Head's Welcome
Dear Families, Welcome to this week’s newsletter! I can’t quite believe we have already reached the final week of this half term, time really does fly. Our Year 11 students have now officially begun their study leave as the public exam season gets into full swing. In fact, as I sit writing this, we have three exams taking place today alone! This week, our staff undertook an invaluable training session with Smoothwall, our digital monitoring service. The session focused on a vital topic: Protecting and Empowering the Use of Digital Technologies. We looked into the rapid rise of AI and discussed how we can best support, guide, and protect our students in this fast-evolving digital age. It was incredibly insightful, and we look forward to sharing some of the key takeaways and practical tips with you at home very soon. By the time this newsletter reaches your inbox, we will have completed our annual school Sponsored Walk. This year’s walk was deeply meaningful, held in loving memory of our wonderful colleague and friend, Mrs Bate. The sun was shining down on us as the whole school came together. Mrs Bate’s family selected two fantastic charities for us to support this year. If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, there is still time to contribute to these fantastic causes. You can find our donation page and read more below. I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing half-term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the final stretch of the school year. Mrs Rich Head
In this week's newsletter
Head's Welcome Students of the Week Homework Survey Dates for the Diary What we've been up to SEND in the news Other news and updates, including lost property
Students of the Week
Homework Survey
We are asking all families to complete a quick homework survey (link below) as we review our policies and ensure that we are always doing what is best for our students and families. Please let Ms Buchanan know if you have any questions.
Dates for the Diary
- W/C 25th May: Half Term
- Monday 1st June: School restarts at 8:10am
- Tuesday 2nd June: Year 10 science trip to Hogsmill Nature Reserve, Kingston
- Friday 5th June: Year 9 trip to Houses of Parliament
- Wednesday 10th June - 5-6pm: Post 16 information evening (online)
- Thursday 25th June - 5-7pm: Summer Garden Party
What we've been up to
Canbury Sponsored Walk 2026
What a day we have had! In the glorious sunshine, we today walked 10miles around Richmond Park to raise money for both Princess Alice Hospice and Maggie's, in memory of Mrs Bate. Sponsorship link above! Thank you to all of the students who showcased our Canbury values brilliantly, for the staff for supporting on the day and to everyone who has donated. We will now all have a well deserved rest over half term, ready for the final few weeks of the academic year!
Year 11 Leaver's Afternoon
We didn't put in our photos of the Year 11 Leaver's Afternoon party, so here they are! The students had a great time as they prepared for their exams to start, and we are extremely proud of how they are reacting to the ones exams that have taken place. Keep going, use your study leave wisely and good luck!
SEND in the News
Each week we will be shining a spotlight on a different area of SEND that has featured in the news. This week we are looking at: Mental Health Care for Children In a step forward during Mental Health Awareness Week, the government launched a major initiative with the aim to improve mental health care and support for children across England. The upcoming cross-government strategy aims to shift the focus toward early prevention, faster support, and helping young people stay happy and active in their schools and communities. A cross-government Autism Strategy is also being developed alongside this, with plans to expand support for ADHD. It is heartening to see children's mental health being treated with the high national priority it really deserves.
Other News & Updates
Teen Breathe Page - Shared by Sam
School Belonging Survey
Thank you to all those parents and students who completed the School Belonging Survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and we are working toward actioning your suggestions in the next academic year. The survey is still open if you have not yet had time to complete it.
Kooth: Exam stress resources for young people
As exam season reaches its peak, we know many of your students are feeling the pressure. To help you support them during study leave, there are lots of helpful resources in our 2026 Exam Stress Toolkit (link below) Quick Resources for Students & Families
- Exam Stress Calm Zone: Practical ways to manage acute worry and stress.
- 10 Things Exams Don't Measure: An article to help reframe academic pressure.
- Self-Care Bingo: A tangible tool to help pupils tackle overwhelm.
- Parental Guidance: Dedicated support for families navigating exam stress at home.
Take Action in Your Setting
- Book an Assembly: Find out about our safe, confidential digital support via your local Kooth Engagement Lead.
- Staff Training: Arrange a session for your team on integrating digital mental health support.
- Raise Awareness: Display our Exam Support Posters to signpost students to free Wellbeing help.
Please remind your students that Kooth is a BACP-accredited service with no waiting lists or referrals needed.
- Live Chat: 12pm–10pm weekdays | 6pm–10pm weekends.
- 24/7 Access: Peer forums, self-help articles, and journaling tools are available around the clock.
Wishing you and your students all the best, Good luck!
Half-Term Gardening Together at Chiswick House
Wednesday 27 May, 1.30 – 3.30pm Join us for our free volunteering session, Gardening Together, where the whole family can enjoy spending time in the sun caring for these beautiful green spaces, guided by our expert team. Open to all ages.
A summer fete for the whole family at Sandown Park Racecourse
Come and join us at Sandown Park Racecourse on 14 June and bring your furry friend to enjoy the dog show, your friends and family to enjoy the food and stalls from local businesses, and your children to enjoy the fun activities and games and help fundraise for your local Hospice. If you’re a food vendor or stallholder and would be interested in having a space at the event, please contact events@pah.org.uk Location: Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher, KT10 9AJ Date: Sunday 14 June 2026 Time: 12:30pm – 4pm (Dog show – 2pm) Donate what you can on entry – suggested donation of £3 per person, under 5’s are FREE. Entry for the dog show is £7 on the day or £5 if booked in advance online. Please note: Entry in to the dog show does not include fete entry. Register for the Dog show using the following link
Classic & Supercar Charity Showcase (In Aid of Event)
Calling all petrol heads, motor enthusiasts, and admirers of beautiful cars! Join us for this year’s Supercar and Classic Charity Car Show, proudly supporting Princess Alice Hospice. Come along to ACS International School Cobham and enjoy an incredible display of luxury supercars and much‑loved classic cars. Whether you’re stopping by to admire the vehicles or showcasing your own pride and joy, this is an event not to be missed! Location: ACS International School Cobham Heywood, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1BL Date: Saturday 28th June Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm Tickets:
- £12.50 per car (includes parking)
- £4 per person (no car parking required)
- £10 to present your own vehicle
Come and enjoy a fantastic morning celebrating cars, community, and a wonderful cause. We look forward to seeing you there!
Credits:
Created with an image by lucid_dream - "Charity Money Jar"