Dear Dorchester Families,
Thank you for all your support as we have done our very best to manage during this week's heatwave. The children have been superb at following adult instructions and advice to keep themselves safe, and our staff have risen to the challenge with their usual positivity and good humour, despite classrooms being very uncomfortable places to be. It has also been wonderful to see such creativity from our teachers as they adapted lessons and activities to make them more heatwave-friendly while ensuring the children continued to enjoy their learning.
Excitement is beginning to build as the children look forward to meeting their new teachers for the next academic year next week. However, as is always the case at this time of year, we are also preparing to say goodbye to some valued members of our staff team.
Katherine Butler, who has most recently taught in Year 5 and served as our English Subject Leader, is moving on to pastures new. Katherine is close to completing her training as a therapist and is embarking on a career in a field that she is incredibly passionate about. Anyone who knows Katherine will understand just how well suited she is to this profession. Her warmth, empathy and ability to build strong relationships will undoubtedly make her an exceptional therapist.
Jemma Flint, most recently a Year 5 teacher, is moving on to another local school. Jemma has been part of the Dorchester family for 11 years and, during that time, has taught across most year groups. She has also led mathematics and computing at different points in her career with us, and has overseen the progress and attainment of some of our most vulnerable learners. Throughout her time at Dorchester, Jemma has shown great dedication to the children in her care and has made a significant contribution to school life.
Dave Dennis, our Assistant Headteacher, is also moving on to pastures new. He and his family are embarking on an exciting new adventure in Malaysia, where Dave has secured the role of Deputy Headteacher at an international school in Kuala Lumpur.
During his time at Dorchester, Dave has made an enormous contribution to school life in countless ways. As well as teaching classes across the school, most recently in Year 6, he has led our Pupil Leadership programme, coordinated our educational visits, run the ever-popular Junior Duke Award, and inspired children through assemblies, sporting events, Tea Time Concerts and the many opportunities he has created for them to develop confidence, responsibility and leadership. His enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the children at Dorchester will be greatly missed.
We will miss Katherine, Jemma and Dave enormously, but we wish each of them every success and happiness as they begin these exciting new chapters in their careers.
We are delighted to have a new teacher, Mr Philpott, joining us in Year 5. He comes to us with experience of working as both a TA and a teacher and we are very much looking forward to having him as part of our team.
Next year's class teacher arrangements are as follows:
Nursery Rainbow Annabel
Reception Bronze Mrs Rich
Reception Silver Miss Ahmad
1Rose Mrs Ahmad and Mrs Patel
1 Red Miss Chantler (will be Mrs Bushby by September)
2 Topaz Mrs Horne and Mrs George
2 Buttercup Miss Bromley
3 Amber Mrs Marwood and Mrs Mills
3 Orange Mrs Thackwell and Mrs Mills
4 Emerald Miss Semmens
4 Fern Mrs Macaulay
5 Indigo Mrs Cucharo
5 Sapphire Mr Phillpot
6 Amethyst Mrs Wyman
6 Lavender Mrs Glover/Mrs Harman
6 Purple Mr Rayner
The children will be told who their new teacher is on Tuesday, and will spend the morning in their new class on Wednesday.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Fair tomorrow. The weather looks cooler, and there will be plenty of drinks and Ice Lollies for sale. See details from FODS below.
Enjoy the weekend.
Cathy Bell
Headteacher
