Friday 28 May

 I’m pleased to report that the SQA exams are running smoothly and, for most, the exams draw to a close today. A schedule of the remaining assessments was shared with parents in the past week. Pupils across the school have been exemplary in regard to respecting access to restricted areas and being quieter whilst exam are in progress.

 

1. Earlier this week we warmly welcomed back Ian Porter (Depute Headteacher) to the school following an 8 month secondment as Acting Headteacher at Craigroyston HS. Sincere thanks to Ben Lewis who stepped into Ian’s shoes and to Ashling Dolan who took on the role as Curriculum leader for Maths.
2. Pupil timetables for the new academic session are now being finalised and should be distributed during the week of 7th June. Pleasingly, we have been able to accommodate over 96% of the subject requests for pupils going into S5 & S6 and over 97% of the requests for pupils going into S3. Our course offering this year allows for over 90 classes across levels from National 4 to Advanced Higher for over 650 pupils making requests and we are very proud of the breadth and depth available to pupils across the faculties. After pupils receive their timetables, any urgent changes, errors or omissions should be emailed in the first instance to Mr Warden prior to 14th June (Jeff.Warden@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk)  These amendments take time and pupils must follow their published timetables until the amendment has been confirmed by Mr Warden. Further change requests beyond this date should be made directly to your child’s Pupil Support Leader. Please note that we do try our best to fit all requests and will operate waiting lists as classes become full. There will be a further opportunity to make changes immediately after the summer holiday and supporting correspondence will be shared closer to the time.
3. We had a Covid-19 positive case in S2 earlier this week. Others who were identified as ‘close contacts’ were quickly identified and are self-isolating up to and including Sunday 30 May. This serves as a timely reminder that we should remain vigilant and follow current Government guidelines.
4. 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.
5. Our superb Support for Learning team need your help. They are finding that pupils’ learning is enriched and enhanced when there is opportunity to play a musical instrument alongside their work, though not necessarily at the same time! If you happen to have an unused guitar (or a keyboard) that is looking for a new home,  our support for learning department would gladly receive your kind musical contribution and find a new home for your instrument with one of our sfl pupils. Please drop any such instruments off at reception. Many thanks in advance!
6. We are inviting S4 and S5 pupils to apply to a new initiative which will be running in JGHS from August 2021. Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is a peer mentoring programme that gives young people the chance to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of violence. The programme has been running in Scotland since 2014 and is funded by the Scottish Government and run through the Violence Reduction Unit and Education Scotland. It has a strong base of research and evidence behind it and has excellent testimonials. https://education.gov.scot/improvement/practice-exemplars/mentors-for-violence-prevention-mvp-an-overview/ There are limited places and the selected pupils will have completed a short application form. Once selected, they will take part in a two day training event at JGHS on the two INSET days in August. They will then be supported to deliver a group of lessons through PSE to younger pupils through term 1 and to meet regularly throughout the year. If your child is interested, please direct them to the S4 or S5 Announcements Teams page and to check their email early next week. If you have any questions or would like to know more about MVP or to get involved contact Tania.peters@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
7. Just a reminder that the distribution of iPads for S4 and 5 students will begin on Monday 31 May.  All those with their forms in and deposits paid will be contacted during the day to collect them from the Classroom Assistants office in Bruntsfield house. The students are also able to go directly to the office to pick up their iPad if they have completed all the required paperwork even if they haven’t been contacted yet.  Details will be checked on arrival at the Classroom Assistant’s office. We have a number of queries regarding the Council Digital Strategy which we are responding to at the moment.  Please be patient as we work through these.  There is also a FAQ which will be sent out next week which should hopefully answer many of your questions. If you would like to join a parent/carer short-life working group to refine our Digital Strategy please contact Jeff.Warden@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk .  As previously mentioned, the devices are offered to all, regardless of home circumstances to allow for a consistent digital approach to enhancing teaching and learning across the school. Digital training will be provided by the school and Council for staff and students. 
8. We strongly encourage pupils and staff to walk, cycle, run, etc. to school. Cyclists are reminded to use a more secure ‘D’ lock (or similar) to deter thieves.
9. If your child feels unwell during the school day, they must report to Welfare. We will then contact you if they need to go home. It is essential that this procedure is followed.
10. Please ensure that you ‘phone or email the school if your child is absent from school.  When absences are planned, please give us as much notice and detail as possible so that we can maintain accurate records. The school will be supportive and understanding of the additional pressures being faced by families during this time.
11. Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
12. The recording of the last Parent Council meeting is now available on the PC website https://jghspc.wordpress.com/ along with presentations by staff on planning for dealing with capacity issues next year and proposals on changes to the school’s communities’ structure. The next Parent Council meeting will take place on Tuesday 8 June.
13. All S6 students must be available for assessment related activities up to and including Friday 18 June. They are not expected to attend their timetabled classes after their final assessment. If your child is not sure if they have completed all their assessment activities for a particular subject, please remind them to contact their class teacher. We will be arranging activities in June to mark the end of formal school based education for our wonderful S6s. We are also exploring options for a graduation ceremony and ‘Prom’ for all S6 students and families towards the end of August. More information will follow presently.
14. The following link takes you to some useful information booklets for staff and parents on a range of matters. https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/downloads?fbclid=IwAR3ogMRI95pl9Zx_vJwy6YV4VWA4pEbn-vghUDRQ2c3nMPbqQqmaBquIvRM
15. Maths competitions:
1. A huge well done to all who took part in the Junior UKMT competition this year, in particular to Sophie Macdonald (S1), Niamh Mc Crone (S1), Andrew McKendrick (S1), Reuben Murdoch (S1), Clelia Ribeca (S2) and Kaishin Yao (S2) who qualified for the Kangaroo round which will take place on Tuesday 15th June.
2. Well done also to all who took part in both rounds of the Scottish Maths Challenge.
3. The results for all levels are now in. Please see Ms Dolan for your results or email ashling.dolan@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk if you have not already done so.
16. Dates. Please note that that the summer term ends at midday on Friday 25 June.

