Head's Welcome
Hello everyone, and welcome to this week’s newsletter! This week, Ms Ridley and I took some time out of the school day to visit one of our local sixth-form colleges. As a Senior Leadership Team, we feel it is incredibly important to stay connected with our local post-16 settings. Our goal is to ensure that when the time comes for your child to move on to life beyond our doors, we can offer you the best possible support and guidance. By seeing these environments firsthand, we can better help match our students’ unique strengths and needs with the right next step for them. It was absolutely lovely to see everyone in their home clothes today! The school felt extra vibrant as we came together to mark Children’s Mental Health Week. We’ve spent time focusing on what makes us feel good and how we can support one another, a message that is at the heart of everything we do here. As we head into the half-term, I want to thank you for your ongoing support. Whether you’re heading out or staying cozy at home, I hope you and your families find plenty of time for some well-deserved downtime. We look forward to welcoming all our students back on Monday, 23rd February. Wishing you a restful and happy break! 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 Celebrations Student Corner Other news and updates, including lost property
Students of the Week
Dates for the Diary
- 16th – 20th February 2026: Half Term
- Monday 23rd February: Back to school
- W/C 23rd February: Mock Exam week for Y11 and Y12
- Thursday 25th February - 5-7pm: Year 8 Progress Check evening (online)
- W/C 2nd March: Ski Trip
- Thursday 6th March: World Book Day
- W/C 16th March: Year 10 Work Experience Week
- Thursday 19th March - 4.45-7.05pm: Exam parent presentation and Yr 11 Progress check evening (in person)
- Friday 20th March - midday: End of term
- Monday 13th April: Inset Day
- Tuesday 14th April: Term starts
Updated Club Timetable - Sewing Club (from 3rd March) and Pride Pals
What we've been up to
Canbury Belonging
Reenie held our next Canbury Belonging Session this week - thank you to Ella, Noah, Layla, Danai, Nico, Mason, Carl, Ethan and Judah for taking part. Below is our word cloud on what gaming and computing means to us.
Table Tennis House Event
We have had a fantastic Table Tennis House Competition this week, with a huge amount of students taking part. Into the finals on Friday were: KS3 - Soren, Alex and Ella KS4/5 - Reenie, Mason and Remi The overall winners were...... KS3 - Soren KS4/5 - Mason Champion of Champions - Mason Congratulations!!
Year 9 English
Here are some examples of some of the work written by Year 9 in English this week. These descriptions are in response to our work on 'Nothing's Changed' - a poem written after Apartheid had ended. The once culture powered small community came crumbling down building by building. Neighbourhood by neighbourhood. The once joyful community who united even though they may have not had money now lay in a mass of debris and crushed dreams. Olivia The staggering sunset shone on deserted hills and it emerged into the sky. Alex The air tasted sweet like candy. The aroma of candyfloss hits your nose. The buildings are as bright as the rainbow bon bons you'd see in a sweetshop. The smell of hot fresh carnival donuts find your mouth before your nose. You can almost taste the powdered sugar. The bright lights shine like shooting stars and blind you before you get a chance to look away. Hot heat overwhelms. The cars still stand peacefully and untouched. The road has no cracks or imperfection almost like no one's ever driven on it even though the sound of engines roar. Sofia B The grotesquely grey sky that encapsulated the depressing, dreary scene. The sky’s pitch clouds drifted across its face, like running on a treadmill. The metal beasts beckoned with loud crashes as the homes of many crumbled. Layla
Safer Internet Day 2026
We supported Safer Internet Day this year with the theme of safe and responsible use of AI. We have been learning, discussing and questioning AI together - a hugely important topic as AI becomes a more regular part of our daily lives. There is a full report that we would encourage everyone to read as part of this awareness day - link below.
Careers Board
Thank you to Reenie and Lexi who have updated the Careers Board this week to Sustainability and Renewal Energy sector.
My Place: The Joyland
We had a fantastic time creating The Joyland in Wellbeing this week, as part of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. On Thursday we also played songs that the students and staff had chosen, which certainly picked up our spirits during another rainy day. We hope you like Our Place!
Assembly - Superstitions
As it is Friday 13th, some of our LSAs gave an assembly around superstitions. A superstition is an irrational belief or practice that link unrelated actions or objects to luck, fate or supernatural outcomes. Common examples in the UK include avoiding black cats, the number 13, breaking mirrors, spilling salt or knocking on wood to ward off bad luck. Superstitions can be personal (such as wearing a “lucky” shirt) or they can be cultural (such as Friday the 13th). Even if people do not logically believe in them they may still follow them due to habit or from someone they know. Can you remember which of the below superstitions are true of false? Answers at the bottom of the newsletter!
Celebrations
Lexi - Jack Peachy Award
Congratulations to Lexi who has received a "Jack Peachy Outstanding Achievers" Award from her Sutton Guides Group. Lexi has been recognised for fully engaging in all of the activities, being polite and always being kind and helpful to the helpful with the young Guides. Well done Lexi!
