareness and money for Restless Development. We are holding a Shoeshine on Thursday 9 May at the collection times (3.30pm, 4.15pm and 5.15pm). We will also be selling refreshing homemade lemonade - due to potential allergy risks, only children who have been picked up or deregistered will be able to buy it.

With best wishes for a lovely bank holiday weekend - see you on Tuesday.

Christian Saenger