Head's Welcome
Dear Families, It has been wonderful to welcome all of our students back to Canbury after the half-term break. This week has been all about hitting the ground running, and a massive thank you to everyone who joined us for the Meet the Staff event on Tuesday night. It was genuinely lovely to see so many of our new parents and carers. Getting a small school running smoothly relies on great communication, and those early connections are invaluable. We truly look forward to working in partnership with you as your children settle into the rhythm of Canbury. On the note of new things, our LAMDA club kicked off this week and has been an absolute smash hit. The enthusiasm from the group was infectious, and while we've only just started, I'm already anticipating some excellent performances down the line. It's a fantastic way for our pupils to build confidence! A Gentle Reminder: Please remember that with the darker starts and ends to the day, it is important to ensure all necessary medication and contact details are fully up to date with the school reception. Have a fantastic and relaxing weekend. Kind regards Mrs Rich Head
In this week's newsletter
Head's Welcome Students of the Week Dates for the Diary House Event - Pumpkin Carving Updated Club Timetable What we've been up to We're Walking to Rome Other news and updates, including lost property
Students of the Week
Dates for the Diary
- November - Poppy Appeal - Poppies available at Reception
- Wednesday 12th November - School photos
- Thursday 13th November - 17:00 – 19:00: Year 11 and 6F Progress check evening (online)
- Wednesday 26th November - 16:45 – 19:05: Year 9 Options presentation and progress check evening (in person)
House Event
Well done to everyone who submitted entries to Mrs Rich's pumpkin carving competition. Whilst Mrs Rich (Harry Potter) and Mrs Milestone (two faces) did very well, the winner was Oliver in year 9 with second place to Ben in year 7. Both of you have received house points and raffle tickets and we also loved Oliver's turnip, which he carved after learning that early observations of Halloween saw turnips used instead of pumpkins.
Updated Club Timetable
What we've been up to
Meet the Teachers Night
We had a fantastic evening on Tuesday when our Year 7 and new families came to meet our teachers and staff. The feedback from parents on the night was that they overwhelming enjoyed the evening - saying it had a lovely atmosphere, and they really appreciated the opportunity to meet with staff and other parents.
Dodgeball Tournament
On Thursday of this week, the KS3 dodgeball team went to the Guildford Spectrum to contest the annual SSSSA dodgeball tournament. This is always one of the most fun events for students on the sporting calendar, and this was no different. Although drawn against stiff opposition the Canbury Dodgers gave it their all and won their final play off game to finish a respectable 9th. Many thanks to Mr McGregor and Miss Kissane-Wood for taking the team, with the former having to step in at the last moment to ensure the trip could happen.
Year 8 Art: Mastering the Texture of Fur
Our Year 8 Art students have successfully completed a challenging unit focused on painting realistic fur and texture. This project required moving beyond flat colour to explore techniques that bring animal portraits to life: Directional Brushstrokes: Students learned to use fine, short strokes that follow the natural growth pattern of the fur, creating volume and movement. Layering and Blending: They built up depth by carefully layering and blending tones to show shadows and highlights. Realistic Detail: The final step involved adding tiny highlights to catch the light, making the fur look convincingly soft and three-dimensional. The dedication and patience shown by the students were exceptional, resulting in impressive studies!
Table Tennis
It has been a joy to see the table tennis tables back out and everyone enjoying them, both during games and at break or lunchtime.
We're walking to Rome
We are almost in Italy! We have a new school challenge to keep us moving as the nights draw in - we want to walk the equivalent of Canbury School to Rome by Christmas! Each week all staff, students and parents can submit their miles covered - walking miles only - and we will keep you updated via the Friday Newsletter. The link to submit is at the top of the newsletter and below. To the left shows our route and progress so far - we can't wait to get out and walk this together!
Other News & Updates
Christmas Show
Please can parents/guardians (and teachers!) have a look for any Oliver Twist themed clothing they might have and are comfortable loaning to the school. We need Top hats, old trousers, staffs, old blazers. Think chimney sweeps and cockneys! Please get in touch with Mr Fayers if you have any questions.
Please hand in by 25/11/2025
Homework Support notice
From next week, we will run our homework support clinic that will take place in the geography room on Monday and Thursday lunchtimes (from 1-1.30). These sessions are there to support students who have not been able to complete their homework set by teachers by the deadline set. All students will be given the chance to bring this homework in by the next lesson for that subject but if they are still unable to do this then they will be asked to go to the closest homework support clinic (either Monday or Thursday) so that they can be helped to finish this. Homework support will always have at least one teacher in there monitoring and helping students and students only need to stay for as long as it takes to get the work finished. Students can also choose to go to support their own organisation if they think this will help them manage deadlines. Should you have any questions about this please do contact either Mrs Eynon (KS3) or Mr McGregor (KS4).
Remembrance Day - In Flanders Fields, By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Easyfundraising
Big thank you to the families that have already registered. We’re are registered with easyfundraising, which means you can help us for FREE. Over 8,000 retailers will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! All you need to do is sign up and remember to use easyfundraising whenever you shop online. It’s easy and completely FREE! These donations really mount up, so please sign up to support us. Please add us as a browser extension. That way your phone or computer will remind you if there is a donation available.
Free Kooth Webinar
We strongly encourage you to attend a free, essential webinar hosted by our partners at Kooth, focusing on key challenges young people face in the digital world: Smartphone Safety and Cyberbullying. In today's environment, children and teenagers are spending more time than ever engaging with technology. While smartphones offer incredible opportunities, they also expose young people to significant risks, including online harassment, privacy breaches, and exposure to inappropriate content. This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to navigate this complex landscape.
Credits:
Created with images by Archivist - "Oliver Asks for More. Date: 1836-37" • fuzzbones - "Homework text on green board" • lucid_dream - "Charity Money Jar"