HGS Weekly Newsletter | Summer Term, Week 11| Date: 5 July 2024
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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 **
Monday: PASTA CHEESE PARCELS (v), LEEK & MUSHROOM-FILLED YORKSHIRES (v), SPICY BEAN BURGERS TOPPED WITH SALSA & CHEESE (v), APPLE & BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE (free from milk, eggs)
Tuesday: SAVOURY MINCE & ONION PIE, PASTA BAKE (v), CHEESE & TOMATO WRAPS (v), LEMON SPONGE
Wednesday: BBQ SAUSAGE NOODLES, CAULIFLOWER CHEESE (V), CHEESE QUICHE, CHOCOLATE SCRUMMY
Thursday: CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA SERVED WITH NAAN BREAD, SPAGHETTI SAVOURY (v), CHEESE & ONION PASTIES (v), CARROT CAKE
Friday: PASTA BOLOGNAISE, POTATO & RED ONION BAKE (v), FISHCAKES, FLAPJACK (free from wheat, eggs, milk)
(V) = Vegetarian (GF) = Gluten Free
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
- on what is a historic day as we see a new Prime Minister and a new party leading the country. And along with the rest of the country, all our students had the opportunity to vote for who they wanted to see in government in our mock election yesterday. Thanks to the A Level Politics students, Mr Hanse and Ms Pottage for bringing the election to every classroom in the school.
Last week concluded with an incredible day: Founders’ Day, Sports Day and Enterprise activities all rolled up into one huge celebration of the very best of HGS. Every aspect of the day was a success, with an amazing Church service showcasing the talents of the musicians from both HGS and HBS; great sporting efforts from all involved in Sports Day and the events leading up to it during the week; and finally, fantastic displays of entrepreneurship by the students running their stalls. Thanks to all of the students and to the staff involved, particularly Ms Shaw, Ms Atkins, Mrs Grainger and Mrs Symeou. A massive thank you to the finance team who had to count up all of the money raised! A brilliant £2800!
This week more talent has been on show with the Art and D&T exhibition - each year I am staggered by the quality in eveidence; a quality that is matched by the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff who have supported the students.
Also this week, we have had our annual Gym and Dance Display, and to say it was an inspiring event would be an understatement. There were many great performances, and the highest pyramid I think the hall has ever witnessed, with teamwork, skill and enjoyment in abundance. I attended last night and the whole evening filled me with pride - another true celebration of the very best we have to offer and the values that we hold dear. Well done and thank you to all involved.
Today we have author Julian Sedgwick working with Year 8s, a group of students have headed to Wimbledon and the Classicists are at the the British Museum.
Next week brings the Year 11 Prom, the KS3 Music showcase, New intake Day and end of year trips, so there's still more to look forward to.
Have a good weekend,
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Reminder - no nuts on school trips please
We have the end-of-year trips coming up for most year groups next week and we would just like to remind you that no nuts or nut products may be included in packed lunches, as some participants have severe allergies. Thank you.
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Lost property
At the end of term unclaimed items will need to be disposed of, so please check the photos for anything you recognise!
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Enterprise Day 2024
Definitely quite a few potential entrepreneurs in our midst! With their fun products and services on offer, our Enterprise Day stalls raised a total of £2,800 last Friday. Half of this will go to local youth wellbeing charity Phase Hitchin and the other half will be put towards school projects.
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Gym & Dance Display
Another year, another triumph of a show from our gymnasts and dancers! Over two evenings this week, audiences were treated to a stunning series of routines covering different styles and showcasing the various clubs and groups from Year 7 to Senior level. All the practice and teamwork shone through in a truly awe-inspiring event. Huge congratulations to the 100+ students who took part and all the staff involved in the production.
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HGS goes to the polls!
Having watched party political broadcasts for all the main parties produced by A Level Politics students and learnt about the electoral process, the entire school cast their votes yesterday for who they wanted to be the next government. (Only if they brought their lanyard of course.)
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July Diversity Display
Another big thank you to Julia in Year 12 for helping to put this together! This month we will be marking UV Safety Awareness Month and Nelson Mandela Day in some upcoming assemblies. And Happy Disability Pride Month, Happy Islamic New Year and Happy Canada Day to those celebrating these important occasions! Wishing everyone a wonderful July - remember to stay safe and protect your skin from the sun!
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Year 10 Art V&A trip
Year 10 Art students visited the Victoria & Albert Museum last week with the intention of gaining inspiration for their practical projects based on the theme of 'Fragments'. The trip went well with many students finding something of interest among the myriad fantastic displays and exhibitions the museum had to offer, while gaining an appreciation of the benefits of seeing work first-hand and not just through their laptop screens. The students were encouraged to take photos and draw while exploring with the aim of then using them on their prep sheets when back at school.
During the day the students also took part in some museum-led workshops to get them thinking about how creativity can be used as a driver of change. In 'Design for Change' they explored how simple but impactful visuals can help raise awareness of issues and topics the students felt strongly about. In the 'Fashion Conscience' workshop, they discussed how fashion can be a radical statement against political and social norms, and designed their own small garment ideas out of reclaimed materials.
It was great to see the students fully engaged throughout the day and a good time was had by all!
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Rounders
Huge congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 Rounders teams who played brilliantly at their recent tournament. Year 7s came 3rd overall and the Year 8s are the new District Champions. Well done to everyone who took part.
Tennis
And in tennis, the Year 9 and Year 10 teams made it through to the Nicola Mabbit Finals where they represented North Herts. The teams played some amazing opposition, with Year 9s finishing in 5th place and Year 10s in 2nd! Well done!
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Thank you to all those who have kindly donated their unwanted uniform, it's very much appreciated! Please do keep it coming and we will be able to hold more sales, including a blazer sale, in the coming months. Thanks!
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NOTICEBOARD - HOLIDAY PROVISION
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HAPpy Camp holiday provision
Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related Free School Meals can attend HAPpy Camps for free. They offer physical activity, fun and a free hot meal all in safe surroundings, with SEND provision also available. They’re a great way to keep kids active and curious during the holidays, so they’re ready to learn again in the new school year. They will run from 29 July to 30 August.
If you want to know more about what to expect at HAPpy Camps then you can watch the short video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnj64auf3AU
To book a place:
- Save your booking code, which is 5FB?GR. This will only work for those in receipt of Free School Meals.
- Booking will be at https://bit.ly/SE1S24HAPpyCamps from midday on 27 June - bookmark this link!
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Volunteering opportunities at Herts Libraries
This summer the Hertfordshire Library Service is looking for volunteers aged 14-24 to help with the Summer Reading Challenge. The scheme, which has the theme Marvellous Makers, encourages children to keep reading throughout the summer holidays.
Volunteers will help by asking the children about the books they've read and handing out rewards for each stage of the challenge. You need to be friendly, enthusiastic and reliable, and will gain valuable experience working with children and families.
You can find out more about this and other volunteering opportunities, and register online at: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/Libraries-and-archives/Support-your-library/Jobs-and-volunteering-at-your-library.aspx
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NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING / SEND
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A partnership of local agencies, DSPL publishes a weekly round-up of courses, workshops and events related to young people's wellbeing and additional needs in the North Herts area.
See all upcoming events
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