Tuesday 13 August

Dear Parent/Carer,

1. We look forward to welcoming all pupils back to school on the morning of Wednesday 14 August. An especially warm welcome to pupils who are new to the school.

2. I am pleased to share that this year’s exam results were very good overall.  Many pupils did very well whilst some, as is always the case may be a bit disappointed. On returning to school pupils are encouraged to speak with last year’s teachers to find out their actual mark so that they may better prepare for the coming session. Pupils who, in the light of receiving their results, are considering changing courses should speak with their Pupil Support Leader in the first instance.

3. Work on installing our new Temporary Accommodation (6 additional classrooms) is almost completed. Classes will be gradually transferred across to the new rooms after we have had time to familiarise ourselves with the operational details including evacuation procedures, computer connectivity etc.

4. There have been a few staffing changes; I will share this with you in a later email. We have a full complement of teachers but will be advertising imminently for some additional support staff.

5. Parents and carers are asked to assist in the smooth running of the school by ensuring that latecoming is kept to a minimum We would prefer that all pupils are on campus no later than 0830 each morning. Classes start promptly at 0840. It is acknowledged that the location of the school and the dependence on public transport can cause problems. It can be extremely disruptive to lessons when pupils arrive late. Where there is a genuine case of lateness, parents should provide a note of explanation which will be accepted by the school. Latecoming will be closely monitored and persistent latecomers will be interviewed by the relevant staff.  Parents may be contacted if improvement does not occur.

I look forward with enthusiasm to another busy and exciting session at James Gillespie’s High School and working in partnership with you to ensure that all of our pupils are fully supported and encouraged towards achieving their full potential in all of their many and varied endeavours.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher