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)