Friday 24 September

 

I hope all enjoyed the long weekend and managed to take advantage of the continuing good weather. The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days is 10. This is the same number as the previous week. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. Our next Parent Council meeting is our AGM on Wednesday 13th October.  As we are still unable to meet in person, please email us at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.comahead of the AGM if you would like to join the Parent Council or would like to find out more about what the PC does.  Membership is open to all parents and carers within the JGHS community and our role is to represent parents’ views and to work with the school to create a school which is welcoming for all parents. More information is also available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/including a recording of our last meeting on Tuesday 7th September.
2. As we prepare for the continued rollout of the CEC Empowered Learning 1:1 device project, we are working hard to recover the IT equipment which was borrowed during the school closures of the past year. It is essential that all of these devices are returned for annual maintenance and more importantly, that they may be used across the faculties throughout the school day. If your child still has one of the iPads with a black label on the back marked W-JAM-***** or a silver HP laptop with a similar black label on the front, these must be returned to the school reception along with their chargers immediately.
3. Thanks to Mr Andrews who is starting up the homework club again. It is going to be on Thursdays after school for about an hour in the library. It has been targeted mostly at S1s in the past but we can get a variety of students coming along.  We will be inviting S6 to help out. Pupils are invited to come along and get help with homework, preparation for tests etc.
4. Due to current national supply chain issues, we may need to change our dining room menus at short notice as we adapt to the changing situation.  Pupils with special diets will continue to be catered for, but menus may differ from those on ParentPay.
5.  Last year we raised over £400 when students took part in our 5km challenge for the YoungMinds  charity. This year, hopefully, we can raise even more. We will send details out next week to explain what you can do to contribute. https://youngminds.org.uk/
6. S1 and S2 Instrumental Music Auditions: Many thanks to all who have applied for an instrumental music audition. We have had many applications and guarantee every pupil will receive an audition. However, due to the number of spaces we have available and number of applicants, we are unable to guarantee everyone a place in instrumental lessons. Pupils should check the Performing Arts noticeboard (ground floor of Muriel Spark) on Friday 1 October for audition times.
7. Next week we are starting a pilot programme called ‘School of Basketball’ alongside the local community basketball club Boroughmuir Blaze. This will be led by coaches from Blaze and will involve pupils from S2 and S3. The programme aims to improve confidence, leadership, engagement and wellbeing through the means of basketball.
8. A reminder to parents to ensure that bags, items of clothing etc. have names on them. This will help us in returning these to the rightful owners when they are ‘lost’
9. Parents and carers of S1 pupils:  If you would like to know more about careers support for your young person throughout their time at school then please sign up to hear about the role of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers advisers in schools, including information to support career planning. https://s1parentsandcarers.eventbrite.co.uk (29 September)
10. The Council is pleased to announce a new Parental Engagement Locality Group for the parents of children and young people with Additional Support Needs in mainstream schools. This group will ensure that parents of these learners are able to meet to discuss specific issues related to meeting additional support needs in a mainstream setting. The group will meet four times over the school year and will feed in to the CEC Consultative Committee with Parents (CCwP). The first meeting will be held on Monday the 27th of September 18:30-20:30.  Click here to join the meeting
11. Covid-19: we should all continue to be vigilant towards minimising opportunities for transmission.
1. The number of positive cases in our school community in the past week was: 10. (compared with 10 last week)
2. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
3. Details of how to access Covid vaccination clinics for all aged 12 or over can be found here.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
5. 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.
12. 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.
13. Dates:
1. 29 September Careers introduction and information (online session) for S1 parents
2. 30 September Staff Flu vaccinations (postponed from this week)
3. 30 September Pupil Flu vaccinations
4. 5 October S3 Parents evening (Details of how to book appointments were emailed earlier this week)
5. 15 October Mid-term break

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Sorcha Thompson (S6) recently achieved a Distinction for her Grade 8 Trinity Clarsach Exam.
2. Josh Daunt (1R1) received a bronze medal in the u13 race and Dylan Daunt (3R1) received the silver medal in the U15 race, both running for Edinburgh Athletics Club at last weekend’s Oriam Trail Race over 2.7 Km.
3. Laurence Ward (S3) who won the Scottish Cup junior orienteering league 2021 last weekend, and has been selected to run for Scotland at this weekend’s Junior Inter Regional competition in Tyneside, and also at the Junior Home International competition in October in Surrey.

 

My quote for the week: ‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’.(Malcolm X)

 

Best wishes to all for a delightful weekend.

