- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- S6 pictures are available for collection from reception.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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