End of Term Newsletter No 430 - Sir John Lawes School

End of Term Newsletter No 430 – 6 April 2011
It’s lovely to welcome the good weather as the holidays approach,
although I expect the students who need to spend Easter preparing for
exams would rather the sun didn’t shine too brightly outside! Even though
we are all very ready for our breaks, I am delighted that you can see from
this newsletter that we have all been working hard right up to the last
minute. In addition to all the activities you can read about here, SJL staff
and students have once again welcomed visitors from our partner schools
in Rudersdal, Denmark, and tomorrow the JLT will be holding a ‘Crazy Hair
Day’ in school to raise money for their nominated charity, the Little
Princess Trust which supports children who lose their hair through illness.
Our German Exchange visitors left yesterday, as did the annual
Geography trip to Iceland – of course we’re hoping that there will be no
repetition of last year’s volcanic disruption this year!
As we reach the end of term we have to say goodbye to two members of
staff who have made a massive contribution to SJL during their time with
us. Tim Patteson, Head of Geography, will be taking up a new post at Dr
Challoner’s School after Easter. Tim has led our Geography department
to become one of the most popular subjects in the school and many students and parents have been grateful to
him for the extra support he has shown them over the years. John Hay has been a valued member of the Maths
department as well as a Head of House and most recently, Head of Year. He has got our current year 7 off to a
flying start to their SJL careers and I know he will be much missed by them all when he relocates to the US at the
end of this term. We’d like to thank them both for everything they have done to make SJL the outstanding school
it is and we wish them every success in the future!
As always, if you have any comments or suggestions I would be pleased to hear from you, please contact me at
head@sjl.herts.sch.uk.
NOTICES
HEAD’S COMMENDATIONS
The following students have been awarded a Headteacher’s Commendation this term – well done to all
concerned:
Claire Robins
Alex Shacklock, Martha Crawford, Rachel Westcott, Lucy Norman, Victoria Cleevely, Hannah McLaughlin, Ellie
Clarbour, Damiano Sogaro, Thomas Slack, Sophie Benson, Holly Attzs, Sophie Warden, Daniel Toy, Sam
Tomlinson, Jakob Buus, Ruby Hutchings, Abigail West, Natasha Stokes.
GCSE MATHS RESULTS - amendment to venue for collecting results
Yr 10 & Yr 11 Maths GCSE results (March exam) will be available for collection from the 6th Form Study Area on
Tuesday 26th April (not the Assembly Hall as previously indicated).
Yr 10s should come into school at 2.45pm, and Yr 11s should come in at 3.00pm.
Any students not able to come in on that day will be able to collect their results from Mrs Jones when term begins.
Annabel Jones, Examinations Officer

TELEPHONES
We are currently experiencing intermittent problems with the school’s telephone system. The system is very old
and we are hoping to replace it as soon as possible. In the meantime, please accept our sincere apologies for any
inconvenience caused. If your call to the school is regarding a non-urgent issue, please email
admin@sjl.herts.sch.uk or if you would like to speak with a member of staff email: initialsurname@sjl.herts.sch.uk
for example tbrazier@sjl.herts.sch.uk. Emails are checked regularly so you can be sure of a prompt response.
Thank you.
LETTERS HOME THIS WEEK
31 March – To all Parents/Guardians regarding the OFSTED Interim Assessment. Please see the school’s
website or download a copy of the Ofsted letter from this link. A copy of the covering letter from Ms Robins can be
downloaded from here.
5 April 2011 - To all Parents/Guardians of SJL students, regarding Consultation on Change of Status of Sir John
Lawes School to an Academy. A copy of the letter can also be found on the school’s website or downloaded from
this link.
