Dear Parents
Maybe it is just the beautiful weather putting me in an unusually good mood – but I have felt the Dumpton pupils have been absolute superstars this week. From some record-breaking performances at the Wessex Regional Athletics meets, to Y7’s conquering an 8 mile hike in the Purbecks, some brilliance from the woodwind players in assembly on Thursday, and 4A's thought-provoking assembly on Refugees – there have been many opportunities to be so impressed by the children, and how they are truly embracing and living the values of the school.
The reports I have heard from the Wessex Athletics meets are particularly worthy of note (and please see Mr Randle’s summary below for more detail). Not only are our pupils competing at the very highest level (with no less than 10 gold medals, and a stunning 4 all time Wessex Records broken), but they do so with humility, with sportsmanship, and with the desire to support one another above all else. I know that the staff and the parents who witnessed them were all incredibly proud.
Our Thriving Nursery
I thought I might take a moment to praise our Nursery staff and pupils. I regularly spend some time in the Nursery – in fact, if ever I am having a bad day, it is perhaps the one place in the school that is guaranteed to make me forget my worries and put a big smile on my face! To see such young children interacting so kindly and calmly, taking part in exciting activities like Swimming, PE, Music, Yoga and Dance with such enthusiasm and positivity, and most importantly, developing such strong bonds with the adults who care for them and one another, is actually fairly remarkable, and all thanks to our brilliant Nursery team. It is no surprise that we currently have waiting lists for the Nursery – and I feel sure the provision will go from strength to strength in the coming years as it remains a key strategic priority for Dumpton to have the very finest Nursery provision in the area.
End of Term Excitement
With three weeks to go (!) we thought we would add the calendar right up to the end of term below. Without wanting to bombard you with emails, we hope you are receiving the key information you need to plan for any upcoming events. I have also included the following reminder about Speech Day, such a key event in the school’s calendar, which it is important all parents are aware of.
Speech Day - Friday 7 July
Please do remember that Speech Day – Friday July the 7th is now fast approaching. We will write a little closer to the time with full details, but please do note that arrangements are different to a normal school day and that the term will officially end at 11.30am after the ceremony. As a brief overview, there will be no school buses running that morning and all children from Reception to Y8 should be dropped off at school at 9.30am. There will be drinks for parents to enjoy before the ceremony begins at 10am. Nursery will be open as usual but will close for the end of term at 11.30am. The Dumpton Friends Picnic will begin straight afterwards and this promises to be another super community event for us to all enjoy.
Sports Update – From Mr Randle
It's been a busy week for the sports department with athletics, swimming and cricket events taking place over the last seven days, we are also busy preparing for the many sports days taking place in the next couple of weeks too. The weather continues to make the job slightly easier, but comes with its own challenges too. Please take the time to read our match reports from the cricket and swimming fixtures here also includes a run down of results from the big two, Junior and Senior Wessex athletics Championships, where our pupils achieved some excellent results against up to 23 other competitors. Notable performances include Zac L for his 2nd place in the long jump, Zara H 2nd in the high jump, Maxie M 1st in the 800m and 2nd in the hurdles, Martha AI 2nd in the cricket ball throw and the relay team Annabel B, Emeli H, Martha and Maxie were 5th in the final. Miles R 7th in the 75m and 2nd in the high jump, Ewan B 3rd in the cricket ball throw. Luca L 6th in the 100m and 1st in the 800m.
At the Senior Wessex we recorded many great results and performances with finalists across many events. Marni was 1st in an amazing 1500m race, Abigail W achieved a 2nd place in the 100m and Isabelle N won the javelin. Harry R won both the 300m and hurdles events and broke long-standing Wessex records for both events too, an outstanding achievement. Seni P finished 1st in the 300m and hurdles breaking both records in the process, won the long jump and was awarded best girl athlete of the competition, beat that! All of these senior pupils will go on to represent the Wessex region and school at the National Prep Schools Athletics Championships in Nuneaton at the beginning of July.
We have been busy behind the scenes adding content, videos and notices to our sports instagram page, please follow us and catch up with some great videos, particularly of our recent athletics success. Don't forget to reply to our email regarding the main school sports day before Monday....busy times!
Author Visit – Monday 19 June - Ruth Eastham
We are very excited about Ruth Eastham's visit on Monday. She will be with us for the morning, holding workshops with Years 4, 5, and 6 and signing books at our mini book sale in the library at first break.
Y8 Leavers Programme
Y8 have had a great start to their Leavers’ Programme, including a business enterprise trip to a Cheese making factory in Somerset, completing a triathlon, some geo-caching around the school grounds, as well as a watersports trip today. What a brilliant way to end their time at Dumpton, and huge thanks go to Mr Loe for his organisation.
Campouts Next Week
How exciting that pupils in Y3 and Y4 will be camping out on the school grounds next week! We feel sure they will have a brilliant time, and thank you to Mr Cox and all the staff who have volunteered to join them for the night... we hope you get some decent sleep!
5C DECA Doughnut Sale - Thursday 22 June
5C will be selling doughnuts at all pick ups from 3.15 to 5.15 to raise money for SAL'S Shoes. We are also asking for donations of any children's shoes as we did last year. Please bring them along to the Front Office.
With best wishes
Christian Saenger
Headmaster