Dear Parent/Carer,
I'm delighted to share that this week's online learning has been very successful. Despite some technical glitches on Monday, almost all families are reporting positively on their experiences over the past week. Sincere thanks to pupils, parents, and staff for your concerted efforts and engaging so positively.
During this next week we will focus on consolidating our efforts, identifying emerging best practices, and addressing barriers to learning for those who may be experiencing some difficulty. In 2 weeks' time we will more systematically invite feedback from all involved. At this stage we do not know when pupils will return to school-based learning;, so we will plan for both online and school learning and share details with you as soon as circumstances change.
In addition to pupils learning from home, we have also had up to 50 pupils learning in school. Those pupils who are in school can access their online lessons on school computers supported by school staff. The staff in attendance are on a rota and are drawn from all departments in the school. When I was in school on Wednesday, I was struck by how happy and motivated all the pupils and staff were.
If pupils need to collect any materials from school, they should contact the relevant teacher so that appropriate arrangements can be made. We are working on the principle that only essential travel to and from school is permitted.
S2 Parents’ Evenings
We plan to still run our S2 Parents’ Evenings on Tuesday 26 January and Thursday 28 January, as previously published. The appointments will be online, utilising the software that was trialled successfully in our S3 Parents’ Evening, last November. Detailed information as to how to book and access appointments will be sent to parents at the start of next week. We are currently working on having the system ready to go live for appointment booking at 6pm on Tuesday 19 January.
Edinburgh College Applications
We ask that any student who is planning to apply for a full-time course at Edinburgh College this session (starting August 2021), fill out the following online form:
Edinburgh College Applications 2021
This will ensure we are aware of all applicants and can ensure every student has support with their application. For further information, please see the communication that Mr Shankland sent to parents on Thursday via email and the School App.
SQA
We received an official update from the SQA this week. The details of the statement can be accessed here: SQA Update - Wed 13 Jan
There is nothing in this update that has not already been shared with parents. The main points being that students should be currently focussing on remote/online learning and that schools can expect more updates (especially around the assessment of Higher and Advanced Higher courses), from next week.
The Parent Council will be holding a meeting (online) on Tuesday 2 February which will look at proposals for dealing with school capacity in 2021/22, and which will be attended by Council representatives. The school will be writing to parents shortly with further details, The outline of the plan was set out in the November Parent Council meeting, which can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/YICdgNAxPTk (from 18.53). The December meeting (SQA assessments) can also be seen at: https://youtu.be/YICdgNAxPTk. The Parent Council email address is jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com if there are any issues you would like to raise on this topic or any other.
Warmest congratulations to Jaimee Kirk (2R2) on winning her club Jigoro Kano award in Judo. Jaimee loves Judo and has been coaching others in her club since last September. I hope it won't be too long before Jaime is able to resume her training.
My quote for this week: ‘Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend''. (Attributed to Albert Camus)
Wishing all a peaceful and safe weekend.
Donald
Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher
Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)
James Gillespie’s High School
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