YEAR 12 PARENTS UCAS INFORMATION EVENING
Wednesday, 27 th April 2011 change of date (Previously in calendar as Thursday 28th April)
We are planning to hold a UCAS Information Evening on Wednesday, 27 th April at 7.00pm in the school hall. The
information evening is designed for the parents of all Year 12 students considering making an application to university in
the next academic year, and will provide information about the UCAS application process in general, how this process is
supported by the school, researching courses and preparing for and writing effective Personal Statements. There will also
be an opportunity to ask questions. As part of our Careers’ Day, Year 12 students have already begun to learn about the
UCAS process and will receive a full programme of preparation lessons once they return from study leave in June. For this
reason, students are not expected to attend the information evening.
If you wish to attend, please email Mrs L Milton-Merrison on 6thformadmin@sjl.herts.sch.uk
SPECIALISMS
This term we have begun planning for our biennial Arts & Culture Festival. This fantastic event runs in the last
week of the Summer term and all students from years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 will be involved. Students will enjoy a
range of arts and culture based activities, including a trip to the Science Museum and IMAX in London. We know
from previous years just how exciting and popular this event is, so we are greatly looking forward to it once again.
More news to follow after Easter.
We have been busy supporting a range of events including Drama GCSE showcases and evening shows such as
Staff and Students in Their Eyes. In the coming weeks we will be helping other local groups and schools with their
own shows and events as part of our community outreach work.
I have been delighted once again by the range and scope of student films produced this term, including some
fantastic music videos and film trailers. In particular, the BTEC students have made some spectacular Horror
Movie Trailers featuring lots of Kensington Gore (stage blood!).
As you may be aware, changes in central government policy and funding may affect some of the Specialist School
activities we can offer in future, but SJL remains committed to maintaining the excellent work across the school
and further afield our Specialist Statuses have afforded, so we can look forward to continuing our work in these
areas to give our students the exceptional opportunities they enjoy so much.
I look forward to sharing some photographs from our Arts & Cultural Festival with you next time.
Alex Prior
MUSIC NEWS
Term Forthcoming Events
Wednesday 15th June - Year 10 Showcase Evening
This is to showcase the talent of our Year 10 musicians. All GCSE pupils will be taking part but the evening is
open to anyone in Year 10 who would like to perform. I am open to suggestions about all types of music and
ensembles performing! We will also hopefully have some original compositions being performed as well.

Wednesday 29th June - Informal Promenade Concert
This will be a new (slightly experimental) event for SJL and will involve various performances in various locations
around the school site, with the audience walking between them! Our larger junior ensembles and some of this
year's Tour ensembles will be taking part but the event is open to anyone in all year groups who would like to
perform!
Please come and see Mrs Hastings-Clarke if you'd like to take part or would like more information about either
event.
Monday 18th July - Summer Prom - Public Halls
As usual, this popular, annual event will feature a whole range of music from the school!
Tickets will be on sale for all events nearer the time.
'Grease', the musical - Thursday 26th May
A few tickets still left for this. Please come to the music office for a letter!
Mrs Hastings-Clarke, Head of Music
21 ST CENTURY LEARNERS
This year we are placing one 21 st Century Learning
quality in the spotlight each half term. Students set
targets for themselves in the relevant area and review
them at the end of the half term. The quality in the
spotlight for the first half of the Spring Term was
commitment. Those students in Years 7-11 who
achieved the greatest success in meeting their target
were awarded the committed sticker by their tutors to put
in their planners. Their names are listed below. In the
second half of the Spring Term the focus has been on
showing flexibility. Students will review their targets at
the start of next term and will be awarded stickers in the
same way. Those who get a complete set during the
academic year will be given the 21 st Century Learning
Award.