 

My weekly emails are available to view on my Headteacher Blog.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 17 September

 It’s been another busy and productive week in the JGHS community and I’m pleased to report that, slowly but surely, the school is returning to a version of the ‘normal’ we knew before the Covid pandemic took hold. It’s great to see extra-curricular music activities restarting though I suspect it may be some time before we can run the live concerts that JGHS is so well known for. As a direct result of Covid we are experiencing a higher than ‘usual’ staff absence rate. Pleasingly, we have several temporary staff who are always keen to help us out. In discussion with temporary staff earlier this week I was delighted to hear how positively they spoke of our school and, in particular, how polite and engaged our pupils are. Well done to all students, staff, parents and carers for reinforcing the values we operate by as a school community. We have had 10 positive cases in our school community over the past week; this is 3 fewer than last week.

 

1. We had a very successful and well attended online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) information evening last night. My thanks to our Parent Council for supporting this event and to our presenters: Ian Porter - Depute Headteacher; Kyle Hamilton - Skills Development Scotland (Careers Advisor); Jacqui Stark - former JGHS parent and Tania Peters - Pupil Support Leader. As in previous years we anticipate that we will have 150+ of our S6 applying for university places across the UK. A link for the recording of last night's event; the parent guide on our website and a Frequently Asked Questions document will be disseminated to all S5 and S6 parents/carers towards the end of next week.
2. A reminder to parents to ensure that bags, items of clothing etc. have names on them. This will help us in returning these to the rightful owners when they are ‘lost’
3. Instrumental Music Lessons. S1/S2 auditions: Information was shared with all pupils and parents this week about how to sign up to audition for instrumental music lessons and the JGHS Pipe Band. Please ensure that completed forms are returned no later than 24 September. Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider forms submitted after this date.
4. Music Extra-Curricular Activities. We are delighted to be able to offer extra-curricular clubs again, beginning from Tues 21 September. Details of the groups on offer can be found on the attached flyer. Due to restrictions, we can only rehearse with groups of up to 50 pupils at any one time and therefore we request that you sign up before attending your first rehearsal. A link to the sign-up form can be found here or you can use the QR code on the flyer. If groups become full, we will operate a waiting list system. We look forward to welcoming all back.
5. SCO Masterworks Concert. On 29 September, some of our senior classes will have the opportunity to watch the 'Rise and Fly' schools concert live in class. Resources will be made available after the initial concert so that we can share the experience with all our senior pupils. Further information can be found at: Masterworks 2021 riSE and fLY Schools Concert | Scottish Chamber Orchestra
6. Parents and carers of S1 pupils:  If you would like to know more about careers support for your young person throughout their time at school then please sign up to hear about the role of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers advisers in schools, including information to support career planning. https://s1parentsandcarers.eventbrite.co.uk (29 September)
7. We are currently experiencing a very high call and email volume from, parents. Please be reassured that we will do our best to respond to all within 3 working days.
8. In relation to Covid-19, we will continue to be vigilant towards minimising opportunities for transmission.
1. The number of positive cases in our school community in the past week was: 10.
2. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
3. Details of how to access Covid vaccination clinics for all aged 16 or over can be found here.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
5. 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.
9. 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.
10. Students Interested in a Gap Year 22/23 - Info from Project Trust Please see links to information from Project Trust who are now accepting applications for 22/23. If you need any more information email - Jane.Ham@projecttrust.org.uk Here is a link to the pre-recorded presentation -https://projecttrust-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/jane_ham_projecttrust_org_uk/EaROmv3MtCtAi1ckinOxgHkBbTD0pC2kT-SAS7HmfNvwSA?e=aKN1bB. There are also online information sessions for pupils and parents/carers which will provide an opportunity to ask questions - https://projecttrust.org.uk/information-sessions/
11. Equity Update: As another academic year ends and a new one starts you may be clearing out old revision jotters and study guides for courses no longer required.  If you have any you would like to donate to the school then please can you drop them off in the red box at reception.  These will be used by support for learning and our equity department for lending to those who might not be able to purchase their own.
12. If you have any questions, or require any help overcoming financial barriers to your child’s learning or attendance in school e.g. school resources, coats, shoes, lunch etc please get in touch via your child’s Pupil Support Leader or via the Equity Department laura.stewart@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk or elaine.oram@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk so we can plan how to best support.  We are aware there are some families eligible for free school meal support who have not signed up.  If you require help with this please contact admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk.  Even if your child does not wish to use the canteen, this will open up other support throughout the year.
13. Capacity Update Now we have fully settled into another academic year at JGHS we have an opportunity to update you all on where we are with managing our capacity as our school roll increases. As mentioned at the last parent council meeting, 17/20 of our AH classes have been able to be timetabled into teaching spaces for their full 5 periods.  Where this has not been possible the class sizes are very small and so courses can be delivered balancing time between the classroom and flexible directed learning (FDL).  We will continue to review the delivery of the AH classes with students and staff to ensure we provide the best experience for all as our young people prepare for their futures.
14. The study hub for Advanced Higher classes is fully up and running with ample Wi-Fi to support the 1-1 devices in use and school server provision.  At present there are timetabled classes in 3 teaching spaces and many periods when students can book in for quiet study.  This was initially booked via an online form but any new requests can come directly to laura.stewart@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk.
15. The renovation of Darroch as our new GME annex and additional senior school accommodation is progressing well despite the current pressures on the construction industry.  All of this is currently on schedule for completion in late Spring 2022. Thanks to the parents and S5 - S6 students who worked with us on our capacity working group last year to ensure everything was in place and that we were prepared for Flexible Learning despite the capacity pressures we faced.  We also thank the Council for their support in getting the S6 Hub ready under such a tight timescale following news of the COVID related delay to our original plans with Darroch.  So many logistical and legal hurdles to overcome to ensure the building was able to be safely used by our young people on time.  It has been an excellent resource for us and the students and staff have settled in well.
16. Dates:
1. 20 September Monday Holiday
2. 23 September Staff flu vaccinations
3. 29 September Careers introduction and information (online session) for S1 parents
4. 30 September Pupil Flu vaccinations
5. 5 October S3 Parents evening (Details will follow in the next few days)