 

 

And finally, I’d like to remind everyone of our school’s values. Our values are the principles which underpin how we operate as a school community in order to achieve our vision.

a)            Respect

b)            Kindness

c)            Integrity

d)            Inclusion

e)            High Expectations

 

 

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

Donald

Friday 21 May

 I’d like to begin by saying how impressed I continue to be with all in our school community. Since returning from lockdown, all have worked hard to re-establish routines and pick up where we left off in December. There is no doubt that the pandemic has affected all of us and I suspect the impact will vary considerably across our community. The past year’s disruptions have highlighted the importance of having routines and structure to our days. We have also learned that whilst online learning has benefits, face to face teaching, in the company of motivated and committed peers, provided by highly skilled teachers is best for learning. Successful schools like JGHS create a positive ethos that allows students to interact and learn together. Additionally, we have wide and varied extra-curricular activities to enrich students’ lives.  I am pleased to share that we are now actively planning for the return of our wide and diverse programme. We link with neighbouring organisations and schools to broaden our provision.  For example, please see the attachment in relation to girls’ rugby.  

 

We will, in the coming weeks and months, as guidelines evolve, continue to reintroduce excursions, after school events etc.  For parents who are new to the school and may be concerned at the costs associated with some of our extra-curricular activities, please be reassured  that we are an inclusive school and will support every student to access all the opportunities on offer. This includes: Charities, sports, music, dance, drama, Pipe band, debating, gardening, Formula 1, chess, Duke of Edinburgh, competitions, overnight and foreign trips, S6 ‘Prom’, etc. Please contact your child’s Pupil Support Leader, in confidence, if you wish any additional support. We are grateful to our Parent Council and James Gillespie’s Trust for their continuing efforts towards ensuring that we are an inclusive school that meets the needs of all of our pupils.

 