Committed Learners
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11
Katie Arnett Harry Muller Hannah Gadsby
Ed Grace
Eleanor Hynes Chris Hawtin
Andy David Farhiya Yusuf George Sargent
Matt Crawford Jack Richardson Emily Collis
Emma-Rose Skilton Duncan Caplan Ella Yaron
Lewis Head James Goodman Harry Walker
James Jessop Ellie Roe
David Halsey
Hannah Schlatter Zach Cole
Scott Lakatos
Lauren Archer Josh Truscott Peter Hyams
Sam Beech Dan Garner Katie Jones
Tara Beresford Ollie Green Kristian Barnard
Caoimhe Downey Bertie Lange- Kathy Tomlinson
Dan Toy
Hewlett
Maddy Angus
Tom Porter Ben Eldridge Beth Picton
Amy Howey Amy Russell Max Tink
Hannah Baker Lydia Davis Alex Latham
Patrick Brown Euan Hall
Tammy White
Ellie Lewis
Liam Rowles Molly Roberson
Charlie Neal Sasha Cutten Beth Dyball
Duncan Wain Nick Mastrini Elly Brine
Ezra Chamba
Stan Hambridge
Owen Bevan
Dan Sambrook
Zoe Yalden
Sophie Bott
Mobola Sonola
Conor Pulford
James Radgman,
Luke Dyer
Emily Evans
Emily Wood
Alex Cromwell
Sophie Caplan
Alice Reid
Annabel Farrow
Jonathan Lacey
James Langley
Hollie Simpkins
Chloe O’Connell
Gemma Ivens
Becca Wilkins
Tom Durrant
Emma Peddle
Damiano Sogaro
Jiselle Sandilands
Josh Eckley
Will Slack
Chris Tuckwell-
Smith
Sarah Clarbour
Gabby Gilmour
Connor Smith
Caroline Henderson
Hanna Dos Santos
Jacob Shadbolt
Ethan Bennett
Lydia Haynes
Sirinat Klinphoklang
Jess Claridge

Henry Parkinson
Lottie Walpole
Matt Burford
Shivani Patel
Charlie Waite
Connor O’Sullivan
Robin Fletcher
Razi Khan
Charlotte Carr
Natalie Smith
Emma Bates
Rosie Cole
Catherine
Shacklock
Olivia Dias
Chris Bowser
Alice Hill
Alice Davies
Megan Ipsen
Emily Watts
Alys Lloyd
Adam Pritchard
Star Badger
Charlie Portal
Lucy Turberville
Elliot Payne
Scarlet Torrance
Ethan Green
Milly Bagshaw
Natasha Stokes
Ryan Ginger
Natasha Tough
Kate Bevan
Michael Barratt
Anna Stevens
Monica Sondh
Martin King
Kasia Motyczak
Josh Ferguson
Nick Davis
Clare Matthews
Isabel Taylor
Aice Foster
Holly Ayles
Tomisin
Otenigbagbe
Hollie Stephenson
Victoria Kiff
Lauren Swan
Brett Grant
Davina Shah
Rory Glass
George Mintoft
Isobel Payne
Antonio Denton
Ana-Paige Wilsher
Sophie Henderson
Lydia Melville-Scott
Wedad Rattab
Ed Parrish
Miriam Quinn
Cameron Bretnall
Molly Butler
Matt Noble
Jack Newby-Ricci
George Jarvis
Issy Barlow
Martha Crawford
James Stepniewski
Jessica Ross
Ellen Muir
Dean Bigg
Michael Grimwade -
Mann
Emily Sargent
Anastasia Nikitis
Ben Prince
Will Greaves
Sam Cole
Lawrence Waldram
Natalie Wain
Toby Ashby
Adena Moulding
Hannah Russell
Olivia Shadbolt
George Barker
Johnny Waters
Alice Dooley
Zoe Ashton
Sian Doran
Emily Bolton
Fionn Coffey
Hannah Parkin
Jonny Risley
Toran Sharma
Amirah Saqlain
Megan Dixon
James Culley
Steph Grimes
Cara Burton
Angus Reid
Tom White
Sophie Roach
Toby Woolhouse
Cole Holroyd
Molly Coyne
Ronnie Goldfarb
Sophie Bunn
Aishi Copley
Jamie Carr
Tom Beeres
Emma Powderham
Rachel Kosky
Emily Douglas
Bobbie Ridout
Dominic Hopkins
James McMurray
Max Muller
Sam Archer
Lauren Benge
Alex Davis
ART CLUB
Visit to Willows Court
On Tuesday this week 5
members of the ART CLUB
accompanied Mrs Rigby to
Willows Court home for the
elderly.
