Friday 27 November

In the past few days we have been dealing with an increased number of bullying incidents which have caused considerable distress to pupils and families. In ‘normal’ times we would talk about such matters at assemblies and reinforce expectations of all. Currently, as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to hold assemblies. We would encourage all of our families to talk about what bullying is and the importance of us all never accepting bullying behaviour. At the very least, bullying should be called out and reported to any member of our school staff. The 9 protected characteristics included in the Equality Act may offer a good framework and starter for discussion with your son/daughter. These 9 protected characteristics are:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

 

Every member of our school community has a right to go about their daily business without fear of discrimination or harassment. Please be reassured that as a school community we will not tolerate any form of bullying.

 

1. We have received more details this week from the SQA in relation to proposals for how we are going to award grades to S4 pupils taking National 5 courses. On the evening of Tuesday 15 the Parent Council will be hosting an information meeting for parents where we will update you on our proposed approaches in relation to prelims, assessment windows, etc.
2. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known. 
3. The Parent Council is leading a festive fundraising appeal to support its Small Sums Fund.  The Fund is distributed to assist projects run by staff in the school, and to buy extra equipment that improves the educational experience for all pupils.  This money is particularly vital to support the Pupil Equity Fund, nurture groups, and therapy resources. This year, we have not been able to raise income through our usual events and fundraising activities, but many of our pupils have an even greater need of the extra services our funding can support.  We know this is not an easy time for many families, but if you feel in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to the Parent Council this festive season.  You can donate to the Small Sums Fund through the Parent Council Fundraising button on ParentPay.  Your support will be greatly appreciated!  
4. Teenage booster immunisation packs will be issued for all S3 pupils on Wednesday 25 November 2020 during Key Adult class. These will also be issued to some S4-S6 pupils who haven’t had the immunisation in S3. Please return the completed form by Wednesday 2nd December to your Key Adult or to the school Reception before that date.
5. JGHS is keen to gather information on the Key Adult meetings that take place between each pupil and their Key Adult teacher.  This survey will be used inform us on the current process and any future development.  We would be very grateful if each pupil could complete the survey before Monday 30th November. Key Adult Survey Link The survey link has also been posted to the Key Adult class teams.
6. We are looking for volunteers to join our parental consultation group for Anti-bullying. The first step for this group will be to have an initial discussion on Wednesday 25th November from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. In advance of this you would receive some council documentation to review. The second step would be to help review the draft policy in Mid-December Please email ben.lewis@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk by Sunday 22nd November if you would like to participate.
7. Parents are invited to complete the pre-consultation document (https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/ce/gme-edinburgh/) on Gaelic Medium Education (GME) secondary provision.  GME has been part of JGHS for the past 30 years and, pleasingly, it has grown in numbers to such an extent that the Council has decided to develop an autonomous secondary GME school. The Council is holding two virtual public meetings to discuss the options further:

• Wednesday 25 November 2020, 7.00pm – 9.00pm (This meeting was well attended)
• Monday 30 November 2020, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

If you would like to attend either of the public meetings, please contact Committee.Services@edinburgh.gov.uk to confirm which date you would prefer. The meetings will also be webcast live here. If you have any comments or questions that you would like to be addressed, please contact us ahead of the meetings, or by 11th December to be included in the outcome report.

9.       You may be aware of media speculation around term finish dates and when we resume in January. We will keep you posted as soon as we get confirmation of any changes to the current arrangements.

10.   We will be operating classes as ‘normal’ right up till and including the last day. Staff will be asked to maintain seating plans and continue to ensure that registers are accurately recorded. Additionally, I will be asking pupils and staff to not exchange 'real' Christmas cards this year. 

11.   Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with me so I can share with our wider school community.

 My quote for the week: ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent’. (Attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt)

 Wishing all a happy and peaceful weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher