HGS Weekly Newsletter | Summer Term, Week 12| Date: 12 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: SPINACH & RICOTTA CANNELLONI (v), CHEESE & POTATO PIE (v), MUSHROOM & LENTIL BAKE (v)(gf), ICED SPONGE
Tuesday: LAMB HOTPOT (gf), BROCCOLI & CHEESE PASTA (v), CHEESE QUICHE (v), DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP SPONGE
Wednesday: CHICKEN & HAM PIE, BBQ NOODLES (V), CURRIED POTATO & SPINACH BAKE, APPLE CRUMBLE (free from eggs, milk)
Thursday: SAUSAGES, VEGGIE MINCE BOLOGNAISE (v), CARAMELISED ONION QUICHE (v), SUMMER FRUIT-TOPPED MERINGUES WITH RASPBERRY COULIS (free from wheat, milk)
Friday: NO LUNCH, TERM ENDS AT 12.30
(V) = Vegetarian (GF) = Gluten Free
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
This week, like every other, has been full of exciting events, with the Year 10 and Year 8 end-of-year trips, the Year 11 prom, the KS3 music showcase, New Intake Day, new staff induction day and a Year 12 Art trip to London all taking place. It's hard to believe that next week is the last one of the academic year; this year seems to have flown by, but it's not surprising with all the events and opportunities that have taken place.
It was really pleasing to receive comments from members of the public, bus drivers and venues praising the attitude and conduct of our students at these events. Our students make me, and all of the staff, proud on a daily basis, and it's great for the community to experience their positive and respectful attitudes.
Next week we have the end-of-year trips for Year 7 and Year 9, and GCSE History students leave for their trip to Berlin. The House Cup competition will conclude and the winners will enjoy a fish & chips lunch, and of course, if weather permits we will have the final Form Running of the year.
I will be writing to all families next week as we close out the year and look forward to the academic year ahead.
Finally, I have received a report today of dangerous parking outside of the school, particularly on Hollow Lane. It is not the first time that I have needed to highlight this concern. For the safety and wellbeing of our students can all parents/carers dropping off or picking up please do so well away from the school. The double yellow and zigzag lines indicate the necessity for these areas to be clear and these restrictions need to be observed. Many thanks in advance.
Have a good weekend,
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Term ends at 12.30, Friday 19 July
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Lost property
These items were found in the PE department this term - if any of it is yours, please come to the main office to claim it.
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Classics - British Museum trip
The Classics department took a group of Year 9, 10 & 12 students to the British Museum last week, where they enjoyed a whole day of exploring its vast antiquities collections. As well as encountering the first ever declaration of human rights, the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles and real Egyptian mummies, they considered some of the key cultural and ethical debates surrounding museums today. The trip was so successful we are planning to make it a yearly event for our GCSE and A Level Classical Civilisation students.
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Science Fair winners' trip
The Years 7 & 8 students who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in our annual Science Fair back in the Spring term enjoyed their prize last week, a day on the slopes at Snozone with a ski instructor.
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Author visit
We were excited to welcome Julian Sedgwick, the Carnegie-shortlisted author of Tsunami Girl and 100 Tales From The Tokyo Ghost Cafe, to talk to our Year 8 students on Friday. Julian spoke about how he researched the settings of his books, visiting Japan several times and even venturing into the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. He shared the experiences of some of the people he met there who had survived the 2011 tsunami, and explored the elements of Japanese culture and myth that run through his work.
After signing books for students and staff, Julian ran two workshops on creating the opening scene of a ghost story. The students thought up eerie settings and spooky characters to develop into their own short stories and took part in a question and answer session. Julian even found time to visit the Library and meet some members of the Library Goblins Reading Group. It was an engaging and informative day that we hope left Year 8 feeling inspired.
 
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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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