It was a great pleasure to see so many of our students perform so superbly at the St Albans Secondary Schools Music Festival (SASSMA), with a great twist on Tina Turner. Led so well by Mrs Hennelly, congratulations to all performers including Rosanna Milner, Tehmina Sepai, Charlotte Bottomley, Juliette McGrath, Lucy McCullough, Lilian Sztankov, Poppy Manders, Bethany Moss, Lucy Walton, Katie Tse, Hannah Fox, Helen Jenkins, Eleanor Moyses, Emma Langford, Chloe Harrison, and Veronika Ivanova. It is wonderful to see the return of this annual event where all of the St Albans secondary schools have an opportunity to come together to perform.

Last week, we embraced Anti-Bullying Week. Led superbly by the Anti-Bullying Captains, with Mrs Wheatley at the helm, there were targeted anti-bullying activities in all form periods. Forms agreed to pledges (posted on the notice board in the entrance foyer to the school) which engendered much discussion and full participation by all.  

This week, members of the Senior Leadership Team have been meeting with Year 11 students to discuss Pot 16 opportunities at STAGS and provide application forms for our Sixth Form. We have also welcomed the first wave of eternal candidates who are applying to join the Sixth Form following the very successful Post 16 Information Evening last week. If there are any queries about Post 16 options, please do contact Mrs Pipes at the usual email: admin@stags.herts.sch.uk.

My thanks go to Mrs Pipes, Mrs Lambert, Miss Brock, Mr Pittard and Mrs Birkett who presented a hugely informative and very well-attended evening to introduce students and families to the requirements and support offered for those who may wish to apply for Oxbridge, veterinary science, medicine or dentistry.

We have again welcomed the Guide Dogs into school this week as we learn more about the amazing impact that these dogs can have, providing greater independence and security for people without sight.

Earlier in the week, we held a very successful fire drill with new builders on site to ensure safety of site access and departure during an evacuation.

Congratulations to Freya Phillips in 7H and Eloise Ruiz Palma in 8H who have been chosen as the winning Christmas card designers this year. It was a very tough decision with beautifully designed cards from all runners-up including Nahia Alonso Grau, Harriet Park, Arianwen Mennie, Lily Batchelor, Milaya Pick, Louisa West,   Rachel Clarke, Tia Patel, Faizah Choudhury, Elizabeth Norman and Lottie Lynch.

Miss Thomas held a focused Parent Voice group on Monday and has sent a parent comms message to remind all families of how to access support.

I wish you an enjoyable extended weekend as Monday is our Occasional Day when the school is not open and a reminder to students in Years 11, 12 and 13 of mock examinations commencing on Tuesday 27th November for two weeks. Please ensure that all students have the correct equipment and arrive on time for all examinations.

With all good wishes,
Margaret Chapman