HGS Weekly Newsletter | Summer Term, Week 5 | Date: 17 May 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: PESTO PASTA (v), QUORN HOTPOT (v), CHEESE & ONION PASTIES (v), JAM SPONGE
Tuesday: CHICKEN KORMA (v)(gf), BBQ QUORN NOODLES (v), CHEESE QUICHE (v), MERINGUE WITH RASPBERRIES & COULIS
Wednesday: TUNA PASTA BAKE (v), VEGETABLE KATSU CURRY (v)(gf), BACON & CHEESE PASTRIES, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP SPONGE
Thursday: CHICKEN HOISIN NOODLES, STUFFED PEPPERS WITH SAVOURY COUSCOUS (v)(gf), CHEESE & MIXED PEPPER QUICHE (v), CARROT CAKE
Friday: PASTA BOLOGNAISE, THREE BEAN CHILLI (v)(gf), BATTERED FISH, CHOCOLATE CRUNCH (free from eggs, milk)
(V) = Vegetarian (GF) = Gluten Free
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
It was great to read this week that a former student of ours, Becky Lund, recently graduated from York with a first class honours degree in Music and is now the composer in residence for Westoe Brass Band. Well done Becky!
It has been a busy week of exams for Year 13 and Year 11 students, and I continue to be impressed by their effort and the approach they are taking. The exam breakfasts are well attended and the atmosphere amongst the year groups is supportive and focussed.
The end of year trips, I am sure, have been a topic of discussion at home, and I look forward to seeing the students working hard and maintaining their place on their trip.
Featured below is information about fundraising in support of an ex-Priory student Ethan Burn, who unfortunately suffered a spinal injury whilst travelling, which has left him paralysed from the neck down. Any support we can offer Ethan I am sure will be much appreciated. The following extract from the fundraising page speaks volumes: "Ethan is the guy who, while still at school and working at Lidl, paid for a pensioner’s shopping when they became distressed after realising they had no money at the checkout. We have always taught him that ‘what goes around comes around’ and the generosity we have been shown so far is testament to this. Your support means the world to us. Thank you for joining us on this journey to make a difference in Ethan's life, and those of others going through this all-too common and frightening ordeal."
Next week sees the end of the half-term and that brings the last official school day for our Year 11s on Friday. The specifics of the day will be sent out in a separate letter to Year 11 families.
Have a good weekend,
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Duke of Edinburgh's Award
In the heat of the weekend a group of Year 10s completed a practice walk around Preston in preparation for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's qualifying expedition in June. Beautiful views, walking through bluebells and chatting to the residents at the piggery all made it an enjoyable day. Now looking forward to the real thing and a night's camping next month.



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County cricket tournament
Well played U13 cricketers - they were in a County tournament at Haileybury School on Monday, where they produced some incredible performances!

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Festival of Ideas
A group of Year 10s attended Hertfordshire University's Festival of Ideas at Hatfield today and got involved in the varied programme that was on offer, including new technologies, hands-on Healthcare activities, and reciting poetry in front of an audience.



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Stress-busting tips for exams
Our friends at Phase Hitchin have put together this very useful set of tips for revising and managing exam stress. Do take a look for some great practical advice.
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Calling gap year ex-students
Do you know a former HGS student who has taken a gap year, and who may be happy to talk to our Year 13s about their experience in September? We would love for someone to come and share some top tips in the Year 13 assembly on 9 September, 9am - 9.30am.
Anyone interested please email tina.stojko@hgs.herts.sch.uk
Please spread the word!

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Pride of HGS - voting is still open!
Our Ellie Swanton Pride of HGS Award, named after our former Head Girl (2017) who it set up, is a means of recognising the amazing work that our Sixth Form students do both in and out of school.
Anyone can nominate a Sixth Form student, and there are three categories:
CHARITY: Someone who has been working to support a charity, such as fundraising or volunteering, either inside or outside school.
COMMUNITY: Someone who has given their time to support the local community or a local community group.
SELFLESSNESS: Someone who has given their time or efforts selflessly to help others. It could be supporting a particular individual, or generally being willing to give time and energy in any situation, either in or out of school.
All nominations via this form please: https://forms.gle/2eNdh9uyhP8ukFeC7

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Episode 2 of our podcast is here! Continuing with the theme of Aspiration, it features Year 12 students talking about their hopes and dreams for the future.
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Raffle for Ethan Burn
The family of ex-Priory school student Ethan Burn are raising the funds they need to care for Ethan, who has been paralysed following an accident while travelling.
The prizes include a signed Anthony Joshua glove, signed Ross Barkley football boots, and lots of gift cards from restaurants and shops.
The draw will take place on 1 June - if you are able to support them please visit: https://danceforburno.myshopify.com/ .
You can also visit Ethan's JustGiving page.
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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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Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is offering a free online ‘Managing Study Stress’ webinar for students who are aged 16+, which covers some of the key content delivered in our in-person workshop.
The webinar offers insights into the common triggers and symptoms of stress and provides guidance on cognitive and behavioural techniques which students can learn and use themselves to tackle these symptoms. These skills can be particularly helpful for students as they are preparing for their exams and/or completing coursework. The webinar will next run on the following dates:
Please note this webinar is open to the public and those attending will be anonymous.
More info and register
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