Honouring our tradition, with adaptations: Owing to the extreme heat last Friday, we had to forego some parts of our usual Founders' Day celebrations, including the procession down the hill. But the church bells still rang out, to mark what was a beautiful service at a packed St Mary's, supported by the chorists and musicians of HGS and HBS performing together to stunning effect.

A special thank you to former HGS Girl Rebecca Howarth, now MD of local business Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, for giving an inspiring talk about her journey and some valuable advice about pursuing your passion in life.

Many congratulations to all the dancers, gymnasts, and staff involved in another amazing Gym & Dance Display this year! They overcame some last-minute challenges to ensure the show did go on - and what a triumph it was! All the perseverance and positivity really paid off across the three shows this week, culminating in a joyous finale last night to (I've Had) The Time of My Life - what else!

Nine of our Year 9 mathematicians visited Codicote primary school last week to deliver a fun Maths session to 60 Year 3 pupils and 30 Year 5s. They created a treasure hunt and a World Cup activity, bringing all their energy to getting the children engaged and helping them solve some tricky maths problems. A big well done!

It's always such a privilege to have neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton visit our Psychology department to talk about the endlessly fascinating human brain, and carry out a (sheep's) brain dissection with our students. This time they learnt about post-Covid research that has shown the different ways in which the brains of men, women and children were affected by lockdown. He also addressed the impact that pregnancy, menopause and HRT have on the brain, and is calling for some redressing of conventional male-centric study of the brain.

Our students were full of questions, and came away so inspired and motivated to engage in next steps for their pathway after A levels. His session has not only supported their UCAS applications but also deepened their understanding of how to nurture their own brain most proactively.

Congratulations to our orchestra on the fabulous concert they performed at St Mary's, enjoyed by families and members of the public alike over lunchtime on Tuesday.

One of our former Year 7 students, Elly - who moved to The Purcell School to specialise in Music - will be playing the piano as guest performer in the Caritas Harmony Voice on the Wind concert at St Mary's on 25  July as part of this year's Hitchin Festival. 

Elly was recently awarded a place at the Royal College of Music Junior Department from September. It would be lovely to give her a big audience in her home town as she continues to develop her outstanding talent. 

If your Chromebook is damaged and requires maintenance please hand it in to IT as soon as possible so that any repairs can be carried out while it's still under warranty.

Did you know you can hire our spaces and facilities, including our Halls, Dance Studio, Gymnasium, Drama Room, Netball/Tennis courts, classrooms with screens, and more?

If you run a local community group, sports classes or holiday camps and are looking for a top-quality venue in beautiful surroundings - or if you just require an ad-hoc meeting room -  we have numerous spaces available with a range of capacities and equipment. 

Please contact our lettings partner Edu Lettings for ALL hire enquiries:

https://www.edu-lettings.org/

With further heatwaves expected, more young people are heading to the water to cool off. Tragically, this brings a sharp rise in drownings, because even when the air temperature is very hot, water temperatures remain very cold, causing water shock. During May half-term alone, 19 people lost their lives – including 14 teenagers.

Anyone can drown. No one should. Remember the simple safety code:

• Stop and think.
• Stay together with a friend or family member.
• If you’re in trouble in the water, Float to Live - make a star shape with your arms and legs while on your back.
• Call 999 or 112 if you see someone else in trouble in the water.

Ahead of the summer break we would like to share an important message from our Director of Public Health Sarah Perman:

Dear Parent/Carer

The number of children with measles has increased since the start of the year, with most cases in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. Measles is a very infectious illness which can make children very unwell and sometimes leads to serious complications. Sadly, two children in England have died from measles in 2026.

In Hertfordshire we have had outbreaks of measles in some of our schools and cases of measles are increasing. I am therefore asking that parents take the following actions:

• Check your child’s Red Book or the NHS App to make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations.
• If your child has missed one or both doses of MMR, please contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.
• You can also contact your local Community & School Aged Immunisation Service
who run vaccination sessions for all ages. Details can be found here:

https://www.hct.nhs.uk/service-details/service/hertfordshire-and-east-anglia-community-and-school-age-immunisations-35

• If your child is ill and you are worried it might be measles, check symptoms of
measles here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles. If you need help, please phone your GP or 111 and follow their advice.

An alternative vaccine is available for those who want to avoid pork products. You can find out about this when booking an appointment. The MMR vaccination is safe and free on the NHS, and highly effective in protecting children from three serious diseases, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Yours faithfully

Sarah Perman
Director of Public Health
Hertfordshire County Council

2026 Herts Summer Parks Dates Announced

This initiative, now in its 4th year, is designed to help address gaps in provision
for 12–16-year-olds across Hertfordshire during the summer holiday period.

Running across August, the programme will take place in five public parks and offer a wide range of free sports, wellbeing, and arts and crafts activities. Activities in pervious years have included inflatables, Zorb footballs, BMX bike tracks, graffiti art, summer craft making and much more!

Young people who attend also receive a voucher to redeem a nutritious meal from a local food provider.

Herts Hub is a new website that's intended to be a one-stop portal for Children and Young People's Mental Health Services, accessible to both parents and young people. Take a look at https://www.hertshub.co.uk/

Living with Anxiety

For 14 - 18-year-olds

This is an 8-week online group designed to help those who may be experiencing anxiety or finding it difficult to manage their emotions day to day. It's a friendly and supportive space where young people can:

• Better understand their anxiety and what triggers it
• Learn practical tools and coping strategies
• Build confidence through shared experiences and guided activities

Each week, they will focus on a different theme, such as challenging anxious thoughts, managing social anxiety, and developing healthy coping habits. Participants also receive a workbook to help them reflect and practise between sessions.

Group Details:

 Tuesdays at 7-8pm

 Online via Zoom

Families can access the group by referral (parents, teachers or professionals can refer).

To Register:

Fill out their online referral form: Living With Anxiety - WithYouth

Or download the form and email it to: withyouth@hertfordshiremind.org

Or call: 0208 189 8400 to speak to one of their support workers directly if you have any questions. Alternatively, chat with them on their instant messaging between 2pm and 10pm every day by clicking the blue 'chat with us' button.

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.

• Free confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222
• Email us for support at askus@familylives.org.uk
• Talk to us online via our Live Chat service
• Online advice, peer support and information on all aspects of  family life at www.familylives.org.uk
• Face-to-face support groups and workshops
• Find us on social media @FamilyLives @BullyingUK