Friday 22 February

1.       Some weeks ago, a speech delivered by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish 16-year-old at a world climate conference captured the interest and imagination of people across the world. As a result, pupils across different countries have chosen to become involved in various types of protest. In Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland, stories are emerging this week of pupils going on strike as their means of protesting. We seek the support of parents in encouraging pupils not to truant from school as a means of protesting. Pupils who are not in school and whose whereabouts are unknown are missing important classes and may be putting themselves at risk. Please be reassured that as a school we will continue to educate our young people on the importance of looking after our planet and its resources and how young people can influence decision making at the various stages of government.

2.       It was really pleasing to learn of the continued success of our school visit to partner schools in South Africa. Well done and sincere thanks to the six staff who took part. In particular,  thanks to Mr Porter and Ms McKenna who have led on this project for the past two years.

3.       I am sure that our pupils in S4,5 and 6 will be relieved that the prelim exams are now complete. Staff have marked 3000+ scripts in recent weeks and will continue to work with pupils and families to do all we can to ensure all can do as well as they can in the final exams. Reports details prelim performances will shortly be relayed to parents.

4.       The English Department is delighted to announce that a new creative writing club will soon be up and running.  Local author, Nora Chassler, will run hourly sessions from 3.45pm every Wednesday in room 1.32 starting on March 13^th.  All S1-S3 pupils are welcome to attend.

5.       Today is Purple Friday, which is a day to promote standing against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and to show our support for LGBTI equality. Thanks to all who wore something purple today to show support for the LGBT+ community.

I wish all a lovely weekend,

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 25 January

1.       I’d like to thank all who have contributed to the smooth running of this year’s Prelims. Particular thanks to Mr Shankland (DHT) and Mr Hurd (Chief Invigilator) for their hard work and coordinated efforts. Best wishes to pupils as they will begin to receive their marks in the next few days.

2.       Planning is now well underway for the Alternative Timetable programme scheduled for 22 and 23 May 2019. All staff and S1, 2 and 3 pupils are expected to be taking part.

3.       I am pleased to say that a number of general repairs round the campus have now been completed. We encourage all on our campus to immediately notify our janitors if they become aware of any building defects requiring attention.  

4.       Well done to both the senior  boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams who, on Thursday 24 January made it through to the play offs in the top groups of their sections. Unfortunately the girls lost to Queensferry and Belmont to lose out on a chance to make it to the national finals day. Our boys have made it to the National Finals where they will take on Queensferry again in a 3 set final. This will take place on the 12th of April in the Pleasance.  This would be a great opportunity to get parents pupils and staff along to support!

The pupils representing us were:

a)       Adam Paton

b)      Chris Sankey

c)       Hector Friend

d)      Coran Beveridge

e)       Cameron Hook

f)       William Petrie

g)      Robert Wright

h)      Millie Stobie Platts

i)        Katie Hayley

j)        Ava McConville

k)      Freya Clarkson

l)        Grace Helfer and

m)    Sophie Boyle

5.       Well done to Hannah Treagus in S2 who recently, on her own initiative, raised £120 for ‘Riding for the Disabled’ by running a bake sale.

6.       Our JGHS PC would like to thank you for your support of our Festive Fundraiser.  This year, through your generous donations, we have raised £1930.  These funds will go towards supporting our pupils and our school such as providing resources for: the STEM club; school sports clubs and teams; the book club and the nurture group. Your help is much appreciated and all donations are very welcome via ParentPay.  Many thanks.

7.       On Thursday there was an S1 Assembly during period 6 to share important information regarding this year’s S1 Residential.

8.       Ski excursion 2020 Building on the success of the annual JGHS ski excursion, a note of interest letter will soon be emailed to all parents with pupils presently in years S1-S3.  The resort will be Les Menuires in France or Sestriere in Italy.  Letters with all the excursion details can also be collected from the Design, Engineering and Technology staff base or speak to Mr Digance in the same department.  It is important to judge the interest very early for the tour operator, we request that notes of interest be provided by 12.00 on Friday 8 February 2019. I take this opportunity of thanking all the staff (Mr Digance, Ms Dickinson, Mr Carstairs, Mr Smith, Ms Hohs and Ms Fallon) for their involvement in our annual Ski Trip a couple of weeks ago and making it such a memorable excursion for the 60 pupils who took part.

9.       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

10.   We are seeking input from our parents and friends of JGHS towards preparing all of our pupils for the world of work. The attached document gives more details of how you can register interest.

11.   I would encourage all recipients of this email to contribute views on our revised school values. The survey, which takes less than a minute to complete, can be accessed via

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=af6sSGo3tUKfacnke7-5xHDBqrdI1thOnEQGtLAmbQBUNFNEWjJTQ1Y1V0g3S0QwOEtVRDVONU1DNS4u

12.   I would request that parents/carers and staff email me any positive stories for inclusion in my Friday Update. Please note that this is not restricted to sporting or academic success.  I’m keen to highlight and share all successes.

And finally I wish all a lovely weekend. If you are celebrating Burns day today, do note that the fastest haggis are generally the tastiest.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher