Friday 29 October

Welcome back to everyone after what I hope was a relaxing and enjoyable October break. Staff returned on Monday of this week to the third of five staff training days. Well done to all (students and staff!) who made the effort today to dress up for Halloween. It was really uplifting to see the considerable efforts many made to mark the occasion.  A particular favourite was Emily’s (self-made) wonderful mushroom outfit!

Warmest congratulations to Mr Jeff Warden on his appointment to the Headteacher position at Lanark Grammar School. Mr Warden has been at JGHS for the past 14 years; most recently as Depute Headteacher. I anticipate that he will take up his post in January 2022; arrangements to fill the resulting DHT vacancy will be made in the next week.

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 4. This is a reduction of 1 from the previous week. Thanks to all for your continued support and patience in our collective efforts to minimise opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. SQA Appeal Outcomes: The school was informed this week of the outcomes of all standard Type A (Academic Judgement) SQA appeals for last academic year.  The outcomes have been communicated directly to candidates, via the school email system.  All Type B/C Appeal outcome letters have already been communicated with candidates/families directly. If there are any issues or questions, please contact Bob Shankland, SQA Coordinator at Robert.Shankland@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
2. I’m pleased to share with you that the public consultation phase of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review has launched yesterday. As James Gillespie (whose bequest led to the founding of our School)  was a merchant who made his fortune from the sale of tobacco products, this consultation has added significance for our school community.
1. The online survey can be found here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/slaverycolonialism and will be open for 12 weeks until January 19 2022.
2. Background information to the Review is being hosted on the Council’s website here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edinburghslaverycolonialism
3. The Review Group is hopeful that this consultation will be of interest to many people living and working in Edinburgh, and to others with links to the city or a stake in the Council’s aim to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination.
3. Today at COP26: The Royal Meteorological Society will be producing short daily videos for the duration of COP26 aimed at keeping young people up to date with the latest important developments. We will endeavour to share these videos with pupils at school, but it would be worth considering watching these daily as a family in order to engage together with this critical event. The videos will appear on YouTube.
4. Your school needs you! Earlier this week you will have received a letter from Danielle Hart Adams, our school’s Developing our Young Workforce (DYW) Coordinator intimating that we would like to reach out to our school community, to enquire if you would like to be involved in helping us develop a James Gillespie’s Industry Directory. We would like to utilise the vast amount of industry knowledge we have amongst us. We are looking for people who might be willing to come in and talk to our pupils about their own careers. Informing them of the pathways they took after leaving school and during their careers, to give our young people some idea of what is possible and how to get there. If you would like to get involved in this initiative, please complete the following online form, by clicking on the link:  JGHS Industry Directory Online Form
5. The Parent Council AGM was held on 13 October and, as well as appointing the new PC, also included updates and questions on Covid rules, Ipads, school wi-fi, school staffing and many other issues. The recording of the meeting is on the PC website.

https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. If you are interested in volunteering to be involved with Events and Fundraising, there is still time to let us know on jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com.  For your diary, the next PC meeting will be on Tuesday 30 November

6. The JG Trust AGM took place on Tuesday of this week. Sincere thanks to Ms Ann Henderson who has stepped down from the Trust after 8 years of dedication and hard work. Ann has been a terrific chair for the past 2 years. Mrs Sheena Purdom, takes over as chair and I wish her well for the coming years. Many thanks all to all the trustees who support as a school community. The Trust is there to support the school in its endeavours and especially in regard to supporting pupils who need a bit of a helping hand to allow them to fulfil their potential. If you would like to find out a bit more about the Trust then please visit the JG Trust website.
7. Those who are seeking a YoungScot card for their child should  go to the following link : https://young.scot/the-young-scot-card/edinburgh
8. As part of activities in celebration of Black History month, Alex Wheatle, (Young Adult writer) visited the school today. A British-born writer of Jamaican heritage, Alex shared his personal experiences and their influence on his writing. He also talked about his latest novel – Cane Warriors. Following his talk, students had the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.  We’ll shortly organise a competition to get signed copies of Alex Wheatle's books to pupils.  Thanks to Ms Tomi Adenakan for arranging the visit and to the Scottish Book Trust for fully funding the visit.
9. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. 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.
10. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
11. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending, with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved. All absences are recorded as either Authorised or Unauthorised.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
12. Good luck to the following S2 boys who will represent JGHS at the national finals tomorrow (Saturday) as part of COPP26. The final will involve designing, building and running a hydrogen powered Lego vehicle
1. James Sinclair
2. Niall Mackintosh
3. Lachaidh-Alexander Dunbar
13. Dates:
1. 31 October Clocks go back one hour at 2 am on Sunday
2. 1 November S1 Parents’ consultation (Practical Subjects)
3. 3 November S1 Parents’ consultation evening (Non-practical subjects)
4. 10 November S4 reports issued to parents
5. 17 November S5 and 6 reports issued to parents
6. 30 November Parent Council meeting

