Friday 30 October

1. It was fun today to see so many pupils and staff dressed up to mark Halloween. Thank you to everyone who had clearly put considerable thought and effort into making outfits and enhancing appearances.
2. Hoping that everyone managed to have some downtime during the October Holiday week.  It was lovely to see everyone back on Tuesday looking refreshed and raring to get stuck into schoolwork. In response to parents who have asked about vaccination arrangements I can confirm the dates are:
1. Teenage Booster (Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV),Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY)) on Tuesday 02-Mar-21
2. HPV on Wednesday, 31-Mar-21 and Thursday, 01-Apr-21.
3. Well done and thanks to the Art department who have worked with S1 and S2 pupils to produce posters depicting inspiring and uplifting Unicorn Graphic illustrations.
4. S6 school photograph proofs are now available and can be collected from the Classroom Assistants’ office in Bruntsfield House. The photographs can be viewed online at www.tempest-orders.co.uk - enter your reference number and web access code which you will find on the photo proof. To limit the handling of papers just now, we would ask that orders are placed online.  However, you can return the completed order form to the school in the sealed Tempest Photography envelope. If returned by Friday 6th November, you will avoid extra p&p costs. The photos will be sent directly to the school for your child to bring home.
5. The University of Edinburgh’s next Virtual Maths Circle will take place on Saturday 14th November from 10:00 to 12:30. To facilitate interaction and better tailor the activities, this Maths Circle will be split into two slots: 11:30- 12:30- for age 11-14. The event is free to attend but booking is required. For further details about the event and to book a ticket (free of charge), please click on the links below: 11-14 years old (lower secondary school) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-maths-circle-november-2020-second-slot-age-11-14-tickets-127285029951 Please note that all minors will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian for all the duration of the online event.
6. I will email you next week with the details of parents’ evenings (online) and reporting dates. Apologies for the delay in getting these to you.

 

My quote for the week: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears’’ (Nelson Mandela)

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 16 October

1. Having now had clarity from the Scottish Government on arrangements for examinations in 2021, we will firm up dates for parents’ nights, prelims, reports etc. We would normally publish these key dates in June but, given current circumstances, have been unable to finalise the details. We will get these out to parents in the next week.
2. Thanks to all who contributed to Wednesday night’s Parent Council meeting and AGM. It was great that so many parents attended and keen to get involved in the Parent Council for the coming year. Thanks to the outgoing office bearers and especially so to Ailsa Macintosh who has been the Parent Council chair for the past 4 years. Ailsa has been a tremendous support to me and the wider school community. Best wishes to Sarah Scott who is our new Parent Council chair. Our next PC meeting will be on Tues 17th November.   
3. During recent weekends we have had pupils climbing over the boundary walls to access the school playing field at Thirlestane. Pupils should not be using this facility unless being supervised by a teacher.
4. As part of our ongoing support for pupils, and to ensure that we organise supports appropriately for future year groups, we need all pupils in S4, 5 and 6 to complete the following survey: https://tinyurl.com/y3c5x8qj. This short survey gathers information regarding when they plan to leave school, what route they plan to take and what their preferred future occupation might be.
5. In response to parents who have asked about vaccination arrangements I can confirm the dates are:
1. Teenage Booster (Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV),Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY)) on Tuesday 02-Mar-21
2. HPV on Wednesday, 31-Mar-21 and Thursday, 01-Apr-21.
3. It should be noted that the school has no influence on the dates, they are chosen by the NHS. No information has been given to the school about how parents may, if they wish, make alternative arrangements.
6. Notice for Pipe Band Pupils. We are delighted that face to face lessons can resume on 29 Oct. Please check the music notice board for your lesson time. Also note that the rooms for these lessons have changed and are marked on the timetable. If you have any questions, please see Mr Duhig in Music (S1.08).
7. Although we are not able to attend any live events at the moment, you might be interested to see this concert which features some music composed by S6 pupil Alika Arnott. Skip to 8 minutes in the video to hear her piece being performed by a professional ensemble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miil7iDbZos Well done Alika!
8. Well done and thanks to Mrs Conroy’s S3 class who have developed a range of posters to remind and encourage everyone to wear face coverings whilst in corridors and communal spaces.
9. Congratulations to Sadie Drye (S5) whose story has won the September round of the  Scottish Book Trust 50 Word Fiction Competition in the Gaelic category.
10. I take this opportunity of informing/reminding all that teachers do not set homework for pupils in S1, 2 and 3 during holidays. Instead, it is expected that pupils take every opportunity to read for pleasure, engage in physical exercise and, subject to Government Guidelines, interact with others. It is left to the discretion of pupils in S4,5 and 6 if they wish to engage in their academic studies during designated holidays.
11. With current restrictions likely to limit how pupils can celebrate Halloween this year, we would like to invite all pupils and staff to dress up in an appropriate Halloween costume, should they wish to do so, on Friday 30th of October. There will be more information to follow next week, including rules relating to costumes [if there is fundraising] and fundraising activities.
12. We are on holiday from Monday 19 until Monday 26 October. Pupils return to school on Tuesday 27 October.

