Friday 9 March

1.       Following school closures due to heavy snow last week, it was back to normal for all this week. I hope that this unforeseen closure did not cause too much inconvenience for families.

2.       On Wednesday night, we held a very well attended Parents’ consultation for S5 and 6. This had been postponed from the previous week because of the school being closed due to the heavy snow..

3.       All Parents/carers are invited to complete the following survey. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/V3VPWRK Deadline for completion is Wednesday 14 March.

4.       We have our 'Spring Fling' concert on Wednesday 21 March in the theatre, from 7.00 - 9.00pm  - this will feature many instrumental groups and choirs, and a variety of musical styles. Tickets are £6/£4 (concessions) on the door.

5.       You may be interested to learn that two Headteachers from our associated primary schools have announced their intention to retire. Mrs Alice Brown (Tollcross PS) will retire at Easter and Mrs Alison Noble (Sciennes PS) will retire at the end of June. Both have made huge contributions to Education in Edinburgh throughout their long and distinguished careers and will be greatly missed.

6.       Well done to Kirsty Johnson, S2, who was awarded Edinburgh Road Club (cycling) Youth B girls champion 2017 ( under 14 category) at the recent club prize giving dinner.

7.       During the past 2 days, S1,2 and 3 pupils have been involved in selecting their preferred activities for two days in May (23 and 24) when normal timetabled classes will be suspended.

8.       Ms Emma Hand, teacher of German and Spanish (current at James Young HS in West Lothian) , will replace Mr Alexander when he leaves us in August to take up his new post as Head of Modern Languages at Stewarts’ Melville.  

9.       We are only two weeks from our S1 residential in Lockerbie. I’m hoping that the 200 + who are attending experience warmer weather than we’ve had of late.

10.   It was pleasing to hear so much discussion taking place yesterday in connection with International Women’s Day. I am pleased to share that the contribution of women to society (in particular, graduates from JGHS) will be the focus for the celebration of Founder’s day on Friday 18 May.  Linda Urquhart (OBE), a former JGHS pupil, will be our main speaker. Details to follow.

11.   I would like to hear from any parent/carer who has experience of running a business during a period of significant expansion and change.  I am keen to learn of business practices that might apply to us as we plan for significant roll growth over the course of the next 10 years.

I take this opportunity of wishing all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher