Dear Parents
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” Helen Keller
Our theme of the week was collaboration, one of the seven virtues of The Dumpton Way – and we explored this with children in assemblies this week throughout the school. In the Pre-Prep, the pupils know that ‘Benji the Bee’ is a brilliant collaborator. Benji is used to help the children better understand the power of collaboration. He’s a brilliant team player! One bee on its own can achieve so little, but together, a colony of bees can achieve remarkable things.
The same is of course true for children. As much as we focus on the individual here at Dumpton, and on children developing the personal qualities they will need to thrive, their success and their happiness in life will be inextricably intertwined around their interactions with others. Whether it be the wonderful set of friends and family they build, or their achievements and fulfilment from whatever career they pursue, their ability to build healthy relationships, to get the best out of others, to interact collaboratively will be key. Collaboration is about becoming part of something bigger than ourselves. rote: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much"
Collaboration isn’t always easy... I only have to look at the sometimes challenging interactions of my own two children to know how turn-taking, listening, sharing, and putting the needs of the team before ourselves doesn’t always come naturally, and takes years and years of practice! This is one reason why so much of Dumpton life revolves around opportunities to collaborate within a team – from the cooperation within sports’ teams, to the synergy of choirs, casts and ensembles in our performances, to the varying group and team work opportunities built into our curriculum lessons, outdoor activities or residential trips – culminating of course, with that incredible Y8 trip to Scotland where pupils really put their collaborative skills into practice in meaningful, real life situations.
We want all Dumpton pupils to learn how to become great team players. It’s likely it will be integral to a successful career. I’d also argue it will be integral to a happy and fulfilling personal life too.
Family Afternoon – Friday 24th May
Our Family Afternoon, celebrating 120 years of Dumpton School takes place one week from today! We are so excited to open our doors to you all on Friday 24 May at 1.15pm for all families. Pupils whose family are not able to attend will, of course, be looked after and will still have a fantastic time. Thank you to everyone who has already confirmed their plans by completing the form.
West of England Hockey
Congratulations to Tilly A and Indi W who have both been selected for the West Panthers – the West of England team who will compete in the U13 England Festival in Nottingham in July. Both Tilly and Indi are outstanding hockey players who work really hard on their game – we're delighted and proud of them both.
Scholarship News from Wellington College
I am delighted to report back that Harry F, who joined Wellington College last year, has been awarded an academic scholarship. Wellington recognise pupils for scholarships at the end of Y9 once they have had a year at the school – we're so proud of Harry achieving this accolade form one of the very top schools in the country, and it takes the number of academic scholarships awarded to Dumpton pupils in the last 3 years to an impressive 20.
Whole School Photograph
These are now available to order from the following website: www.orderphotos.co.uk
Please use the proof card id: 0003279765B245YCZ. If you have any queries at all, Fraser Portraits may be contacted on 01202 692433. The deadline for ordering photographs (to ensure they are delivered to school) is Friday 24 May.
Y2 Visit to Browsea Island – from Mrs Fisher
Y2 had a lot of fun on Brownsea Island yesterday. They were searching for the different habitats and wildlife including marshland, heathland and coastal environments, as well as peacocks and red squirrels! A few were lucky enough to see the illusive red squirrel but everyone enjoyed being out in nature for the day. All topped off with a lovely ice cream!
Y7 Visit to the New Forest– from Mrs Cox
Y7 enjoyed a busy morning studying the impact of tourism on the natural environment of the New Forest National Park. They surveyed tourist facilities in Lyndhurst and identified strategies to manage visitor impact on the open forest at Whitefield Moor.
British Science Week Poster Competition – From Mrs Catton
The British Science Week Poster Competition winners were announced this week, and you can view the winning posters from across the UK here: British Science Week Poster Competition Winners
No national win for Dumpton this time but Commendations will be awarded to some of the very impressive Dumpton entries we received. A selection of posters are on display in the teaching block. Well done to all who entered, and we look forward to seeing your entries next year!
Cricket vs Sandroyd and Stroud
It's so lovely to see the progress of our young cricketers, and there were some really strong performances from a number of sides this week. Please do read the match reports for an enjoyable overview, and the highlights of some super individual performances.
120th Anniversary Summer Ball
We’re all so looking forward to the Summer Ball tomorrow. A huge thank you to all those involved in the occasion, from Steph, Craig, Naomi and Mrs Shaw here at school, to the many Dumpton Friends parents who have given up their time today and yesterday to decorate the gorgeous marquee. It is looking stunning, and I feel sure tomorrow will be a fantastic occasion.
Best wishes,
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events Week Commencing: Monday 20 May
WEEK B
Theme of the Week: Safeguarding
Monday 20 May
16:30 Cast 1 (4C & 5P) Performance of Peter Pan
Tuesday 21 May
14:15-16:15 Sports Fixtures (Y3-Y4) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
16:30 Cast 2 Performance of Peter Pan
Wednesday 22 May
Y3 Visit to Poole Lighthouse for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
14:15-16:15 Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Thursday 23 May
Y5 Visit to Corfe Castle
Friday 24 May
13:15-16:00 Dumpton Family Afternoon (all parents invited)