We’ve had a wonderful start to the year, with several memorable events that have brought our school community closer together, and we’re excited to share the highlights with you.

First, we kicked off the term with our Year 7 Welcome Picnic, now in its second year. Despite some heavy rain, the event was a huge success, with families braving the weather to join in the fun. It was heart-warming to see so many students and parents enjoying food, games, and great conversations, setting a friendly and welcoming tone for the new school year.

Following that, we hosted our second annual Christmas Wreath Night, another delightful event filled with festive cheer. Guests enjoyed mulled wine, nibbles and lively conversation while creating beautiful wreaths with fresh foliage, Christmas baubles, cinnamon sticks and more. It was a relaxed evening that allowed students, parents, and staff to get creative and take home something special for the holidays.

To wrap up the term, we held our much-anticipated Christmas Shop for students. As always, it was a hit, giving students the chance to pick out gifts for friends, family and themselves.

We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support of these events. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to raise vital funds for various school departments, including the Sixth Form and the PE Department, which have already received funding this term. This would not be possible without your involvement, and we truly appreciate your generosity.

Looking ahead, we’d love to hear your thoughts on future events. As some of you may know, we had to cancel last year’s Summer Ball and Comedy Night due to low ticket sales. We want to plan events that everyone will enjoy, so please share your ideas with us! Whether you have suggestions for adult or student events, we’d love to hear from you. Simply email your ideas to PTA@townsend.herts.sch.uk

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for making our school community such a vibrant and welcoming place. We look forward to seeing you at future events.

Warm regards and have a wonderful Christmas.

The PTA Team

Please see the below information about Family Lives free online parenting programme.

Your child can gain direct insight into veterinary pathways with the School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool. They will meet practising vets and learn entry routes and deepen their understanding of specialist roles. The experience will be via remote learning through Google Classroom and is being offered by Futures for All. To apply students will need to follow the link below and set up an account with Futures For All if they don’t already have one.

https://finder.futuresforall.org/opportunity-detail/9A7FE55A-89B0-4829-3098-08DE26AD79DF

Mrs K Davey
Assistant Headteacher

We are pleased to inform you that the certificates are ready for collection from Main Reception starting 6th January 2026. They will be available until the February Half Term -13th February.

Main Reception is open for collections between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

It is expected that the students will collect their own certificates. If they wish to send someone on their behalf to collect the certificates, please ensure they bring confirmation or they email us prior to the collection.

Thank you for your attention.

Kind regards,

The School Office

We are delighted to have been offered sponsorship again from Tony Gee, a civil engineering company with a St Albans office, to support a bike competition.

Last year students were invited to create a 30 second short video and the winner of a new bike was one of our Year 11 students. This year, as last year, the competition is open to Year 7-13 and they have to redesign the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol with sustainable means. All details are on the Design Brief attached. The deadline for entries to be submitted to Showbie is now Monday 5th January!

DT teachers will be able to provide support if students have queries.

Entries will be judged anonymously by Tony Gee and the winner will receive a bike of their choice or a £300 gift card from Go Outdoors.

Mr D Hill (Head of Technology)
Miss C Reynolds (Sustainability Lead)
Mrs H Line (Deputy Headteacher)