Dear Parents
It has been a fantastic week at Dumpton for all sorts of reasons, but perhaps a highlight for me has been some of the wonderful sporting moments.
Following our U13A Boys’ Football team making it into the top 8 Prep School football teams in the country last week, our U13A Girls played some outstanding hockey to finish 2nd in the Dorset Championships, qualifying for the regionals themselves. Our U11A Boys Rugby team then won the Durlston Tournament, winning all 6 of their matches, whilst our U8 Girls team are already proving themselves to be ‘ones to watch’ given their strong performances in hockey and football this term. It’s fantastic to see this success spread across both genders and a range of sports – it’s always been the hallmark of Dumpton that we are ‘strong across the board’.
Despite this continued success for our top teams, as parents will know well, sport at Dumpton is for every child. Mr Randle, Mrs Clemmitt and a team of up to 20 coaching staff are so determined to make sure that every child gets the chance to play each week, that the ethos of our sport is as inclusive as possible, and that every child can get huge enjoyment from playing competitive sport. That was in evidence again on Tuesday and Wednesday as 200 children in the Prep School played for Dumpton in various fixtures against Castle Court, Walhampton and Bryanston Prep.
If parents wanted a lovely example of our ethos and approach with sport, you only need to read the weekly match reports written by the staff (attached). The coaches of each team are so dedicated and passionate, and I am truly appreciative to them all for their efforts into making sport so enjoyable - but also so meaningful - for the pupils.
Eco Committee Assembly and Cookie Sale
We had a first this week – an assembly and bake sale organised entirely by pupils. After emailing me and Mrs Cox to ask permission, organising an assembly on Tuesday with Mrs Shaw’s help, and approaching Mrs Brown for support with baking some cookies, Thursday’s bake sale was a huge success. This is ‘Global Citizenship’ in action – young children showing initiative, responsibility, enthusiasm and collaboration to have a positive impact on the world around them. Well done to all the pupils involved – please see a message from them below, as well as a poster they have produced.
Green Plant Donations - Message from the Eco Committee and Mrs Cox
Following the huge success of our FairTrade bake sale this week, we would like to encourage Dumpton families to donate additional green plants for our classroom windowsills. Please see the attached poster for details and our thanks for your support.
Wimborne Minster Town Council Meeting
Building on our successful School Council committees here at Dumpton, three of our Y8 Leaders represented Dumpton at the Wimborne Minster Town Council meeting on Tuesday. Sabela, Henrietta and Kitty represented the school brilliantly. We hope they enjoyed this taste of democracy in action.
Parent Drop-Ins
Thank you to all parents in the Juniors who ‘dropped in’ to catch up with their children’s progress and touch base with teachers this week. Next week it’s the turn of the Pre-Prep, with Reception beginning on Monday at 8.15am.
Musical Events Next Week
There’s a host of musical excitement next week, from the Y2 Instrumental Concert, to ABRSM music exams, to the Senior Choir’s trip to Bryanston, and then the amazing array of concerts that take place during the Christmas Fayre. Communication was sent out this week about the Christmas Fayre – it promises to be a really special occasion, but do read the details carefully to ensure you understand the ins and outs of the afternoon.
Neurodiversity – From Mrs Wakefield
Following on from our Dumpton Talks event on Neurodiversity by Fintan O’Regan, a couple of parents have expressed interest in getting together with other parents to chat, informally, about this further. If you would like to know more, please contact Mrs Wakefield who will pass on your contact details.
Final Reminder –Salvation Army Toy Collection
This coming Monday 27 November is the final deadline for the Salvation Army Toy Collection. On Tuesday the toys will be taken to the Salvation Army, the Appeal works with Social Services to provide local vulnerable children in the Wimborne area with Christmas presents. Please drop any gift donations at the School Office on Monday. For more information about the Appeal, including the sort of things they are looking for, take a look at https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal
Best wishes
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events Week Beginning 27/11/2023:
Week 12: Theme of the Week - The Dumpton Way: Enthusiasm
WEEK B
Monday 27 November
8.15: Reception Parent Drop In
8.30: Y2 Instrumental Concert
Tuesday 28 November
ABRSM Music Exams
8.15: Y1 Parent Drop In
13.30: Senior Choir Trip to Phantom of the Opera at Bryanston School
14.15: Sports Fixtures (Y3-Y4) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Wednesday 29 November
ABRSM Music Exams
8.15: Y2 Parent Drop In
14.15: Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) - please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Thursday 30 November
8.30: Prep School Assembly - Performing Arts & Sports Reports
Friday 1 December
*Dumpton Friends Christmas Fayre!*
No Prep School Hobbies Today!
13.00 – 18.30: Dumpton Friends Christmas Fayre
14.15: Pre-Prep (YR,1,2) Christmas Performance
15.00: Junior (Y3,4,5) Christmas Performance
15.45: Senior (Y6,7,8 plus groups) Christmas Performance