Head of Junior School’s statement

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Head of Junior School’s Statement

What a year it has been! It was a pleasure to return to relative normality in school for the majority of the academic year.

To be able to come together once again for whole Junior School assemblies, performances, recreational time and Forder, to name but a few of the crossyear group activities that have taken place this year, it has been a welcome reminder of how strong our community has been to weather the storm of the last two years. We were certainly ready to hit the ground running in September. I am aware that it felt a little like a move from 0 to 100 in true St Dunstan’s style so I would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and words of positivity when I know that some weeks have felt extraordinarily busy. That said, the sense of purpose, activity and enthusiasm in school was what we all needed, and we have kept that momentum going throughout. It also means there are many celebrations and memorable moments to highlight to you in this year’s Chronicle as we reflect on the success of the academic year 2021/2022. With our move to three forms of entry in upper Key Stage 2 and us noting a record number of new additions to our Junior School family, I must share how smoothly all pupils settled into school routines, but particular praise goes to our new Nursery and Reception pupils. It is not just our new children who have been benefiting from the excellence of St Dunstan’s teaching and learning though, they have been joined by newts, a fox and an over-confident pigeon determined to join in with the children in our everevolving Woodland Classroom. The reintroduction of school residentials and larger-scale events for our older children has also been particularly wonderful to see, not least to bring our community together once again. Seeing our pupils challenged in a different way and taking educational risks in their learning once again has been delightful to watch and we look forward to another exciting year ahead.

Miss L Whitwood

Head of Junior School