The aim of the visit was to allow
the children to experience the
pleasure of sharing their artwork
with the residents and to bring
the lovely art and textiles work
that we all take for granted
around the school to a new
audience in the community for
their enjoyment. The residents
were very excited and
interested to see the work and
had lots of questions for the students about how the pieces had been made and how long it had taken them. The
photograph shows one particular resident, who is visually impaired but who appreciated the art and textiles work
hugely, because he could touch it and observe the bright colour contrasts within it even though he could not
distinguish the details.
The students that visited were: Ella Godfrey, Lydia Davis, Nick Davis, Monica Sondh and Natasha Miller.
It was really satisfying to see the students so enthusiastically sharing their work with the elderly residents and to
see how art can cross all boundaries of age and ability. We have left the work for the enjoyment of the residents
and we would like to make this a regular visit where we periodically bring new work to be shown and enjoyed.
Julia Rigby

CONGRATULATIONS
To Charlotte Robinson, an ex student of SJL, who has recently won the North West heat of the Women in
Property Student Award at a national property industry competition, run by the Association of Women in Property
National Student Awards.
Charlotte, who is studying architecture at The University of Manchester, was named as the Leading North West
Property Student. She now goes forward to the national final taking place in London on 27 September.
Congratulations also go to Louis Hindle 7R, who has recently been selected for the Herts County golf Academy
Squad, after completing a trial day at Brocket Hall a few weeks ago. Well done Louis!
THE COLD BLOODED CLUB
So far this year in “Cold-blooded Club” we have learned about snakes and how to look after them and recognise
different species around the world. We have also learned about reptile safety and
hygiene, and all the recognised risks of keeping
reptiles. Not only have we done this, but we have
also hosted a “fright night” (at lunchtime!), to help
people who are afraid of reptiles and other
creatures. Next term we look forward to external
speakers, such as possible talks from Mike East,
professional boa and python breeder, Andrew
Tilson-Wills, a ‘frog farmer’ from Worcestershire
and quite possibly Matt Rendle, the head
Veterinary Nurse from London zoo! Come along
and learn about these fascinating creatures.
MAST LECTURE
Alex Liddington / Jake Dearman
Coming soon after exams, we are very much looking forward to this year’s MASt Lecture:
Truth or Fiction
“The Role of the
Forensic Entomologist”
Lecture by Clare Rowlinson
Forensic entomologist at the National
History Museum
Thursday 23rd June 2011, 6.30 pm
The lecture will be open to all KS4 and KS5 students and parents, tickets will be available after Easter. Look out
for the announcement in the SJL Newsletter to see when tickets go on offer.
THE KING'S SPEECHES!
The annual King Public Speaking competition was an incredible success again this term. Almost every form in the
school, from years 7-12, sent forward three valiant speakers to battle against the other teams in their year group.
There was an amazing range of topics and a very high standard was achieved in all year groups. The themes
ranged from chocolate to children's rights. After a week of bravery the results were as follows:
1st King
2nd Ryder
3rd Austen
4th Newton
5th Hepworth
6th Britten
7th Lawes
Well done to everyone who took part. I'm looking forward to next year already.
Emma Montgomery, Head of King

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
This has been a busy term in the library, with a big emphasis on reading for pleasure. In 2010, 26 people
completed the Big Challenge to read 52 books in a year, so we had a party to celebrate in January. At February
half term, 49 people did the sponsored read, Readathon, and raised £1063 for the Readathon charities - at the
same time raising £212 for books for the library (20% of money raised). A small group of sixth formers read four
designated books on the theme of "city living" then represented SJL at the sixth form reading event and had the
opportunity to meet the inspiring Stella Duffy.
The library also piggy-backed onto a number of key dates in the calendar, with Shrove Tuesday "Who would you
share your pancake with"; World Book Day "Menu of books" and our mystery book-in-a-bags; and Red Nose Day
lunchtime quizzes raising £54.77 for Comic Relief. A number of students are currently reading one of the Red
House Children's Book Award shortlists and next term, we will be submitting a school vote, which will be a total of
all the individual student judge votes.
Thank you to families for all your support with school reading challenges and sponsored events: they are only a
success with your support!
ECO-SCHOOLS WIN ANOTHER PRIZE!
Jane Johnson, Librarian.
The hard work of the Eco-Schools group has once again been appreciated, this time in recognition of their
creation of a remarkable video, encouraging students to travel to school in “greener” ways: taking a bus or train;
sharing lift to school or even cycling. The students, who worked entirely alone to create all aspects of the finished
short film, were invited to a prize giving ceremony, and unsurprisingly won 1 st prize – comprising of a brand new
Ultra HD Flip Camera. The video will feature on the school website on the newly updated Eco-Schools pages,
once they are finalised. This type of award, which follows the presentation of the Eco-Schools Green Flag (the
highest award gainable from Eco-Schools), is an outstanding accreditation to the ongoing efforts by the Eco-
Schools group who work tirelessly to improve both the image of our school, and also ensuring its future well-being.
Well done!
SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
200 Club
Zack Cole, 9A
The 200 club continues to grow. We now have a total of 162 numbers in the draw which meant that the prizes last
month were £64.80 and £16.20 – won by Julie Vuolo and Hazel Wale respectively. Congratulations to you both!
Can I tempt anyone else to join our monthly flutter For a mere £1 a month you too could be a winner. It is such
a small amount of money and yet it represents another pot of money to go towards purchasing that vital square
metre of artificial turf. Download an application form from the website. http://www.sjl.herts.sch.uk/partnershipwith-parents/school-association/join-the-200-club.php
Sponsor Update
As I said previously, I will be profiling our Comedy Night and Summer Ball sponsors over the weeks. Today I want
to tell you about Davenport House Patient Group and Bretherton Law. If you should happen to use them please
mention SJL.
Davenport House Patient Group is one of the oldest and most successful patient participation groups in
England. It is run by a very dedicated committee of patients, who via a £10 yearly subscription, make
improvements to the surgery to increase the quality of services to patients, publish a quarterly newsletter, organise
with the Doctors open meetings and small group discussions to promote good health.
www.davenporthouseppg.org.uk
Bretherton Law is one of the leading law firms in Hertfordshire. Based in St Albans, it provides independent legal
services for your family and business. www.brethertonlaw.co.uk. or email them on info@brethertonlaw.co.uk

Champagne and summer nights
What could be a nicer way to start the summer than sipping a glass of chilled champagne on the terrace of
Aldwickbury Golf Club We only have 3 tables left for our Summer Ball so if you are thinking about coming please
contact me now and I will reserve you a table. At a mere £37.50 per head it will be the best ball in Harpenden.
Download a poster and application form from the website here http://www.sjl.herts.sch.uk/partnership-withparents/school-association/our-next-event.php
Hope and Homes for Children
The National Garden Scheme is open. This provides a wonderful opportunity to see beautiful gardens whilst also
raising money for good causes. Do drop in to Amwell Cottage on 17 th April to see the Birss’s garden (see below).
They are raising funds for Hope and Homes for Children who does amazing work with children who have no hope
or homes.
Julia Verney, Chair, School Association
SPORTS ROUND UP
As always it has been a long, busy and successful term in the world of Sport and PE for the students of SJL. Our
teams and individual sporting stars have been committed and passionate in all sports including football, rugby,
netball, hockey and basketball playing in competitions, cup finals and a range of friendly matches against local
schools.
Football
This half term, as is traditional, has seen all our teams in action in their respective district cups and there have
been some excellent Football played at all levels. Despite a competitive spirit in all games it was only the Seniors
and the Year 9s that managed to reach the semi finals this year. The year 9s who lost the final when they were in
year 7 to Verulam, came across the same opposition in their semi final and hoped that revenge would be sweet.
