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)