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