 Warmest congratulations to: 

1. Kenneth MacIver (S5) who has been successful in achieving an Arkwright Engineering scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time we have had a winner of this scholarship. Particular thanks to staff who teach our Engineering Science course and also to all staff whose collective endeavours ensure that our Students at JGHS experience a broad and extensive curriculum throughout S1-S5.

 Please continue to share stories of Students’ wider achievements with me.

My quote for the week: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” (Vivian Greene) 

 All are reminded that the clocks go back an hour at 2 am on Sunday morning so remember to adjust your clocks before you go to bed on Saturday night.

 Best wishes to all for a lovely and drier weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 15 October

I’m sure that all are looking forward to a well-earned break from Monday 18 October. Over recent months, I’m delighted at how well the school has coped with the impact of COVID and how resilient folk have been whilst coping with continually changing circumstances.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported others in and around our school community. These have been extraordinarily challenging times for families and I know that for some it has, on occasion, felt overwhelming. Being part of a wider community gives us the capacity to support and look out for each other. On a daily basis I see wonderful examples of our parents, students, staff and partners going the extra mile to ensure that others feel loved, cared for and supported. Thank you, one and all.

 In the coming weeks we will need to continue to be resilient as we re-establish familiar school routines and ways of working. We will be doing more to be anti-racist and we will continue to ongoing efforts to tackle climate change. We will do all of this whilst working together as a school community.

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 5. This is the same number as in the previous 2 weeks. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. Thanks to all involved in the School’s Parent Council and especially those who take on official roles. Best wishes to those who are office bearers for the coming session.
2. The recording of the Parent Council meeting and AGM on 13 October is now available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. The meeting included updates and questions on COVID rules, Ipads, school wi-fi, school staffing and many other issues. The completed Q&A for the meeting will be posted on the PC website as soon as it is available. For your diary, the next PC will be on Tuesday 30 November. 
3. Those who are seeking a YoungScot card for their child should  go to the following link : https://young.scot/the-young-scot-card/edinburgh
4. For those students who did not receive their flu immunisations at school on Thursday 30 September due to absences or because the nursing team did not receive a consent form, please note that mop up clinics will be running during October 2021.  The number to call for booking an appointment is 0131 446 4082.
5. It’s not too late for staff and students to take part in the YoungMinds 10K challenge.  Please email me via the school email and I will add you to the team, it’s fun, good exercise and it’s for a good cause.  If you would like to make a donation, please click here.  we have already raised £90!
6. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. 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.
7. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
8. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending, with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
9. Dates:
1. 25 October Staff training day
2. 26 October All Pupils resume
3. 27 October Wear Red to support Anti-racism day
4. 29 October Dress Up for Halloween  (No Fake blood, fake weapons or face masks other than Covid related face coverings)
5. 1 November S1 Parents’ consultation (Practical Subjects)
6. 3 November S1 Parents’ consultation evening (Non-practical subjects)

