Friday 25 September

1. Many thanks to everyone who attended our Parent Council meeting on Tues 22nd Sept.  For those who couldn’t make the meeting but would like to catch up on what was covered, it’s available to watch at: https://youtu.be/3zdKcGRFO2k and we will upload the Q&A to our PC website soon.  Our next PC meeting is our AGM on Wed 14th October – because we are unable to meet in person, please email us at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com ahead of the AGM if you would like to join the PC Committee or if you are able to help in any way with future meetings, lobbying, communications, or other PC activities.
2. Any pupil making an early UCAS application and who requires one of the following admissions tests, must make contact with Mr Warden by Tuesday morning (29 September) to ensure they are registered by the deadline of 1 October. Pupils requiring any other tests must arrange these independently of the school and should contact the relevant universities should they require more detail.
1. Bio-Medical Admissions Test (BMAT)
2. Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
3. Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)
4. Cambridge Personal Styles Questionnaire® (CPSQ)
5. International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT)
6. University of Cambridge pre-interview assessments
7. Cambridge Test of Mathematics for University Admission (CTMUA)
8. Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP)
9. University of Oxford admissions tests
10. Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)
3. At this time of year we would expect common colds to become more widespread.  
1. Do continue to access the NHS (Scotland) Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid-19.
2. We will err on the side of caution if/when any pupil displays one or more of the three recognised Covid-19 symptoms.
3. As always, email or phone the school (please speak slowly and clearly if you are leaving a message) if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid-19 test and when your child is returning to school.
5. Please do not send your child to school whilst any member of your household is waiting Covid-19 test results.
4. If you are clearing out old revision books, success guides, textbooks etc.  we would like you to donate these to the school. We have set up a tray in the entrance foyer where your child can drop them off. 
5. During the last week of September, we will be helping to promote ‘Bike to work’. We are hoping to have the Police help us in marking pupils’ cycles to deter thieves. In the interim, all are reminded to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
6. Parents/carers are requested to not use the school carpark to drop off pupils. Exceptionally, pupils with mobility issues, may be dropped off in the school car park. For all others, please drop off in adjacent quieter streets.
7. When pupils are absent from school they should access learning materials vis their Microsoft TEAMs account. All pupils have their own login and are in a ‘team’ for each different subject they do.

My quote for the week: ‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’.(Malcolm X)

 Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

 Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 18 September

1. We would like to invite you to the next Parent Council meeting which will take place online on Tues 22nd Sept at 7pm via this link Join Meeting.  If you join via the link on the web, and then select join anonymously the link will take you straight to the event without having to sign in to Microsoft or download the Teams App.  We will hear from: Donald Macdonald (HT) - Overview; Jeff Warden (DHT) - Digital Learning; Deirdre O'Brien (DHT) - Learning and Teaching; Ian Porter/Ben Lewis (DHTs) - Pupil Support; Ian Porter/Ben Lewis (DHTs) - PE update; Bob Shankland (DHT) - SQA update; followed by Questions & Answers via the Q&A typed chat facility.  Thanks  
2. At this time of year we would expect common colds to become more widespread.  
1. Do continue to access the NHS (Scotland) Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid-19.
2. We will err on the side of caution if/when any pupil displays one or more of the three recognised Covid-19 symptoms.
3. As always, email or phone the school (please speak slowly and clearly if you are leaving a message) if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid-19 test and when your child is returning to school.
3. If you are clearing out old revision books, success guides, textbooks etc.  we would like you to donate these to the school. We have set up a tray in the entrance foyer where your child can drop them off. 
4. Tempest photography will be in school on Wednesday 23 September.
1. S6 final school photos will be used for the yearbook and possible photo montage of full year group
2. S1 – mop-up session for those students who were not photographed in August  
5. Staffing news
1. Mr Lewis (Maths) takes over from Mr Porter as Depute Headteacher and Year Head for S1 and S6 from Monday 21 September
2. Mr Duhig takes over from Mrs Shearer (Music) from Monday 21 September.
3. Mrs Edwards (Languages) returns on Tuesday following maternity leave. Thanks to Ms Byrne who has been with us since October 2019.
4. Congratulations to Mr Alexander (Biology) and his wife Emily who became a  dad to Donaidh Cailean on Wednesday
5. Hannah Goodman (Classroom Assistant) who got married today.
6. During the last week of September, we will be helping to promote ‘Bike to work’. We are hoping to have the Police help us in marking pupils’ cycles to deter thieves. In the interim, all are reminded to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
7. Parents/carers are requested to not use the school carpark to drop off pupils. Exceptionally, pupils with mobility issues, may be dropped off in the school car park. For all others, please drop off in adjacent quieter streets.

