Dear Dorchester Families,
It’s hard to believe how quickly we’re approaching the end of the academic year. Across the school, there’s a real sense of momentum: children have completed most of their end-of-year assessments, teachers are busy writing reports, and preparations are underway for transitions and celebrations. Year 7 Leads from local high schools have begun meeting our Year 6 children, rehearsals for the Leavers’ Production are in full swing, and the special ties have arrived for our Year 2 Tie Assembly, which marks their move from the Infant to the Junior department.
Behind the scenes, we’re also making plans to support every child as they prepare to move into their next year group. We expect to share information about your child’s new class next Friday, ahead of our Move Up Morning on Wednesday 2nd July, when the children will meet their new teacher and classmates.
As always at this time of year, we sadly prepare to say goodbye to some valued members of staff who are moving on:
After an incredible 38 years at Dorchester, Becky Thorn will be retiring from class teaching. Becky’s impact on our school community has been immeasurable – she is deeply respected by children, colleagues, and families alike. Her contributions to so many aspects of school life (too many to name!) have been truly outstanding. We’re fortunate that Becky has agreed to remain on our supply list, so we hope to see her in school from time to time.
Lynn Smart, another long-serving and much-loved member of our team, will also be retiring this summer after 32 years as a Learning Support Assistant and Midday Supervisor. Lynn has worked across all age groups and has played a key role in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. Her care and dedication will be greatly missed.
We are also bidding farewell to Sheena Hindocha, our SENDCO for the past 18 years, who has been appointed as Lead School Improvement Adviser for Inclusion and Educational Disadvantage at Achieving for Children in Kingston. This is a richly deserved promotion for Sheena, who has worked tirelessly to champion inclusive practice and support children with SEND and their families. While we will miss her enormously, we are delighted that Suzanne Rankin, a highly experienced teacher with a deep passion for SEND – and already a familiar face at Dorchester – will be stepping into the role. Suzanne will begin working alongside Sheena this term to ensure a smooth handover.
Rhian Lilley, who has most recently worked as a class teacher in Reception and as the school’s Art Lead, will also be moving on this summer after eight years at Dorchester. Rhian is taking a break from teaching to pursue other creative interests. She stands out as a caring and compassionate colleague, and Miss Lilley has been a much-adored first teacher for many children in Early Years. She will be very much missed.
Finally, we say goodbye to Charlie Dillaway, who joined us in October 2023 as a Learning Support Assistant and soon after began training to become a qualified teacher. Charlie has secured a Year 1 teaching role at a local school from September. We’ve appreciated his adaptability, his contributions to sport, and his warm presence around the school. We wish him every success in the next stage of his career – and hope he might return to Dorchester one day!
While farewells are always tinged with sadness, they are also a chance to look ahead with excitement to Dorchester’s next chapter and the opportunities it brings.
Finally, a gentle reminder: we’ve been asked to pass on a request that parents and carers refrain from vaping near the school grounds. This helps to set a positive example for the children, especially as the long-term health impacts of vaping are still unclear. Thank you for your support.
Wishing you a restful weekend.
Cathy Bell
Headteacher
