Dear Parents
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
During Anti-Bullying Week, I have been reminded of this brilliant quote by poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou Maya. Though she is sadly no longer with us, wearing odd socks as we did on Tuesday – a symbol of how unique we all are, how precious our diversity is, and how we must never use prejudice against others – would undoubtedly have met with Maya’s approval.
Of all the things we ask of the children who attend this school, learning how to consider the feelings of others (otherwise known as ‘being kind’!) is the most important. Our one school rule is simple: ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’. This clear message is key to creating the happy, caring and nurturing environment that has such an impact on the way this school feels for children day in, day out. But I do also firmly believe that developing social and emotional intelligence – the ability to build healthy, positive and empathetic relationships in our lives - is a gift of sorts. It’s a gift all our children deserve. Because whatever range of exciting things they go on to do in their futures, I know that happy and healthy relationships will lie at the very heart of their future happiness.
But of course, children will get this wrong! We all make mistakes, and we are all capable of words and actions that might upset others. Part of the journey of growing up is learning all about how to navigate tricky social situations and the ups and downs of friendship, and we are here to help the children with this. But I am so proud of the kindness at Dumpton. The mutual respect shown between pupils. The empathy and understanding they display. And of children’s willingness to be upstanders, not bystanders, when they need to be.
And I do hope when our children look back fondly, many years from now, at their time at Dumpton, it is this that they will remember. Not necessarily what anyone said or did. But how they were made to feel.
Remembrance
It was a beautifully observed Remembrance Service on Monday. The Y3, Y4 and Y5 choirs, as well as the Senior Choir, performed some haunting and poignant songs for us, before the whole school community gathered around the War Memorial. Our Y8s read the names of the Old Dumptonians who gave their lives for our futures, and Sebby S expertly played the Last Post as we observed an impeccable two minute silence. It's a special moment, and was another time to be proud of our super pupils.
Y1 and Y2 Drop Ins – Prep School Next Week!
It was lovely to welcome Y1 and Y2 parents into classrooms today. The children loved showing off their recent work. As you will have seen from the calendar, we have the Junior (Y3-Y5) Parent Drop In taking place on Tuesday of next week and the Senior (Y6-Y8) Parent Drop In on Friday. All the Prep School children will be reflecting again on their progress and efforts this term – we do hope many of you will be able to join them as they do so.
Sport
Well done to the girls and boys who played football, hockey and rugby this week, as well as our plucky cross country runners. As ever, the wonderful match reports from our dedicated sports staff are attached.
Y7 Pre-Test
Congratulations to our Y7 pupils who sat their Pre-Test for Canford this week. Like the Y6 pupils last week, they will all eagerly await to hear whether they have made it through to the next stage of the process. As ever, parents lower down the school interested in thinking about future schools and wanting to find out more can always get in touch with me for a Future Schools meeting, normally when your child is in Y4 or Y5.
From the Bursar - Car Parking and Supervision of Children
Please can I politely remind parents once again not to park in the drop off zone. There should be enough spaces to park if needed. Also, with the evenings drawing in, please closely supervise your children around the car park area and on the path – it is so important that we keep the children as safe as possible.
Signing out of Prep School children
Just a quick reminder that pupils must be signed out of school, either at the gate at the usual collection times or from the School Office at any other times of the day.
Uniform
A gentle reminder that tights should be grey not black.
From Dumpton Friends
Christmas Fayre: We are busy preparing for the amazing Christmas Fayre. With 3 weeks to go, there's still time to get involved. Here's how:
* Donate 2nd hand toys, teddies and books
* Donate a tombola prize (new toys, bottles or gifts)
* Donate a raffle prize
* Speak to your class rep about helping set up, man a stall, pack away at the fayre.
Christmas card designs: The Christmas card designs have arrived and can be collected from the school office. If you'd like to order more or didn't get a chance before, the shop will reopen today until 25th November.
Salvation Army Christmas present appeal: The Salvation Army Christmas Present appeal is back by popular demand this year. Please bring any donations of new toys (unwrapped) for this appeal to the school office and place them in the labelled box. For further information about this appeal please look at https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal
Mental Fitness Workshop
Given I wrote about self care for parents a few weeks ago, I have added a flyer from Wimborne Psychology. I do hope it might be of interest to some of you.
With best wishes for the weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key events happening week beginning : Monday 18 November
WEEK A
Week 11: Theme of the Week – Global Citizenship
Monday 18 November
Rory McCann, Director of Sport at Bryanston School to talk to Year 7 and 8 pupils interested in a sports scholarship at Bryanston.
Tuesday 19 November
Y4 Nature Reserve Management
08:15 - 08:50 Junior (Y3-Y5) Parent Drop In
08:30 - 08:50 Prep School Senior Class Assembly (6J) - World Toilet Day
14:15 - 16:15 Sports Fixtures (Y3-Y4) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Wednesday 20 November
14:15 - 16:15 Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Thursday 21 November
16:25 - 17:15 Y8 Sustainable Fashion Show
Friday 22 November
08:15 - 08:50 Senior (Y6-Y8) Parent Drop In
08:30 - 08:50 Prep School Junior Assembly - Y5 Hardship Challenge (GA / MC)
13:30 - 14:15 Dumpton Earthshot Dragon's Den