Friday 31 January

1. I had some interesting discussions with pupils this morning on how Brexit might affect us. Pleasingly and reassuringly, most are quite calm about the situation, content that life will continue as normal next week and beyond. Some pupils are understandably worried about the spread of the coronavirus. This is especially true of our more vulnerable pupils and those who have relatives in China. I would encourage teachers and parents to reassure our young people and discuss with them what preventative measures are being deployed around the world to manage this latest virus outbreak.
2. Very best wishes to all staff and pupils who set off to South Africa on Monday. Thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s appeal for either books or pencil cases.
3. A warm welcome to our Spanish guests from La Laguna in Tenerife who will arrive in Edinburgh this evening and will be spending the week with our Gillespie's pupils. They will be in classes with JGHS pupils next week. Thanks to all of our host families.
4. All parents and pupils are encouraged to download the school communications app at https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/school-mobile-app/  As a school we will be increasingly directing more of our communications via this App in the coming weeks.
5. S6 pictures are available for collection from reception.
6. We are very lucky to have a detailed guide to University applications on our website written by a Gillespie’s parent who has been through the process and is a font of knowledge. We encourage you to look at https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/09/Gettting-in-to-uni-parents-guide-Sept-19.pdf for information about offers and accepting- page 13 onwards. Jacqui Stark also gives a lot of helpful information about funding for universities in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
7. On Monday 27 January, the S3 History students had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Ailsa Clarke about the unique role Scottish women played during WW1. They heard examples of the peaceful and violent methods Scottish women used to fight for increased rights and the vote for women culminating in the Representation of the People Act 1918. They also learned about women’s contributions during the Great War through the founding of the Scottish Women’s Hospital and the incredible work they did in Europe between 1914-1918. The students learned the stories of local women and girls taking part in marches, protests and campaigns all while undergoing systemic discrimination and deplorable treatment in order to gain further equality in a changing society and have hopefully come away with a greater appreciation for the efforts of these people

Well done to:

8. Those S3 Gaelic pupils who participated in the skills exchange with National Portrait Gallery staff.  JGHS pupils gave the staff a beginners’ language session and were then supported to create their own tours around an exhibition in the gallery, which involved Taobh na Pàirce pupils, members of the community and Scottish Government representatives.
9. Liam McLaughlin (S6) who won a gold medal for the 400m freestyle and a silver medal for the 200m freestyle for JGHS at the  Scottish Schools Swimming Championships last week end in Glasgow.

Dates

10. Following prelim leave, Senior pupils returned to classes on Wednesday of this week. We will shortly invite feedback from staff, parents and pupils on how we can continue to improve the prelim experience for all.
11. We held a special assembly for S1 pupils today to share important information regarding this year's Residential. This will take place on Friday 31 January for the whole of Period 4. Parents are reminded to return necessary medical forms and to pay any outstanding balance.
12. Parents are launching a fundraising campaign to develop the school’s outdoor spaces and to support pupils’ wellbeing. Join us for a Fundraising Quiz Night hosted by Richard Melvin on Friday 28 February, 7pm in the school canteen. Bring your friends and come as a team of six or help make up a team on the night. BYOB and glasses, bottle bar and snacks available. Tickets £5 via ParentPay. Over 18s only.

My quote of the week:

‘’Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.’’ (William Martin)

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

                                                                                                                                 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 24 January

1. A very Happy Chinese New Year to all of our families. This coming year of the metal rat has special significance for those born in 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, …
2. All families are reminded to ensure that that we have up to date personal details (medical, contact numbers, emergency contacts etc. ). We acknowledge and understand that keeping us up to date may easily fall of the radar when families are changing domestic arrangements.
3. In recent months we have been talking about using ‘therapets’ in school so I’m delighted to share that we have a therapet (dog)  coming in to school on 29 January to work with pupils in Support for Learning.
4. On Wednesday an assembly was held for S2 pupils to explain the course request sheet and coursing procedures for moving into S3. Pupils have until the 28th of February to hand in their request sheet to their Pupil Support Leaders. A copy of this sheet along with last year’s course information booklet is currently available on the school website at https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/course-choices/
5. At this week’s Parent Council we discussed how the school should respond to requests from the armed forces to engage with pupils. A variety of views were expressed so I would encourage you to keep up to date with what was said on this and other topical issues by accessing minutes of meetings on the PC website. http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/
6. In order to support our South Africa project please donate either books or pencil cases. There are crates in the reception of James Gillespie’s’ High School.
7. All parents and pupils are encouraged to download the school communications app at https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/school-mobile-app/  As a school we will be increasingly directing more of our communications via this App in the coming weeks.
8. In response to demand, I’m delighted to share that we will shortly be launching ‘Show my homework’ – an App designed to allow parents to view homework that has been issued and to access learning materials to support their children’s learning. Details to follow.
9. At a very well attended meeting for all with an interest in Gaelic Medium Education on Wednesday night, the Council shared that the Liberton Campus will be its preferred location for the new Secondary Gaelic School which is scheduled to open in August 2024. As a school we will work hard to ensure that we are ready to embrace the opportunities tha this new facility will present.
10. S6 pictures are now available for collection from reception.

Dates

11. Following prelim leave, Senior pupils return to classes on Wednesday 29 January.
12. At break time today, Mrs Sturm, with the help of the ‘Wee Sleep Out’ pupils/elves, operated the third of 3 bake sales to raise money to assist the various charities that are helping in the wake of the catastrophic bush fires in Australia. Funds raised will be channelled to help out the wildlife and people affected. We raised a further £262.77 in last Friday’s bake sale.
13. S2 Parents' Evenings take place on 28 (Non practical) and 30 January (Practical) 2020. Appointments can be booked online now, an email was sent out to all S2 parents/carers on Tuesday.
14. We are calling a special assembly for S1 pupils to share important information regarding this year's Residential. This will take place on Friday 31 January for the whole of Period 4. Parents are reminded to return necessary medical forms and to pay any outstanding balance.
15. Parents are organising a fun packed fund raising quiz night for Friday 28 February. Keep a look out for further details.
16. Well done to our traditional musicians who performed so beautifully at JGPS earlier this week. Feedback included:
1. ‘I absolutely loved it, I’ve never seen bagpipes in real life and I want to see them again now!’
2. ‘I just loved it’
3. ‘I have a guitar and they had a guitar’
4. ‘It was too good I just thought all of it was brilliant’
5. ‘It was awesome’
6. ‘I liked the bagpipes because they were loud’
7. ‘It was great’
8. ‘The bagpipes were loud but I liked it’
17. Well done to the following S2 pupils who were declared as regional winners in a very competitive and well attended maths competition. Our pupils enjoyed meeting (and out performing!)  peers from many schools including  beating Merchiston, Fettes and Mary Erskine's.  We are now awaiting word on an invite to the national final in the Natural History Museum, London and should hear imminently.
1. Hanga Eory
2. Willow Yuan
3. Matthew Wright
4. Paul Marcos

And finally this week I leave you with some of Robert Burns best known words from Auld Lang Syne:

‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne’.

Happy Burns day to all.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 17 January

1. The first week of the prelims for S4,5 and 6 is almost complete and I’m pleased to report that the operational arrangements are running smoothly. The increasing numbers in the senior school led to us relocating our main venue to the upstairs Sports hall. Thanks to all for your support in reassuring pupils and best preparing them. At the conclusion of the prelim exams we will seek feedback on the arrangements so that we can continue to improve our provision.
2. Thank you to all who donated supermarket vouchers for Children 1st.  We have received the following thank you message from Caroline Libberton, who is our link at Children 1^st in response to our total of £800 +

• “Thanks to the amazing generosity of James Gillespie's High School, children and parents in the local area will be able to experience the same joyful and happy Christmas as families less affected by adversity. Providing practical support through shopping vouchers gives families the flexibility to shop for the things that they want and need over the festive period. Thank you to every family that donated a voucher for their kindness and compassion this Christmas.  All the team at Children 1st are hugely grateful for your support.”

3. S6 pupils currently taking part in the South Africa project 2020 would greatly appreciate donations of books suitable for both primary and secondary students and filled pencil cases for our partner schools over in South Africa, as they have done for the last few years. Additionally this year, they will also be collecting any unused sporting equipment i.e. boots, running shoes, clothing etc. There is a box at the main school reception where donations can be put. All donations gratefully received.

Dates

4. Over the next 2 Fridays at break times, Mrs Sturm, with the help of the ‘Wee Sleep Out’ pupils/elves, will be running bake sales to raise money to assist the various charities that are helping in the wake of the catastrophic bush fires in Australia. Funds raised will be channelled to help out the wildlife and people affected. We raised £262.77 in last Friday’s bake sale.
5. The JGHS Parent Council would like to invite everyone from our school community to our next PC meeting on Tues 21st Jan @ 7pm in the Library in the Malala building.  If you can't make the date our minutes are online at http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk and if you have any topics you would like raised at future PC meetings please email us at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com
6. Police Scotland will be doing bike marking on Wednesday the 22/01/20 from 7.30am to 8.30am. Aim to arrive early to avoid missing this round of marking.
7. This year’s Instrumental Instruction Parents’ Evenings will be across two nights – Wednesday 22 January & Thursday 23 January 2020. Parents have been sent the relevant details by email.
8. S2 Parents' Evenings take place on 28 (Non practical) and 30 January (Practical) 2020. Appointments can be booked online now, an email was sent out to all S2 parents/carers on Tuesday.
9. Well done to our winning S2 team who took part in the Construction and Built Environment Challenge, a competition run to encourage young people to consider careers in Engineering and Construction. A number of colleges and universities were involved in putting on challenges for our students, including well building, roof tiling and chimney building, surveying and designing future transportation. Our team performed admirably and were scored on team work, communication and how well they completed the challenges. Our winning team were awarded £300 for the department, a £20 amazon voucher and a trophy for our cabinet! Pupils involved were:
1. Nora Alcock 2S3
2. Luis Alexander 2T1
3. Ollie Baynes 2W1
4. Cami Dykstra 2S3
5. Tom David 2L1
6. Rona Fraser 2R2
7. Jackson Gerrard-Ross 2R2
8. Christopher Keerie 2S1
9. Mazen Nabawi 2S1
10. Lina Roy 2S3

