Friday 17 December

 I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our school community for all of your support in ensuring that the school continued to function as best it could over the past year. As students and staff prepare for the Xmas holidays, there is uncertainty as to what extent the latest Omicron variant will impact our lives when students are scheduled to resume on Thursday 6 January 2022. I will continue to keep all informed.

 It is clear that following the rules, taking regular lateral flow tests, and getting vaccinated are our best allies to beat the virus. You can find out where to get lateral flow and PCR tests on the NHS website. The vaccination booster programme has expanded, so you may now be eligible to book yours. But, again, the NHS website has the information you’ll need.

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 20. This is 4 more than last week.

 

1. We are delighted to announce that 🎄 🎁 ☃❄️ JGHS Online Christmas Concert 2021 ❄️☃ 🎁 🎄 is now available to view online! Huge thanks to musicians, media and technical teams, sound and visual engineers and our wonderful instrumental instructors and Performing Arts staff for making this fantastic collaboration happen. We are thrilled that the show has been able to go on! Wishing you all a wonderful festive season from all in Performing Arts. 
2. Over the past 2 weeks, S1 pupils at James Gillespie’s High School have been taking part in Vintage Vibes Edinburgh Christmas card campaign as part of their Kindness Project. Just a week after hearing about the project, classes in the RME (and English) department have managed to create over 300 Christmas cards for 200+ isolated elderly people in Edinburgh. We were incredibly sad to hear that one study found that Edinburgh’s elderly are the loneliest in the UK and our pupils were very motivated to help.
3. Active Schools are organising Bikeability Scotland Instructor (BSI) training courses in the New Year, which are FREE to staff and parent volunteers. There is also funding to provide cover staff to release teachers to attend the course. Please contact Eliot.Ambrose@ea.edin.sch.uk if you are interested.
4. The Parent Council is leading a festive fundraising appeal for its Small Sums Fund, which supports projects run by staff to improve the educational experience for pupils at the school.  This year, we have not been able to raise income through our usual events and fundraising activities, but there is still a need for the support our funding can supply. If you are able to do so, please make a donation to the Parent Council through Parent Pay this festive season. For further information: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/fundraising/festive-fundraiser-2021/
5. We were very disappointed to have to cancel the coach trip to the Etihad stadium on Saturday 11 December to see Manchester City play Wolves. Full refunds are being processed via the ParentPay system. Please contact us at Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk if you have any queries. Sincere thanks to Ms Crosbie who had worked hard to arrange for this trip to take place and here’s hoping that when it is safe to do so we can arrange for such a trip to take place.
6. Digital Update JGHS is in Phase 2 for the Empowered Learning city-wide device distribution. We were able to secure devices ahead of schedule for S5-6 due to the Covid related delays to our extension at Darroch which was fortunate.  The S6 devices will be collected back in, reset and passed onto the new S5 after around June. If you have an S5 or 6 child who is planning on leaving school ahead of this please remind them to return their device, plug and charger to the classroom assistants office in Bruntsfield House. To ensure the Council’s preparatory work is complete, the device distribution for Phase 2, which includes our new S1-4 devices, has been moved to September 2022.  We are investigating the possibility of bringing forward the date for the new S4 devices to allow us to plan digitally for the entire senior phase and will update you if there is any movement here. 
7. Targeted Support During the prelims we will be organising support sessions for students who, for any reason, are at risk of missing out on qualifications. We will offer subject specific tutoring sessions to help them achieve their full potential this year. This means that during specific periods each week, attendance during prelim leave will be requested for targeted students. Further communication will come out to families following the Christmas holidays to share details with those involved.
8. Student Awards Agency of Scotland (SAAS) - online presentation - Thursday 13th January 2022 at 6pm SAAS is an executive agency of the Scottish Government. It supports eligible students by paying their tuition fees as well as offering bursaries and supplementary grants. It also assesses students applying for loans. We have arranged for SAAS to deliver an online presentation about applications for funding for those students applying for HNC, HND and degree courses. This will provide important information about applying and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The event is for students and parents/carers if they wish to join. We will send everyone a lint to access the meeting after we resume in January.
9. A reminder that the public consultation phase of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review  is still live and is open till 19 January 2022. 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. The online survey can be found here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/slaverycolonialism  Background information to the Review is being hosted on the Council’s website here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edinburghslaverycolonialism
10. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate and arrange for a free PCR test
11. Dates:
1. 17 December Term ends at midday.
2. 5 January Staff resume
3. 6 January Students resume
4. 13 January Student Awards Agency of Scotland (SAAS) - online presentation at 6pm
12. Congratulations to:
1. James Gillespie's Netball Club who got off to a flying start in Netball Scotland Schools Scottish Cup this year. Our S2 and S3 teams currently sit undefeated within their group and only have 1 match still to play. We are hopeful they will go through to represent the east in the next stage. Our two senior and S1 teams have also been training hard and performing well. All involved have been a credit to the school and represented themselves brilliantly. Looking forward to seeing what they can do in the new year!
2. Jonathan Steel (S6) & Rayan Mohammed (S5) who have been selected to join the Scottish Schools FA U18 International Squad. This is a massive achievement. The selectors for the Under 18 Squad watched Scottish Cup matches and held numerous area trials. They will represent the Scottish Schools FA in the Centenary Shield Competition, which will take place in 2022.
3. Evie Strong (S3) who received a distinction for her Grade 2 piano exam
4. Amy Wignall (S3) - Grade 3 pass with Merit in violin
5. Kaishin Yao (S3) - Grade 3 pass with Distinction in violin
6. Flora Mitchell (S4) - Grade 4 pass in violin
7. Elsa Mercadante-Wilson (S4) - Grade 4 pass in Violin
8. Ben Smith (S5)  – Grade 8 pass with merit in Cello
9. Anjalie Khan (S1) who has successfully auditioned to become a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland's (NYOS) junior orchestra.
13. Very best wishes to the following staff who are leaving JGHS today:
1. Mr Jeff  Warden who is the new Headteacher at Lanark Grammar School
2. Ms Eilidh Grant who is taking up a similar Maths post closer to her home.

