1.
SQA exams are now up and running; very best
wishes to all who are involved. I know from personal experience how essential
and demanding the input of parents/carers is in
supporting/cajoling/placating/reassuring pupils is. Sincere thanks to all!
2.
During the past week we have had ‘Changeworks’
(Council environmental staff) delivering assemblies to S1, 2 and 3 on the
impact of litter on our environment and what we can do as a school to improve.
Following two of the assemblies, an enthusiastic group of pupils participated
in a litter pick up around the school and the areas adjacent to the school. We
intend to further develop this initiative in the coming session.
3.
We will be reminding all pupils in the coming
days that energy drinks are not allowed on campus.
4.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the
arrangements for this year’s ‘Alternative Timetable’ on 22 and 23 May. During
these two days pupils in S1, 2 and 3 are able to take part in a variety of
‘low-cost’ or free activities. Some are school based whilst other activities
take pupils further afield. Thanks to Ms McLennan for leading on this year’s
programme.
5.
I am delighted that the JG Trust has arranged
for information plaques to be installed at various locations around the school.
These plaques give information about the different buildings and their history.
Additionally, the Trust has arranged for the bust of James Gillespie (the
school’s founder) with background information to be on display at the school’s
reception.
6.
Thanks to Ms Cholak (Maths department) who
arranged a trip for a large s1 group to attend a maths exhibition and workshops
at the national Museum last week. ‘We had a fantastic day at the museum for
the launch of the new Maths Week Scotland website. The S1’s enjoyed
creating costume dress ruffles using their measurement skills, learning about
how musical notes are linked to fractions and interacting with robots.
They all enjoyed the talk by University Challenge contestant Bobby Seagull and
his maths rap and got to hear about the Maths Week Scotland initiative from
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister’. https://twitter.com/ScotGovEdu/status/1122893307074547713
7.
Last weekend, 32 of our S3s enjoyed favourable
weather in the Pentland Hills as they were involved in the Bronze Duke of
Edinburgh award. Thanks to Ms Ewing (PE staff) for leading on this.
8.
Pupils and staff are encouraged to cycle or walk
to school. All are reminded to use sturdy locks for securing bicycles. (‘D’
locks appear to be the most secure)
9.
Congratulations to Mr Russell (Physics
department) on becoming a dad to Thomas Russell yesterday evening. Mum, Thomas
and 2 siblings reported to be ‘doing great’. Dad also looking well and looking
forward to getting the family home back in order during paternity leave.
10.
Well done to:
a. S3
pupils (Chiara, Leon, Jacob and Liam) who, as part of their Prince’s Trust
class, prepared a tasty array of sandwiches and hot drinks for staff at break
today.
b. Mollaidh
Nicholson who has been selected to play in the Midlothian inter club tournament
at Dalmahoy this week.
c. Esther
Silverton (S3) who has been awarded a ‘Diana’ award in recognition of her work
in a variety of areas. This includes, homelessness and climate change. https://diana-award.org.uk/
11.
Diary:
a. There
is a S2 parents’ night consultation evening from 5 – 7 pm on Wednesday 8 May.
b. The
Edinburgh Local Mod takes place on 25 May. https://www.edinburghlocalmod.com/
Please encourage pupils to get involved.
And finally I take this opportunity of wishing all a lovely
long weekend. Monday is a holiday for all; Tuesday is a staff training day.
Pupils resume from 0830 on Wednesday 8 May.
Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher
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