 

My quote for the week: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

 

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe October holiday.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Message for all pupils

Dear JGHS Pupil,

Firstly, I’d like to thank you for helping us making JGHS a happy and safe place to be. In particular:

• Keeping to the one-way system at busy and class changeover times
• Wiping work surfaces between classes
• Cleaning of hands throughout the day (minimum of 5 times)
• Keeping 2 m from staff
• Wearing of face coverings whilst moving in corridors and in communal areas
• Being outside at breaks and lunchtime

All help in reducing the opportunity for and viruses to spread between us.

 

1. Wet weather arrangements

During really wet weather you may use the following areas:

S1           -              Spark Building

S2           -              Top Floor Malala

S3/4       -              Middle floor Malala and HUB

S5/6       -              Ground Floor Malala 

 

2. Whilst in communal areas, please:

• Wear face coverings unless you are eating or drinking
• Sit in groups  of no more than 6
• Keep at least 1 m apart

 

3. Outside the school grounds

When you are out of school please remember that you are representing our school community.

• Keep your distance from members of the public
• Wear face coverings in shops and on public transport
• Do not enter local stairwells, loiter in doorways or enter local carparks

 

My thanks to all.

 

Mr Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 9 October

1. I am pleased to share that there is a calm and purposeful atmosphere across the school. All the pupils I speak with are pleased to be back at school, working face to face with teachers and able to socialise with friends.
2. Having now had clarity from the Scottish Government on arrangements for examinations in 2021, we will firm up dates for parents’ nights, prelims, reports etc. We would normally publish these key dates in June but, given current circumstances, have been unable to finalise the details. We will get these out to parents in the next 2/3 weeks.
3. Thanks to our Modern Studies department for the increased focus on ant-racism teaching during  ‘Black History Month’.
4. The deadline for online Tempest S1 Photo orders with free delivery to the school is next Wednesday 14th October.  Orders can still be returned to the school reception until Friday 16th October. If your child has not received their S1 photo they can collect from the Classroom Assistants’ Office in Bruntsfield House.
5. Thanks to all of our pupils for being so supportive of the measures we introduced to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission This includes:
1. One way system at busy times
2. Disinfection of desks and work surfaces at class changeovers
3. Wearing of face coverings
6. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online using Teams on Wed 14th Oct at 7pm. We will send out the link on Tuesday via the school email.  It is the PC’s AGM so there will be some procedural business to complete, including election of post holders and forming a new PC Committee.  Given the interactive limitations of an online meeting please email us in advance @ jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com  if you are interested in taking on an official role, in joining the Committee, or in volunteering in any capacity.  Many thanks to those who have already got in touch and offered to help.  At the meeting we will also have updates from our Head Teacher, Donald Macdonald, and in response to feedback after our last PC meeting we will have an update for S1 parents and carers from Deputy Head Teacher, Ben Lewis.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A chat facility but if you have any questions ahead of the meeting please email us @ jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by 2pm Tuesday 13th Oct and where possible these will be included in the updates.   Our next PC meeting after this one is on Tues 17th November.   
7. 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. You must not send your child to school whilst any member of your household is waiting for Covid-19 test results.
8. We continue to encourage all to cycle or walk to school. Please remember to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
9. 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.