 

 

My quote for the week: “"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve."(Source unknown)

 

 

Best wishes to all for a joyous festive season and a very happy New Year.

 

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 10 December

News of the spread of the Omicron virus is currently dominating the news and is unsettling for us as we approach the Xmas holidays.  I know that the uncertainly around this will be concerning for all but especially for our senior students who are scheduled to sit their prelims soon after we resume in January. Those of you who had hoped to travel further afield to be with friends and family over the festive/New Year holiday may also have to adjust travel plans to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and guidelines.

It is clear that following the rules, taking regular lateral flow tests, and getting vaccinated are our best allies to beat the virus. You can find out where to get lateral flow and PCR tests on the NHS website. The vaccination booster programme has expanded, so you may now be eligible to book yours. But, again, the NHS website has the information you’ll need.

I will endeavour to keep all up to date with any changes we have to make to school plans over the coming days.

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 16. This is one fewer than last week.

 

1. We look forward to inviting you to join us in celebrating the festive season with the JGHS Christmas Online Concert. Musicians, media teams, sound, and visual engineers have been busy rehearsing, recording, and editing this wonderful collaboration featuring an array of different ensembles! Pupil previews available in the theatre at 16:00 on Weds 15 and Thurs 16 December. Priority for performers and a strict maximum capacity of 50. Admittance on a first come, first-serve basis. General release Fri 17 December via email link. We will send another communication for staff and parents next week which will include the link.
2. The Council’s Education, Children and Families committee has agreed in principle to go ahead with a statutory consultation on Gaelic Medium Education (GME) at secondary level, starting on 31 January 2022.  It has released a paper setting out the options for a new GME high school which it is considering for inclusion: Update on GME consultation.  If you have any questions or comments please send them to the school or to the Parent Council (jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com) and we will pass on any further information as it becomes available.
3. Active Schools are organising Bikeability Scotland Instructor (BSI) training courses in the New Year, which are FREE to staff and parent volunteers. There is also funding to provide cover staff to release teachers to attend the course. Please contact Eliot.Ambrose@ea.edin.sch.uk if you are interested.
4. Parents are requested to not double park to drop off or pick up pupils in Lauderdale Street or Warrender Park Road. Please use nearby streets and ask pupils to walk the short distance to school.
5. Any pupils requiring supplies of any sanitary products over the school holidays can come to the welfare office any time before the end of term and collect as many products as they may need.
6. There is now a designated recycling bin in Mr Bracewell’s room (room M1.18) to gather all used inhalers. Thanks to Mr Bracewell, Euan Hickman [S5] and the JGHS Sustainability team.    
7. All are reminded to ensure that unattended bicycles are securely locked. A high quality ‘D’ lock is recommended.
8. Teenage booster forms S3-6 – there are still a lot outstanding. If you wish your child to receive the booster, please return your forms as soon as possible. The NHS are able to accept late returns, but please return by mid-January at the latest.
9. A few parents have asked about the HPV vaccine. This will be held in May 2022. The NHS will send us forms in January/February for all who are eligible.
10. The Parent Council is leading a festive fundraising appeal for its Small Sums Fund, which supports projects run by staff to improve the educational experience for pupils at the school.  This year, we have not been able to raise income through our usual events and fundraising activities, but there is still a need for the support our funding can supply. If you are able to do so, please make a donation to the Parent Council through Parent Pay this festive season. For further information: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/fundraising/festive-fundraiser-2021/
11. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate and arrange for a free PCR test
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.
12. 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
13. Dates:
1. 14 December Course choices (S2 into S3; S4 into S5 and S5 into S6) information event (online)
2. 17 December Term ends at midday.
3. 5 January Staff resume
4. 6 January Students resume
14. Congratulations to:
1. Kirsty Johnson, S6, has been selected for the Great Britain Cycling Team Junior Academy (under 18 Track Sprint), one of three girls in the UK.
2. Sarah Johnson, S4, has been selected for the Great Britain Cycling Team National School of Racing Foundation Programme (Under 16 Track Sprint), one of two girls in the UK.
3. Toby Ward (S6) who was awarded a distinction in his Grade 8 piano exam
4. Kaishin Yao (S3) who achieved a merit in her Grade 3 singing exam.

 

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

My quote for the week: ‘Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand. (Dr Seuss)

 

 Best wishes to all for a great weekend.

Friday 3 December

With only two weeks to go until the end of term, students and staff are working hard to prepare for the prelims which begin shortly after we resume in January. As was the case last year, it feels strange to not be preparing for our Christmas concert in the Usher Hall. Instead we will be offering an online Christmas celebration. Details to follow.

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 17. This is a sharp rise on the number of cases in recent weeks and serves as a timely reminder that we must not become complacent in our efforts to minimise opportunities for COVID transmission.

1. Parents are requested to not double park to drop off or pick up pupils in Lauderdale Street or Warrender Park Road. Please use nearby streets and ask pupils to walk the short distance to school.
2. Any pupils requiring supplies of any sanitary products over the school holidays can come to the welfare office any time before the end of term and collect as many products as they may need.
3. A final reminder to return teenage immunisation booster forms please. The NHS will triage these next week.
4. There is now a designated recycling bin at reception to gather all used inhalers. Thanks to Mr Bracewell, Euan Hickman [S5] and the JGHS Sustainability team.    
5. All are reminded to ensure that unattended bicycles are securely locked. A high quality ‘D’ lock is recommended.
6. Our Campus Police officer has alerted us to a COVID-19 vaccine pass text scam that is targeting youngsters. The scam involves young people being texted to request their bank details via a bogus website designed to look like an official NHS platform.  All should note that Covid vaccination passes are free and never involve the sharing of bank details.
7. Update from the Pupil Equity Department: We have updated our school website to include a page with information on support available for families. This direct link takes you there. There is information here to help families sign up for Free School Meals, apply for funding for winter coats and shoes, clothing grants and support with debt management and benefit applications etc.  We hope this may be useful to some of our school community especially as we head into winter months. We can also help provide students with educational resources such as support materials and stationary e.g. revision books, calculators, pencil cases etc. Please contact us if you would like more information via the school office email Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk or by phone 0131 447 1900. (Laura Stewart and Elaine Oram)
8. The recording of the most recent Parent Council meeting on 30 November is now available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. The meeting included updates and questions on Active Schools, SQA arrangements, supporting children’s mental health, staffing, school wi-fi and many other issues. The completed Q&A and presentations made at the meeting will also be posted on the PC website in due course. For your diary, the next PC meeting will be after Christmas on Wednesday 26 January.
9. The Parent Council is leading a festive fundraising appeal for its Small Sums Fund, which supports projects run by staff to improve the educational experience for pupils at the school.  This year, we have not been able to raise income through our usual events and fundraising activities, but there is still a need for the support our funding can supply. If you are able to do so, please make a donation to the Parent Council through Parent Pay this festive season. For further information: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/fundraising/festive-fundraiser-2021/
10. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate and arrange for a free PCR test
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.
11. 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
12. Dates:
1. 14 December Course choices (S2 into S3; S4 into S5 and S5 into S6) information event (online)
2. 17 December Term ends at midday.
3. 5 January Staff resume
4. 6 January Students resume
13. Congratulations to:
1. Peter O’Connor on being appointed Curriculum Leader for Modern Languages
2. Laura Stewart and Ben Lewis on being appointed Acting DHT– both will take over parts of Jeff Warden’s role when he departs in January to become Headteacher of Lanark Grammar School.

 

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

 

 

My quote for the week: “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” (Burton Hills)

 

 Best wishes to all for a great weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)