Dear Parents
This is my favourite time of the school year. Though life is incredibly busy, the children are at their absolute best – bursting with confidence towards the end of the academic year, and taking on the exciting opportunities that come their way: it’s a term where the children really get the chance to ‘aim high’.
Speaking of those opportunities, it's been a particularly busy week in swimming and athletics. Firstly, our superb swimmers did the school proud at the National IAPS Finals in London on Saturday. Special mention to Mille N who came 4th in the country, and Izzy B 5th! Our brilliant Junior and Senior Wessex athletes enjoyed successful days on Saturday and Wednesday respectively. There were dozens of PBs, lots of finalists, and a pleasing number of pupils qualifying for the Athletics National Finals later this month.
All our Y5 spent the day at the Canford Futures Academy, all our Y7s are today hiking in the Purbecks, our Y8s are taking part in water sports at Sandbanks, and next week our school campouts begin with Y4, our Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils gear up for the Sports Days, and our musicians across the Prep School will perform at our Summer Serenade. All of these activities and opportunities are not only stimulating and enjoyable – but provide some challenge: a chance for each child to grow, to step out of their comfort zone, and to unlock some of that potential within them.
I’m so appreciative to the staff for making these activities happen – there are some long days and some tired bodies amongst the staff, but it’s always so worthwhile when we see the impact it has.
Speech Day
I hope all parents received the invitation to Speech Day – do note the arrangements in my letter sent earlier this week. It’s a special occasion, and we do so appreciate you attending with your children. As well as our guest speaker Sam Roberts, former Heads Andy Browning (2005 - 2019) and Garth Watson (1976 - 2005) will also be attending as special guests as we come to the end of our 120th year. Nursery parents should note the different timings on this day too.
Y8 Exams and Leavers Programme
Bravo to our brilliant Y8s who completed their Dumpton Certificate exams on Tuesday. They have now reached the end of the academic curriculum at Dumpton, and the next three weeks see them embark on their Leavers Programme: a range of exciting opportunities, projects, workshops, character education as well as some good old fashioned fun – which acts as the finale to their Dumpton career. It’s a brilliant – and well deserved – end to their time at Dumpton.
Future Schools – Canford Registration Deadline
Parents of children in Y5 and Y6 interested in Canford should note the deadline for registration is July 31st if you wish your child to take part in the admissions process next term. As ever, do ensure you get in touch with me about Future Schools decisions – I am here to help.
Dumpton Friends
After last week’s meeting, I am delighted to announce that Kate BoxerMissen has agreed to take over as the new Chair of the Dumpton Friends. She will be supported by Zara Dawe (Deputy Chair), Nina Holmes (Secretary) and Anthony Swift (Treasurer).I am so very grateful to them all for volunteering their time for this vital part of community life – but would also make a plea on their behalf for your continued support as parents and willingness to help out... they certainly can’t do it on their own and are keen to stress that anyone can become involved, as little or as much as you like, on the committee or supporting events.
As a result of some of the amazing recent events led by Rachel Wolfenden, who stands down as Chair after two years this year, the Dumpton Friends, as well as continuing their support for charities, have put aside some money to fund a project next year that might fall outside of the school’s own expenditure plans, but might offer benefit to the school and our community. For example, the amazing school allotments were originally funded by the Friends of Dumpton – and what a wonderful legacy that has been for the community. We are going to ask the children and staff at Dumpton for ideas next academic year – and parents too. More information on this front to follow.
With best wishes,
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events Week Beginning 17.06.24:
WEEK A
Week 9: Theme of the Week - Entrepreneurial Spirit
Monday 17 June
Y8 Leavers’ Programme – in school activities
14:00 – 14:30 Team Photos (Fraser Portraits)
Tuesday 18 June
Y8 Leavers’ Programme – Mountain Biking
08:30 Prep School Senior Class Assembly (6J)
14:00 – 16:00 Canford Swimming Gala (U11A) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
14:15 – 14:45 Reception Sports Day
14:45 – 15:15 Nursery Sports Day
16:30 – 17:30 Summer Serenade
Wednesday 19 June
Y8 Leavers’ Programme – In School Activities
14:15 Sports Fixtures (Y5 – Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
15:35 Reception – EYFS Profile Score Feedback (individual appointments)
Thursday 20th June
Y4 Overnight Camp and Bushcraft Day – the pupils will camp overnight on Thursday
Y8 Leavers’ Programme – In School Activities / Dumpton Triathlon
8.15 - 8.30 Y1 & Y2 Parent Drop In Session
Friday 21st June
Y8 Leavers’ Programme: Geocaching
09:00 – 10:00 New Parent Meeting – for parents with children joining Y3 – Y8
11:00 – 12:00 New Parent Meeting – for parents with children joining Reception, Y1 & Y2