1. A reminder that whilst assessments are taking place, pupils will have restricted access throughout the day to various parts of our building. Other than in extreme weather, we will be asking all pupils to be outside during social breaks.  All pupils have been reminded to wear warm clothing to best prepare for the uncertainties of our Summer weather.
2. After all the assessments are marked, teachers will allocate grades based on the advice received from the SQA and the City of Edinburgh Council. This is a significant undertaking and will require much time and coordinated effort in the coming weeks. Please bear with us in the interim, if we take longer than normal to respond to routine enquiries.
3. As part of the Council’s Digital Strategy, we have now processed all the iPads ready for distribution to S4 and 5 students this month.  Please ensure you and your child have read, signed and returned the Device Agreement which was emailed out and is also available to collect from the school reception.  Before we can issue the iPads we also require the non-refundable £20 case contribution which can be paid via ParentPay.  These cases are relatively robust and will help to keep your child’s device more protected and hence support the long term sustainability of our digital strategy.  If you require support with this financially, please contact Laura.Stewart@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk .  If you need help accessing your ParentPay account please contact Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk .  If you would like to join a parent/carer short-life working group to refine our Digital Strategy please contact Jeff.Warden@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk .  As previously mentioned, the devices are offered to all, regardless of home circumstances to allow for a consistent digital approach to enhancing teaching and learning across the school. Digital training will be provided by the school and Council for staff and students. 
4. We are very excited about the opportunities ahead for us as a school with this digital resource now available. 
5. We strongly encourage pupils and staff to walk, cycle, run, etc. to school. Cyclists are reminded to use a more secure ‘D’ lock (or similar) to deter thieves.
6. If your child feels unwell during the school day, they must report to Welfare. We will then contact you if they need to go home. It is essential that this procedure is followed.
7. Please ensure that you ‘phone or email the school if your child is absent from school.  When absences are planned, please give us as much notice and detail as possible so that we can maintain accurate records. The school will be supportive and understanding of the additional pressures being faced by families during this time.
8. 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.
9. Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
10. The recording of the last Parent Council meeting is now available on the PC website https://jghspc.wordpress.com/ along with presentations by staff on planning for dealing with capacity issues next year and proposals on changes to the school’s communities’ structure. The next Parent Council meeting will take place on Tuesday 8 June.
11. All S6 students must be available for assessment related activities up to and including Friday 18 June. They are not expected to attend their timetabled classes after their final assessment. If your child is not sure if they have completed all their assessment activities for a particular subject, please remind them to contact their class teacher. We will be arranging activities in June to mark the end of formal school based education for our wonderful S6s. We are also exploring options for a graduation ceremony and ‘Prom’ for all S6 students and families towards the end of August. More information will follow presently.
12. At its March meeting, the Education, Children and Families Committee agreed to change the scheduled Christmas holiday dates from Friday 24 December 2021 - Monday 10 January 2022 to Monday 20 December 2021 - Tuesday 4 January 2022.
13. The following link takes you to some useful information booklets for staff and parents on a range of matters. https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/downloads?fbclid=IwAR3ogMRI95pl9Zx_vJwy6YV4VWA4pEbn-vghUDRQ2c3nMPbqQqmaBquIvRM
14. Congratulations to:
1. Hivron Oyku Aslan (S3) who was successful in gaining a place on an ‘Engineering the future for Girls’ course over 3 days in early June at the University of Strathclyde.
2. Lucy Robertson (S5) who achieved 3^rd  place in the final of the British Council Mandarin Speaking Competition. Lucy, who is currently taking Higher Mandarin at JGHS, impressed the judges with her fluency and use of complex language.
3. Rhys Edwards (S3) who returned to racing his bike, winning the juvenile (u16) category in the north east of England 10 mile time trial series.
15. Dates. Please note that Monday 24 May is a holiday and that, other than for some exams, we are closed on Tuesday 25 May. All pupils resume on Wednesday 26 May.

 

 

And finally, I’d like to remind everyone of our school’s vision statement.

 

‘Our vision as a school is to create a nurturing environment in which all feel welcome and part of a larger family. All members of the school community will feel appreciated and enabled to forge friendships based on values they will embrace for life. We seek to ensure that James Gillespie’s High School provides a foundation for a lifetime of learning, embracing the diversity within our wider community, so that every individual can excel in their own unique way.

 

Very best wishes and good luck to all pupils involved in exams/assessments next week.

 

Wishing all a lovely (long) weekend.

Donald

Friday 14 May

 

This week marks the end of Ramadan for many in our School community. I take this opportunity of saying Eid Mubarak to all.

 

I’m pleased to say that the exams which started on Monday of this week are running smoothly. Huge thanks to everyone for your support with this and especially to Mr Bob Shankland for his meticulous and thorough planning. These exams/assessments will continue over the coming weeks and will provide us with the necessary evidence to award (provisional) grades to pupils. As widely reported in the press, schools across Scotland have taken different approaches to generating the evidence required to meet the SQA criteria. I recognise and acknowledge the extraordinary pressure that these ‘assessment’ arrangements have placed on our students, staff and families. Please be reassured that we continue to be committed to do our best to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students.

 

During the coming weeks, whilst assessments are taking place, pupils will have restricted access throughout the day to various parts of our building. Other than in extreme weather, we will be asking all pupils to be outside during social breaks.  All pupils have been reminded to wear warm clothing to best prepare for the uncertainties of our Summer weather.

 

After all the assessments are marked, teachers will allocate grades based on the advice received from the SQA and the City of Edinburgh Council. This is a significant undertaking and will require much time and coordinated effort in the coming weeks. Please bear with us in the interim, if we take longer than normal to respond to routine enquiries.

 

The SQA provided an update to schools early this week regarding this year’s Alternative Certification Model.  Please use the following link to access the Parent/Carer version of this update:  https://blogs.sqa.org.uk/2021/national-qualifications-2021-group-disruption-to-learning-parent-carer-message/

 

There is also a learner specific update for all students, that can be accessed here.

 

1. Earlier this week I wrote to all S1 parents to explain why it is neither possible nor required to parents to make appointments to se of their child’s teachers on the evenings of Tuesday 18 May and Thursday 20 May. We are aware that not all parents have managed to make the number of bookings they would wish. Please be reassured that we will already have been in contact with parents if concerns about settling in to S1 or making progress have been raised by staff.
2. We strongly encourage pupils and staff to walk, cycle, run, etc. to school. Cyclists are reminded to use a more secure ‘D’ lock (or similar) to deter thieves.
3. If your child feels unwell during the school day, they must report to Welfare. We will then contact you if they need to go home. It is essential that this procedure is followed.
4. Please ensure that you ‘phone or email the school if your child is absent from school.  When absences are planned, please give us as much notice and detail as possible so that we can maintain accurate records. The school will be supportive and understanding of the additional pressures being faced by families during this time.
5. 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.
6. Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
7. Thanks you to all who joined the online Parent Council meeting on Wednesday 12 May at 7pm. Access to a recording of this meeting and fuller responses to the questions that were raised will follow shortly.
8. The S2 STEAM (Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)  project linking JGHS with A school in Oulu, Finland is underway with some face to face sessions now able to take place with our resident artist Brittonie.  Photography, chemistry/biology/physics and technology are all driving the project forward with a focus on images created by soil components.  Students are encouraged to keep blogs to track their progress and a final installation at the end of term will be created.
9. In the coming weeks there will be an increasing focus on more quickly following up unexplained pupil absences. Please ensure that planned absences are communicated to the school as son as possible. Email is best.
10. Please note that as Monday 24 May is a holiday for some, the Gaelic Medium Education report will now go to a special Education, Children and Families Committee on Friday 28 May.
11. All S6 students must be available for assessment related activities up to and including Friday 18 June. They are not expected to attend their timetabled classes after their final assessment. If your child is not sure if they have completed all their assessment activities for a particular subject, please remind them to contact their class teacher. We will be arranging activities in June to mark the end of formal school based education for our wonderful S6s. We are also exploring options for a graduation ceremony and ‘Prom’ for all S6 students and families towards the end of August. More information will follow presently.
12. Following positive feedback from our teambuilding session in December with our S2 students, the Army have offered to run two more teambuilding exercises for our S1 and S4 students. These sessions will take place over a double period within the school grounds on Tuesday 1 June 2021. The students will take part in teambuilding exercises and games, with the aim of developing their leadership skills, critical thinking, confidence and of course having fun! If pupils are interested they collect a form from school reception. These need to be completed as soon as possible and returned to reception by Wednesday 26th May latest.  Places may have to be limited and please return the forms as quickly as possible to allow us to best plan groups.
13. At its March meeting, the Education, Children and Families Committee agreed to change the scheduled Christmas holiday dates from Friday 24 December 2021 - Monday 10 January 2022 to Monday 20 December 2021 - Tuesday 4 January 2022.
14. Last Friday 7th May, S6 had the opportunity to hear a live presentation from the Student Awards Agency of Scotland (SAAS) about applying for funding for HNC,HND and degree courses starting after summer. Students have received information and advice on the S6 Teams page and there is a link below to a video presentation with audio commentary. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2021. Students can speak to their Pupil Support Leader if they have any questions about this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXFSOf0e-ac
15. Congratulations to Hannah Treagus and Viviane Bachmann who appeared in the Evening News following their success in the school's YPI final. Hannah and Vivienne worked really hard and, in winning the final, raised £3000 for Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled.  The article can be found here. YPI have also featured the school as a successful case story on their website. Well done to all S4s who took part in this worthwhile enterprise through their core RME classes.

 

 

My quote  for this week - ‘Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned at school.” (Albert Einstein)

 

Very best wishes and good luck to all pupils taking assessments in the coming weeks.

 

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

 

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 7 May

During this past week, staff and students have been preparing for the SQA Assessments (aka Exams) which take place from Monday 10 May. The attached presentation is the information that was shared with Pupils online yesterday evening in an information session chaired by Mr Bob Shankland, our SQA coordinator.

 

We are mindful that pupils in S4 and S5 have no experience of sitting exams under formal conditions so will understandably be anxious about what lies in store. Whilst SD6 pupils will have had experience of sitting formal exams in S4, many will be under immense pressure as they prepare for their post-school destination. Please continue to reassure all and remind everyone that all we can expect is for each student to do their best. Circumstances for learning and teaching over the past 15 months have been far from ideal so it is entirely understandable if students don’t feel confident about performing to their full potential. These forthcoming assessments

 

During the next few weeks, whilst assessments are taking place, pupils will have restricted access throughout the day to various parts of our building. Other than in extreme weather, we will be asking all pupils to be outside during social breaks.  All pupils have been reminded to wear warm clothing to best prepare for the vagaries of our Summer weather.

 

Alternative Assessment Arrangements. Following a communication from Mr Shankland earlier in the week regarding arrangements for the upcoming SQA assessments for S4, S5 and S6 students, there has been a significant level of correspondence about specific arrangements for individual candidates.  Mr Shankland will work through these as quickly as possible and communicate with home regarding any amendments made.  Please be assured that we will do all we can to ensure each candidate has their agreed individual arrangements for each of their assessments.

 

Finally, after all the assessments are marked, teachers will allocate grades based on the advice received from the SQA and the City of Edinburgh Council. This is a significant undertaking and will require much time and coordinated effort in the coming weeks. Please bear with us in the interim, if we take longer than normal to respond to routine enquiries.

 

1. Thank you to S1 parents for making bookings for the forthcoming teacher consultations on the evenings of Tuesday 18 May and Thursday 20 May. We are aware that not all parents have managed to make the number of bookings they would wish. Please be reassured that we will already have been in contact with parents if concerns about settling in to S1 or making progress have been raised by staff. In a situation where appointments are full, it is our usual practice to respond flexibly to requests for additional information for parents. Frustratingly, there will be less scope for that flexibility in the coming weeks as staff will be heavily involved with marking and grading in order to meet the various SQA and CEC assessment deadlines throughout the rest of May and June. When our Parent Consultation calendar was drawn up  over a year ago, we could not have anticipated the disruption to ‘normal life’ that has happened.  The requirement for all secondary schools to generate evidence based gradings for all students in S4,5 and 6 has added enormously to teacher workload and is highly likely to impact on what flexibility we would normally have during the months of May and June.
2. S3 Reports will be emailed to parents this afternoon.  If you don’t receive your child’s report, please first check your junk/spam folder.  If not there, please contact admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch and will arrange for it to be sent to your preferred e-mail address or alternatively, posted out.
3. We strongly encourage pupils and staff to walk, cycle, run, etc. to school. Cyclists are reminded to use a more secure ‘D’ lock (or similar) to deter thieves.
4. If your child feels unwell during the school day, they must report to Welfare. We will then contact you if they need to go home. It is essential that this procedure is followed.
5. Please ensure that you ‘phone or email the school if your child is absent from school.  When absences are planned, please give us as much notice and detail as possible so that we can maintain accurate records. The school will be supportive and understanding of the additional pressures being faced by families during this time.
6. 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.
7. Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
8. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online on Wednesday 12 May at 7pm. A link to join the meeting will be circulated via the school next week.  The agenda will be:
1. Donald j Macdonald (HT) – overview and parents’ questions
2. Laura Stewart (DHT) – update on capacity
3. Ben Lewis (DHT) – proposal on changes to school communities

There will be the opportunity on the night to ask questions via the Q&A typed chat facility, but if you want to raise a question in advance please sent it to the Parent Council email jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by Monday at 2pm and we will try to include it in the updates.  You can catch up with the March meeting on the Parent Council website https://jghspc.wordpress.com/ where there are links to presentations and the recording of the meeting.

