Y7 - 11 Weekly Newsletter | Summer Term, Week 12 | Date: 14 July 2023
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REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCE
We have an online absence reporting form for all absences (whole day or part of the day). If you are unable to use the form you will need to email absence@hgs.herts.sch.uk with the student's name and tutor group, reason for absence and expected return date (if known).
[Every Day - Pasta / Jacket Potatoes & Toppings, Panini of the Day]
** MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE **
** GLUTEN-FREE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST **
(V) = Vegetarian (GF) = Gluten Free
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
Welcome to the penultimate newsletter of the year.
I have to start by sharing some sad news with you all. Margaret Beddard, a former Deputy Headteacher of the school and much-loved colleague, passed away yesterday following a period of illness. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
We have had a full week here with Reward Trips, a trip to Computacentre, the Year 10 Berlin trip leaving early this morning, Transition Day and Evening, a trip for the winners of the Science Fair to Snowzone, a trip to Waterstones for the Library Goblins, and a new staff induction day too.
It was an absolute delight to welcome our new Year 7 cohort into school on Transition Day yesterday. Hearing our new Head Girl, Amy, speak to them all about the rich experiences she has had at HGS really brought home how quickly the time in school passes, and how important it is to make the most of the opportunities that come your way. So, if your child has not signed up for a club this year, or tried a new sport or activity, then encourage them to do so next year. Ask them to choose something to work at - a goal to define what the next year of school will be about.
Personally, it has been a week of some golden moments that have shown the best of HGS life. I had a 'birthday bash' with a group of Year 7s who spoke with pride about their time at HGS so far and how happy they are at school. Mr Beardmore-Crowther gave me some lettuce and potatoes from Eco Club's first batch of produce (cheese and lettuce sandwiches for lunch today); and I awarded two Headteacher's Awards, to Bethany in Y9 and to Carrie in Y8 for her phenomenal efforts in making crochet animals for her form's Enterprise stall. Carrie is currently working her way through a backlog of orders, such was the demand - yet she still found time to present me with a crocheted duck and I am extremely grateful for it - thank you Carrie.
Next week is the last week of the school year and there is much to look forward to: we have the Summer Concert on Tuesday; Y12 artists are visiting the National Gallery; there is the joy of Form Running on Thursday; and we will be closing the week with celebration assemblies.
Have a lovely weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Safeguarding message for parents and students
Unfortunately there has been an increase in school staff contacting the Police to report incidents experienced by students while travelling to or from school. For example feeling unsafe as a member of the public appeared to be following them, or singling them out when getting on/off public transport.
Hertfordshire Police request that if an incident like this occurs at any time in the community, students are to call 101 or 999 on the spot for support. This will enable local officers to act swiftly in identifying the location and persons concerned.
If this happens on the way to school, students are encouraged to speak to staff to confirm what has happened, so we can then liaise with parents and the Police. If this happens on the way home from school, students are encouraged to speak to parents/carers as quickly as possible, so they can call the Police directly on 101.
Many thanks for your continued support in helping staff keep students safe.
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Athletics finals!
Under 16 County Plate Final
Congratulations to our U16 team who on 3 July attended the County Plate Athletics Final and beat seven other schools to claim victory! The girls showed fantastic camaraderie and support for one another. Winning the plate was a testament to all their hard work this season!
Well done to: Emily R, Jess F, Lily-Rose C, Fran H, Juliet A, Bethany D-G, Evie H, Lily B, Tilly M-S, Holly D
Under 14 County Cup Final
Then on 4 July our U14 team attended the County Cup Athletics Final, competing against the best seven schools in the County. Faced with extremely tough competition, the girls showed amazing determination to finish in an incredible 2nd place!
Well done to: Edythe O, Sadie R-H, Faith C, Florence F, Hannah C, Sarena S, Tess S, Indiya Q, Nia K, India H-M, Eve H
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YouthCOP '23
On Thursday 6 July, six Year 10 Geography students made the lengthy trip to… North Hertfordshire College, Hitchin campus! This was to attend Sustainable Hertfordshire Youth COP23, oragnised by the County Council.
