Friday 6 September

1. A warm welcome to both South African staff and the four pupils from our partner schools (Dloko HS and Zwelibanzi HS), who arrived this week. They are with us for the next few days to gain experience of JGHS and Scottish culture. Thanks  to all for being so kind and welcoming.
2. The Maths revision club run by S6 pupils is up and running on Tuesdays in room M2.15 after school.
3. On Wednesday of this week pupils in S4,5 and 6 attended an event run by the Edinburgh International Film Festival where they had opportunity to speak to industry professionals and hear about what goes on behind the scenes.
4. Earlier this week, as a result
   of the current unrest in Hong Kong, we took the decision to cancel the trip that was scheduled to depart in 2 weeks’ time. We will keep the situation under review and reschedule when it is safe to do so.
5. Classes will be taught in the new temporary accommodation from Monday 9 September. It is mainly staff from Modern Studies, RME and Psychology who will be relocating into the temporary classrooms.
6. A reminder that all pupils have been issued with a paper copy of the personal details (email addresses, emergency contact details etc.)  we have on record. Some of these are probably feeling ignored and lonely in schoolbags! It is essential that these forms are updated and returned to us asap. Returns with ‘no changes needed’ written clearly on the form will confirm that the form has reached you.

Dates:

7. On Monday 9 September, senior pupils from our AS and A Level classes out on Monday 9th September in the afternoon to visit the exhibition:- Cut and Paste: 400 Years of Collage is the first survey exhibition of collage ever to take place anywhere in the world. Collage is often described as a twentieth-century invention, but this show spans a period of more than 400 years and includes more than 250 works.
8. The JGHS Parent Council would like to invite everyone from our school community to the first PC meeting of the new school year.  We look forward to seeing parents and carers from across the year groups, and hope to meet some of our new S1 parents and carers too. Bob Shankland, DHT, will be giving a summary of SQA results and we will have updates on Wifi, capacity and rising rolls, social events and fundraising.  Everyone is very welcome to join us on Tues 10 September at 7pm in the Library in the Malala building.
9. Our annual P7 Open evening takes place on Thursday 12 September from 6 – 8 Pm.
10. On the 17 of September the RME department are hosting a charities fair in the theatre to allow for Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) candidates to meet with charities representatives
11. We are arranging a Bike breakfast for the morning of Wednesday 18 September. Details to follow but this event will include bike marking to deter thieves. In the interim, high quality (discounted) D-locks locks are available for £10 rather than the retail price of £30/40. Please email Deborah.dickinson@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk if you wish to purchase a D-lock.
12. The next pupil protest related to Climate Change is scheduled to take place on Friday 20 September. Pupils taking part should have authorisation from a parent/carer by submitting an email/letter to the school. (Addressed to the school office - Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk - preferably before midday on Wednesday 18 September).  
13. We will have a social gathering for our new S1 parents on Thursday 26 September between 7-9pm.  There will be some light entertainment, refreshments and a chance to mingle informally.

Well done to:

14. Kirsty Johnson (S4) who, last weekend, won gold at the Scottish Cycling National Youth Road Championship 2019 (U16 girls).
15. All S4 pupils have the exciting opportunity to take part in this year's German Exchange. The exchange is open to anyone who is interested in experiencing a new culture and making new friends - even if they don't study German at present! Pupils who are interested are to collect a letter from Miss Hand in the Languages Department. The deadline to express interest is Friday 13 September.
16. We are looking for donations of bulbs which our eager team of gardeners (led by Ms Aulich) will be planting in the next few weeks. This will ensure we have a good splash of colour and are more bee friendly around our campus in Spring. Please hand in to reception and mark clearly what type/colour they are.

My quote for the week: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." (Chinese proverb)

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher