Head's Welcome
Dear Families, Where does the time go? It feels like we were only just welcoming everyone back for the New Year, and yet, here we are with only one week to go until the February half-term! It has been an incredibly busy week at school, filled with visitors and special events that have kept our school buzzing with energy. This week has been particularly poignant for me as I have spent time meeting with our new families for the 2026 intake. Listening to the unique journeys these families have been on is always a humbling experience. It serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do here: ensuring every child has a safe, supportive space to truly flourish. In line with those conversations, I’ve been listening to an excellent BBC podcast this week called 'SEND in the Spotlight' (link below). It is a fantastic resource that explores the realities of navigating the SEND world. I would highly recommend it to all our parents and carers; I hope it helps open up further conversations about the daily triumphs and challenges of supporting our children. As we head into our final week before the break, please keep an eye on our "Dates for the Diary" section below. We have more activities planned for next week and beyond. Kind regards Mrs Rich
In this week's newsletter
Head's Welcome Students of the Week Dates for the Diary What we've been up to Student Corner Other news and updates, including lost property
Students of the Week
Dates for the Diary
- Thursday 12th February - 6pm: Bushcraft Trip Video Talk for Years 7 and 8 (please confirm attendance with Mrs Milestone)
- Friday 13th February: Own clothes day for Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - come as yourself and be comfortable! No donation
- Friday 13th February - 8.15-9.15am: PSHE/RSE coffee morning
- 16th – 20th February 2026: Half Term
- W/C 23rd February: Mock Exam week for Y11 and Y12
- Thursday 25th February - 5-7pm: Year 8 Progress Check evening (online)
- Thursday 6th March: World Book Day
What we've been up to
Canbury Belonging
Reenie held our next Canbury Belonging Session this week - thank you to Ella, Brooke, Daisy N, Issy, Benjamin R-R, Lee, Lucas, Ethan, Nina M, Miss Kay, Mrs Rich, Mrs Stawbridge, Miss McDonell, Mr Stables , Mr McGregor and Miss Natalia for taking part. Below is our word cloud on what arts, crafts, baking and cooking means to us.
Italian Lesson
Our students enjoyed their Italian lesson with Ms Porter this week, as they prepare for the ski trip. Make sure you are practising what you learnt!
Bake Sale Addition
Nina Y7 also took part in our bake off last week - thank you for taking part!
Chair Building
Reenie and Mr Fairbrass made the perfect team building chairs last week - Dream Team!
New Club Launch
Assembly: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week
Ms Chorazyczewska and Reenie presented assembly this week - focusing on Children's Mental Health Awareness Week (9th - 15th February). They talked to us about Belonging, our Canbury Belonging Project and then we played a fun and silly quiz based on staff answers! We are looking forward to activities next week as well as our own clothes day on Friday (13th February) in order to raise awareness.
Year 9 Dive into Monoprinting
This week Year 9 swapped their biology textbooks for ink rollers as they explored the "Cells" project through the lens of monoprinting. The studio was buzzing with creative energy (and a fair bit of ink!) as students translated the intricate, organic patterns of microscopic life onto paper.
Why Monoprinting?
For those unfamiliar with the process, here is why it was the perfect fit for this project: Organic Textures: The way ink spreads on a plate mimics the look of membranes and cytoplasm. Spontaneity: It encourages students to embrace "happy accidents," much like the mutations found in nature. Detail: Fine lines can be scratched into the ink to represent delicate organelles like mitochondria or nuclei. Unlike traditional printing methods that allow for multiple copies, monoprinting is a "one-shot" deal, resulting in a unique, unrepeatable piece of art. This unpredictability perfectly mirrored the fluid, shifting structures of living cells. By layering textures and experimenting with transparency, students successfully blurred the lines between science and fine art, proving that even the smallest biological building blocks can inspire some seriously big ideas. The final pieces are a stunning testament to their ability to find beauty in the microscopic.
Student Corner
Soren's Joke of the Fortnight - ski themed!
Things you shouldn't say whilst skiing: Is it supposed to make that screeching noise when I turn? I forgot my poles but I think I can just use my arms for balance.... Don't worry, I have really good insurance! How do you stop again?
Other News & Updates
Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics 2026 have started and it's safe to say that Mrs Milestone is VERY excited! Come and let her know what your favourite sports are and which country or countries you are supporting. To start off - Mrs Milestone is a huge fan of the speed skating, skeleton and bobsleigh!
World Book Day
World Book Day is approaching (Thursday 5th March) so get your thinking caps on for what you might like to represent and dress up as for the day.
Kooth Mental Wellbeing Webinars
Careers - Volunteers Needed
Thank you so much to those who have come forward already! We are looking for volunteers who might be willing to showcase their careers in the following ways:
- Short case study for the careers board and website
- Being present at our inaugural careers fayre on 20th April 2026
Please email Mrs Milestone if you would like to take part and she can discuss this in more detail with you.
Local activities and clubs for children and young people
Credits:
Created with an image by lucid_dream - "Charity Money Jar"