22 November 2024

Headmaster's Letter 22nd November 2024

Dear Parents

I hope every day is a special day at Dumpton – but some days are more special than others. Thursday was one of those.

I wish you could have been here to see the building excitement as the morning sleet gradually turned to snowflakes. Eyes widened with glee, tongues reached out of mouths to capture snowflakes, and ecstatic shouts of “it’s actually snowing!” filled the air... And that was just the teaching staff!

We all enjoyed spending time together in the snow at breaktimes, children and grown-ups alike – in fact, snow is a great leveller, and seemed to bring out a sense of fun and joy in everyone. There were some mightily impressive snowmen built (complete with Dumpton uniform to decorate them!) and the children impeccably followed the safety rules we asked them to observe to ensure everyone could safely and happily enjoy the snow. Making special memories is such an important part of a childhood... I feel Thursday will live long in the memories of all of us that shared it together here.

On a separate note, I’d like to make special mention of the Dumpton Friends team (see more from them below). They are putting so much energy and effort in at the moment, and I do hope everyone will see fit to support their causes as much as possible, especially with the various donations required! As ever, it is wonderful to see as a community how we all pull together to make the Christmas season at Dumpton extra special.

Global Education Week – From Mrs Cox
Our global citizenship and sustainability work is always ongoing but this week pupils have really been in action as part of Global Education Week.

6J kicked things off with an insightful assembly on World Toilet Day, opening our eyes to just how many people in the world still lack access to basic sanitation and hygiene.

Our Y5 pupils have been sharing their efforts on their Hardship Challenge in Assembly with the excellent support of our Y7 Global Citizenship Squad. Sponsorship money raised will support United World Schools and help provide an education for children their age who have no school to go to. Thank you to all Y5 (and their families) who have participated - everything you do makes a difference. Sponsorship money to the usual school account by BACS please ref Y5 Geog and your surname.

In addition, a huge thank you to all those pupils who pitched their ideas about how we can think globally and act locally in our Earthshot inspired Dragon's Den this afternoon. There were some incredibly creative and thoughtful ideas, from living roofs and gray water collection systems to wild flower meadows and tree planting. The panel of Dragons will confer and feedback in due course!

Finally, although the arrival of yesterday's snow scuppered our plans for the Y8 Sustainable Fashion Show & Clothing Sale, this event has been rescheduled for Thursday 12th December - final details to follow so do save the date.

Prep School Merit Badges
Well done to the first pupils in the Prep School proudly wearing their bronze merit badges – which symbolise 100 merits – an amazing achievement so early on in the year! Children are awarded merits when teacher’s notice them living our values in some way or form – from hard work or kindness, to resilience or good manners.

‘The Crochet Crew’
We received a very special package from the Royal British Legion who were touched and impressed by Kitto, Stella, Izzy and Ivory, who raised over £200 by knitting and selling poppies. We’re very proud of them all – they have certainly lived the values of Dumpton School.

Football and Rugby
It has been lovely to join so many parents watching our children play sport this week, and we have all enjoyed seeing the girls make such great progress with their football, and the boys with their rugby. I must say, I have lost count of the number of parents who have praised our coaching team – and I would whole-heartedly agree. They do a brilliant job – it’s not just the coaching expertise, but the way they get to know and support all the children to make progress and enjoy their sport.

Primary Maths Challenge – from Mr Smith
All of the pupils in Year 6 and some in Year 5 sat the Primary Maths Challenge last week. Six pupils gained a gold certificate; Austin W (best in school), Sebby S, Jayden L, Miles R, Elizabeth X & Seb N. There were an additional 7 silver and 5 bronze certificate winners. Very well done to all the pupils who took part.

Attendance
I wanted to make parents aware that there is new statutory guidance from the Department for Education which Dumpton, even as an independent school, is duty-bound to follow. This includes communicating with you to let you know if your child’s attendance is a cause for concern (under 90%), reporting any prolonged periods of absence to the DfE, and ensuring that any term time holidays have to be marked as unauthorised absences. I continue to authorise absences in ‘exceptional circumstances’, and we of course also understand there can be all sorts of reasons a child’s attendance may dip, but thank you to parents for understanding our need to follow this guidance and work together with you to ensure attendance is as high as possible.

Cold Weather Clothing
The weather has been bitingly cold at times this week, and though it is due to warm up again, we would like to remind parents to send their children into school with plenty of layers – vests and jumpers are encouraged, as well as hats, gloves and scarves (Dumpton only please!).

From Dumpton Friends
There's lots to look forward to for the Dumpton Community over the next few weeks! This week's highlights:

Fayre Donations - Please donate generously! Our Christmas Fayre needs your help to be a success.

*Having a clear out before Christmas? We'll find a new home for your toys, books and teddies.

*To make the Tombola a success we kindly ask for items such as unopened gifts or toys, beauty products, sweets, chocolates or bottles of drink.

*Can you donate a raffle prize? (Can be anything from a voucher, product, service or experience)

Please bring all donations to the school office clearly marked Christmas Fayre.

Christmas Card Designs - The online shop will stay open until 25th November (midday) for anyone who would like to buy additional items.

Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal: 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

As always get in touch with any questions either through your Year Group Rep or via email: Friends@Dumpton.com

With best wishes for the week-end.

Christian Saenger
Headmaster