This week we welcomed Debra Barnes from Holocaust charity Generation2Generation to give a talk to our Year 9s. Debra is author of The Young Survivors, which is based on the true story of how Debra's mother and her siblings survived as Jewish children in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War. Conveyed with relatable detail, the story of one ordinary family gave powerful insights into the realities of the Holocaust and much food for thought. Our thanks go to Debra for this excellent presentation. 

District Champions, and other Top 3 results! At the recent district futsal tournaments, HGS teams came away with excellent results across the year groups: overall winners (Years 9 and 10); 2nd place (Years 7A, 8 and 11); and 3rd place (Year 7B).

It was fantastic to see so many of you taking part and the standard of football was brilliant, well done to all involved!

Hertfordshire Schools Cross-Country Championships: Well done to Bethany and Melody (Y7), Haysan and Harriet (Y8), Hannah and Poppy (Y9), Neve (Y10), Sarena and Hannah (Y11), and Fran (Y13), who all ran really well over a challenging course. A special mention goes to Haysan, who finished 7th in the Junior Girls' race against tough competition from across the county.

Our head chef ran our first 'Feed Your Family for £5' demonstration in our Dining Room this week. Students' feedback on this Sweet Chilli Chicken Fried Rice was very positive, and recipe cards were picked up to try healthy cooking on a budget at home.

See the recipe and step-by-step method

The Music department is hosting a Senior Music Recital, featuring our GCSE Music students in Years 10 and 11 performing their solo and ensemble pieces. This is part of Performing Arts Week, and is a valuable opportunity for students to experience playing in front of a supportive audience. Parents/carers are welcome to attend, but will need to prebook their free tickets via Eventbrite here 

The event will take place in Highbury House, Room 81 and will start at 16:30 with an anticipated run time of an hour.  

Do contact Head of Music Ms Jane Stott if you would like to know more. jane.stott@hgs.herts.sch.uk

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
•  www.facebook.com/FamilyLivesHertsandBeds