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 LUNCH MENU - Week 1
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 1.
SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Good afternoon
Today was the final day in school for our Year 13s before their study leave and final exams begin. Earlier this week it was a pleasure to congratulate those students who obtained their Passport to Post-18, through their work during Sixth Form in the areas of HGS Traditions, Enrichment, Extracurricular and Ethos, taking part in activities and contributing to our community outside the classroom.
Congratulations to those who earned their Passport to Post-18!
As is tradition, all our Year 13s marked their final day by sharing memories with each other and the staff who have supported them throughout their time at HGS in a special assembly, all done with a fancy dress code being adhered to - the theme this year was film and TV characters. The year group have made a significant contribution to life at our school, whether over seven years or over two years for those who joined us in the Sixth Form. I wish each student every success in the exams that lie ahead and I look forward to celebrating the formal end to their time with us on Founders' Day.
As the nation commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day yesterday we marked the occasion with a special lunch menu courtesy of the catering team. I would also like to thank Miss Halil for the assembly she delivered to all year groups. She spoke of the historical context of VE Day, what it meant for Britons at that time, how it was celebrated and the messages to the people from Winston Churchill and King George VI, who said, "Let us remember those who will not come back ... Let us remember the men in all the services and the women in all the services who have laid down their lives." Miss Halil also talked about the purpose of remembering: how it's a time to commemorate, reflect and celebrate; how it teaches us that courage and hope can overcome even the darkest of times; and that war has consequences and peace must be protected and valued.
Finally, this week saw our Year 11s sit their first written GCSE papers - first out of the blocks, so to speak, were our Drama students. When I wished them well prior to the exam I was impressed by their focus, their support for each other and their quiet confidence, mixed with the 'right amount ' of nerves. I am sure they went on to do their best - and that is all we can ask of our Year 11s and Year 13s, and I am sure that will bring them all the success they desire and deserve.
Have a good weekend,
James Crowther, Headteacher
As well as the special assembly led by Miss Halil, we marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a 1945 lunch menu on Thursday - meatloaf with oatmeal, potato peel pie and bubble & squeak, followed by rock buns, eggless sponge and plenty of glace cherries! Thanks to our catering team, and to our A Level History students who decorated the canteen in jubilant style!
Lunchtime Science careers talks - today we welcomed representatives from international vehicle testing company UTAC based at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, which tests all types of motor vehicles in different conditions for safety and environmental impact. The tracks at Millbrook have also played host to a Bond movie and episodes of Top Gear amongst other TV productions. Thank you to our speakers who highlighted the range of opportunities at the organisation as well as their apprenticeship and work experience schemes, and who were inspiring role models for women in engineering.
We'll look forward to welcoming a medical writer next week.
Well done to Ellie-Rose (Y7), who won Gold in the East Region Tumbling competition in Milton Keynes, having placed 4th at the English Qualifier in Luton recently as well. Congratulations Ellie-Rose!
We've asked students to vote on which they thought was better, the book or the film, for a range of popular titles in the Library, including The Hunger Games, To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Hobbit. It's prompted a few debates, with some controversial opinions being expressed! We'll update you with the results in a few weeks' time!
And this week we held a party to wish our Years 11 and 13 Reading Group members good luck in their forthcoming exams. The students have been Library regulars for many years, attending Reading Group, taking part in book-related events and volunteering as student librarians. We would like to thank them for all their help and assistance over the years and wish them the very best of luck with their next steps.
We hope they liked their leaving gift of Banned Books Mugs!
Educake for parents/carers
Your child has access to a platform called Educake for Science. It lets them log in from any device to complete their homework or revise independently for exams. Here's a 3-minute overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5GEZV6-23k
Have your say in the Hitchin kids' annual phone use survey
Are you a parent/guardian of a child aged 4-16 living in Hitchin? If so, please consider taking part in a new, annual Hitchin-wide survey to measure phone ownership among our children and the drivers and concerns local parents have. It’s being led by Smartphone Free Childhood Hitchin and takes just 5 minutes. Please take part if you can before the closing date of 23rd May and encourage other Hitchin parents to as well - thank you in advance!
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.
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.
