HGS Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 3 | Date: 19 September 2025

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B week
All Day
from 08 Sep and on Monday every 2 weeks until 25 Oct
22
September
Open Morning #1
9:00am – 12:00pm
23
September
Y10 Information Evening
5:00pm – 5:45pm
24
September
Open Morning #2
9:00am – 12:00pm
25
September
Jeans for Genes Day - Non school uniform day
All Day
26
September

 

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). 

WEEKLY LUNCH MENU - Week 2

 

You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 2.

SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Photo of Headteacher Mr Crowther

Good afternoon,

We have now had a full cycle of the two-week timetable and school life is in full swing. Students have had their first House assemblies of the year this week and already the Heads of House are on the march for victory in the House Cup - I'm sure it will be hotly contested as always. 

This week has also seen parents come into school for Information Evenings for Year 12 and Year 11, with the Year 11 event being preceded by a workshop from the Learning Performance team on how to maximise learning and study skills.

This workshop was delivered throughout the day to all Year 11 students and the feedback from them was incredibly positive. I'd like to extend my thanks to Adrian from Learning Performance, and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future. Next week, on Wednesday evening, we will be welcoming Year 10 parents into school for an important Information Evening at the start of the GCSE journey.

Next week we begin our series of three Open Mornings where I look forward to welcoming Year 6  prospective students into school.  These mornings are a great opportunity for these students and their families to get a real flavour of day-to- day life at HGS. Our new Year 7s, with support from our Sixth Formers, will take a leading role in showcasing the school by taking our visitors on tours. They have settled so quickly into life here that I'm sure they are excited to show off their new school. Thanks to them all in advance for their efforts on these important mornings.

It's our non-uniform day in aid of Jeans for Genes on Friday next week - please look out for a letter regarding this and I thank you all in advance for your support of this important charity.

Congratulations to Eco Club and Mrs Taylor, who has led students in achieving the Level 5 School Gardening Award - this is the highest level that can be awarded and it was done in just one year - well done to all involved!!

Finally, a reminder and a thank you - to all families for their support in ensuring students are attending school fully equipped and in full school uniform. They are looking as smart as ever and it's great to see the uniform being worn with pride. 

I do need to remind all parents who drop off and collect students to do so well away from the school entrance; this week a number of parents have parked on the zigzag lines and used the music school car park too, both of which pose a significant safety risk for our students and must not occur - thank you.

Have a great weekend. 

James Crowther, Headteacher

We've had some lovely quotes from our Y7s reflecting on their first week at HGS.

We have been alerted to a fraudulent app in the Apple App Store that mimics ParentPay branding.  

Please be aware: 

  • ParentPay does not have an app available to download from any app store.
  • The only way to use ParentPay is to visit https://www.parentpay.com/ from a mobile phone or computer. 


Our extracurricular clubs timetable for this term is now finalised and published on our website. If you haven't signed up already, take a look to see if there's something new you might want to try. 

See full timetable


Some lovely work to share from last year's Year 8s, who undertook a group project of researching an author of their choosing, and then creating a poster to present their findings. 


Calling all parents/carers... if you may be able to help with our Careers events this year, please complete the below form to register your availability and field of work. Our first event will be the Futures Fair on 20 November, when students can find out about various occupations and career paths, as well as further & higher education institutions. 

We are especially in need of support from those working in creative roles, such as graphic design, media content creation, marketing, performing arts and music. 

Any help you may be able to provide for our students will be greatly appreciated.

Complete the form

Wanted! Board games and card games for students to play at lunchtime. If you have any unwanted games you are happy to donate to the school, please bring them to reception. Thank you! 


NOTICEBOARD - LOCAL 



NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING & SEND



 




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.

Find out more


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. 

Their forthcoming events include:

  • School Avoidance Workshop
  • Sleep Workshop
  • Developing Child's Literacy
  • PDA Online Support Group
  • Identifying ADHD/Autism

See all upcoming events


  •  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
  •  www.facebook.com/FamilyLivesHertsandBeds