Elizabeth does brilliantly during train disruption
Elizabeth was a real trooper about independent travel yesterday. Usual trains were cancelled out of Norbiton. She didn’t panic. She got herself a snack at Sainsbury’s while she waited 30 minutes for her train. That got rerouted and didn’t stop at her usual stop Clapham Junction. She called to tell home and was directed to get off at Vauxhall. Another mix up in Vauxhall and she didn’t get the train that stops at Wandsworth Town (home stop). She got off at Putney and waited another 30 minutes for a train (again lots of cancellations and delays). She was a bit annoyed, yes. But calm and making the best of the situation. Left school at 3:35pm but only getting home at 6pm. A long journey back!
Student Corner
Daisy
We loved Daisy's scarf this week (worn during break times only!)
Pavel
We are very impressed with Pavel's drawings, including from Dogman and we have enjoyed sharing a love of these books in Wellbeing - come and give them a read!
Other News & Updates
Healthwatch Kingston: Help Us Recruit Young People for the 15 Steps Challenge in the Wolverton
We’re looking for 20 young people aged 13 to 21 to take part in our 15 Steps Challenge - a “fresh eyes” walk through our clinic. By hearing directly from young people, we can improve our sexual health services. All participants will receive a £10 Amazon voucher. They will need to be able to stay with us for 2 hours.
Dates and times:
- February – during half term – Tuesday 17th 1pm to 3pm
- March – Wednesday 4th 5pm to 7 pm
Refreshments will be provided after the walk though. We welcome young people with a disability or impairment. There is a place on the form to describe any reasonable adjustments needed on the day. Please note that we may not be able to accept all participants if we get a very high level of interest. Thank you for your support! Information sheet and sign up links are below.
Imagine Festival at London Southbank: 11th - 21st February 2026
Festival of fun and creativity for every family returns in February, turning the Southbank Centre into one big playground - link below to find out more.
Clarendon Fine Art 7-9 Church Street KT1 1RW Research reveals that more than a third (37%) of parents actively avoid cultural venues because they feel they are “too adult-orientated”, while over a quarter (27%) fear their child “won’t be welcome”.
In addition, nearly one in five parents (18%) worry about disturbing other visitors, highlighting a growing anxiety around judgement in traditionally quiet cultural spaces. The research paints a picture of parents who care deeply about culture but feel constrained by unspoken rules. Over a quarter (27%) of parents say concerns about their children’s behaviour stop them from attending cultural venues, reinforcing the idea that galleries and museums are perceived as places requiring silence, restraint, and conformity. As part of this initiative, local families are encouraged to visit their nearest Clarendon Fine Art gallery this half term between 9th and 22nd February, where children can collect a complimentary competition pack designed to inspire creative expression around the theme of family. During their visit, children can also take part in an in-gallery art treasure hunt, encouraging close observation and imaginative engagement with artworks on display. Helen Swaby, CEO of Clarendon Fine Art, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to making art accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for families. Galleries should be places where children feel inspired, not intimidated, and where parents feel confident bringing them. By opening our doors and inviting families in, we’re showing that art can be a shared, joyful experience from a young age. “The competition forms part of Clarendon Fine Art’s wider mission to remove social barriers to cultural participation, nurture creativity early in life, and re-establish galleries as inclusive community spaces, where families don’t just feel permitted, but genuinely welcome.”
Winter Olympics
Thank you particular to Oliver Y10 and Soren for their discussions with Mrs Milestone around the Winter Olympics! Despite Team GB not gaining any medals at the time of going to press, it's been lots of fun discussing the events and discovering new ones. Plus it is wonderful to know what other countries everyone is interested in and supporting. Perhaps our ski trip will encourage some budding Olympians....
Harlequins are excited to announce that, due to increasing demand from local schools and families, we are launching a new Mixed Ability Rugby session. Mixed Ability Rugby is a fully inclusive format that allows young people aged 16–25 with physical or learning disabilities to experience rugby in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. It is open to anyone who wants to play regular full‑contact rugby, with no classification of disability, and a culture that values all players for what they can do. It provides a genuine team experience where players of all abilities contribute, grow in confidence, develop fitness, and build friendships. Please see below for details and to register your interest.
Tuesday Mixed Ability Session Details
- Location: Richmond upon Thames College, Langhorn Drive, Twickenham, TW2 7SJ
- Time: 5:00–6:30pm
- Ages: 16–25
- Suitable for: Young people with physical or learning disabilities
- Weekly session: Every Tuesday
Why we are introducing this session:
- Growing interest from SEND departments and school sports leads
- A recognised need for inclusive physical activity opportunities
- Strong evidence that Mixed Ability Rugby builds confidence, improves wellbeing, and creates belonging
- A pathway toward competitive mixed ability fixtures and league‑style opportunities later this year
How to get involved - link below
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
Assembly - Superstitions: True or False Answers
- Q1 - Spain: False
- Q3 - Italy: False
- Q4 - UK: True
- Q5 - Greece: True
- Q7 - India: True
- Q9 - Russia: False
- Q11 - Germany: False
- Q14 - Iceland: True
Credits:
Created with an image by lucid_dream - "Charity Money Jar"