Friday 31 May

1.      I have no doubt that all of our senior pupils and parents/carers are relieved and happy to have this year’s exam diet behind them. All can now relax and look forward to learning of progress when the results are released in early August.

2.      It was a pleasure to have our outgoing S6 back in school this morning for their last time. They enjoyed a breakfast together and a chance to say farewells to peers and staff. Many chose to wear fancy dress to mark the occasion. All were very well behaved and respectful of others who were in the school. We will have a further opportunity to mark their leaving us at the S6 ‘graduation’ ceremony and champagne reception at Greyfriar’s Kirk on Thursday 27 June. Additionally this year, for the first time, I am delighted that the JG Trust have arranged a special reception at the City Chambers for the parents and carers of the outgoing S6. This will follow after the event at Greyfriar’s kirk.

3.      Good luck to all of our swimmers who are taking part in next week’s Scottish relay championships.

4.      Unfortunately, we have had two further incidents of bike theft in the past three weeks. All are strongly encouraged to use the more robust ‘D’ locks and to ensure that frames are security marked.

5.      Following the success of last month’s Wine Tasting event we are keen to further develop and strengthen opportunities for parents/carers to come together and get to know each other and staff on a social level. To that end, The Parent Council would like your views on the type of school community events you would like to attend. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey before the end of the school term. The Parent Council will use this information to consider what events it might run next year. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JGHScommunity

6.      Well done to:

a.        Felix McDonald-Walker, S3, who gave a reading in Gaelic at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland last week. Reading a passage from the Bible might not seem to be the most onerous of tasks, but for a 14-year-old in such surroundings, with 700 commissioners watching him, it was quite a daunting prospect as well as, of course, and honour. Reports confirm that he stole the ‘show’!

b.      Esther Silverton (S3) whose passion and commitment to addressing climate change was rewarded with her being invited to represent Edinburgh’s young people when she addressed all of Edinburgh’s councillors at yesterday’s full Council meeting.  

7.      Very best wishes to Mrs Sajida Saqib who is relocating to Manchester with her family. Mrs Saqib has taught Urdu at Gillespie’s for the past 13 years and has achieved outstanding results in National examinations.

Dates

8.      The A 'Level and AS exhibition open evening is on Tuesday 4th of June from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the amazing artwork of our senior pupils.

And finally, best wishes to all pupils as they all move on a year on Monday 3 June when we change timetable for session 19/20.

My quote of the week:

‘I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. That is why I succeed.’ - Michael Jordan