Unfortunately, a late, late penalty awarded against SJL proved to be the difference between the two sides and
once again we were left disappointed. So it was down to the Seniors who had successfully and comprehensively
dispatched St Georges in the first round 6-0 and Townsend in the second round 3-2. Their opponents were a
confident and fired up Roundwood Park. However, the boys were not going to be denied another visit to the final
despite the absence of their talisman Lee Close. A superb performance saw them produce an emphatic 4-0 victory
and book their date at Clarence Park in late April. Congratulations to the Seniors and best of luck for the final!
Rugby
It has been a very successful term and year for Rugby at SJL. As is traditional all the teams compete in the district
league with all teams playing a very high standard of Rugby to try and win their respective competition.
The Year 7 Rugby Team
has been brilliant all
season playing some
fantastic rugby. After
winning every game in
the district league, they
then went on to win the
county competition and
this week represented
Hertfordshire in the
South East Regional
Finals winning two out of
their four games. Well
done boys, an
unbelievable first
season!
SQUAD
James Peck, William
Gravestock, Cameron
Coelho, James Baird,
Sean Hynes , Ben

Purvis, Rhys Hutchinson, Archie Gooding, Maxim Vuolo, Sam Little, Nathan Smith, Josh Smith, Adam Pritchard,
William Parkinson, Adam Wilmhurst, Dan Sambrook, Owen Bevan, Oscar Layzell, Max Shaw and Oliver Shaw
The year 10 Rugby team have had another great season and the SJL PE department would like to thank Henry
Purvis (Year 13) for all his hard work with the team over the past few years. The year 10s lost to John Henry
Newman in the cup final last year, so it was only right that after a great campaign and an excellent win against
Parmiters in the semi final that they would face their old rivals once again. The game was an unbelievable
spectacle, the crowd, the floodlights and the standard of rugby made it a fantastic night. The boys came out 26-7
winners and are now county champions. Well done boys and thank you for all your hard work and dedication this
year. Good luck with Senior Trials.
SQUAD
Hayden King, Addison Stockwell, Runil Shah, Alex Liddington, Ben Ashby, James Cully, Oliver Purvis, Ben
Huckle, George Trude , Sam Hutchinson (captain), Josh Panther, Kevin Mitchell, Fraser Potter, Billy Lange-
Hewlett, Callum Butler, Fergus Martin, Jamie Hawkesford, Ben Elliott, Ben Young, Charlie Tutt.
Senior Rugby
The senior rugby team have had a great rugby season. The dedication they have shown throughout the year has
been brilliant, training three times a week using one of these sessions as a gruelling circuit training session. I really
do feel these boys have been at the heart of Rugby at SJL this season, with a lot of the players helping out at
junior level and setting an example of how to play Rugby to the rest of the school. It has been a very long and hard
season but, the results and performances have been brilliant. As we pushed through the first and second round
scoring over sixty points against Chancellors and Nicholas Breakspear we cruised through to the Quarter Final.
The Quarter final against St. Clement Dane’s was a great game of rugby in which we overcome the odds to win
26-21. The semi-final unfortunately was an anti climax in which the opposition could not raise a team due to unforeseen
circumstances.
Cup Final: SJL 5 vs. 22 Parmiters
The Senior Rugby cup final was played at Old Albanians Rugby club
under flood lights last Wednesday and anyone who was there had the
opportunity to see two sets of students put their bodies on the line to
represent their school. The game was very hard fought with Parmiters
getting an early try by the use of a very good backs’ move. SJL then
kicked into gear using rolling ruck after rolling ruck to try and break
down the Parmiters defence. After 23 minutes of pushing their try line it
didn’t look like it was going to be our night. Parmiters drove to our try
line in the second half with some exquisite backs’ moves putting them
22-0 ahead. In true SJL fashion our boys never gave up and pushed for
that try line until they got a try to spoil the opposition’s perfect score.
