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