St Andrews Celebration

The S6 Pupil Voice will be organising some activities next Friday 4^th December in order to raise money for the Syrian Refugee crisis.

SLT have agreed that classes can be involved in a giant ‘Strip the Willow’ outside the Malala building during periods 1 and 2 next Friday.

During interval, there will then be a range of activities such as face-painting and a bake-sale.

 

The ‘Strip the Willow’ will be organised by year groups, (sets will be in communities) and class teachers are asked to come and support their class with this – and even join in if you wish!

All classes are to meet outside Malala reception at the following times: (a tannoy announcement will also be made)

9.30                        S1

9.55                        S2  (pupils will register first)

10.20                     S3

Please read out the bulletin to alert pupils to this – S6 will also speak at the year assemblies.

If it’s raining, the event will be cancelled and a tannoy announcement will be made to that effect.

Scottish State School of the Year 2015

We were delighted to learn that the Sunday Times named us as Scottish State School of theYear for 2015. This is a wonderful achievement and fitting testament to the efforts of so many. Sincere thanks to all staff, parents and pupils who continue to work so hard to make a difference for all of our young people.

Foyle Young Poets of the Year

Letter from judging panel:

'Warmest congratulations to Mikaela Carmichael who was selected as one of 85 commended Foyle Young Poets of the Year 2015. Mikaela was selected from nearly 6,000 entrants from across the world, a truly impressive achievement.

Congratulations also to all at James Gillespie's High School, especially your English department and any other members of staff who have helped inspire, develop and nurture Mikaela's poetic talent.'

Kirkland Ciccone visit

Prize winning young adult author, renowned speaker, and general all round character Kirkland Ciccone will be at James Gillespie’s High School as part of their Book Week Scotland celebrations on Monday 23^rd November. Kirkland is the author of ‘Conjuring the Infinite’ and ‘Endless Empress’. He will address the entire of the school’s third year about his own writing and what it takes to be an author, and why reading is important. This has come about largely due to the enterprising efforts of one of the school’s own pupils, Jasna Deas Morgan, who may be Kirkland’s biggest fan! Kirkland is fast gaining a reputation throughout Scotland for being a unique and inspiring speaker, with an amazing ability to engage and enthuse teenagers about reading.

Here is why Kirkland is doing the event in his own words:

Book Week Scotland is like Christmas to authors, or in my case Halloween. My first event during a week crammed full of amazing events is James Gillespie High School. And it was organised by a fan! That's proper people power isn't it? When Jasna asked if I would stop off at James Gillespie High School during my book tour, of course I said yes. My next step was to ensure the teachers and the school librarian received my list of demands for this event which include tea and a packet of McVitie's Fruit Shortcake.

Remembrance Day 2015

At 1130 today (chosen as 1100 coincides with our morning break when staff and pupils would have been in transit between our different campuses), our school observed a 2 minute silence to rememember and reflect on the many who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world. It was great to see all of our young people in such thoughtful and reflective mode.

Remembrance

I really enjoyed today's assembly which was presented by pupils from Maxwell Comunity. They talked about what remembrance of heroes meant to them. Fascinating to see the variety of approaches and gratifying to see how respectful they all were of all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rowing success

Well done to Rachel Chowings (6R3) and Hannah Davis (6K4) on their rowing success last weekend. They won the novice double at the Inverness Head race which is the biggest in Scotland for the number of entries. A very impressive 1st place considering they were competing against some University crews in a gruelling 4k row.