Friday 10 March 2017

1.       We are delighted to be hosting Ishbel Taromsari at Gillespie’s on Monday 20 March when she will present to pupils on some of her adventures as she travels round the world by bicycle. Ishbel grew up in challenging circumstances in Glasgow and has developed  a reputation for inspiring young people to aim high and promoting women’s rights.  http://worldbikegirl.com/about-me/

2.       The next Parent Council meeting is on Tuesday 21 March

3.       Our annual Spring Fling concert is on the evening of Wednesday 22 M

arch.

4.       The school will have a special screening of ‘I, Daniel Blake’ in the Spark Theatre on the evening of 23 March. Paul Laverty (Scriptwriter and one of our parents) will do a Q and A session after the film.  Entry is free, but the event is ticketed -details to follow. 

5.       Good luck to Linus West, Adam Paton and Callum Stark who are standing for election in the Scottish Youth Parliament.

6.       Pupils have been reminded that we have a zero tolerance towards violence and any form of bullying. Additionally, pupils who become involved in encouraging others to fight or bully others have had a warning shot across their bows.

7.       The Scottish Schools’ Pipe Band championships are taking place at JGHS this Sunday.

8.       Thank you to the parents who came forward to work with the school’s Senior Leadership Team on developing the school’s Improvement Plan for sessions 2017-2020.

9.       Each week, I take particular satisfaction on sharing the varied achievements of our pupils with you. For this week I draw your attention to a number of quite different achievements:

a.       Elena Santoyo-Brown (S4) who is representing Scotland the under 17’s European (Football) championships next week. 

b.      Lena Galant (S6) who, along with Lucy Thomas (Portobello High School), won 1st place in the guitar ensemble open category last weekend. 

c.       Arthur Macintosh (S5) who on 25 February had the honour of carrying the Welsh Flag with the Welsh Rugby Team at the six nations match at Murray field.

d.      Callum Murray (S3) and Shadow (border collie cross) who is flying the flag for Gillespie’s and Scotland at Crufts in today’s dog handling and agility competition. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)