Dear Dorchester Families,

Welcome to the new school year! It has been wonderful to see the children return with such enthusiasm—for catching up with friends and for their new learning. We recognise that the start of a school year can be unsettling, and many children were nervous about the changes ahead, but we couldn’t be more proud of how well they’ve settled. Well done, children!

We have welcomed our new Reception children this week for their shorter sessions. They have been amazing—showing very impressive “sitting on the carpet” skills—and are proving unusually capable at tidy-up time! Well done, parents—we’re very grateful (though I’m sure they’re probably less willing to do their share at home!).

We have a really exciting year ahead with lots planned. Over the summer we’ve been busy replacing SMART Boards, configuring new Chromebooks for the junior children, painting classrooms, and completing a number of building-maintenance projects. There’s more exciting news to come about the playground—I’ll share this with the children in assembly on Monday, and you’ll be able to read all about it in next week’s newsletter.

We look forward to welcoming parents in our meet-the-teachers information sessions next week. Please find details in the newsletter below.

Thank you to those who have shown an interest in volunteering your time to listen to our children read - please complete the google form emailed out ahead of our induction session on Thursday 11th September at 2pm.

Of course, the success of our school relies on parent support, and we are truly grateful to everyone who has volunteered in any capacity. Your help not only means we can offer more to our children, it also builds the strong sense of community that makes our school special. Whether or not you already volunteer, please come along to the FODS AGM on Tuesday 16th September at 6:30pm—enjoy some wine and nibbles, get to know new people, hear about plans for this year’s social events, fundraising and spending—and let us have your views.

FODS AGM — Come along and get involved!
Tuesday 16th September, 6:30pm

• All parents and carers welcome • Wine & nibbles provided

Our PTA, Friends of Dorchester School (FODS), has had a brilliant year organising social events and raising funds for the extras that make Dorchester Primary so special. They have put on fantastic community events like Christmas Cards & Gifts, Christmas and Summer Fairs, festive donkey/reindeer visits, Quiz Night, and lots more.

This year, several committee members have moved on as their children have left the school, or circumstances have changed, so we’re looking for new volunteers. There’s something for everyone:
* Lead (“own”) an event or
* Take a smaller supporting role as part of a team
(The more people we have, the less everyone has to do—and the more fun it is!)

You don’t need specific expertise—everyone has something to offer. Whether it’s a spare hour, baking cakes, designing a poster, wrangling a spreadsheet, sourcing raffle prizes, posting on social media, helping with set-up/clear-up, or simply bringing enthusiasm, your skills will make a difference.

Why volunteer?
It’s a great way—especially for newer parents—to get to know the school and staff, make friends, and give back to the community. Even an hour here or there helps.

Pop the date in your diary and join us at 6:30pm. Come for the update, stay for the nibbles, and see how you can help make this year’s events our best yet!

Have a lovely weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher