Dear Parents
As well as achieving academic success for every child at Dumpton, we are determined to build personal qualities that will help them thrive and flourish in their futures. Much of this ‘character education’ happens outside the four walls of a classroom – and perhaps some of the most impactful and character building experiences come on our range of ‘residential’ (overnight) trips.
We do a range of superb residential experiences at Dumpton – each offering something slightly unique. Y6 and Y7 return from North Devon and Normandy today, and in September each year both Y5 and Y8 head to the Purbecks and North West Scotland. Later this term Y8 spend a few days in glorious Cornwall, whilst both Y4 and Y3 will get to experience a night under the stars with some camping on the school grounds.
Trips like these give pupils an incredible set of opportunities and experiences. Whilst they are exciting, fun and memorable, for many children they also require a step outside their comfort zone – requiring both courage and resilience, whether it be climbing a mountain, travelling to a foreign country, sleeping in a tent, or simply being away from mum and dad for the first time. With the support of brilliant staff, and one another, conquering any challenge is such a brilliant lesson to them all that 'they can because they think they can.'
I am so very grateful to all the staff who give up their time to organising residential trips, as well as all those who spend time away from their own families to attend them and take such good care of the pupils. We are are all enormously thankful for their efforts – our children are in very safe hands!
Skern Lodge (Y6) and Normandy (Y7)
What amazing experiences for the children on these trips this week. There are a host of photos on our social media which capture some very happy faces. We hear the children conducted themselves brilliantly, and gained so much from both trips. Welcome home!
Coronation Celebrations
The whole school community came together today for a ceremony to mark the Coronation of King Charles II. A beautiful Royal Oak has been planted, and with Prep and Pre-Prep pupils coming together to sing a rousing ‘God Save The King’, as well as ‘three cheers’, there was a celebratory feel in school today. Thanks to Steph and the team for a brilliant Coronation lunch (the ‘King’s Quiche’ was delicious,) and to the Pre-Prep children and staff for baking and decorating some beautiful cakes.
Family Afternoon – Friday 26 May
Planning is now well underway for the Dumpton Family Afternoon which takes place on Friday 26 May. In what is always a highlight of the Dumpton calendar, the whole community will come together to enjoy exploring the school site and seeing a whole host of activities involving both the Pre-Prep and Prep School pupils. We hope lots of parents (and possibly Grandparents too) will be keen to come along. We will be sending further information next week but please do keep yourselves free for what promises to be a really special afternoon.
Cricket Fixtures
Most of the Prep School played fixtures this week against Salisbury Cathedral School. Well done to all involved – for the match reports, please click here: Summer Term - Week 3 Sports Reports
5* Food Hygiene Rating – Well done to Steph and the Team
After an unannounced inspection this week, the school kitchen was re-awarded its 5* hygiene rating this week. No surprise there, with our immaculate kitchen receiving the top rating since benchmarking began. A huge thank you to all the catering staff for taking such care over hygiene and cleanliness on all our behalves.
Primary Maths Challenge - Bonus Round
Last term Ivory J and Izzy N were both invited to sit the Bonus Round of the PMC after scoring well in the PMC in the Autumn Term. Only the top 6% of the 55,000+ pupils who took part in the PMC, were invited to attempt the Bonus Round, so to be invited to take part is a great achievement. In the Bonus Round, Ivory was awarded a gold certificate, which only the top 10% of those attempting the Bonus Round achieved - an exceptional result. Very well done to both girls.
From Mrs Shaw and 5P
5P would like to say thank you to everyone who came and bought books, toys and donuts at the sale yesterday. What a buzz! Monies are still being calculated but we think we have raised enough money for four twinned bins - as we were aiming for one, this is a total triumph! Thank you also to families who donated; we are most grateful. Do see here https://www.bintwinning.org/twin-your-bin/ for more information about the charity.
Summer Clubs
A reminder that the Summer Club registrations are open – please click on the links below to reserve your spot!
Nursery & Reception Summer Holiday Club
Y1 - Y8 Summer Holiday Club
Pickleball is coming to Dumpton
I am delighted to publicise a new sporting initiative launching at Dumpton soon and organised by two Dumpton parents – it sounds superb and I hope some families may be interested:
Come & learn to play Pickleball, the fastest growing ball sport in the UK at Summers Pickleball Launch event at Dumpton School on Saturday 20th May 2023 @ 10.30am - 12 noon. What is Pickleball? It is a fun ball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, squash & table tennis. It can be played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, over a net. Come along to watch top players, learn how to play, have a go, meet other players every week indoors. Summers Pickleball - whatever the weather!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/summers-pickleball-launch-tickets-613414127167
Dumpton Dad’s Football
A small group of Dumpton Dads, old boys, and others meet for a leisurely game of football each Friday at 6pm on the astro. New members are always most welcome – the standard is pleasingly mixed, and the Headmaster even joins in on occasion! If you are interested in coming along, please get in touch with Jamie Haskins on jamiehaskins@hotmail.com
Dumpton Parent/Staff Cricket Team v Bryanston Staff
Yet another sporting opportunity for parents – this time for a cricket match on the evening of the 6th June at 6.15pm, kindly hosted by Bryanston School. If you are interested in joining the Dumpton Parent/Staff team, please note this date in your diary. A chance to sign up will be shared on Classlist soon!
And finally.... Britain's Got Talent
We have heard a rumour that BGT may involve a couple of familiar faces this weekend. If you tune in, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Dumpton pupils...
Best wishes for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster