On Friday of each week, I
distribute a ‘Friday Update’ which gives a flavour of some of the varied
activities going on in our school. If you have something you would like
to share then please email Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk.
The ‘Friday update’ is emailed to all parents/carers and staff and is placed on
the Headteacher’s blog.
- Today is International Women's Day. The focus of this year’s theme is on innovative ways in which to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.
- In relation to the pupils’ Climate Change Protest scheduled for Friday 15 March, the City of Edinburgh position is that pupils wishing to take part must provide a letter of consent from parents to authorise release from school. Without parental consent any absence is recorded as an unauthorised absence. By giving consent parents are taking responsibility for their child’s welfare whilst off the school’s campus.
- Congratulations to:
- Fiona Oatman who was appointed as SfL teacher on Thursdays and Fridays. This additional position has arisen as a result of our rising school roll.
- Brandon Kanady (Pupil Support Officer) who was recently appointed to our staff to offer additional 1 to 1 support for pupils at JGHS who need a little bit of additional personalised support to allow them to thrive.
o
Cameron Hook in S6 has been chosen for
the Scotland’s Men’s Volleyball team to take part in the St. Patricks Day
international tournament.
o
Sam Shannon in S1 who recently won the
National Squash Championship U13 in Aberdeen. This confirmed his position as
Scottish number one. He will now captain Scotland in the Five Nations Squash
International( Scotland, England, Ireland, France) to be held in Dublin in
April.
o
Daisy Adams in S1 who organised a bake sale last Friday accompanied by
some of her S1 peers. Close to £90 was raised for Mary’s Meals. Daisy was
inspired by the acts of kindness theme being highlighted at JGHS.
o
Jamie Clyde (S1) who was successful in
auditions and has now got a place on a week-long residential with the Scottish
Youth Choir.
o
Jasmine Tarsia (S2) and Christie Peden
(S2) who, today, raised over £60 for the Baden-Powell Scouts’ Association
by running a bake sale.
4.
On Tuesday 5 March, a
peer theatre group called ‘Fast Forward’ presented to all S3 pupils on the
risks and pressures associated with gambling. This was an active presentation
with a scenario being acted out involving teenagers and the risk associated
with trying to make a ‘fast buck’. After the presentation, pupils were asked to
consider the scenario and think about the risks associated with gambling.
Pupils were also given the opportunity to pick up a card with details of a
gambling support group. The presentation was well received by the pupils, and
we hope to work with ‘Fast Forward’ again in the future.
- The deadline for parent feedback from the recently issued prelim results/recommendations (sent by email to parents of s4, 5 and 6) email is today. If there are no changes sought then no reply is required.
- A Jobs’ Roadshow took place at Corn Exchange on Wednesday. A group of S4/S5 pupils travelled out to meet over 70 different employers and training providers. Feedback from our participants are that they feel much more confident to apply for courses/opportunities beyond school. Please encourage pupils who are considering moving on from school to keep checking the Edinburgh Guarantee site for opportunities.
- Good luck to the JGHS pipe bank who are taking part this Sunday (10 March) in the Scottish Schools’ pipe band championships at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston.
8.
Best wishes to Callum Stark (S4) who will, on
Wednesday 13 March, represent JGHS at ARTiculate - a national public speaking
event about a particular artist who has inspired him and challenged his
thinking.
Dates for the Diary
9.
This year, due to
growing demand, we have decided to run a 'Spring Fling concert series over two
nights, Tuesday 26th March and Wednesday 27th March. Both concerts will take
place in the Muriel Spark Performing Arts theatre from 7.00 – 8.00pm. This is
another wonderful opportunity for our young people to participate and perform
in one of the many musical ensembles, choirs and instrumental groups the school
offers.
o Tuesday evening’s concert will include String, Clarsach and
Guitar ensembles, our ‘Trad’ group and the Junior Choir. We are also delighted
to welcome students from Preston Street Primary School.
o On Wednesday the Wind and Pipe bands will perform alongside
our Chamber Choir, Senior Choir and Rock ensembles.
o Tickets will be on sale from the door on the evening of the
concert priced at £3 per evening, or £5 if you are attending both nights.
o We hope that you can come and support our young performers
for what promises to be a great event.
10.
On Tues 19th March @ 7pm in the Library in the
Malala building the JGHS Parent Council would like to invite everyone from our
school community to our next PC meeting. Jeff Warden, DHT, will be
updating on curriculum planning and we will have updates on Wifi and rising
rolls. Everyone is very welcome. If you can't make the date our minutes are
online at http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/
11.
Please support our main Parent Council social
event this year at 7pm on Friday 26th April 2019 in the foyer at
JGHS.
o We
will have wine-tasting with Vino wines, music, food, a pop-up prosecco bar and
fruit punch.
o Everyone
is welcome – parents, carers and staff – please come and support your
school.
o Eventbrite
ticketing information to follow.
12.
The big pedal
is fast approaching, 25th March till the 5th April, the aim of the two
weeks is to encourage cycling to school.
o To launch this, we plan to hold a bike breakfast on Tuesday
26th March from 8.15am (too many will forget if it’s the Monday!).
13.
At 7 pm on Friday 22 March our pupils are
staging a play to raise funds for and to raise awareness of period poverty. ‘A
Feminine Ending’ is a bittersweet comedy about a girl who knows what she
wants, but not quite how to get it. ’Issue Now’, a Pupil led charity, is
putting on this production to raise money for Lilypads, a charity helping those
in period poverty. ‘The play’s message is so important and we thought that
this would be a refreshing, challenging and exciting way in which we can raise
money for a cause that really matters. So please, contribute to something good,
and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! We hope to see you on the 22nd’
Lori Stott (S6)
My quote of the week: ‘
I wish all a lovely weekend.
Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher
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