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Rhys Edwards (S4) who, last weekend, the silver medal for 2nd place at the British 10 Mile Time trial championships in Bournemouth.
2. Esther Silverton (S6) who is this year’s recipient of the Heriot Watt school Leadership Award. Esther has shown great leadership, both in the school and in the community, in raising awareness of various causes, most notably, the Climate Change emergency. As well as thriving in her studies, Esther has demonstrated initiative, drive and enterprise in organising meetings and connecting with pupils in other schools in other countries to highlight this very important issue.
3. Iona Patrick (S4) who represented team GB in the Girl's U16 category Olympic Hopes’ Sprint Kayak Regatta in the Czech Republic last weekend.  Iona made the semi-finals in all her races, and is now ranked in the top 20 in her age group from an international cohort.

 

My quote for the week: ‘Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly’. (Robert Kennedy)

 

Best wishes to all for a delightful weekend. Please remember that Monday 20 September is a holiday; all resume on Tuesday 21 September.

 

My weekly emails are available to view on my Headteacher Blog.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 10 September

It is great to see so many school clubs taking place again after such a lengthy layoff due to Covid. Huge thanks to the many staff and students who give up their free time to make it all happen. The experience gained through lockdown has highlighted the benefits for our young people to have opportunities to stimulate their thinking and interact with others.

 

 

1. A copy of key dates for a variety of events (Reports, Consultation evenings, Parent Council, etc. ) for this session is attached.
2. A copy of our Pupil Support Structure is attached.
3. We are currently experiencing an unusually high call and email volume from, parents. Please be reassured that we will do our best to respond to all within 3 working days.
4. In relation to Covid-19, we will continue to be vigilant towards minimising opportunities for transmission.
1. The number of positive cases in our school community in the past week was: 13. (Coincidentally, this is exactly the same number as last week).
2. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
3. Details of how to access Covid vaccination clinics for all aged 16 or over can be found here.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
5. 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.
5. 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.
6. At around 250 Pm on Wednesday of this week, the school fire alarm was maliciously activated leading to the evacuation of around 1200 students and staff from our main teaching block. The local fire service quickly attended to ensure that all within the school were safe and after resetting our fire activation system, all were allowed to return to classes. This is the first malicious incident of this nature at JGHS in 4/5 years.  I was very encouraged by the reactions of the many who shared their annoyance at this significant disruption to learning. Pleasingly and reassuringly, a number of students have provided useful information about those who may have been involved. Investigations are continuing to identify those responsible and we will continue to liaise with Police to deal robustly with those responsible.
7. Parents looking for support in gaining employment such as CV advice or help with a job application are invited to contact Rachael Hessey via email at rachaelhessey@accesstoindustry.co.uk or 07514 666 039 and she will allocate you a 30-minute time slot and provide you with all the details . The session can be online or at the Cowgate office, depending on preferences. In order to be eligible, you must:
1. Be a parent or have parental responsibilities
2. Live in Edinburgh
3. Be either unemployed or on a low income
8. The recording of the Parent Council meeting on 7 September is now available on the PC website https://jghspc.wordpress.com/ along with the results of the PC’s survey of parents.  The meeting heard from Donald Macdonald, HT, on issues such as new Covid rules, homework expectations, SQA planning and health and well-being.  There was also a welcome to S1 by Ian Porter, DHT.  The completed Q&A for the meeting will be posted on the PC website as soon as it is available. The next Parent Council meeting will be the AGM and will take place on Wednesday 13 October.  If you are interested in joining the Parent Council or finding out more about its work, please contact us on jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com.  Further information on the meeting will be circulated nearer the time.
9. I’m delighted to share that the Paolozzi Prize 2021 Category winners artwork will be exhibited on the North Bridge from next week. Both (former S6) Cerys Scott Hobbs and Zhana Fritsch’s  work, is included from Gillespie’s.

