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.