12 December 2025

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 12th December 2025

Dear Parents

Amongst all the excitement of giving and getting presents at Christmas – it’s also worth remembering that it is a time for gratitude.

And as I write my final letter of the term - feeling a little tired and jaded, as I’m sure many of us are - I’m reminded how powerful gratitude can be. Taking a moment to appreciate the good around us really does give us a lift - there's plenty of neuroscience that backs this up!

So at the end of this long, busy term, pausing to focus on gratitude feels like exactly the boost I need...

Firstly, I’d like to thank our pupils. I may be biased, but they are THE BEST. Each of them is unique, but together they impress us every single day: upholding the values of the school, working hard to be the best version of themselves, and bringing energy and effort into everything they do. The music, drama, and sport this term has been magnificent, as well as of course their determined approach in lessons. Above all, though, I am grateful for their friendliness and kindness towards one another – and to us as staff. It is what makes Dumpton such a special place.

Secondly, to our brilliant teachers, teaching assistants and nursery staff. Patient, passionate, inspiring, and endlessly kind, they take exceptional care of the children. Teaching isn’t just a job – it’s a vocation – and that shines through here at Dumpton every day. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated team.

Thirdly, to you as parents. Raising children is hard work. So is teaching them! But it is perhaps the most incredibly rewarding and meaningful job we will ever do. We are so grateful to do this work in genuine partnership with you. Your support for the school, your belief in what we stand for, and the trust you place in us to care for your children are things we will never take for granted.

Finally, thank you to some very special people behind the scenes. From our office staff to our site, catering and domestic teams, from our minibus drivers to our wonderful matrons – there are so many individuals who give their heart and soul to this school. Just like our teaching staff, they take real responsibility for the school and for everyone within it, and we owe them enormous thanks.

As we head into the final two days of term, and then the busy Christmas period - I hope we can all find a moment to pause and appreciate the good around us – in our children, in one another, and in the simple joy of this season. Gratitude has a way of grounding us and reminding us of what truly matters.

A final thank you, once again, for everything you bring to this school. I look forward to seeing most of you at the Carol Service next week, and wish you and your families a peaceful, joyful, and very well-deserved Christmas break.

Carol Service – Tuesday 16 December
Please refer to Mrs Shaw’s email dated 28 November about the Carol Service. Having been involved in some rehearsals this week, I can assure you this promises to be a wonderful occasion. I would encourage you to check carefully the arrangements as they are very different for the whole school.

Y3 Performance of The Snowman
Anyone who watched this rather magical performance will testify to how brilliant a show it was. All of Y3 took their opportunities to shine, and as a year group they together produced a wonderful musical version of the much loved ‘The Snowman’. Their singing, acting and dancing was superb – and a special mention to the very talented Mrs Warde for both adapting and writing the script, as well as directing the magic.

ISFA U13 South West Trials
Congratulations to three Dumpton pupils — Luca L, Samuel V and Spencer W — who have been selected to progress to the second round of the ISFA U13 South West Trials. They now have the exciting opportunity to compete for a place in the South West team, which will go on to represent the region at the National Haileybury Festival (Saturday 28 March – Monday 30 March 2026).

Good luck to all three boys in the next round — it would be wonderful to see each of you earn a place in the South West team!

Autumn Term Reports
We have written reports on every child in the school, and these will be published early next week on the Parent Portal. Do look out for an email from Mr Morgan to confirm their publication. Having worked my way through so many lovely comments, I feel sure you will enjoy reading them, and get a sense of both your child’s progress, and how well our superb teachers have got to know them.

Reverse Advent Calendar – from Mrs Morton
On behalf of the Pre-Prep team, I would like to say a huge thank you for your support with the Reverse Advent Calendar food collection for Wimborne Food Bank. You helped us raise a fantastic collection of food which will support lots of families in the local community over the festive period. Thank you for all your generous donations – these were collected by the Food Bank earlier today.

With best wishes for the weekend.