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.ukwith the student's name and tutor group, reason for absence and expected return date (if known).
WEEKLY MENU - Week 1
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 1.
SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Good afternoon,
The end of this week means that all students have now experienced their full two- week timetable and school life is back in full swing. We welcomed Year 10s and their families into school for their information evening, and on Monday it will be Year 8's turn, with the evening including the all-important Caythorpe information - this is our residential trip for Year 8s that I know so many are excited about.
As part of our Headstrong programme, students were this week given an overview of the pastoral support in school and how they can access it should they need to. Please take a moment to ask your child about this as it will really help them to recall what is available to them in school. There is also a range of information to support your child's wellbeing on our website.
Next week sees the first residential trip of the year as the Year 11 Geographers visit Sheringham to carry out their fieldwork - I wish all the participants and staff a successful trip and I particularly hope the weather is kind to them.
Also, next week is National Inclusion Week, and as part of this we will have our annual fundraising event for the charity 'Jeans for Genes' - a non-uniform day when students are encouraged to wear an item of denim in support of the charity and to raise awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic condition. The money we raise will go towards projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected.
On Tuesday and Thursday next week we have the first two of our open mornings; I am sure you can recall your initial visit to the school as you prepared to make the important decision about the next phase of your child's education. Every student in school plays an important role on these days as prospective families tour the school, and see us in action and going about our daily routines. I would like to particularly thank, in advance, those students who will be acting as guides across the days and I know they will do a great job as we welcome more than 900 people into the school.
Looking further forward, I would like to remind all families again that the school will be closed from lunchtime on Thursday 3 Octoberand all day on Friday 4 October for staff training.
Finally, it has been great to see so many students enjoying the new school food. Our caterers, Aspens, have responded to feedback over the first couple of weeks, and they will continue to refine the offer and the arrangements in the canteen to ensure our students receive the best possible experience.
Have a great weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
A lovely team-building project completed by 7C last week - each student had to draw and colour a square to complete the bigger picture.
Eco Schools Green Flag with Distinction!
We are proud to have achieved this recognition, thanks to all of Eco Club's efforts over the past few years to support the natural environment in our grounds, and promote wildlife and sustainability around school. Congratulations Eco Club, very well deserved!
September Diversity Display
This month we'll be marking the Equality Act and taking part in Jeans for Genes Day! As well as updating our board for September, Julia (Y13), Georgina (Y13) and Elsa (Y8) have worked hard to put up a new display that celebrates diversity across the curriculum. A huge thank you and well done to these students!
Plus, there is now a display of inspirational women which students designed by hand to celebrate International Women's Day earlier this year. Thank you for the wonderful contributions!
Next Page Books, the bookshop at the bottom of Windmill Hill, is offering HGS students a loyalty card which can be used to earn new books for the school. Each time you spend £10 in the bookshop you'll get a stamp on your card. Collect 10 stamps and the shop will donate £10 worth of books to the school or offer you £5 off your next purchase. Come and collect a loyalty card from the school Library and pick up a voucher for 10% off your next purchase.
Careers information event - can you help?
On Wednesday 27 November we are running our annual HGS Futures Fair, when students get the chance to meet and talk with employers and professionals from a range of sectors to find out about different careers.
We are looking for employers/professionals who would be happy to have a stand at the fair and talk to students about their work, especially from (but not limited to) the creative industries - Art, Design, Film, Performing Arts, Media, etc. Please spread the word - anyone who may be able to help is asked to email clare.townsend@hgs.herts.sch.ukThank you!
NOTICEBOARD - LOCAL
NOTICEBOARD - SEND / WELLBEING
What is offered by Services for Young People?
Hertfordshire Services for Young People deliver a range of youth work projects for young people aged 11-17 (up to 25 for care leavers and those with SEND), in young people’s centres and other community venues in all districts of Herts.
They are committed to giving young people high-quality opportunities to learn life skills and excel in their personal and social development. They also aim to address issues at the earliest opportunity to give young people the best chance to thrive, have a voice in their community, reach their potential and make a successful transition to adulthood.
Nessie in Education will be running My World and Me workshops after school. This is open to students from all local secondary schools in Years 10 and 11 who have an Autism and/or ADHD diagnosis, or are on the pathway to referral.
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.
