High Energy drinks

Parents beware - these energy drinks are hugely appealing to kids, especially ones who leave home in the morning with no breakfast.

Edinburgh Evening News

BAFTA award for former JGHS pupil

Warmest congratulations to Iain Henderson who moved on to Clyde Valley College to study film making when he left JGHS a few years ago. Iain always had a camera in hand as a child and developed his photography throughout his teenage years. His short film 'The Wee 'Hings', which was shown at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, deservedly won him the Scottish BAFTA for best New Talent 2015. Well done Iain!

Appointing Curriculum Leaders

Earlier today I was invited to contribute to a training session for Curriculum Leaders. Those in attendance came fro a variety of schools from around Europe.

After surveying fellow Headteachers in Edinburgh's secondary schools I shared with my audience the qualities/skills/attributes that are most sought after when Curriculum Posts are advertised.

• Experience of leading change and making a positive impact
• Experience of leading Learning and Teaching
• Proven track record as an excellent teacher
• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Clear vision
• Able to motivate people
• Credibility/Positive role model
• Commitment to reflection and professional development

Meadows Fun Run

Thanks to all who helped with our fun run today. It was a tremendous success despite the late downpour!! Special thanks to Mr Carstairs who organised the event.

The winners were…..

Fastest Boy :                      Jack Pickup – 12 min 29 secs

Fastest Girl :                       Lucia Montgomery – 12 min 53 secs

Fastest Adult :                   Dr Paul Smith – 11 min 54 secs (better luck next year Mr O'Connor!!)

Best Fancy Dress :            Aurora Brannigan, Emily Milligan and Alejandro Tamariz (came dressed as a rainbow and a leprechaun with a pot of gold)

Please encourage all pupils who participated to hand in their sponsor money next week.

Tomorrow’s main activity is the S1 Sports Day. All S1 pupils are to go to the Forum AFTER registration. They will then be out of normal classes until the end of the school day.

An inspiring short film on dyslexia

'Every now and then you come across something so inspiring that you can’t help but share it. This was certainly the case with this wonderful idea from 12-year-old Isley, who has severe dyslexia.'

This short video, created by a12 year old, is quite inspirational and I hope will reassure all who have some barrier to learning that every individual is special.

Creative writing is fun!

The American author Nora Chassler is currently working with all of our cluster primary schools, as part of an innovative creative writing Transition project set in place by our Faculty Head of English, Allan Crosbie, and his colleagues at James Gillespie's High School. Nora has already provided a stimulating workshop for all P7 staff, as part of a morning of inservice from Allan and our staff on Thursday 7th May.

I am delighted we are working closely with our cluster P7 colleagues on this exciting scheme which also involves visits from JGHS English teachers to meet and work with the pupils. The English Department look forward to reading their finished stories which will be on display during their Three Day 'induction' visit to JGHS 16-18 June.

Pupil Power

I'm delighted to share with you that Sarah Garland (3M4) has been elected to the Scottish Youth Parliament for South Edinburgh.

This will involve group meetings with the other MSYPs, and will be a brilliant opportunity for young people from JGHS and other schools in the area to have their voices heard and listened to on local and national issues that directly affect young people. After Sarah completes her induction day on the 16th May, she will be able to confirm surgery times and contact addresses.

It’s so encouraging to see young people energised and enthusiastic about Politics!

Wise words

The dream of every family is to be able to live together happily in a quiet and peaceful home where parents will have the opportunity of bringing up the children in the best possible way, or guiding and helping them in choosing careers and of giving them the love and care which will develop in them a feeling of security
and self-confidence." ~ Nelson Mandela from a letter to Zindzi & Zenani Mandela, written on Robben Island, 1 June 1970

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We're in new building ...

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am delighted to share with you that our move into the newly completed ‘Malala’ building has been smooth and, apart from some relatively minor teething issues which are being addressed, we are hugely impressed with our new building. The enhanced perception of light and space has been remarked on by all vistors.   

We will be organising an opportunity for all parents to visit on the morning of Saturday 6 June 2015. Details will follow shortly but do reserve this date in your diaries.

On Friday morning of this week, pupils will be collecting towards supporting families affected by the earthquakes in Nepal. Pupils are requested to wear an item of red clothing on Friday in recognition of the red Nepalese flag and to bring some money (up to £1) to donate. All the money raised will be passed to Mercy Corps,  Edinburgh’s international charity, which has been working in Nepal since 2006

I take this further opportunity of reminding you that Monday 4 May is a holiday and all pupils and staff should resume as normal on Tuesday 5 May. Thursday 7 May is a further holiday for pupils as this is a staff training day.

Yours sincerely,

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher