Principal’s message to families – 13 November 2026

We are delighted to launch our whole-school Story Competition and have already seen a fantastic response, with one very enthusiastic KS4 student submitting their entry even before the official launch and many others already hard at work on their novels!

Students will use Tutor Time and Reading for Pleasure sessions throughout November to write their stories, before spending time in December editing their work and adding illustrations, blurbs and other creative features. Entries can be completed independently, in pairs or as a tutor group, and should be between 500 and 5,000 words. All entries must be submitted by 4th December 2026, with achievements celebrated during our assembly on 7th January 2027. Students can also choose to have their work displayed in the Library and on the English Department board. Every participant will receive a prize, with special medals awarded to our outstanding winners.

We look forward to reading the amazing stories our students create!

In Forest School with Mrs Seagrave this week, Lower School classes made yummy hot chocolate on the campfire.  We then enriched our learning about 17th Century Britain and saw how easily the Great Fire of London spread due to the houses being made of wood and being so close together.  The students were fascinated watching how quickly the fire spread and how devastating it must have been.  The children were also reminded not to try this at home!

For our House events this week students explored Black History Month through a variety of different learning experiences and activities.  Pupil were respectful, engaged and curious throughout the morning

We have recently purchased 2 well looked after Mini buses, for use at Dawn House School. Our last minibus was over 16 years old and was looking rather scruffy!

The student committee decided on the design of the signage and I must say it has been a very popular choice, with several students commenting such as ‘It looks really cool’ and ‘I love the colours on it’.

These minibuses have 17 and 12 seats respectively, enabling our students to access more off site trips throughout the school year. They will now be travelling to and from them in style!

Several years of fundraising has enabled these essential purchases, with special thanks to the Friends of Dawn House, and all of our partners and parents support at various fund raising activities.

We are looking forward to welcoming parents and carers to our Parent Consultation Day and Winter Fayre on Saturday 28 November 2026, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Families will have the opportunity to meet with their child’s Form Tutor to discuss progress across the curriculum, as well as access additional appointments from Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists.

There will be drop-in sessions available on the day to meet with the Well-Being team and see their new well-being area (no booking required), plus a chance to meet with some of the options subject staff.

Our Winter Fayre will run throughout the day, with festive stalls and refreshments available.

Further information, including details of how to book appointments, has been emailed separately.

A reminder the booking system will close on 16th November 2026 at 10am.

We look forward to welcoming you to school for a productive and festive day.

Next Parent/carer workshop

Wednesday 9th December 10am to 11am.

We will be sharing more information about the focus next week.

·         Saturday 28 November – Parents’ Day and Christmas Fair

·         Monday 30 November – School closed for pupils

·         Wednesday 9 December – Parent/Carer workshop

·         Tuesday 15 December – Christmas Performance (two shows)

·         Thursday 17 December – School closes for the Christmas Holiday at 1.00pm for all pupils

If your child leaves home in the morning a little unsettled and you want to quickly tell us, so we know to expect a tricky start to the day, a quick email (that we can follow up later) to the tutor and/or core team with ‘Handle with Care’ in the email title will ensure that we are aware.