Head's Welcome
Dear Families and Friends, It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of the penultimate week of the Autumn term. As is often the way in December, it has been an incredibly busy week here at Canbury. It has been wonderful to see our students engaging with the wider community this week. Key Stage 3 had the pleasure of attending the winter show at the Rose Theatre. The feedback from the students upon their return was fantastic and it was lovely to listen to their feedback on this trip and see them so inspired by the arts. Closer to home, the festive buzz is definitely building. One of the greatest privileges of having my office located directly off the main hall is that I get a "sneak peek" (or rather, a sneak listen!) of the daily activities. Throughout the week, I have been hearing snippets of the Drama and Music rehearsals, and based on what is drifting through my door, I know we are all in for a genuine treat next Wednesday. The students have been working incredibly hard, and I cannot wait for you to see the results of their efforts. A quick reminder that parking is limited so please try to lift share or use public transport if you can. As we head into the final week of term, please do check below for arrangements of our various festive activities and take a little time to discuss these with your child at home. I hope you all have a restful and restorative weekend. Mrs Rich Head
In this week's newsletter
Head's Welcome Christmas Show Costumes Students of the Week Dates for the Diary including Christmas at Canbury What we've been up to Other news and updates, including lost property
Urgent Christmas Show Costumes Needed!
Lots of Costumes have come in this week so A MASSIVE THANKYOU! We are always looking so keep them coming in! Please take a look at your child's Google Classroom for items that are needed, and bring in anything they might have ASAP! We are asking everyone to lend anything they can, even if it is for another child to wear. Hats, Overcoats and Neckerchief/Scarves are the priority at the moment. Thank you!
Students of the Week
Dates for the Diary
- December: Christmas activities calendar below
- December: Information on each activity next week is below - pelase read!
- Tuesday 13th January - 5-7pm: Year 10 Progress Check Evening - Online
What we've been up to
Kicking Off Christmas
After the arrival of the Christmas tree last week, we kicked off the week and December doing Christmas crafts and listening to Christmas songs. It was such fun to see everyone singing and having fun - we can't wait for more to come!
Rose Theatre Trip
Years 7, 8 and 9 attending a showing of Cinderella at the Rose Theatre in Kingston this week, and a great time was had by all! Well done to all of the students for representing Canbury so well and the show runs until 4th January 2026 if you would like to go along.
Christmas Assembly
We were delighted to welcome Julie Bishop to our assembly today, where she spoke to us about presents and retold the Story of Christmas. Julie is a Lay Pastoral Minister at St John's Church in Kingston, as well as a street and prison pastor and so a huge thank you to her for coming to see us. We hope you will come again! "As we head into the holidays, remember the key lesson of the Christmas story: that the greatest gifts are those we give through our actions - kindness, hope, and peace." A huge well done to Nina Yr8 as well, as she played Silent Night on the piano for us all to sing along too - it was such a wonderful experience as we all held (battery operated!) tealights to create a beautiful atmosphere.
Year 10 explore cellular structures through Monoprinting
This week Year 10 Art students completed a successful project focused on interpreting microscopic imagery and cellular structures using the printmaking technique of monoprinting. Bridging Science and Art The project challenged students to translate complex biological forms—including plant cells, animal cells, and microscopic organisms—into abstract and semi-abstract artworks. This process required students to closely observe the textures, lines, and patterns inherent in cellular diagrams and photography. Monoprinting Technique: Monoprinting is a fantastic process because every finished piece is unique! Creating the Prints: Students applied ink to a smooth plate and then worked like scientists and artists combined, using tools to add, subtract, and scratch away the ink to create detailed textures that look like internal cell structures and membranes. Focus on Process: The core objective was for students to develop their understanding of mark-making and abstraction while responding to an external visual stimulus. The resulting body of work demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with both scientific subject matter and artistic execution. We commend the Year 10 students for their focused work, impressive and unique monoprints!
Year 9: Surreal Portraits and Experimental Photography
Our Year 9 students recently completed a fascinating project exploring Surrealist Self-Portraits. Inspired by artists like Salvador Dalí, the students challenged the boundaries of reality by using themselves as the subject for abstract, dream-like images. The project incorporated a unique experimental technique: capturing self-portraits through a surface disturbed by oil, water, and ink. This allowed the students to introduce elements of chance and unpredictability, distorting their features with organic lines, fluid textures, and swirling patterns. This successful cross-media exercise encouraged students to move beyond traditional photography, embrace the concept of abstraction, and translate the unsettling, internal world of Surrealism into truly original and striking photographic outcomes.
Other News & Updates
Mental Health & Wellbeing Activity
Please see below a fantasitc activity to do over the holidays. If you would like this printed or sent via email, please ask Mrs Milestone.
Winter Hints & Tips from our Head Students, House Captains and House Vice Captains
School Photos
Your child should have come home with details on how to order their school photo - please check their bags for the information cards. *Christmas Deadlines 2025* Framed Prints, Canvases & Acrylics – last order Saturday 6th December Christmas Pack – last order Tuesday 16th December Unframed Prints – last order Tuesday 16th December Digital Downloads – custom retouch – Friday 19th December (available by 24th December) Fast Track Digital Download – Anytime (available within the hour)
Christmas Trees
We’re excited to share that we have kindly been donated a beautiful Christmas tree by Pines and Needles. Watch for photos next week! As part of their gift, they are also offering parents 10% off Christmas trees from their London pop-up stores and online shop. 🎄 Discount Code: SCHOOL10 Follow @pinesandneedles for festive activities at local stores, and visit www.pinesandneedles.com for full details and all store locations across London.
Christmas Gift Offer for Canbury School Parents
Give health & peak performance this Christmas - or treat yourself. Discovery Month at The FIT Partnership An extra 1/3 off for Canbury School families: £300 Value of £940 Use code: CANBURYTHIRD The perfect gift for partners, parents, friends - or yourself to start now or in the New Year. Limited to 12 per week. Offer ends 25th December 2025.
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.
Credits:
Created with an image by lucid_dream - "Charity Money Jar"