Friday 21 February

1. Welcome back to all this week after what I hope was an enjoyable mid-term break.
2. I was delighted to hear that the South Africa visit to our partner schools over the February break was a resounding success. Thanks to all who have contributed to this exchange project which started in around 2003. Particular thanks to Mr Porter who led on this year’s programme, ably supported by Ms Crosbie and Ms Garrett.
3. 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.
4. Please find below a link to a feedback questionnaire regarding our recent S4 – S6 prelim exam diet.  We would be grateful if you could take the time to complete this as the valuable information you provide will help us to improve the delivery of our prelims in future academic years. The questionnaire will be open to submissions until Friday 28th February 2020. 2020 Prelim Feedback Questionnaire
5. In the coming weeks we will be inviting feedback from all parents, pupils and staff on what developments and improvements we should be focusing on in our school over the coming years. As our roll continues to rise and circumstances change, we will have to evolve to adapt to our changing circumstances. I will seek to ensure that all in our community have an opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of our school.
6. Congratulations to Ms Findlay (Physics) and Mr Frances (Design Technology) who were appointed to full time positions at JGHS following a very successful probationer year with us.  
7. Welcome to Ms Jones (PE/Dance) who started with us this week.
8. Good luck to the 4 teams racing model dragsters and presenting their designs to Formula 1 judges this morning. competing against schools from throughout Scotland. The top students in Scotland will be offered the opportunity of employment with a leading Formula 1 team.

Well done to:

9. All those who took part in this year’s Youth Philanthropy initiative (YPI). The winning group was Edinburgh Young Carer's Project who were presented with a giant cheque for the £3000 to give to their charity (proper cheque to follow).Thanks to Ms Bladon who leads on this for us.
10. Lili McShea (S5) and Bronwen Stahl (S5) who played clarsach at the city chambers this week.
11. Lucy Robertson (S4) who performed to an exceptionally high level in the recent Scottish heats, of the British Council Mandarin Speaking Competition. Thank to Ms Walker (Mandarin and Spanish) for leading on this.

Dates

12. Over the course of next week, our Pupil Support Leaders will be meeting with all pupils in S2, S4 and s5 to talk over their course options for next session. Completed course choice forms are due to be returned by Friday 28 February.
13. 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.
14. The S4 parents’ consultation meeting is on the evening of Monday 2 March – booking is open now.
15. The S5/6 parents’ consultation evening is on Wednesday 11 March - booking will open on Wednesday 26 February at 6pm.

My quote of the week:

‘The future of the world is in my classroom today’ (IW Fitzwater)

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 7 February

1. Farewell to our Spanish guests from La Laguna in Tenerife who arrived in Edinburgh last Friday and departed earlier today. Sincere thanks to all the families who hosted pupils and to everyone who contributed to making their visit to Edinburgh so successful. Particular thanks to Ms Walker who coordinated this year’s exchange.
2. 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.
3. On Thursday afternoon we had a visit from two masked youths armed with bolt cutters intent on stealing bicycles. Sturdy bike locks and the intervention of a vigilant passer-by led to the hapless duo leaving empty handed.
4. Thank you to all pupils who performed as part of the Senior Recital Evening. This was a great opportunity for them to perform in front of peers and valuable experience prior to the final SQA exam next month. Well done!
5. Please find below a link to a feedback questionnaire regarding our recent S4 – S6 prelim exam diet.  We would be grateful if you could take the time to complete this as the valuable information you provide will help us to improve the delivery of our prelims in future academic years. The questionnaire will be open to submissions until Friday 28th February 2020. 2020 Prelim Feedback Questionnaire
6. Good luck to the following 5 S1s who are involved today in a sponsored silence. The funds raised will go towards World Wildlife Fund and the Australian Bushfires. Pupils are:
1. Jamie Kirk 1R2
2. Ella Winskel 1W2
3. Katherine McMurdo 1R2
4. Isla Robertson 1W2
5. Hannah Kerrigan 1S2

Well done to:

7. Mrs Morgan (PE Department) following the safe arrival of Roxy Catherine Margaret Morgan. Born 05/02/2020 @ 9.50am and weighing in at an eye watering 8lbs 5ozs!
8. The 60+ pupils who opted to take part in yesterday’s maths examinations.
9. Ollie Baynes 2W1 who was the team leader for the Chess life team that took second place at the Lothian Junior Chess secondary competition on Sunday 2 Feb, at Broughton High School.

Dates

10. 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.
11. A reminder for pupils who receive instrumental lessons that ensembles have now started back. Attendance is expected at all rehearsals in preparation for the Spring Fling on 24 and 25 March:
1. Junior Wind Band - Monday lunchtime
2. Senior Wind Band - Monday after school
3. Junior Choir (S1 - S3) & Clarsach Ensembles - Tuesday lunchtime
4. Junior and Senior Strings - Tuesday after school
5. Percussion Ensemble & Chamber Choir - Wednesday lunchtime
6. Senior Choir - Wednesday after school
7. Guitar Ensemble - Thursday after school
12. We are on holiday next week. All resume on Monday 17 February.

My quote of the week:

‘’ 'When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.' (Dalai Lama)

Best wishes to all for a lovely February holiday.

                                                                                                                                 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher