07 November 2025

Headmaster's Newsletter, Friday 7th November 2025

Dear Parents

“This is our most important theme of the week!” was my emphatic announcement in assembly. Ahead of Odd Socks Day on Monday, we have had our Anti-Bullying Week, and it is vital that children hear - loud and clear - from their Headmaster that Dumpton is a school which has zero tolerance for bullying. If we are truly to ‘live our value’ of Be Kind, then it naturally follows that we take the strongest stance here.

Our message this week to the pupils has centred around the idea of using our “power for good.” Just as we all have the capacity to hurt others with our words or actions, we have a far greater superpower: the ability to help others feel valued, included, and happy. We also spoke to the children about their responsibility to be upstanders, not bystanders - to have the courage to speak up when they see something that isn’t right.

Nothing makes us prouder than when a child chooses kindness, courage, and integrity. At Dumpton, these are the behaviours we celebrate, reward, and shine a spotlight on - ensuring that those who show true character in this way are seen as the role models within our community.

However, though we strongly stand against bullying and unkindness as a school, it is also important to recognise that social imbalances, unkind behaviour, and power struggles are in many ways developmentally appropriate for young children. All our children will, at some point, face challenging social situations - and we must be ready for them to do so. As hard as it can be for us as parents, we must remember that these moments provide valuable opportunities to learn and grow. Successfully navigating friendships and conflict is a crucial life skill. Our commitment at Dumpton - with our approach to emotional literacy through RULER coming to the fore - is to guide and support children through these experiences and these emotions in the best way possible.

As with everything in education, it’s a real team effort, and we tend to have the best outcomes when we work closely together with you as parents. Please always do reach out if your child is having any struggles of this kind, and with our skilled and compassionate staff team we can navigate the best way forwards together.

Dumpton Talks Podcast - Navigating Challenging Behaviour
If you have a child in the Pre-Prep and Nursery, and if you ever find yourselves trying to manage any challenging behaviour at home (I suspect that is most of us!), I would really recommend a listen to this Podcast. With expertise from Tamsin Grimmer, Principal Lecturer at Norland, and our very own Mrs Wort, there is hopefully something of interest to all of you about how we handle challenging behaviour as parents in the most effective way to support our children’s development. (Warning, there is no magic wand... but there are some great strategies to try!).

Community – Dumpton Friends Christmas Party
Being part of a school is also about being part of a community, and I do hope all of you as parents feel a part of the Dumpton family. Nobody does more important work here than our fantastic Dumpton Friends. I do hope therefore that lots of you will decide to come along to the Christmas Party this year which is being held on Thursday 27 November in the Alpine Bar at The Olive Branch in Wimborne. It should be a lovely informal and enjoyable occasion.

Poppies – from Miss Burghart
Thank you to everyone who has bought a poppy this week. Your generosity and support have been truly appreciated, and we’re delighted to share that our current total stands at £264.97. Every penny raised goes directly to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, helping to support veterans and their families in times of need.

Monday will be the final opportunity to purchase one of our beautiful handmade poppies or special memorabilia, so don’t miss out. A huge well done to the Dumpton Crochet Club for their brilliant work and dedication — your creativity has made a real impact.

DECA ‘Mount Everest’ Talk – from Mr Ashworth
A huge thank you to Chris Burt for his fascinating talk to Y3-Y5 pupils in DECA yesterday about climbing Mount Everest earlier this year. Our pupils (and staff) were totally captivated by his incredible stories of adventure, teamwork, and perseverance at the highest point on Earth. They were full of curiosity and asked so many thoughtful questions throughout the session. Chris’s talk was truly inspiring and gave everyone a real insight into what it takes to achieve such an extraordinary goal. We only wish we could have had even more time to ask more questions!

Computing Lessons next week – from Mr Ashworth
Next week the pupils in Year 3, 5 and 7 will be taking part in the Bebras Challenge in Computing lessons. The Bebras Challenge is an international competition based on computational thinking through fun, logic-based puzzles.

Year 3 are "Kits", Year 5 are "Castors" and Year 7 are "Benjamins". The pupils have already looked at the practice materials in lessons this week, but may benefit from another look. The puzzles might be of interest to parents too.

Pre-Prep Reverse Advent Calendar - From Mrs Morton
Following on from the much-needed food collection on Mufti Day for Wimborne Food Bank, we would like to continue to support local families in need this Christmas. The whole of Pre-Prep will be taking part in the Reverse Advent Calendar, collecting food items starting next Monday 10th November and ending in early December, ready for a Pre-Christmas delivery.

Your child will bring home a raffle ticket stuck into their home/school diary. This will give a date and food item. Please could your child bring the food item to school on the date given. We will compile Christmas food boxes to help families in need celebrate Christmas. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

Christmas Events - From Dumpton Friends
We have three very exciting events on the horizon including wreath making, the annual Christmas Fayre and a Christmas Party. Tickets and information available on Classlist.

Look out for an email with all Christmas Fayre details very soon!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

With best wishes,