Friday 11 October

1. It was encouraging to see so many at the Parent Council AGM on Tuesday evening. Our thanks to Ailsa Macintosh who chairs the Parent Council and has agreed to continue in that role for the coming year.  Details of the Parents Council’s business and activities can be found at:  http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/ Thanks also to all of our parents who do so much to support our pupils in a myriad of ways. Ann Henderson (Chair) of the James Gillespie’s Trust also attended the Parent Council meeting to explore how both the Trust and the Parent Council can further coordinate to support the school.
2. Any pupils requiring Cambridge Assessment admissions tests for entry to university next year should have already registered with Mr Warden. https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/    Any outstanding registrations can be completed but only up until 14th October.  No late entries will be accepted. Please email Mr Warden directly if you have any questions about this or have a last minute registration to make.  Jeff.Warden@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
3. Congratulations to Mrs Laura Stewart who has been appointed to the post of DHT (Rising Rolls), working on planning future accommodation and supporting our current situation.  This 2 days per weeks commitment will enable better planning across the school as our roll continues to grow.
4. Thanks to everyone who contributed to ‘MusicFest’ last evening. An absolutely fantastic effort from all who performed and all the staff who contributed and organised, especially Mrs Shearer.
5. On Wednesday of this week we held a ‘Parent Engagement’ event to allow us to better support learning for a targeted group of pupils. We used assessment data and professional judgement to determine where we could offer the most effective support. The event was led by Modern Languages and our Family Learning working group comprised from staff across the school. Particular thanks to Julie Francis, Craig Watt and Robin Andrews who presented on the night and managed to obtain a host of free resources to support learning at home.

Dates

6. The S1 Halloween Party will be taking place on Tuesday 29 of October. The party will include a disco, a scare tour and various games and activities with prizes available for the best costume and the best dancer. Tickets will be on sale from the 23rd to the 29th of October in the Forum at break-time and cost £3. Food and drinks will be served throughout the night at no additional cost.
7. Tickets for our annual Christmas Concert at the Usher Hall will be on sale from their box office from 10am on 21st October. Book early to avoid disappointment! http://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/james-gillespies-high-school-christmas-concert-1
8. On Monday 28 and Wednesday 30 October, there are 2 parents’ nights for S1 pupils. Details of how to book meeting times with teachers has been emailed to S1 parents.

And finally, I take this opportunity to wish everyone a super October break. Pupils resume on the morning of Wednesday 23 October.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher