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