In my first communication after a holiday I like to begin by saying how lovely it has been to welcome pupils and staff back to school. That certainly applies to this week. It really is fantastic to have everyone back in school after such a disrupted and challenging past year. The coming weeks will be about re-establishing routines and supporting everyone to feel good about themselves and their learning. The Spring sunshine is certainly helping to raise spirits.
- Welcome to Laura Black who started with us this week as our new Business Manager. Laura takes over from David Anderson who had been with us for 19 years.
- Work on developing the arrangements for SQA assessments throughout this term continues apace. Next week, Mr Shankland will be in touch with students and parents to share more details of specific arrangements for each subject area.
- As recently highlighted in the national media, Lothian Buses and their staff have experienced an unprecedented amount of vandalism and anti-social behaviour since the turn of the year. Please continue to remind our young people to be sensible, kind and respectful of others as they go about their business in the wider community.
- During this month of Ramadan, staff are alert to making suitable adjustments to support our Muslim students.
- S6 Young Drivers Presentation Police Scotland have arranged a Young Drivers presentation for our S6 students on Friday 23rd April. The presentation includes a film which follows a group of young people travelling to an event, with a commentary from Police Scotland on the hazards they encounter on the way. It is a thought-provoking film to encourage questions and advice at the end.
- A reminder that COVID-19 test kits are available for collection from reception. All pupils and staff are strongly encouraged to test twice weekly at home. Pupils aged 16 are over do not need signed parental consent but it is expected that those taking part discuss the matter with parents.
- Just before the Easter Holiday we learned that Diane Day, nee Alexander, a pupil at JGHS from 1948 to 1961 died October 2019, bequeathed the considerable sum of £20,000 to the school. Such funds are managed by the James Gillespie’s Trust and I take this opportunity of thanking the officers of the Trust for their continuing support for the school.
- Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Please remember to return HPV immunisation forms asap.
Congratulations to:
- Sorcha Thompson (S5) for taking first place in the St Columba 1500 Gaelic writing competition (Farpais Sgrìobhaidh Chaluim Chille 1500) and also to Ruairidh Cameron (S4) who won second prize. 'S math a rinn an dithis agaibh!
- Lucy Robertson (S5) who has made it to the final of the British Council Mandarin Speaking Competition after doing extremely well in the heats at intermediate level. The final is to take place in May online.
My quote for the week:
Some people stand in darkness
Afraid to step into the light.
Some people need to help somebody
When the edge of surrender is in sight.
Don't you worry, it's going to be all
right.
(From ‘You made me believe in Magic’ c/o Bay City Rollers)
And finally, may I take this opportunity of wishing all a smashing weekend.
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