HGS Weekly Newsletter | Spring Term, Week 9 | Date: 13 March 2026
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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).
WEEKLY LUNCH MENU - Week 2
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 2.
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
This week has seen the school marking International Women's Day in a number of ways, culminating in an inspiring and informative series of presentations from our guest speaker, Louise Raw.
Over the week students and staff have reflected upon the women who have inspired them, and here at HGS we do not have to look very far for those inspiring individuals because we are surrounded by them.
Inspiration can come in many forms, whether from day-to-day actions and qualities or from extraordinary achievement and effort. I'll give three examples of the latter: This week the Year 11 GCSE Dance students showcased their hard work and skills with an amazing evening of dance on Monday night. We have also had the Senior Classics Play this week, which I saw last night, and it is not hyperbole to say it was truly amazing. Written, directed and performed by students (from across the consortium), the play mixed musical theatre, comedy and classical drama with great success. Thirdly, this has been another week of tremendous sporting success which you can read about below. Well done to all involved!
On the theme of inspirational women, next year's Head Girl and Deputy Head Girls were decided this week by way of staff and student vote following an exacting process of presentations and hustings. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the successful candidates are:
Anouska Burford, Head Girl
Amaya Abdul-Qudssus, Deputy Head Girl
Katie Ingram, Deputy Head Girl
I wish all three of them well with these roles, and I know for certain that they will be fantastic ambassadors for the school and the values that we share. Well done Anouska, Katie and Amaya.
The sun has come out this week and we have now moved to our outdoor arrangements for break and lunch; it has been great to see the students outside together again. Of course, weather will fluctuate, so it is important that students do come to school with appropriate outdoor coats. Unless we experience heavy downpours or other extreme weather conditions, the outdoor arrangements will remain in place for the rest of the academic year.
As well as non-uniform day for Comic Relief next week, we also have the House singing competition and on Wednesday night we have our 'Live form the Hill' concert, which I am very much looking forward to. Hopefully I will see many of you there.
Have a great weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Remember it's non-uniform day in aid of Comic Relief on Friday 20 March.
We are asking for a £1 voluntary donation via ParentPay to help support this wonderful cause. All proceeds will go directly to Comic Relief.
For non-uniform days we don't permit:
- Sleeveless or cropped tops
- Shorts
- Flipflops or other backless shoes
The usual rules about jewellery and lanyards also still apply.
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Happy International Women's Day for last Sunday! This year's theme is Give To Gain, or the power of reciprocity and support: "When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise."
Today we welcomed guest speaker Louise Raw, historian from Women Also Know History, who gave a gripping talk about the teenage Suffragettes and the courageous Victorian women who went on strike at their East End match factory over their dismal pay and working conditions.
As well as recounting these significant movements in history, Louise spoke about shifting our focus to the active role of women in history in general - as she pointed out, the Match Girls' Strike took place in the same year as Jack the Ripper victimised women, and yet that story is much more widely known.
We are grateful for Louise's engaging presentation, which has provided much to reflect upon as our week of International Women's Day celebrations and events draw to a close.
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Some more sporting successes to celebrate this week. Our Year 9 Netball team won their district tournament, while in Indoor Hockey, the Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 teams achieved a clean sweep, all placing 1st in their competition! Fantastic results all round!
Haysan (Y8) and Sarena (Y11) represented Hertfordshire at the Inter-County Cross Country Championships in Nottingham at the weekend. Haysan came 3rd among the Herts runners in the U13 category, with Sarena coming 4th out of the Herts runners in the U17s. Well done to you both!
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Seeking Sports Guest Speaker: We're holding our annual Sports Awards on 9 July and are hoping to have a guest speaker who may be an inspiring role model for our young sportspeople.
The speaker would ideally be a current or ex-athlete/coach/official. Last year we were thrilled to be joined by Ellie Rattu, England netball player and London Mavericks captain (pictured here with our PE team!). If you may be able to help or could suggest a possible speaker (maybe even an HGS alumna?) please email admin@hgs.herts.sch.uk
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It's time for the annual Ellie Swanton Pride of HGS Award - a means of recognising the amazing work that our Sixth Form students do, whether inside or outside school. The three categories for nominations are:
Charity: Someone who has been working to support a charity, through fundraising, volunteering or any other relevant activity.
Community: Someone who has given their time to support the local community or a local group.
Selflessness: Someone who has given their time or efforts to help others; someone who can always be relied upon to give their time and energy in any situation.
Anyone can nominate a student - family, friends, teachers, co-workers - whether they know the student from school or outside school.
Nominations will close in the first half of the Summer term. The overall winner will be presented with the Ellie Swanton shield.
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Our Spring pre-loved uniform sale is coming up! Both cash and cards will be accepted, and all proceeds will go towards school funds.
We're still welcoming donations for this event - please bring any uniform or PE kit that you no longer need to Reception. Thank you!
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NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING & SEND
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National SEND Reforms & Consultations
A series of documents summarising the Schools White Paper and SEND Consultation are available for parents and professionals on the Government website:
Every child achieving and thriving and SEND consultation supporting information
Have Your Say
The consultation document explains the changes that are planned to be made and asks for comments from everyone with an interest. The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.
The national consultation SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First is now open for responses:
SEND reform: putting children and young people first - Department for Education - Citizen Space
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ADD-vance Workshops
ADD-vance is a dedicated group of professionals, who also happen to be parents of autistic and/or ADHD children. Their mission is to support the families of neurodivergent children and the professionals involved in their care.
ADD-vance offers online workshops for parents and professionals, including:
• Understanding Anxiety
• Applying for an EHCP
• Supporting the transition to secondary school
Please follow the link to view available upcoming workshops:
ADD-vance Events - 15 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
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SEND Local Offer
A central hub for SEND services, support, events, things to do and guidance in
Hertfordshire which can be filtered by location, date and age range:
SEND Local Offer | Hertfordshire County Council
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SEND Drop‐in for Parents & Carers
There is a SEND coffee morning being held on 17th March (Moss Bury School) and 16th June (Pear Tree School) both 10am – 12pm - this is a drop-in session with no booking required:
SEND Drop-in coffee morning, Stevenage | Hertfordshire County Council
There will be various support services in attendance such as ADDvance, Family Centre, Messy Minds and Step2Skills.
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Angels Autism & ADHD Support
Angels Autism & ADHD Support holds weekly online workshops (Tuesdays, 10am–
12pm, term time only).
Themes for March:
• 10/03/26 – SEN Support: OAP & EHCPs
• 17/03/26 – Reducing Meltdowns
• 24/03/26 – Supporting Sensory Needs
Find the term timetable here (to 28th March): Angels 2025 Programme Jan - April 2026
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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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