Dear Parents
We received the exciting news last week that Dumpton is a Finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards, for 'Co-educational School of the Year'. What makes this achievement even more noteworthy is that Dumpton is the only Prep School in the country featured. We will be up against some of the finest schools in the country, including Millfield, Haileybury and Alleyn's - and whether we win or not (the ceremony is in London on the 6th October!), just being thought of alongside schools of this calibre is something that I hope the entire community can be very proud of.
Francis Parker, an American educationalist, summarised the wider purpose of schools beautifully when he said "the work of the school is determined by the needs of society". There is no doubt that society is evolving and changing, perhaps more rapidly than ever. It is heartening, therefore, that the Award judges have recognised that Dumpton is evolving and changing to meet those needs so impressively, recognising our innovative approach to Character Education through the Dumpton Virtues, our ambitious yet highly inclusive sporting and performing arts programmes, the work we have done to challenge gender stereotypes, as well as the school's forward thinking initiatives around two areas of education that are increasingly being seen as a vital element of a 21st century education: Emotional Literacy and Global Citizenship.
An enormous well done to the staff for driving the school forward in these areas, and also our brilliant pupils who grab their opportunities which such enthusiasm and positivity.
From Mr Randle – Director of Sport
Well done to all of the senior children for coming into school on Wednesday in kit, allowing them so much more play at break. This week we played Walhampton, alongside several tournaments too. Congratulations to our U10 boys who won King Edward’s Southampton football tournament, beating Twyford 1-0 in the final. Well done to Lucas B who lived the values by consoling and thanking the opposition players. Our senior girls showed that they are hitting the ground running this term with a commendable second place at the Canford Tournament. Our U11 boys showed great resilience to bounce back from a first defeat in their Moyles Court football tournament to record an undefeated run through to the end of the day. The senior boys recorded a fine win against a tough Walhampton side to kick start their tournament run this season. Tournament hockey has started for Under 10 girls too with some encouraging performances through their day at King Edward’s on Wednesday. Next week is Port Regis.
To keep up with fixtures, locations, teams and match reports please remember to login to www.dumptonsport.com
Dumpton Friends September Stroll - Sunday 22 September
We are very much looking forward to the Stroll which takes place on Sunday. The weather forecast isn’t promising right now, but we hope very much that it will improve. It is always such a lovely occasion. Please do keep an eye on Classlist for any updates that may be necessary.
Dumpton Talks (for parents of Reception Children) supporting your child’s reading - Friday 27 September
Our new Head of Pre-Prep Mrs. Kellie Wort will be holding our first Dumpton Talk of the year on Friday titled ‘Supporting your Child's Reading through Phonics. We look forward to seeing as many Reception parents as possible at 8:30am (straight after drop-off) in the Recital Hall.
Parent Drop Ins and Assemblies
We have two class assemblies next week and Junior and Senior drop–in sessions also taking place – see the calendar below as a reminder. Parent Drop Ins are entirely voluntary, but a chance for you to pop into your child’s form room and spend some time reflecting on their work so far this term, as well as catching up with their teachers if need be.
Out of School Swimming Lessons - JJ Swim School
JJ Swim School will be using the pool here at Dumpton for out-of-school swimming lessons commencing after October half term. JJ Swim School is run by our highly qualified and very enthusiastic swimming teacher Mrs.Joy Hopkins. Please see the attached flyer for full details and contact information if interested.
With best wishes for the weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events Week Beginning 23/09/2024:
WEEK B
Week 4: Theme of the Week - Celebration of Other Cultures
Sunday 22 September
14:00 Dumpton Friends- September Stroll
Tuesday 24 September
Canford Explore Day
8:15 Junior (Y3-Y5) Parent Drop In
8:30 Prep School Senior Class Assembly (7T) - European Day of Languages)
Wednesday 25 September
14:15 Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Thursday 26 September
Y7 & Y8 Science Trip to Marwell Zoo
PEDSSA Cross Country - please see Dumpton sports site for full details
Friday 27 September
8:15 Senior (Y6-Y8) Parent Drop In
8:30 Dumpton Talks: Supporting your Child's Reading through Phonics with Mrs Wort (for Reception parents)