Well done to Chris Buckman (right) for an excellent defensive
performance on the night and winning the Biggest Hit Award.
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the Senior Rugby team
for all their hard work and dedication this year. You really have set the
bar high for next year’s team.
SQUAD
Oli Lacey, Peter Simms, Tom White, Will Hutchinson, George Liddington, George Finch, Alex Doran, Henry
Purvis, Charlie Donoghue, Tim Hale, Chris Buckman, Simon Watts, Richard Ford, Angus Reid, Jordon
Crankshaw, Shreyas Kunjir, Michael Minchin, Josh Potter, Jamie Tegg, Nick Swan, Sam Hodgson
Finally, well done to the other Year 8 and Year 9 teams for a great season of Rugby. Hopefully your time will come
for trophies next year!
Basketball
Mr Howard
Spring term saw the Year 7 and 8 basketball teams play in their District leagues. The Year 7 team made a great
start to their basketball league by beating St Columba's College which was a fantastic result. They went on to also

eat Marlborough and Francis Bacon. The team consisted of Jon Lacey, Henry Parkinson, Louis Gabaldoni, Ben
Purvis, Dan Campfield, Dan Sambrook, Adam Wilmshurst, Oscar Layzell, Patrick Rutherford and Findlay Eldridge.
Throughout the season the boys have played really well and have learnt new skills and have all contributed
towards the good results.
The Year 8 team had difficult matches to start with but as the season progressed won their final games. The team
consisted of Sam Beech, Matt Crawford, Ben Douglas, Christian Everitt, Lewis Tizzard, Pat Brown, Lewis Head,
Tom Walton, Rory Glass, James Jessop and Tom Hewitt. Against Marlborough and Francis Bacon the boys
worked hard and secured victory with fine passes and movement, and the baskets they scored proved what a
good team they are. They are starting to show more consistency with their lay ups, particularly under pressure in a
game situation.
Well done to all the boys over the year and hopefully they will all come back for next year's campaign.
Netball
The netball teams have had a very busy season since September. All teams have been involved in the District
Cup, League and Tournament Competitions. The Cup Competition ran in a new format this year, with all matches
for a particular year group being played at the same venue on the same night. Although this meant that we had a
few wet matches away at other schools, the competition ran very smoothly, and especially well done to the Year 7
and 9 teams who made it to the Plate final, where the Year 7s lost to RPS and Yr 9s beat St Georges.
During the league competition, all teams have been battling to stay in, or get promoted to the first league. Well
done to the Year 8 team who stay in the 1st league, and Year 9s who have won all their matches to gain
promotion to the first league. The Year 11s and Seniors have had a frustrating season, with many of their
opponents conceding matches, which does, nonetheless, mean that they will gain promotion to the 1st league
next year.
The season always culminates with the District Tournaments which took place a couple of weeks ago. Once
again, the Year 8s and 9s had a fantastic tournament, and sailed through to the semi finals, where they came up
against very strong SAHS sides who knocked them out.
Well done for all your hard work throughout the season girls. Once again, I have been very impressed with your
commitment to training and fixtures. As the Sports Tour has just been launched, I look forward to seeing lots of
Year 8s and 9s in Holland next Year!
Hockey
All teams have been very enthusiastic and highly motivated during the hockey season this year! All squads
worked hard in their County Cup games, and the Year 9s got to the final against Queenswood. Unfortunately they
were unable to win their last match and so they were runners up in their year group. Well done to all the girls who
played. The Year 7 and 8 teams both entered the District tournaments and finished with pleasing results. The Year
7s worked hard and finished in 3 rd place overall. The Year 8s were particularly successful and managed to draw
against Beaumont and beat Loreto 9-0. This meant that the Year 8 Hockey team became District champions! Well
done to all the girls who represented SJL in hockey and all those who came out to practice.
