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