 

Congratulations to:

 

1. Sarah Johnson (4S2)  who won Silver at the National School Cycling  Games last weekend.
2. Jessica Taylor (S3) and Dylan Daunt (S3) who took part in the Lochore Off Road Triathlon Festival last weekend. Jess was the first girl and Dylan was the third placed boy.
3. Rhys Edwards (S4) who achieved 5th place in the British (Cycling) youth Time Trial championships last Saturday.
4. Mollaidh Nicholson (S6) who won the Ladies Scratch prize for the 2nd time at the Askernish (South Uist) Open Golf tournament last week.

 

 

My quote for the week: ‘Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change’.  (Bob Kerrey)

 

My weekly emails are available to view on my Headteacher Blog.

 

Best wishes to all for a delightful weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

James Gillespie’s High School

Friday 3 September

On Tuesday evening I was delighted to accompany 30+ colleagues to celebrate and mark the end of formal schooling for around 200 (outgoing) students at this year’s S6 ‘Prom’ at the Balmoral Hotel. They all looked great and we enjoyed the opportunity to be together for one last time to reminisce and bid farewell.  Huge credit and thanks to the Balmoral staff for being so accommodating and ensuring the event ahead despite ongoing challenges with Covid-19.

 

1. In relation to Covid-19, we will continue to be vigilant towards minimising opportunities for transmission.
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Details of how to access Covid vaccination clinics for all aged 16 or over can be found here.
3. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
4. 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.
2. 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.
3. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online on Tuesday 7 September at 7pm. A link to join the meeting will be circulated via the school next week.  At the meeting we will hear from our Head Teacher, Donald j. Macdonald on the return to school and plans for the rest of the school year, including SQA arrangements, covid rules and school accommodation. Mr Ian Porter (Depute Headteacher) will also be in attendance and will present a brief summary on how S1 are settling in to High School. 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 PC email jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by Monday at 2pm and we will try to include it in the updates. We would be particularly happy to welcome parents and carers who are new to the school to our meeting.  A brief note about the PC is attached for those who want to know a little more about its work.
4. Details of our extra-curricular programme (including Active Schools)  were finalised and shared with everyone earlier this week.
5. We are delighted to have Grainne Ravani Foster, a music therapist from Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, starting in the school this week. She will be working with a small number of pupils for the duration of this term and will be based in Bruntsfield House. Music therapy is a fantastic way to support young people who may be experiencing a variety of challenges in their lives and we look forward to working closely with Grainne over the coming months.
6. Police Scotland are offering two bike marking sessions at JGHS next week. This is an great chance to get any new bikes marked.
1. They will take place at the bike sheds on Thursday 9/9/21 and Friday 10/9/21 between 7.45am – 8.30am both mornings.
2. You will need to book a timeslot in advanced. Please see Ms Dolan in 2.07 or the maths base to collect a form and book a timeslot.
7. Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS) is excited to announce its upcoming Scotland in Colour 2021 festival taking place this Saturday 4 September. Please click here for more information.

 

And finally, well done and sincere thanks to the three S3 students (Josie Toye, Tasha Pandutama and Breagha Bennett) who assisted an elderly gentleman who had fallen in the street at lunchtime yesterday. As he was injured and unable to get up they phoned an ambulance and asked some passers-by to help. They stayed with the man until they knew he was fine and supported. We are proud of you for your timely and kind support.

 

My quote for the week: ““You’re the painter of your life. Don’t give the paint brush to anyone else.”– (Zaki Anwari)

 

My weekly emails are available to view on my Headteacher Blog.

 

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher