Dear Parents,
A Note from Our Head
This week, I listened with interest to Sir Gareth Southgate’s Richard Dimbleby Lecture as he shared invaluable insights on leadership, learning from mistakes and the power of character. I found myself deeply inspired by his message about the importance of belief and resilience, and how these are built through identity, connection and culture. And just as Sir Gareth believes that football is more than just a game, I believe that education is so much more than what happens in the classroom.
In his speech, Southgate emphasised that the true test of a leader is not how they behave when everything is going well, but how they rise after setbacks, show integrity in difficult moments, and inspire and empower others. He went on to highlight that these qualities are not innate, but are cultivated through continuous effort, reflection, and support from those around us.
At Castle Court, we are committed to nurturing not just academic excellence, but also the character and skills that will equip our pupils for long-term success. We want our pupils to understand that values and character matter, having integrity and humility matters, and to approach every challenge - whether in the classroom, on the sports field or in the creative or performing arts – as an opportunity to learn and grow. That is why we constantly remind our pupils that true success lies in the person you are – your character, integrity and the way you treat others. As Southgate said: "Not everyone will win trophies, not everyone will be at the top of their field. But everyone can live a life where they can constantly strive to improve."
On Monday, it was lovely to see so many of you at the Spring Concert. It was a fantastic event which saw all our Year 5 pupils performing a song from Matilda, and a range of solo and ensemble pieces ranging from Classical favourites to West End hits. Whilst I was so impressed with the talent on show, what made me most proud was seeing the children’s enthusiasm and confidence. Having happy children who have the confidence to embrace all the opportunities on offer is what lies at the heart of this school.
It has been busy week for Year 2 this week with a number of trips and parent events. I had the pleasure of speaking with them after their trip to Marwell Zoo and their sheer excitement at seeing all the different animals was a joy to see. There is no better remedy to a difficult day than spending time with our Pre-Prep children.
I hope that I will see many of you at our Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday, our Year 4 Performance (also on Wednesday!), and our Easter Service on Friday afternoon, and look forward to enjoying a crepe and coffee beforehand.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Mrs Katie Johnson Head
Head’s Awards
Head’s Awards are given out every Friday morning in assembly to children nominated by their class teacher or form tutor; the reasons for these are many and varied, including outstanding effort, overcoming difficulty, or helping a friend in need.
A huge congratulations for their efforts goes to…
Tuesday 25 Mar
Wednesday 26 Mar
School Diary
The school diary for the final week of term is as follows:
08:35 CCS Community Choir, Family Lounge
11:00 Year 4 performance of 'Wind in the Willows' to Year 3 and below
14:00 Mixed Hockey / Netball vs FSM - Years 3&4
14:15 Year 1 Easter Arts and Crafts (with parents)
14:30 Sugar Craft Workshop for Parents with Mrs Glenn (please book)
09:00 EYFS Easter Egg Hunt - please refer to emails from class teachers for more information
14:30 Year 4 performance of 'Wind in the Willows' to Parents
11:00 Final Assembly and Prizegiving (Hall)
Friday 28 Mar
14:30
Easter Service: parents are warmly invited to attend Refreshments will be on the patio from 13:30 Please see the next page for more information
16:15 End of Term: no TEA, ACTIVITIES or LATE BUSES
Sports Update: Weds 26 March
Unfortunately, FSM have cancelled our block fixture for Wednesday due to a whole school event. We will therefore, use the afternoon to prepare our pupils for next terms cross country event and also include some cricket activities in preparation for the summer term. If pupils do have their own cricket kit (Bats, pads, gloves etc.), then please do feel free to bring it in to school on Wednesday. We do not expect parents to attend the activities on Wednesday 26th March.
Buses on Friday 28 March
Please note that while we are not able to run the late bus service on this day, we will run the 4:15pm services as normal. If you are unable to attend the Easter Service and would like your child to have a place on one of these services, please complete the form HERE.