Here the students took part in climate-modelling simulations and workshops on some of the issues facing our local environment, with the event culminating in the drawing up of an action plan for our school.
The day started with the students participating in the En-Roads Simulation. They were allocated a stakeholder group - this was anything from ‘Climate Activists’ to ‘Conventional Energy Producers’. The various stakeholders all had to work together, whilst considering their own interests, to try to keep the average global temperature rise to less than 2C by 2100. They tried all sorts of strategies, with the biggest impact coming from improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing Methane emissions.
Following on from this, the students took part in workshops that focused on monitoring air quality, enhancing nature and becoming carbon-neutral. They then came together to incorporate their ideas into an action plan for the future!
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Year 10 Careers trip
A small group of Year 10 students visited the University of Hertfordshire and Computacentre this week. During their visit they found out about studying at university, and had a tour around the campus and the student accommodation. At Computacentre they were able to tour the warehouse and find out about the different roles on offer, student work experience and career pathways.
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Well done to Lucy - Race for Life
We're so proud of Lucy Sowden (Y9) who completed the Cancer Research 5km Race for Life in difficult conditions recently! She was inspired to take part after a very challenging time for her family and in celebration of survival. Please visit her fundraising page if you are able to make a donation.
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Finalists across the pond!
Many congratulations to Emi Williams (Y10), Hana Williams (Y12) and Harriet Utting (Y11), who took part in a major international cheerleading competition in Orlando, Florida back in April. They worked very hard all year and their team made it to the finals, which was an unforgettable experience for them all!
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Gold and silver for Edythe
More congratulations to Edythe Oughton (Y8), for winning Gold on the vault and Silver on the beam, bars and vault at the regional finals in gymnastics.
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Summer Concert next week
Families of those performing in the event will have received a ticket booking link. We look forward to seeing you there!
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KS3 Photography Club
In our final instalment, here are some striking still life shots by our Years 7 - 9 photographers. They created tabletop 'mini studios', with art stools and white paper giving them a zone to photograph. They then used coloured lights to illuminate a range of interesting objects, considering effective composition and arrangements to get some great images. Well done all!
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Library news
As they do each year, our Reading Group had the enjoyable task of choosing new books to stock in the Library using left over annual budget money. They tried to pick not just titles they've been wanting to read themselves, but also ones that they thought other students across the school would like to see on the Library shelves. They rounded off this very fruitful trip to Waterstones with a stop at Fabio's on the way back!
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NOTICEBOARD - EDUCATION / CAREERS
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NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING / SEND / SUPPORT
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The GRIT summer workshops are taking place for a week each during July and August. Young people can attend as many sessions as they wish to. Each session covers a different principle of the GRIT Four Corners Method, to help build confidence and resilience.
Young people in Years 9, 10 and 11 who attend the morning session are invited to join us for the afternoon session to support delivering to the younger group. These hours can be used for your DofE volunteering hours.
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Herts Haven Cafe
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3.30pm - 8pm
Bowes Lyon Young People's Centre, St George's Way, Stevenage SG1 1XY
Herts Haven Cafés are a free, welcoming and safe drop-in space for children and young people across Hertfordshire to access support for their emotional wellbeing.
If you are a young person seeking support, we’re here to help!
Our main goal is to create a non-judgemental environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We believe it’s important for individuals to have a space where they can freely express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. Our compassionate team are here to listen and support.
Our team of trained workers can provide practical help and emotional support to anyone who visits, with no referral required.
Practical help may include guidance on coping strategies, stress management techniques and problem-solving skills. Our workers have the knowledge and resources to provide relevant information and tools to help young people navigate their mental health challenges. The cafés will also provide a safe space to access digital support including The Sandbox and Lumi Nova, as well as talk through alternative services.
Our team are trained to provide empathy, acknowledgement, and a safe space for young people to express their emotions. Through open and caring conversations, we aim to create a sense of belonging and connection.
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Mental health support for
Hertfordshire's young people
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