27 February 2026

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 27th February 2026

Dear Parents

This week’s Theme of the Week has been ‘Enthusiasm’, one of the seven Dumpton Virtues that form our character education framework.

In my deep dives into character education research, I have always been a little surprised to see that of all our virtues, enthusiasm - sometimes referred to as “zest for life” - is one of the strongest predictors of healthy, flourishing adulthood.

Enthusiasm can be understood as ‘both physical and mental vigour’. It is about being energised and engaged, approaching tasks wholeheartedly, and making the most of the moment. It is the spark that turns participation into commitment and interest into joy.

It is interesting to reflect on our own children. When are they at their most enthusiastic? When do you see that genuine zest for life? What sparks their energy in a positive and purposeful way? It is even more interesting to reflect on this for ourselves...!

Importantly however, let’s not equate enthusiasm with being the loudest or most outwardly animated person in the room. It can be quiet, deeply focused, and introspective. The child who spends two absorbed hours perfecting a Lego model, fishing patiently by a riverbank, or losing themselves in a book is displaying just as much zest for life as the child who relishes a birthday disco, charges around the football pitch, or thrives in the spotlight on stage.

Our role, particularly while children are young, might be to help them discover the activities that truly energise them. Not everything will - and nor should it! There will inevitably be aspects of school life that children feel less enthusiastic about; that is simply part of growing up. Our hope at Dumpton is that through the breadth of opportunity we offer, and through our supportive and inclusive culture, every child finds enough that ignites their interest. From those passions can grow a wider enthusiasm for life itself.

And it is from that enthusiasm that confidence, resilience, and self-esteem so often flourish - and ultimately from there, a happy and fulfilling life.

As the great French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry reminds us:

“True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.”

Dumpton Talks Week
Thank you to all the parents who supported another excellent Dumpton Talks Week. We have been so fortunate to be able to draw on such fantastic speakers from Canford School, Bournemouth AFC, Bryanston and Norland Nannies. It was brilliant to have so many conversations, and to see such a lovely community of parents coming together so positively to talk about things that really matter for us and our children. We remain committed to working with you all, and to forging a community where we can all support one another as we raise our children together....‘it takes a village to raise a child’ after all!

Scholarship Success!
Aiming High is central to Dumpton life... so we’re so delighted to be able to announce some scholarships today. Thomas R (Sport) and Jenson J (Sport and Academic) have both secured scholarships to Clayesmore School. Audrey H has been awarded an Academic Scholarship to Talbot Heath. We have also secured 5 scholarships to Bryanston: Alexander N (Music and Performing Arts), Luca L and Martha A-I (Sports) and Amelia C (All Rounder). Huge congratulations to all of these pupils who are not only very talented, but impressively committed. We're very proud though of all the pupils who ‘step out of their comfort zones’ to go for a scholarship, and we’re proud of you all regardless! We look forward to some more scholarship news in the coming weeks.

History - Townsend-Warner History Prize – From Mr Tridgell
I am delighted to announce that Flynn B (Y8), Josh G (Y8) and Elizabeth X (Y6) have made it through to the final round of the Townsend-Warner History competition. This is a national competition that welcomes entrants from all IAPS schools. This year, there were over 1,100 entries, and the top 253 scores from Round 1 have made it through to the final paper. This in itself is a wonderful achievement and Flynn, Josh and Elizabeth should be extremely proud of their achievements. We wish them all the best of luck as we wait for the final outcomes. I would also like to congratulate Joe B (Y6), Mia D (Y6), Anna M (Y6), Jayden L (Y6), Raffi L (Y7), Arthur G (Y7) and Sebby S (Y7) for showing the enthusiasm to take part too, and even though they did not make the final round still showed that aim high spirit to take part and give their best. Thank you to all of you for being superb ambassadors.

Year 2 Trip to Canford Science Labs from Mrs Catton
Year 2 enjoyed an unforgettable Science trip to Canford School today, packed with excitement and curiosity. We began with a dramatic “whoosh” experiment that immediately captured everyone’s attention. Pupils then explored colour changes in chemistry, with the magic flask. Wearing lab coats and goggles, the children worked alongside Canford teachers and supportive Sixth Form pupils to make their own red cabbage indicator. They carefully tested a range of household substances and were amazed to create a beautiful rainbow of colour changes. Enthusiasm was truly next level; it was a real Science adventure! There was great courage shown by all, including the Year 2 teachers who bravely stepped up to light the Bunsen burners. We also enjoyed a delicious fish and chip lunch in the big hall. Year 2 were beautifully behaved throughout - what an inspirational and memorable Science trip!

Do It For The Kids Art Competition' - from Mr Loe
Following on from the success and excitement of the House Art competition, this new competition from University Hospitals Dorset gives everyone in school the opportunity for their artwork to be featured in murals by professional artists for the new Children's Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Reminder - Pre-Prep Art Competition
A reminder that the deadline for this year's Pre-Prep and Nursery Art Competition with the exciting theme “Buildings” is Monday! Children are invited to create an A4 piece of artwork entirely by themselves using any medium they choose – collage, pastels, paint, drawing and more are all welcome. Their building could be something real, such as their home, our school, a shop or famous landmark, or something wonderfully imaginative like a castle in the clouds, a superhero hideout or a house in space. Please remember to write your child’s full name and class on the back of their artwork, and hand all entries to class teachers on or before Monday 2 March. We can’t wait to see their fantastic creations!

Spring Spectacular and House Music
We are all looking forward to Performing Arts Week. Do check the details for Monday where nearly every child in the school will be performing, and we can’t wait to see the children all get their moments to shine across the week. Thank you in advance to our terrific performing arts team!

Lunch with the Headmaster
We continue to work hard to ensure our school food is of the best possible quality, and we are very keen that our parents have the opportunity to see and taste the wonderful lunches that Steph and her team cook for the children on a daily basis. We would like to invite parents, to join the me for lunch on Tuesday 10 March. As I am sure you will understand we have had to set a limit on numbers, so it will be a strictly first come, first served basis.

With best wishes for the weekend.

Christian Saenger
Headmaster

Key Events for W/B Monday 2 March 2026

WEEK B

Week 8: Theme of the Week – Performing Arts

Monday 2 March

All Day Spring Spectacular Rehearsals

10.45 GP Talk to Reception Classes

14.00-15.00 Spring Spectacular Pre-Prep Concert (Nursery to Y2) - Hobbies and After School Club will run as normal (no Pre-Prep Ballet Hobby due to performing in the Spring Spectacular).

15.15-16.15 Spring Spectacular (Y3-Y8)

Tuesday 3 March

14.00 County Netball Finals – PGS

14.15-16.15 Sports fixtures (Y3-Y4) - please see Dumpton Sports site for full details

16.15 5P Parents’ Evening (all subjects – in person)

Wednesday 4 March

All day Reception Visit to Wimborne

11.50-12.50 Y5 ‘Play for Points’ House Music Performances (Parents welcome to attend, please sign in at Reception)

14.15-16.15 Sports fixtures (Y5-Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports site for full details

15.00-15.30 Pre-Prep Class Assembly (1P)

Thursday 5 March

All Day World Book Day – dress up as your favourite character!