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Lily Robertson in S5 who won the first prize at an engineering event organised by  Napier University. The competition included submitting a digital poster answering the question “Envisioning the future of EVs as a means to fight socio-economic inequality”.
2. The following who all did us proud at this week’s Scottish Schools’ Road races.
1. Josh Daunt S1 – 9th place in Boys Under 13s race
2. Freya Mowbray S2 – 9th place in Girls Under 15s race
3. Fraser Lupton S3 – 10th place in Boys Under 15s race
4. Jessica Taylor S3 – 12th place in Girls Under 17s race
5. Dylan Daunt S3 – 12th place in Boys Under 17s race (The Boys Team also came 6th in this race with Dylan’s result combined with Laurence Ward S3, Daniel Chowings S3 and Patrick Snowden S3)
3. S1 pupils who have worked collaboratively in pairs and fully engaged with climate change facts and mixed media to produce their colourful totems. We are excited to have their work featured in a community exhibition from 26th - 30th October at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Edinburgh.
4. The following S2 boys who have won through to the national finals for designing, building and running a hydrogen powered Lego vehicle
1. James Sinclair
2. Niall Mackintosh
3. Lachaidh-Alexander Dunbar

 

My quote for the week: “Be Someone's Strength. Be Someone's inspiration. Be Someone's Reason to Never Give Up” (Source unknown) 

 

I wish all a super October break. Enjoy yourselves and stay safe.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher) 

Friday 8 October

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 5. This is the same number we had in the previous week. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission. 

1. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online on Wednesday 13 October at 7pm. We will send out the link on next week via the school email.  It is the PC’s AGM so there will be some procedural business to complete, including the appointment of the new PC and the election of post holders. Given the interactive limitations of an online meeting please email us in advance at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com if you are interested in taking on an official role, in joining the Committee, or in volunteering in any capacity.  Many thanks to those who have already got in touch and offered to help.  If you volunteered through the PC survey and we haven’t already been in touch with you, please also let us know. At the meeting we will have updates from our Head Teacher, Donald j Macdonald, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A chat facility.  If you have any questions ahead of the meeting please email us by 5pm on Tuesday and where possible these will be included in the updates.  Our next PC meeting after this one is on Tuesday 30th November.   
2. On Wednesday next week, a group of pupils will be participating in a virtual Four Nations Conference event based on the real CoP26 meeting. There are 20 schools joining in from all over the UK, each representing a country as in the real CoP.  JGHS pupils are representing Ethiopia, and will be communicating their country's position on climate change and addressing key questions about the future of our cities, oceans, forests, food and energy with the other countries. The pupils will have an amazing experience, not just furthering the knowledge of climate change but also discovering how a big global conference works and how it can achieve results.
3. For those students who did not receive their flu immunisations at school on Thursday 30 September due to absences or because the nursing team did not receive a consent form, please note that mop up clinics will be running during October 2021.  The number to call for booking an appointment is 0131 446 4082.
4. S1 proof photographs will be distributed during Key Adult classes on Wednesday 13 October.  Full instruction on how to order online are included with the photograph(s). If orders are placed on or before Friday 5th November delivery will be made to the school.  After this date delivery can be made to your home address but will incur a delivery charge.
5. Covid-19: information.  
1. The number of positive cases in our school community in the past week was: 5. (compared with 5 last week)
2. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
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.
6. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
7. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
8. Dates:
1. 15 October Mid-term break. School finishes at 12.55 on Friday 15 October
2. 25 October Staff training day
3. 26 October All Pupils resume

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Oisín (1R4) for success in Gaelic singing at the Royal National Mod. Nach math a rinn thu!

 

 

My quote for the week: “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.” (Barack Obama) 

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Friday 1 October

Today, Friday 1 October marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK, an event that has been celebrated nationwide for more than 30 years. The month was founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations. During October, all members of our community - students, staff and parents – are invited to reflect on how we can all be more kind, more aware, and, crucially, more anti-racist. We are a culturally diverse school and we benefit enormously from the enrichment that cultural diversity brings to our school. My thanks to all who contribute to our evolving understanding of how best to educate our pupils and address historical injustices in an increasingly connected and better informed world.

During this past week, I was pleased to see a number of school initiatives focusing on Climate Change educational activities. COP26 is the most important meeting about climate change ever and it starts in Glasgow on October 31st. The City of Edinburgh Council has organised a Countdown to COP to help young people to engage with COP without getting overwhelmed. The countdown lasts for 5 weeks, each with a different theme. You may find it useful and informative to visit the site each week and discuss it with your own children. The first theme is Nature – click here to find out more. If you would like to know more about COP26 from the point of view of young people, you may find this video informative.