Cheerleading
Congratulations to the following girls who have become Regional Cheerleading Champions following successes at
three competitions in recent weeks: All the girls have all been showing real dedication by attending a Cheerleading
breakfast club every Wednesday before school. As a result of their hard work they were entered into two
competitions and on both occasions they scored maximum marks to win. A fantastic achievement, well done to
Ellie Roe, Tara Sule, Phoebe Huzar, Shriya Gupta, Heather McMullen, Lucy Pritchard, Laura Radgman, Lara
Nash, Katie Easton, Isabella Spindler, Sophie Benson, Rebecca Frost, Amy Biggart and Hannah Baker.
Indoor Athletics
The Year 7 Girls, the Year 8 Boys and the Year 8 Girls all qualified for the County Indoor Athletics Finals held this
year at Hemel Sports Centre. Representing The Harpenden Sports Partnership against the best schools from all
over the County our athletes performed fantastically well. In the end both the Girls’ teams finished in second place
and won individual medals as county runners up.
Congratulations to: Year 8: Gemma Haines; Becca Mihill; Jade Harrison -Damonte; Tomisin Otenigbagbe;
Rebecca Frost; Abi West; Ellie Clarbour Year 7: Kirsty Gloess, Emily Wood, Kate Chisholm, Ciara Yelland.
Eloise Culley, Mobola Sonola, Emily Westcott and Lily Quick

Volunteering Opportunities within The Herts Youth Games –
‘Team St Albans’
The organisation and running of the training relies heavily on the volunteers who give up their time to provide the
opportunity for the youngsters who take part.
As the training is provided free to all participants there is little budget so volunteers are invaluable to the project.
Training begins in April and goes on until the event day which is taking place on
Saturday 18th June 2011.
The Volunteer Roles include the following:
Sports Official
Sports Assistant / Young Volunteer –You would need to be enthusiastic and have an interest in the sport or
helping young people. You would work with a fully qualified coach and help at the actual event in June.
Helper at the Herts Youth Games – assisting a team, taking them around the other events or taking photos,
more hands the better.
Young Reporter – Interested in writing or journalism I would like someone to report on the lead up to the games
including how training is going, how it felt for the children to take part in trials, how confident the coaches are, how
the organising is going and then finally a report on the Games itself. The diary would be used on the website and
maybe even in local papers.
All roles above are great for experience to add to CVs, UCAS forms and other career pathways in the future.
If any of the above interests you please contact Mark Caldwell at the Sports Development Team on 01727 827667
or email mark.caldwell@leisureconnection.co.uk for more information.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very restful Easter looking forward to all your further
success in 2011.
The PE Faculty
'COME AND THROW IT' - ATHLETICS TRAINING DAY
Herts County Athletic Network are holding a "Come and Throw It" day
for athletes and aspiring throws coaches on Sunday 17th April from 9.15am-5.00pm at
Ridlins Wood track, Stevenage. This is open to all students from 12yrs upwards. Novices are welcome.
Cost is £3.00 payable on the day.
Please contact mick.shortland@gmail.com for further details or telephone 0785 222 1601
WIDER COMMUNITY
Download a copy of the
The 15th HarpendenPlus Extended Schools Newsletter from this link.
Sunday 17th April 2pm-5pm
Amwell Cottage, Wheathampstead.

Sunday 17th April 2pm-5pm
Amwell Cottage, Wheathampstead.
Kate and Colin Birss are opening their beautiful garden to raise money for charity. Home made cakes, plants and
honey for sale. Dogs welcome. Adults £3 Children free. Come and trampoline, play hide and seek and complete
the treasure hunt. Follow the yellow NGS signs.
Hope and Homes for Children is a leading charity in transforming harmful and outdated childcare practices in
Eastern Europe and Africa. It helps children grow up in loving families by closing orphanages, preventing child
abandonment and keeping together families at risk of breakdown due to the pressures of poverty and disease.
Today Hope and Homes for Children works in 10 countries. To help transform a child’s life visit
www.hopeandhomes.org