Friday 29 November

1. Thanks to all parents/carers for your continuing efforts in ensuring that pupils are on the school campus for 830. Classes are scheduled to start promptly at 840.
2. Thanks to all who are supporting pupils in getting ready for our annual Christmas Concert at the Usher Hall. Book now to avoid disappointment! http://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/james-gillespies-high-school-christmas-concert-1 (Post script - Now Sold out)
3. This year, as in previous years, the art department have chosen six S1 pupils Christmas designs, and created packs of Christmas cards. These are currently on sale on parent pay to all parents of S1 and S6 parents, priced at £4.50 a pack, with all profits going to help with the South Africa fundraising. There is only 50 packs of cards available, so get in quick before they sell out!
4. Thanks to all who attended our Parent Council meeting on Tuesday evening. A main topic on our agenda was a presentation by Craig Watt (English Faculty) and discussion on how we can best support our young people on dealing with bullying in its various forms.  Minutes of meetings and future dates can be found at: http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk
5. On behalf of the school, the JGHS PC would like to say a big thank you for helping us to raise £8000 in 2018-19.  The money you have kindly donated or helped to raise is directly benefitting pupils across the school, in a wide range of activities including: the Nurture Group; play therapy; word games; books; subscription to online newspaper; the STEM club; the computer club and the netball club amongst others.  See the attached pdf or go to our PC website for more info.  Please help us to provide the same support, or even better, next year! Our Festive Fundraiser is now live: you can donate through ParentPay. Your money will enhance our students' experience at school.  Every pound helps.  Thank you!  JGHS Parent Council
6. This year’s Wee Sleep Out takes place tonight (Friday 29 November) involving pupils in S1,2 and 3. Total raised is currently at £8,400 and climbing. If you would like to contribute further please go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jamesgillespies. All proceeds  go to Social Bite – a social enterprise that aims to eradicate homelessness in Scotland.
7. Well done to  all the S2 pupils who were involved in the Legal Experts in School initiative on Thursday morning.

Dates

8. Annual reports will be issued to S2 pupils on Wednesday 4 December.
9. Our Senior Drama production is on 6 December - matinee and evening performances. Tickets at the door.
10. Our dining room will be offering traditional Christmas lunches on Wednesday 11 December.
11. The next Edinburgh Maths Circle will take place on Saturday 14th December, from 13:00 until 16:00, in the James Clerk Maxwell Building (room 3217 and the Level 3 Café Area).  The building is located in the University of Edinburgh King's Building campus. As you may know, the Edinburgh Maths Circle, organised by the Maths Outreach Team, is a free drop-in session where children aged 5 to 16 and their families can join in with exciting mathematical activities, games and puzzles. Further details and travel information can be found at: https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/outreach/maths-circle

Congratulations to:

12. Jack Craig (5T2) who spoke ‘confidently and eloquently’ at a National Creative Learning Event on Wednesday 27th November at Dynamic Earth to share about his experience so far in the Foundation Apprenticeship programme in Creative & Digital Media.
13. The following pupils who attended a ‘Beats and Bass’ workshop in the Theatre on Monday. We were joined by pupils from other schools around Edinburgh and the Lothians. The workshop was a demo and Q&A with drummer Steve White and bassist Lorna Thomas.
1. Caspar Ward - 2W1
2. Fraser McCluskey - 2W1
3. Ewan Briggs - 3L1
4. Josh Barnes - 3R3
5. Luke Baird - 3T2
6. Cameron Marshall  - 3L1
7. Reuben Stiven - 3L2
8. Stuart Brockbank - 4T1
14. Toby Mackintosh (S5) who won the senior men’s foil (Scottish Schools) at last week’s championships.
15. Mrs Edwards (Languages faculty) on the safe arrival of baby Ivy Sinclair Edwards. All are reported to be doing well!

My quote for the week: "Never regret a day in your life:  good days give happiness, bad days give experience,  worst days give lessons, and best days give memories."  (Source unknown)

Wishing all a lovely weekend as we welcome December and the lead in to Christmas.

Donald j Macdonald