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..
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Parents are reminded to not enter the school car parking areas unless it is absolutely necessary.
- 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.
- We are aiming to resume some extra-curricular sports activities from 17 May. More details to follow in next few days.
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
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