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)