We wish all our parents, colleagues and children a very Happy Easter.
Parent Information
Please note that due to strict Safeguarding regulations in this area of the school, we politely ask all parents not to use mobile phones in the Nursery or PrePrep areas. This applies to classroom and play areas.
Wimborne Wayfarers are looking for players in the Under 10 and Under 12 categories. Training is on Tuesdays from 6-7pm (U10s) and from 7-8pm (U12s) at QE School. Please have a look at their website.
We kindly request your support in donating any used GU pots, glass ramekins, or similar small glass containers, as well as old beads or buttons, to Mrs. Rules' Craft Club. These items will be used by the children to create their own decorative pieces and craft projects. If you have any of these items at home that you no longer need, we would be very grateful if you could bring them to the school office. Your contributions will help inspire creativity and allow the children to explore their artistic talents. Thank you for your generosity.
Activities Week runs from 12-16 May for all children in Years 3-8. If you have not yet indicated if your child would like to join their year group during this week, please can we ask you to endeavour to do so by Monday, so that we can begin finalising arrangements. Thank you for your support with this.
Love Productions are looking for contestants for the next series of the Junior Bake Off. This is open to all children aged 9-15 years, with filming taking place in July. Please note that applications should be in by Sunday 23 March. Call Hannah on 02070674833 with any questions!
Wimborne Rugby Club still has a few places in some of their youth training sessions.If your children have been inspired by the Six Nations, they might like to join the club for a few end of season training sessions. The club has sessions for children from U6 to U12 and is offering reduced training fees to join for the rest of the season. If you would like to know more, please click HERE.
We have updated our Parent Privacy Notice. Please click HERE to view it. It is also on the policy page of the school website.
The next Canford School Open Morning is Saturday 26 April - please do book a place if you are interested.
Wimborne Cricket Club have organised two taster sessions for girls, on 20 March and 3 April, 6-7pm, in our Sports Hall. Please email Michelle on michellehwimbornecc@ outlook.com for more information.
Contact Us
Class Teachers / Form Tutors
Reception Mrs Brewer | Mrs Speer
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Mrs Dobson | Mrs Zachariades
Mr Antell | Mrs Glenn
Mrs Baugniet | Mr Bambrey
Dr Lippiatt/Mrs Deards | Mr Laidler
Mr Mills/Mrs Vivian | Mrs Miller/Miss Sinclair-Smith
Mrs Rule/Mrs Major | Mr Fermor-Dunman/Mrs Hoey
Mr Jordan/Mrs Harmer | Mrs Lea/Mr Cheadle
Mr Phillips/Ms Thompson | Mrs Gallop/Mr Smith
Section Leaders:
Pre-Prep Mr Antell
Years 3&4 Mr Laidler
Years 5&6 Mrs Munns
Years 7&8 Ms Thompson
Heads of Department:
English Ms Thompson
Maths Mrs Miller
Science Mrs Gallop
History Mrs Rule
CAVE Mrs Hoey
Music Mr Smith
Geography Mrs Hoey
Sport Mr Fermor-Dunman
French Mr Mills
DT Mr Phillips
Art Miss Sinclair-Smith
SENDCo Mrs Harmer
To report an absence, please call the Office on 01202 694438, or send us an email.
Badger Cubs
Nursery:
Mrs Genge | Mrs Tomblin
Badgers Mrs Bartlett | Mrs Wilson
The Nursery Manager is Miss Hixson
Leadership Team:
Mr Dunsford Assistant Head (Pastoral)
Mr Edmond Assistant Head (Operations)
Mrs Hoey Head of CAVE
Mrs Munns Director of Teaching & Learning
Mr Norris Bursar
Mrs Robson Admissions and Marketing
Your first point of contact for day to day questions and enquiries related to your child(ren) is their tutor or class teacher.
If you wish to make an appointment to see Mrs Johnson, please email hmsec@castlecourt.com