10. Pupils who are interested in pursuing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award this year are asked to join the Team group. Signs up will be running between now and the October holidays. After that the Team will be closed and no other additions will be made. For access to more information about the award as well as information on the next steps, students can head to their Teams account and join our DofE team using the code: p2xhx5r. If you need any further help with this please get in touch with Miss Ewing in the PE department MONDAY OR THURSDAY LUNCHTIME ONLY or via email Chelsea.ewing@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
11. Congratulations to Alika Arnott who was selected to have her composition performed at Red Note Ensemble's upcoming concert ’Noisy Nights Hybrid’. The concert will be streamed for free on our YouTube channel this Friday 9th October at 6PM, encouraging donations to Help Musicians Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund. (https://www.youtube.com/user/rednoteensemble)
12. A huge well done to the Kirsten Allan, Rachel Allan, Minnie Peacock, Catriona Forrest, Evie Tynan and Justine de Cremoux who took part in the UKMT Mathematical Olympiad for Girls this week online.
13. Please note that pupils are on holiday from Monday 19 until Monday 26 October. Pupils return to school on Tuesday 27 October.
14. I take this opportunity of informing/reminding all that teachers do not set homework for pupils in S1, 2 and 3 during holidays. Instead, it is expected that pupils take every opportunity to read for pleasure, engage in physical exercise and, subject to Government Guidelines, interact with others. It is left to the discretion of pupils in S4,5 and 6 if they wish to engage in their academic studies during designated holidays.

 My quote for the week: “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right’’. (Rosa Parks)

 Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

 Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 2 October

1. On Tuesday morning of this week we learned that a pupil (unrelated to the two previous cases) had tested positive for Covid-19. Please be reassured that Council and National guidelines were followed in the school’s follow up actions.
2. We are delighted at how supportive pupils have been of the measures we introduced to reduce the risk of virus transmission. This includes:
1. One way system at busy times
2. Disinfection of desks and work surfaces at class changeovers
3. Wearing of face coverings
3. Our next PC meeting is our AGM on Wed 14th October. As 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.  Please also email us with any questions you have for the meeting.  If you would like to catch up on what was covered at our last PC meeting on Tues 22nd Sept it's available to watch at: https://youtu.be/3zdKcGRFO2k and we will upload the Q&A to our PC website soon. Thanks
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. You must not send your child to school whilst any member of your household is waiting for Covid-19 test results.
5. Many thanks to all the parents and pupils who kindly donated old revision guides and textbooks.  They have been gratefully received by the Support for Learning Department and the Equity Hub. 
6. We continue to encourage all to cycle or walk to school. Please remember to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
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.
8. Pupils who are interested in pursuing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award this year are asked to join the Team group. Signs up will be running between now and the October holidays. After that the Team will be closed and no other additions will be made. For access to more information about the award as well as information on the next steps, students can head to their Teams account and join our DofE team using the code: p2xhx5r. If you need any further help with this please get in touch with Miss Ewing in the PE department MONDAY OR THURSDAY LUNCHTIME ONLY or via email Chelsea.ewing@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
9. Well done to three pupils who won prizes in the Scurry Yellowcraig 3 islands 10 km beach run on Sunday 27 September:
1. 1st Junior girl: Jessica Taylor (S2)
2. 1st Junior boy: Dylan Daunt (S2)
3. 2nd junior boy: Laurence Ward (S2) 

My quote for the week: “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” – (Socrates)

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher