A reminder to the families of students participating in An Evening of Gymnastics and Dance - please complete this expression of interest form for ticket allocation by Monday 18 May.

Due to the seating capacity of our hall, the PE department will use this information to then organise and allocate the sale of tickets as fairly as possible.

Please note each family can apply for a maximum of two tickets and only one Google form entry per family will be accepted.

Important Notice: Road Safety & Parking on Hollow Lane

We have recently received several concerns from local residents and other members of the public regarding dangerous and inconsiderate parking on Hollow Lane during drop-off and pick-up times. While we understand that the area around the school becomes extremely busy at peak times, we must reiterate that the safety of our students, other pedestrians and neighbours is paramount.

Please remember:

• Keep Hollow Lane Clear: Stopping or parking on single yellow lines or zig-zags creates hazardous blind spots for students trying to cross the road as well as obstructing the flow of traffic.
• Respect Our Neighbours: Please avoid blocking residents' driveways or parking in a way that forces pedestrians into the road.
• Park and Stride: To ease congestion, we strongly encourage parents to park a short distance away from the school gates and allow students to walk the final few minutes.
• HGS car parks are not for dropping off or picking up: Our school car parks are not designed for the two-way traffic or turning vehicles that we see daily. This poses unnecessary risks to students and staff. Our car parks (including Wymondley Road overflow car park and the music school car park) are for staff, authorised visitors and those with specific agreed accommodations only. 

Legal enforcement:

As a school, we do not have the jurisdiction to enforce traffic laws on public highways. However, local residents are being encouraged to report persistent issues and vehicle registration numbers directly to North Herts Council. Council enforcement officers do carry out ad-hoc patrols and can issue instant Penalty Charge Notices for illegal parking.

We all share the responsibility of keeping our community safe. Thank you for your continued support and for setting a positive example for our students.

Following the recent Gold D of E practice expedition in Snowdonia, it was the turn of our Bronze candidates last Saturday. On a perfect day for walking, 55 Year 10 students in Team Woodside completed their expedition training, practising their navigation skills around Preston. They are now well prepared for their qualifying expedition in June.

Good luck Emmie (Year 9), who has made it to the Southern Final of the National Youth Monologues Competition. Out of 4000 entries overall, Emmie has got into the last eight in her category - already an outstanding achievement - we wish her every success with her performance in the next round!

Amazing tennis was played this week by the Years 8s and 10s, with all four teams winning all their games!

And well done to one of our swimmers Charlotte (Year 7), who placed 2nd in the 1500m regional final in Freestyle.

In Year 7 English, students have been reading the wonderful Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell, and have made missing-person posters to tie in with the story. A few examples of their work here, including one in situ in Paris, where the novel is set. Thanks to Isla's parents who took this photo at the end of their 350K bike ride from London!

Good luck to Eva (Year 10) who is doing the Moonwalk London 2026  to raise money for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk tomorrow! There's still time to donate if you are able to support this very worthwhile cause.  

Hertfordshire County Council are gathering the views of parents and carers in their road safety survey.

The survey is linked to a new Road Safety Strategy in Hertfordshire and asks about routes used by children and traffic speeds, including what would make journeys to school feel safer for those who choose to walk or cycle. 

Please take a few minutes to do the survey and help to shape safer school journeys for local children.

Complete the survey

Free Online Meal Planning for Hertfordshire Families

Families living or working in Hertfordshire can now claim FREE access (worth £86 per year) to FiveDinners.com, a new online meal planning service  created by celebrity chef Theo Michaels.

Thanks to funding from Hertfordshire County Council, this service is completely free from April 2026 to March 2027.

If you’re fed up with deciding what to cook, want to save money on food shopping, or would like to eat a bit more healthily, this could really help.

Your free membership includes:

• A personalised meal plan every week
• A full shopping list
• Access to quick, budget‑friendly and family‑friendly recipes including vegetarian and vegan options

How to sign up:

Visit https://FiveDinners.com/MyCommunity and select Hertfordshire County Council.

• If you live in North Hertfordshire, please register using your home postcode.
• If you do not live in Hertfordshire, please use the postcode for your child’s school
• You will not be signed up to subscription or be asked to provide any bank or card details. 

W are looking for local work experience hosts for our Year 12s in the week of 13 July, in areas such as Administration, Sales & Marketing, Hospitality and Retail. If you may be able to help please email: clare.townsend@hgs.herts.sch.uk

Thank you!

The Careers department needs your help! We are looking for a local Physiotherapist or Sports Therapist, who may be able to offer work shadowing or work experience. We have A Level students who are interested in pursuing Physiotherapy at university, and who would really benefit from some insights into the field.

We would also love to hear from Allied Health Professionals in general, such as OTs, Dieticians and Radiographers, who could potentially talk to students about their work or carry out mock interviews at our careers events. 

If you may be able to help please email clare.townsend@hgs.herts.sch.uk. Thank you!

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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/

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