 

My quote for the week: ‘“Racism is like a car. As long as someone is giving it fuel it will not stop. Together we can slowly dismantle the car as mechanics of social justice and save the people who are getting run over. If you are part of the dominant culture you can slowly venture into the car and tear it to pieces. Everyone must be equal. And you can change that.”. (JGHS S1 Pupil)

 

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe (long) weekend. Please remember that Monday 21 September is a holiday. Staff and pupils all resume on Tuesday 22 September.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Email to all pupils

Dear JGHS Pupil,

 

I’d like to begin by thanking you all for the very positive attitude you have shown since school restarted in August. From speaking with many, I know you were happy to return to school to get back to learning in classrooms with your friends and teachers.  Unfortunately, the Covid-19 virus is still here so we will have to adapt if we are to avoid returning to lockdown. The virus is spread by people and can only spread if we don’t follow the rules.

 

In order for our school to remain open to everyone, we need every member of the school community to play their part.

 

You must:

1. Follow the one way system at busy times.
2. Avoid gathering in large groups in or out of school
3. Keep at least one metre away from other pupils at all times.
4. Wear a face covering at all times in school corridors and social spaces. (This does not apply when you are eating or drinking)
5. Keep at least two metres away from members of the public
6. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day
7. Wear a face covering in shops and on public transport

 

I’d like to make a special plea for you to be mindful of members of the public when you are out and about in the community. Keep your distance and be courteous and respectful at all times.

 

I take this opportunity of wishing Mr Porter well as he moves to Craigroyston High School as Headteacher whilst the current Headteacher is on maternity leave. Welcome also to Mr Lewis who takes over from Mr Porter and to Ms Dolan who steps up as head of Maths.

 

With best wishes to all pupils for a successful, enjoyable and safe term at JGHS.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Mr Macdonald

Friday 11 September

1. On Tuesday evening of this week we learned that a second case (unrelated to the first case) had tested positive for Covid-19. Please be reassured that Council and National guidelines were followed in the school’s follow up actions. (See attached letter from NHS Lothian)
2. NHS Scotland has now made a contact tracing app available.  This ‘Protect Scotland App’ from NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect team is a free, mobile phone App designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. All members of the JGHS community are encouraged to download and contribute to stopping the spread of the virus.
3. In the coming weeks, when pupils are absent from school, teachers will be placing work covered on TEAMs. All pupils should have their own logins to enable them to access the relevant work.
4. Please encourage your son/daughter to dress appropriately for the unpredictable Scottish weather. Classroom windows will be opened to maximise air circulation and, other than in really wet weather, pupils should be outdoors at breaks and lunchtimes.  
5. At this time of year we would expect common colds to become more widespread.  
1. Do continue to access the NHS (Scotland) Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid-19.
2. We will err on the side of caution if/when any pupil displays one or more of the three recognised Covid-19 symptoms.
3. As always, email or phone the school (please speak slowly and clearly if you are leaving a message) if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid-19 test and when your child is returning to school.
6. If you are clearing out old revision books, success guides, textbooks etc.  we would like you to donate these to the school. We have set up a tray in the entrance foyer where your child can drop them off. 
7. Look out for emails from our Parent Council. We have a very strong and active Parent Council and I would encourage you to get involved and engaged. The next meeting will be online and is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday 22 September.  
8. Congratulations to Mr Lewis (Curriculum Leader for Mathematics) who will take over the DHT vacancy from Mr Porter. Ms Dolan will step up as Lead for maths whilst we advertise and appoint someone to replace Mr Lewis.
9. During the last week of September, we will be helping to promote ‘Bike to work’. We are hoping to have the Police help us in marking pupils’ cycles to deter thieves. In the interim, all are reminded to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
10. Parents/carers are requested to not use the school carpark to drop off pupils. Exceptionally, pupils with mobility issues, may be dropped off in the school car park. For all others, please drop off in adjacent quieter streets.

 

My quote for the week: ‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’. (Malcolm X)

 

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 4 September

1. On Wednesday morning of this week we learned that an S3 pupil had tested positive for Covid-19. School staff, strongly supported by a NHS ‘Trace and Protect’ Team and Council Officers, acted to quickly identify those who had been in close contact. Resultingly, 18 pupils and 1 member of staff are now self-isolating. All staff and pupils are reminded of the need to remain vigilant and to follow school and national guidelines at all times.
2. In the coming weeks, when pupils are absent from school, teachers will be placing work covered on TEAMs. All pupils should have their own logins to enable them to access the relevant work. Bear with us as this may take a couple more weeks to become fully operational and embedded in our practice.
3. Please encourage your son/daughter to dress appropriately for the unpredictable Scottish weather. Classroom windows will be opened to maximise air circulation and, other than in really wet weather, pupils should be outdoors at breaks and lunchtimes.  
4. At this time of year we would expect common colds to become more widespread.  
1. Do continue to access the NHS (Scotland) Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid-19.
2. We will err on the side of caution if/when any pupil displays one or more of the three recognised Covid-19 symptoms.
3. As always, email or phone the school (please speak slowly and clearly if you are leaving a message) if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid-19 test and when your child is returning to school.
5. If you are clearing out old revision books, success guides, textbooks etc.  we would like you to donate these to the school. We have set up a tray in the entrance foyer where your child can drop them off. 
6. Look out for emails from our Parent Council. We have a very strong and active Parent Council and I would encourage you to get involved and engaged. The next meeting will be online and is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday 22 September.  
7. Ms Garrett (Modern Studies Teacher) has decided to run a marathon to raise funds for ‘Canongate Youth’ a local charitable organisation with which we have very strong links as a school. E.g. Many of our pupils have received additional support there over the years. If you would like to contribute, then please go to the following website: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=CaitlinGarrett&pageUrl=2 My sincere thanks to Ms Garrett and to all who choose to support this worthy cause.

 

My quote for the week: ‘None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful’. (Mother Teresa)

 

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Add caption

Covid-19 Update

We are aware of a pupil in the school who has tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

 

A number of people are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self-isolate. They will be given appropriate guidance and advice.

 

A further update via email will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete.

 

If you are not contacted, your child should attend school tomorrow as normal.

 

If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816. Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19.

 

Please do not contact the school in the meantime; we will contact you with more information by e-mail.

 

 

Thank you.

 

Donald j Macdonald

 

Headteacher

Covod-19 Update (Tuesday 1 September)

Dear Parent/carer,

 

Face coverings

My thanks for your continuing support in ensuring that your child brings their own face covering to school. Note that face covering are only required to be worn for the short time pupils are moving between classrooms or in indoor communal areas during adverse weather.  Wearing a face covering is not obligatory in classrooms.

 

I’d recommend that all pupils carry a spare face covering in their schoolbag and a small bottle of hand sanitiser to avoid queuing at our wall mounted dispensers.

 

If you consider that your child cannot wear a face covering, please:

• Email the school office Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk or your child's Pupil Support Leader
• Include your child's name and reason for exemption.

 We will update the school medical records accordingly and further consider what we can do to protect your child in areas of the school where social distancing is most difficult to achieve. (E.g. busy corridors and communal areas during adverse weather). To help protect pupils who are unable to wear face coverings it may be that a transparent visor can be used.

 

We have some spare visors and face coverings at school reception for those who forget or lose theirs.  

 

Please remind your child that they should not use public transport or enter local shops if they are not wearing a face covering.

 

Updated NHS guidance on when your child should stay away from school

 

1.      Do not come to school if you have any of the following Covid-19 symptoms. We will telephone you and ask you to collect your child if they have any of these symptoms whilst in school.  

• A new, continuous cough (3 or more episodes of coughing within 24 hours) (This is how ‘continuous’ is defined on the NHS Website)
• A fever/ high temperature  
• A change or loss in taste and/or smell.

2.      It is essential that pupils do not attend school if they have any one or more of these symptoms. In such cases, the entire household should self-isolate and book a Covid test.  

3.      Parents/carers should let school know if their children are not attending and why. Use our absence line 0131 447 1900 or email Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk to report an absence and give the reason.  

4.      Confidentiality is essential: no names of anyone who is ill, or being Covid tested, will be shared with anyone who does not need to know.  

5.      Until the test results are obtained, anyone experiencing any of those three symptoms should self-isolate for at least 10 days (and 14 days for their household). They can only come out of isolation once the 10 days have passed, and then only if their symptoms have improved and they have been without a fever for at least 48 hours. Acting early and getting tested means that, should they test negative, they can come out of isolation once their symptoms improve, they have not had a fever for 48 hours, and they feel well enough to do so.  

6.      If a child or young person tests negative and is well enough to return to school and has not had a fever for 48 hours, their parent/carer should contact the school to let us know the child is returning and (preferably) show evidence of the test result to the school. This helps us monitor cases and keeps the school community safe and reassured.   

7.      Cold-like symptoms If your child does not have symptoms of COVID-19 but has other cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they do not need to be tested and they and you do not need to self-isolate. Your child can go to school if fit to do so.

 

The most up to date guidance can be found at the relevant section of the NHS Scotland Website.

 

To finish on a more positive note, I am delighted to share that the school is gradually getting back to being fully operational in all areas. In the coming days we will, for example, be able to offer more activities in PE and resume some extra-curricular activities.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher