The first full week back is now complete and it’s reassuring and pleasing to see how well our pupils are settling in and adapting to changing circumstances. Special thanks again to all of our pupil befrienders whose role it is to look after our new arrivals. Huge credit also to all parents and staff who have supported all in getting the school up and running again. A copy of the welcome presentation that was shared with pupils last week is attached as it contains some useful information for parents.
My weekly emails are available to view on my Headteacher Blog.
- As you may be aware, Scotland is currently experiencing
a sharp increase in positive Covid cases. We have had 15 cases (14 pupils
and 1 staff) in the past week. For the foreseeable future, pupils and
staff are all expected to wear face coverings whilst indoors (including
classrooms) and follow the other school procedures to minimise the risks
for virus transmission.
- Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for
Covid19.
- Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test
and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
- As always, email or phone the school if your child Is
absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19.
This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
- Please encourage your son/daughter to dress
appropriately for the unpredictable Scottish weather. Classroom windows
will be opened to allow air circulation and, other than in really wet
weather, pupils should be outdoors at breaks and lunchtimes.
- Details of how to access Covid vaccination clinics
for all aged 16 or over can be found here.
- The first Parent Council meeting for 2021/22
will be on Tuesday 7 September at 7pm. As last year, this
meeting will be online, and the joining link will be circulated through
the school. The meeting will include the Head Teacher’s report and
updates, plans for the coming year and reporting back on the results of
the parent survey the PC carried out before the summer. Questions for the
meeting can be raised in advance on jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com
and we will try to include them in the updates. There will also be the
opportunity to raise questions via the Q&A typed chat facility on the
night.
- We are moving to a new platform for holding PC meetings
which is why we haven’t been able to advertise this date before now. This
should be the same experience for parents attending but has meant some
work behind the scenes, so please bear with us as we get things sorted
out.
- Details of our extra-curricular programme (including
Active Schools) are being finalised and will be shared with everyone in
the next few days. Thanks to Eliot Ambrose (Active Schools’ coordinator),
Parents and Colleagues for contributing to what will be a comprehensive
programme. Our Duke of Edinburgh Programme has now resumed and we await a
green light to resume overnight excursions including our extensive foreign
trips.
- Please note that in line with updated National Policy,
access to our Active Schools’ activities are free to all. We would
invite those who can afford to contribute £25-£50 (annually) per pupil to
help us maintain and develop our programme as, in addition to volunteers,
we also bring in paid coaches to supplement our provision.
- Look out for emails from our Parent Council. We have a very
strong and active Parent Council and I would encourage you to get involved
and engaged. Details of the first meeting will be shared in the next few
days.
- SQA Appeals 2021 Mr Shankland (Depute Headteacher) is continuing to
process appeals arising from this years’ SQA arrangements. Thanks to all
who have contacted the school and for your patience as we process all of
these in accordance with SQA procedures.
- We have invited Tempest Photography, the renowned
school photographers, to return this session to photograph our new S1
students. Mr Mike Biagi of Tempest will be visiting the school on Tuesday
31st August 2021 to take individual photographs of our S1 students.
A copy of the photograph will be held within our secure electronic record
system and available for you to purchase. Proofs of the photographs will
be handed out to students the same day, along with details of how to order
and process for each photographic package available. Dress code for the
photographs is individual choice on the day: uniform as worn for
music exams and concerts can be worn if pupils wish, and we would only
respectfully request that individual choice follows the school dress code.
If you do NOT wish your child to be photographed, please email Joanne.Sinclair@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
by Monday 30th August.
- I am delighted to share that James Gillespie’s High
School has been awarded the ‘We Care: Schools for Young Carers
Recognising Award’! Well done to Mr Sievwright, Mr Carruthers
and Mrs Oatman for leading on and coordinating our Young Carers’ support
programme.
My quote for the week: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain.
Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.
Donald j Macdonald
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