Friday 8 November

1. Sincere thanks to the families who have hosted our students from Hong Kong this past week. Particular thanks also to staff, (Mr Warden in particular) for supporting our partnership with Law Ting Pong Secondary School.
2. On Thursday, members of our Princes Trust class went round the school to sell poppies. In our multi-cultural context we seek to emphasise that the poppies commemorate all those who have been affected by conflicts across the world.
3. A gentle reminder that the S6 Year Group Hoodies are now available to purchase via the following link http://wav.ee/jghsleavershoodies20.  Please note the online shop closes on Tuesday 12 November and it is recommended all orders are placed before midnight Friday 8 November.
4. An email relating to arrangements for the (S1-3) Alternative Timetable on 20 and 21 May 2020 was posted to families earlier this week. In response to parental feedback, we have changed to an online booking system. Thanks to Ms Miss McLennan and Ms Dickinson for their management of this programme.
5. Following the award winning success of last year’s ‘Wee Sleep Out’, when we raised over £11,000, arrangements are currently being finalised for this year’s Wee Sleep Out on Friday 29 November involving pupils in S1,2 and 3. If you would like to contribute please go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jamesgillespies. All proceeds  go to Social Bite – a social enterprise that aims to eradicate homelessness in Scotland.
6. Ms Byrne started in Modern Languages this week to replace Mrs Edwards who is on maternity leave.
7. Many thanks to the many who responded so positively to last week’s request for donations of good quality PE/Sports kit (tracksuit bottoms, shorts, t-shirts) and Winter Coats. We had such a strong response that we now have what we need so no more needed at this stage. We may return to this request in the new Year.
8. Written reports for S5 and S6 will be issued to pupils on Wednesday 13 November. We hope that these will be relayed safely and promptly to parents/carers.
9. Well done to:
1. Chirag Shetty 3R3, Rachel Allan 3R1, Fedya Cheltsov 4W2 and Ruaridh Usher 4R2. For the second year running, JGHS, against tremendous competition involving 60+ schools across the whole of Scotland, JHGS were crowned ‘National Enterprising Maths’ champions! Our team displayed excellent mathematical thinking, problems solving and team work throughout all the rounds. Fedya and Ruaridh were on the team last year who also came first. This is now the third consecutive year that JGHS has been in the top three schools in Scotland.
2. John Dabos-Doukas (S6),  Abi Hossell (S6), Minnie Peacock (S5) and Catriona Forrest (S5) who were placed 6^th in the regional United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) senior team round.
3. Isabel Scott [S6] and Natalie Cameron [S6] who represented James Gillespie's High School at this year’s National Gaelic Debate in Stornoway. Ably supported by Ms MacIver, the girls made new friendships with other Gaelic speakers across Scotland and enjoyed meeting some interesting characters. Though we haven’t progressed to the final both girls were praised for highly creditable performances.  Nach math a rinn sibh!

And finally, I’d like to remind everyone of our school vision statement.

‘Our vision as a school is to create a nurturing environment in which all feel welcome and part of a larger family. All members of the school community will feel appreciated and enabled to forge friendships based on values they will embrace for life. We seek to ensure that James Gillespie’s High School provides a foundation for a lifetime of learning, embracing the diversity within our wider community, so that every individual can excel in their own unique way.’ Our Vision Statement outlines what we aim to achieve as a school community over the coming years.

Best wishes to all for a relaxing weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher