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