10. Best wishes to some young trad musicians who will be performing at James Gillespie's Primary as part of their Scots’ Fortnight on the 21st January.  The pupils involved are:
1. Kaishin Yao 1W2
2. Veronika Finnick 1W2
3. Mia Tarsia 1R2
4. Tom Davis 2L1
5. Morwenna Williams 3L1
6. Pia Rogers 3L1
7. Kate Harrold 3L1
8. Emil Griffin 3L1
9. Eimear McShea 3S1
10. Vivianne Bachmann 3S2
11. Hannah Treagus 3S2
12. Matthew McKean 3T3
13. Stella Bond 3R3
14. Alaric Bromiley 3R3
15. Louise Macleod 3R3
16. Alasdair Scott 3R3
17. Chirag Shetty 3R3
18. Jasmine Tarsia 3R3

I take this opportunity of wishing all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 10 January 2020

1. A very Happy New Year to all. Welcome to the 20s! It was lovely to welcome pupils back to School on Thursday.  I felt a smidgeon of sympathy for the eager pupils who turned up a day early for classes on Wednesday!
2. Thank you to all who attended our Christmas Concert at the Usher Hall on Tuesday 17 December 2019. We are always looking for ways to improve the event and to make it better each year. If you attended the concert as a parent, family member or pupil we would very much appreciate your feedback on your experience. We will look at all responses and use these to plan for next year’s concert. Feedback can be provided using the Microsoft Form accessible via the following link: https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/christmas-concert-2019-feedback/
3. A reminder to parents that when pupils are feeling unwell during lunchtime (or any time of the school day) they must report to Ms McVay in the Welfare Office situated on the ground floor of Bruntsfield House. The school will contact you if we feel that the pupil is unable to continue in school.  Parents are asked to contact the school immediately if your child does arrives home during the school day and you were not notified by us.
4. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to raising the magnificent sum of over £16,000 with our Sleepout event. All proceeds go to addressing Homelessness in Scotland.
5. Please remind pupils to ensure that bikes are secured on the school campus with a high quality lock . This is particularly relevant to those that received new bikes as Christmas presents – they will be targeted by thieves. (*) See note below re marking of bikes.
6. S6 pupils currently taking part in the South Africa project 2020 would greatly appreciate donations of books suitable for both primary and secondary students and filled pencil cases for our partner schools over in South Africa, as they have done for the last few years. Additionally this year, they will also be collecting any unused sporting equipment i.e. boots, running shoes, clothing etc. There is a box at the main school reception where donations can be put. All donations gratefully received.
7. Prelims on S4, 5 and 6 pupils begin on Monday 13 January. Best wishes to all. We have prelims for several reasons, including:
1. To give pupils experience for the actual exams in May
2. To assist pupils in identifying their next steps for preparing for their final exams
3. As a guide to what courses pupils are best suited to progress to in their next year of study and
4. To provide evidence of a level of performance in the event that a pupil was unable (e.g. illness) to sit the final exam.
8. Music Practical Prelims - individual times for practical prelims have been posted to the relevant Microsoft Team and are displayed in the Music department. Pupils who wish to rehearse during study leave should make arrangements with the relevant member of staff. Pupils who receive instrumental lessons should still attend lessons wherever possible.

Dates

9. Over the next 3 Fridays at break times, Mrs Sturm, with the help of the ‘Wee Sleep Out’ pupils/elves, will be running bake sales to raise money to assist the various charities that are helping in the wake of the catastrophic bush fires in Australia. Funds raised will be channelled to help out the wildlife and people affected.
10. The JGHS Parent Council would like to invite everyone from our school community to our next PC meeting on Tues 21st Jan @ 7pm in the Library in the Malala building.  If you can't make the date our minutes are online at http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk and if you have any topics you would like raised at future PC meetings please email us at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com
11. (*) Police Scotland will be doing bike marking on Wednesday the 22/01/20 from 7.30am to 8.30am. Aim to arrive early to avoid missing this round of marking.
12. South Africa fund raising quiz night at Craigmillar Park Golf club next Friday 17 January from 7-9pm. Tickets are available from Ms Crosbie for £5.

I take this opportunity of wishing all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher