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.