9. Digital Update: As part of the City of Edinburgh 2050 Vision and Digital and Smart City strategy, pupils across S1-S6 will be receiving a digital device to support them with their studies in session 2021-2022. The first phase will involve pupils going into S5/6 who will receive their devices before summer. The second phase will involve S1-S4 who will receive theirs after the summer. During the second phase the S5/6 devices will have to be returned briefly for a systems update and will then be reissued. Much more information will follow in the coming weeks and months. If you would be interested in participating in a small short-life working group centred on parent partnership with this initiative, please contact Jeff Warden by Monday 31st May at Jeff.Warden@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
10. iPads and laptops – All devices which were borrowed from the school during the last period of school closure must be returned for annual maintenance and inventory-reconciling. Please return any borrowed iPads and laptops (along with their respective charging cables) to the school reception for the attention of Mr Warden. These must be back in the school by Monday 31st May.

 

My quote  for this week: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m Possible’” (Audrey Hepburn)

 

 

Very best wishes and good luck to all pupils taking assessments in the coming weeks.  Wishing all a lovely weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 30 April

Seeing everyone return to school this week, including those who were returning from shielding, marks a significant milestone as we reform as a school community. I’m delighted that everyone has been so supportive and understanding of the various risk mitigations we have in place to ensure that opportunity for virus transmission is minimised. In the coming weeks, we must continue to be vigilant and not allow complacency if we are to avoid contributing to a possible third wave in the Autumn.

Over the past few days, we have reminded and encouraged pupils and staff to take part in home testing.  This has led to an significant increase in uptake. Test kits are available for free to all pupils and staff at reception. Around 1 in 3 who have the virus show no symptoms so it is important that as many as are will are involved in self-testing. Parents can order free rapid lateral flow test kits online or by phoning the National Testing Centre on 0300 303 2713.. 

 

 

1. Work on finalising the arrangements for SQA assessments will continue over this weekend. There is added complexity this year as, because of Covid-19 restrictions, maximum group sizes are limited to 50 and, having no exam leave for seniors, exacerbates challenges we have with accommodation.
2. Preparations for next year’s timetable is progressing well. Pupils’ course choices have been processed and Mr Warden is now constructing timetables for up to 1580 pupils based on the resources we have at our disposal.  Staff recruitment to reflect our increasing numbers is also underway. Pleasingly we are attracting very healthy numbers of applicants for around 8 teaching vacancies.
3. If your child feels unwell during the school day, they must report to Welfare. We will then contact you if they need to go home. It is essential that this procedure is followed.
4. Please ensure that you ‘phone or email the school if your child is absent from school.  When absences are planned, please give us as much notice and detail as possible so that we can maintain accurate records. The school will be supportive and understanding of the additional pressures being faced by families during this time.
5. 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.  See attached letter from Police.
6. 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.
7. Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
8. The next Parent Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 12 May at 7pm.  As usual, the meeting will be online and a link will be circulated via the school before the meeting.  There will be the opportunity on the night to ask questions via the Q&A typed chat facility, but if you want to raise a question in advance please sent it to the Parent Council email jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com and we will try to include it in the updates.  You can catch up with the March meeting on the Parent Council website https://jghspc.wordpress.com/ where there are links to presentations and the recording of the meeting.
9. We are aiming to resume some extra-curricular sports activities from 17 May. More details to follow in next few days.
10. Digital Update: As part of the City of Edinburgh 2050 Vision and Digital and Smart City strategy, pupils across S1-S6 will be receiving a digital device to support them with their studies in session 2021-2022. The first phase will involve pupils going into S5/6 who will receive their devices before summer. The second phase will involve S1-S4 who will receive theirs after the summer. During the second phase the S5/6 devices will have to be returned briefly for a systems update and will then be reissued. Much more information will follow in the coming weeks and months. If you would be interested in participating in a small short-life working group centred on parent partnership with this initiative, please contact Jeff Warden by Monday 31st May at Jeff.Warden@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
11. iPads and laptops – All devices which were borrowed from the school during the last period of school closure must be returned for annual maintenance and inventory-reconciling. Please return any borrowed iPads and laptops (along with their respective charging cables) to the school reception for the attention of Mr Warden. These must be back in the school by Monday 31st May.
12. S1 Parents’ Evenings - We plan to run online parents’ evening appointments for our S1 students on the evenings of Tuesday 18 May and Thursday 20 May.

Appointments are booked through an online system which will go ‘live’ to booking at 6pm on Wednesday 5 May. 

Instructions of how to use the booking system and how to access your appointments on both evenings, will be e-mailed to parents at the start of next week.

 

 

 

 

Dates

 

Please note that pupils are on holiday on both Monday (3 May) and Tuesday (4 May) next week.

 

My quote for the week:

 

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” –(Og Mandino)

 

 

And finally, may I take this opportunity of wishing all a lovely long weekend.

 

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)