Friday 18 January 2019

Friday 18 January


1.       The Prelims started this week for pupils in S4, 5 and 6. Prelims will give pupils much needed practise in sitting major exams and provide  a strong platform upon which to build for the ‘finals’ in May.
2.       Earlier this week we were delighted to learn that JGHS has been awarded 5 tickets for a Gala dinner in March where the Key Note speaker will be Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai! Mrs Sturm and the 4 pupils who contributed most to the organisation of our ‘Sleep out’ will represent us. JGHS was the school/centre that raised most money for the Social Bite enterprise. Thanks to all who gave so generously to support this worthy cause.
3.       We are staging a Gaelic Concert on Thursday 31 January 7-9pm in the JGHS Theatre. This is a fundraiser for the Cancer Ward at the Edinburgh Sick Kid’s Hospital. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/oidhche-oigridh-ceolcraic-is-caise-tickets-53541424843?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
4.       The JGHS Parent Council would like to invite everyone from our school community to our next PC meeting.  Ian Porter, DHT, will be reviewing Key Adult Time and we will have updates on Wifi, capacity, and fundraising.  Everyone is very welcome on Tues 22nd Jan @ 7pm in the Library in the Malala building. If you can't make the date our minutes are online at http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/ 
5.       Pencil Case Donations, South Africa 2019-  So far we have collected around 200 pencil cases but are in need of 300 more to match lasts years 500. We request that parents and pupils donate a filled pencil case to the reception area, in order to help us reach our target and ensure that every south African child we meet can receive a pencil case. Many thanks from all involved with S6 South Africa Project.
6.       Earlier this week the following pupils were selected to attend a two day enrichment event for mathematics.
a.       Abby Earnshaw,
b.       Sophie McDonald Ness
c.       Toby Ward
d.       Reuben Laurier
7.       You may be aware that the Scottish Daily Mail carried a story on Lewis Byrne (S6) on 2 January.  Lewis speaks 11 languages and is currently undertaking a crash course at Advanced Higher level in German. He plans to learn Korean and Faroese in 2019. Lewis hope to become an interpreter and travel the world!

‘Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.’ (Nelson Mandela)


I wish all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher

Friday 11 January 2019

Friday 11 January 2019


Firstly, a very happy 2019 to everyone. I hope all had a restful and rejuvenating break and are now raring to get stuck into what will be another busy and productive year.

1.       This week we welcomed several new staff:
a.       Ms Tania Peters (Pupil Support Leader for Spylaw)
b.       Miss Ruth Cox (Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts)
c.       Mr Alasdair Alexander (Teacher of Biology and Sciences)
d.       Miss Julie Francis (Languages Faculty - started in last week of last term)
2.       Congratulations to Mrs Tania Galvez Castells (Languages Faculty) who had a baby boy (Phoenix) during the holidays. All reported to be doing well!
3.       Congratulations to Mr Brandon Cannady who has been appointed to a new pupil support officer role. This role has been created to give additional targeted support to youngsters who need a bit of extra TLC to fully realise their potential.
4.       Prelim exams start on Monday 14 January for pupils in S4, 5 and 6. Very best wishes to all!
5.       Our annual Ski Trip (S1,2 and 3)  is currently taking place in Alpe D’ Huez, France. 66 staff and pupils are involved.
6.       On Tuesday evening we are holding a curriculum planning meeting for parents of pupils who are currently in P7 at Bun Sgoil Taobh na Pairce.
7.       There will be a 'Pub quiz' at Craigmillar Golf Club on the evening (7-9 Pm) of Thursday 17 January to raise funds for bringing South African learners across to JGHS in June. Tickets will be available at the door in the evening.
8.       S2 parents’ evenings are taking place this week; 22 January (non-practical subjects) and 24 January (practical subjects).


I wish all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher