The last two weeks have seen the start of classes starting their new blocks of sport in PE, this includes sports such as netball, football, handball and basketball. On Thursday 18^th September, Townsend hosted the District Cross Country races after school. All schools from the district came to compete in the event.

It was fantastic to see so many students from Townsend involved from Years 7 to 9.

There is one final cross-country event on Thursday 2^nd October at Verulam School.

Students will be taken to and from the school by minibus. Parents/Carers can either collect from Verulam or from Townsend.

If your child would like to represent the school, please complete the form on Edulink so that we know they are planning on attending.

Senior Football vs KWS (friendly):

Another senior football fixture saw the team travel to KWS for what was labelled a “friendly” – though the game proved anything but, with both sides playing at full intensity in a fiercely competitive contest.

The hosts came flying out of the blocks on their home astro surface, catching our side cold in the opening stages. Within just 20 minutes, we found ourselves 3-0 down after two unstoppable long-range efforts into the top corner left goalkeeper James with no chance.

After a rallying half-time team talk, the seniors came out with renewed determination. Forward Theo struck twice in quick succession to drag us back into the game, before a driven Josh cross forced an own goal to level the pressure on KWS and swing the momentum in our favour.

Unfortunately, a stoppage for an injury allowed KWS to reset, and the home side restored their composure to add two further goals late on. Despite a spirited fightback and excellent work-rate throughout, the seniors eventually fell to a 6-3 defeat.

There were plenty of positives, not least the impressive performances from debutants Hezakiah and Temi (Year 11), as well as Year 13 newcomer Saeed. Special mention goes to Temi, who shone throughout and was fully deserving of the Player of the Match award.

Thank you to Mr Tominey and Mr Armstrong for taking the fixture.

Extra-Curricular Clubs:

We have many PE clubs running this year with a couple of new ones to look out for:

• Monday afterschool – Year 11-13 Football

• Tuesday Lunch time – Sports Talk at Townsend, an exciting new podcast

• Friday Lunchtime – Badminton in the gym

Clubs that are still ongoing include KS3 football, Netball, Trampolining, Basketball, Swimming, etc. Check out the PE display board for more information.

Fixtures Next Week:

• Monday 29th September: Year 9 County Cup Football Match vs St Michaels at Home

• Monday 29th September: Year 10 Basketball vs Sir John Lawes

Keep up to date with team lists and fixture dates using the PE Fixtures Board.

Miss M Jones
Head of PE 

Please see the below fundraising opportunities from Herts Young Homeless.

Please see the below letter from the Mental Health Support Team.

If you do not wish for your child to be involved in any provision being offered by Hertfordshire Mental Health Support Team, please inform your educational setting, more details are attached in the letter below.

Thank you

Please read the attached leaflet about the risks of children using this chat service.

Children between the ages of 13-18 years should only be using this chat service with permission from a parent/guardian and we ask parents to monitor their children’s use of this chat service.

Please check whether your child is using this and if they are please check their settings.

Thank you,

Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher

We have been made aware via social media that Arriva drivers intend to go on strike for a number of days.

This is of course of great concern to us and I am sure Arriva is working hard to try and avoid these strikes taking place. School will be open as usual and we hope all students will be able to make alternative arrangements in order to attend school. As the strike action may be cancelled at any point, parents / carers should inform us on each day of absence, providing us with the reason for the absence.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgnlpx0813o

Mrs H Line
Deputy Headteacher