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days is 5. This is half the number we had in the previous week. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. The 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.com ahead 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.  Please also email us with any questions you have for the updates at the meeting.  The reports of the chair and treasurer, and the 2020/21 accounts, are now available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/ and if you would like to catch up on the last PC meeting on 7 September the recording and the completed Q&A can also be found there.
2. 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: 5. (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.
3. 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.
4. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk 
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
5. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
6. The Warrender Water Polo club, with which we have a long established link, is now welcoming new members from age 8.
7. YoungMinds is a charity that  helps young people with mental health issues. The aim of our challenge is to compete the equivalent of 10K in two weeks. This can be achieved by any activity ranging  from walking, cycling, jogging, or simply exercising in your own home. It’s your choice, you can either do it in one go or spread out over the two weeks. Those interested in taking part should see Mrs Oatman in B6, in Bruntsfield House. The challenge starts on the 8th October.  YoungMinds also celebrate Mental Health Day with HelloYellow Day, a chance to show off your brightest yellow attire! If you would like to donate please follow this link.
8. At JGHS, as part of the ‘We Care Award’, we are raising awareness of what it is to be a young carer. Between now and Christmas we will be focusing on bringing this to the attention of the school community, with the aim of identifying hidden young carers in our school and increasing the support of those we know.  On Wednesday Jenny Lewis, schools project manager, from Edinburgh Young Carers, gave a live talk on what it is to be a young carer, during key adult time. Jenny will have further involvement in JGHS bringing in resources and speaking to classes. If you would like more information, please do contact either myself (Mrs Oatman), Mr Sievwright or Mr Caruthers.
9. Thank you to all who signed up to audition for instrumental lessons in school. Audition times have now been assigned for all who applied and are displayed in the Muriel Spark building. They can be found on the noticeboard on the ground floor outside the theatre and in all music classrooms. All pupils who have signed up to audition for an instrument, must go to the Spark building to check their audition time as soon as possible.
10. We are currently arranging for some of our S6 pupils to be part of a paired reading scheme with some of our S1 pupils.
11. Best wishes to the S6  pupils who went out on their Gold Duke of Edinburgh DofE practice expedition last week Wed – Fri  and are going to be heading out on their Gold assessed expedition next week Sun 3rd to Wed 6th Oct .
12. Dates:
1. 5 October S3 Parents evening (Details of how to book appointments were emailed earlier this week)
2. 8 October Wear Yellow day and donate to YoungMinds.
3. 15 October Mid-term break

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. S1 and S2 pupils who took part in competitive workshops on Monday linked to COP26 to design the most efficient Lego vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Some great teamwork, problem-solving and ingenuity was displayed. The three winning teams from James Gillespie’s will compete in the Edinburgh final next Friday, with the winners from that event going on to the national final which takes place in Glasgow during COP26 itself.
2. Last year at the regional finals our teams performed incredibly. Iconic Racing won three star quality awards, they were the Judges Choice team and won the Pit Display and Research& Development awards. Fibonacci won the star quality presentation award, and went on to win the Regional Final overall! They are now competing in the National Finals, taking place virtually on Friday 8th October. Well done to all the students involved; Chris Rae, Pere Tenesa Navarro, Robert Newman, Emil Griffin, Robbie James, Abby Earnshaw, Manu Silverton, and particularly Sam Mackintosh and Matt Ball-Torokoff who manage the teams.  Look out for more news as our teams for 21-22 begin their competition preparation, and good luck to all involved.
3. Laurence Ward (S3) who won the British Junior inter regional orienteering championship last weekend, helping Scotland to victory in the team competition.
4. Carla Brunelli Bonet, Surya Schneiders and Trudy Patrick who  represented JGHS at the Scottish Schools Slalom champs this weekend in Alva. Great achievement in their first slalom race, Trudy won silver U14!

 

My quote for the week: “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” – (Socrates)

 

Best wishes to all for a delightful weekend.

 

Donald