Dear Parents
It was Children’s Mental Health Week this week, and the school was full of plenty of joy! Very sadly however, our children sustaining happiness in their school years is something none of us should take for granted. In the time I have been in education, worries about child and adolescent mental health have increased exponentially – a recent report revealed that over 20% of 8 to 16-year-olds in the UK were likely to have a mental health disorder. This is both incredibly shocking, and incredibly sad.
Thankfully, things at Dumpton are far more positive than this bleak picture presents. Whilst we still support numerous children through emotional struggles through using RULER, our team of ELSAs, or our school counsellor, our efforts are also very much focused on prevention rather than cure; on being proactive rather than reactive. We have a Wellbeing Team who meet weekly to discuss any children having wobbles or struggles emotionally, and the way that RULER and the Mood Meter are built into school life from Nursery to Year 8 allows our children to develop the emotional literacy they need to cope with the ups and downs of life. But most important of all is really getting to know the children as individuals, giving them the care and support they need to take on the ups and downs of school life and thrive.
But how do we talk to our children about mental health? I thought I’d finish with a bit of a list of the things I might say to a young person, based on years of experience of talking to children about this topic. I hope there’s something useful here for you as parents...
- All emotions are valid, and indeed healthy – nobody should be ashamed of feeling worried, or sad, or angry!
- We need to acknowledge difficult emotions in order to be able to cope with them. Coping with the ups and downs of life, the challenges and the struggles, is a big part of being our best selves.
- Bottling up your emotions isn’t necessarily the right thing to do. It takes real courage to talk and to ask for help – we must all have someone to turn to, and we must always remember to talk about how we feel.
- Practice gratitude. We have so much to be grateful for, and simply remembering that can do wonders for our own outlook and feelings.
- Aim High. Throw yourself into life with enthusiasm. Say yes to opportunities. Have a go! Being busy and fulfilled, exercising, and finding things that bring you joy, is such an important part of life.
- Be Kind. We never know how others might be feeling. We all have the incredible gift of making another person feel valued, cared for and appreciated. Kindness is a superpower, and you have the ability to be a superhero when you use it. Let’s make sure we’re always using that force for good, not ill...
Children’s Mental Health Week
From wellbeing walks through the woods, to snuggling up to watch Inside Out 2, to yoga, mindful colouring and finger knitting activities, there was something for everyone. A special well done to our Y8s who lead the activities so well, and Miss Goodhew our Head of Emotional Literacy and her team of organisers. We finished with ‘wear a scarf to school’ day which was full of joy and laughter. It was a lovely reminder to all of us of the importance of self-care, friendship and the habits we can model and teach young children about looking after their mental health and wellbeing.
Swimming – from Mr Jeremiah
Twenty-seven Dumpton swimmers took full advantage of the fantastic opportunity to train in the 25-meter pool at Canford school, making the most of the larger pool to help refine their techniques. The session provided an excellent chance for us to focus on key racing skills, including starts, turns, and relay changeovers, helping them build confidence and improve their performance. With determination and enthusiasm, the swimmers embraced the challenge, gaining valuable experience that will benefit them in future competitions.
Junior and Senior Drop Ins
We have Drop Ins in the Prep School next week. There will be a chance to look through recent school work, take part in some self-reflection and target setting, as well as important discussions on internet safety. Even though we know not every parent can make it, we hope lots of you will be able to join us.
Dumpton Talks Week
Another reminder about this event which happens straight after half term – a different talk each morning after drop off, to which all of you are very welcome. Book your places on the Dumpton Talks page of the school website: https://www.dumpton.com/dumpton-talks
From Mrs Wort, Head of Pre-Prep
A heartfelt thank you to all of you who attended our recent parents' evenings. It was fantastic to meet with so many of you and discuss the progress your children are making. Your continued support and involvement in your child’s education make such a difference, and I’m grateful for the partnership we share in nurturing their growth and development.
This week has also been Children’s Mental Health Week, and I’m incredibly proud of how our students engaged with this important theme. As part of the celebrations, the children created a special "recipe for being their best selves"—a creative and thoughtful activity that encouraged them to reflect on the things that help them feel happy, confident, and ready to learn. It has been a joy to see the different ways the children approached this challenge.
Dumpton Friends Book Sale
Next Thursday (13 Feb) Dumpton Friends will be holding a second hand Book Sale at each of the pick up times - 3.30pm, 4.15pm and 5.15pm. They have lots and lots of fantastic books to rehome and will be taking card payments (minimum £5) on the day.
With best wishes for the weekend.
Christian Saenger
Headmaster
Key Events W/B 10.2.25
WEEK B
Week 6: Theme of the Week – Internet Safety
Monday 10 February
16.15-17.30 Y7 Independent Project Presentations: Assembly Hall & Classrooms
Tuesday 11 February
All Day Canford Academic Scholarships
Safer Internet Day
8.15-8.50 Junior Parent Drop-in Session (Y3-Y5 in classrooms)
14.15 – 16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y3-Y4) – Please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
Wednesday 12 February
All Day Canford Art Scholarships
14.15 – 16.15 Sports Fixtures (Y5-Y8) – Please see Dumpton Sports Site for full details
15.00 – 15.30 Pre-Prep Class Assembly (2M)
Thursday 13 February
All Day Author Visit – Matt Dickinson (LF)
15:30, 16:15, 17:15 Dumpton Friends Book Sale
Friday 14 February
8.15 – 8.50 Senior Parent Drop-in Session (Y6-Y8)
8.30 – 8.50 Prep School Junior Assembly – Safer Internet (GA)
13.30 – 14.15 Informal Lunchtime Concert
17.45 Half Term Begins (normal school day and buses as usual)