Friday 25 February

 I hope that everyone had a lovely February. Earlier this week I was delighted to learn that our ‘Positive Destinations’ figure for school levers for last session was 98% - our highest ever! In effect, this means that of the just over 200 school leavers only 5 did not enter a positive post school destination. I take this opportunity of thanking everyone in our school community and especially our Pupil Support Leaders and our 16+ team for this achievement in the most challenging of circumstances.

 

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 24 (This is 13 fewer than the week before the mid-term break)

 

1. Covid-19 Update: As you may be aware, National Guidance on COVID mitigations is changing from Monday 28 February. The main change that will impact on us at JGHS is that we can no longer insist that students wear a face covering in classrooms. I am aware that staff and students are anxious about this change and especially so in a context of continuing COVID infections and a requirement to self-isolate in specific circumstances. Following feedback from staff and our pupil voice leaders, and in line with National Guidance, the JGHS approach will be to alert students that they have the option to not wear a face covering in classrooms but that the wearing of face coverings whilst in classrooms is encouraged.  Other established mitigations which include hand washing, one-way systems, and desk cleaning, allied with twice weekly LFD (Lateral Flow Device) testing should continue as per current practice. All staff have been alerted that we cannot insist on students wearing face coverings in classrooms. Actions are underway to offer Risk Assessments to both staff and students who may be feeling vulnerable. All are asked to gently and kindly remind others that face coverings may be worn in classrooms but to avoid getting into a confrontation over this. In my communications to students and staff, I will emphasise the continuing expectation to be sensitive to those who are currently feeling most vulnerable. We anticipate that some will need more time and support to adjust to being in a classroom with others who are not wearing face coverings.
2. Covid protocols 
1. Please ‘phone or email the school to tell if your child tests positive for COVID. Include test date and whether it was a LFD (Home test) or PCR.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate in line with current Government Guidelines.
3. Taking regular lateral flow tests and getting vaccinated are among our best mitigations to limit the spread of Covid. 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.
4. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
5. If/when, there are changes to COVID mitigations affecting schools I will write to all members of our school community and give you as much notice as possible.
3. Prior to the Christmas break, Parents were given the opportunity to give us their views on the service they receive from the school office. We are pleased to confirm that we received some very positive feedback and we have also identified opportunities for us to improve our service. Laura Black, Business Manager, is working with the office team on this and will share the survey results and further actions with you very soon. 
4. Thanks to Euan Hickman (S5) and Mr Bracewell for ensuring that the Inhaler recycling bin is now located at reception and is checked regularly.
5. Young Scot, Young Carer package. Any young person with caring responsibilities can sign up to access this package which includes digital vouchers, subscriptions and exclusive offers. The young person will have to sign up for Young Scot first and this can be done at: Become a Young Scot Member today | Young Scot. (Though making an appointment at your local library could be less complicated). If the young carer already has a Young Scot card, then they can login to the site and sign up for the package. Please contact Fiona Oatman or Richard Sievwright if you have problems.
6. The Teenage Booster will take place on Wednesday 2 March in the Theatre. All pupils involved should have received a schedule of appointments.

A few points to note:

1. Teachers will send pupils to the Theatre for their vaccination at the appropriate time.
2. S5-6s can go at any time
3. Please return any outstanding forms as soon as possible
4. Wear t-shirt or vest on the day and take water bottle
5. The schedule will also be available to view near the Forum
6. Dates:
1. 2 March  Teenage booster (Diphtheria/Tetanus & Polio and Meningitis ACWY)
2. 7 March S4 Parents’ evening
3. 16 March S5/6 Parents’ night
4. 22 March Parent Council meeting
5. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
6. 8 April Term ends
7. Well done to:
1. Sarah Johnson (4S2) who broke the under-16 girls Scottish national record for Standing Start 500m Time Trial, (a record set by her sister Kirsty in 2019), at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow at the weekend. Nothing like a bit of sibling rivalry!
2. Anjalie Khan (S1) who was accepted into the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) as a violinist for 2022

 

 

My quote for the week: “Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind’’ (JF Kennedy)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald

Friday 11 February

Please note that during our first week back after the February break, there are no changes to our current COVID arrangements. I will communicate with all parents/students about any changes on Friday 25 February. 

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 37 (This is 10 more than last week)

 

1. Coursing Update Please ensure that you can access email for all updates from Mrs O’Brien relating to coursing – much information has been shared this week for S4/5 and this includes some changes to the coursing options at Higher and Advanced Higher.
1. S2 – many thanks to pupils and parents/carers for all the efforts in ensuring that pupils made their choices for the deadline. PSLs have been speaking to pupils in PSE classes this week and making any appropriate changes. Thanks to them for their support.
2. S4/5 – due to the holiday next week, the deadline for senior coursing has been extended until Wednesday 23 February at 5.00pm. The system will be locked after this date, and PSLs will discuss choices with senior pupils during PSE the week after this deadline, so any amendments can be made.
3. Senior Coursing Evening – this was a well-attended online event on Wednesday 9 February. The recording and presentations have been shared on the course choice page on the website, and emailed to senior pupils and parents/carers. Thanks to Kyle Hamilton, our career coach from Skills Development Scotland, for his input.
4. Coursing and Career Advice – for any queries over career pathways and coursing, please see our career coach Kyle Hamilton at his drop-in sessions in the library on a Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime. He can also be contacted on: Kyle.Hamilton@sds.co.uk
5. All coursing information, including the Schools College Partnership programme, can be found on the school website: https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/course-choices/
2. The Young Person's Guarantee is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people. It aims to connect every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland to an opportunity. This could be a job, apprenticeship, further or higher education, training or volunteering.
3. S2 Parents’ Evening – Written Feedback Requests Thanks to those parents who made requests for written feedback following our recent S2 Parents’ Evenings.  We aim to have all feedback to parents on or before Friday 25 February. 
4. Please find a link below to an SQA update that details support for learners taking National Qualifications in 2022 https://blogs.sqa.org.uk/qualifications2022/support-for-learners-taking-national-qualifications-in-2022-an-overview/
5. Parents and Carers of S6. Please encourage your child to go in to the S6 Teams page and check their school emails, as there are links pertaining to the S6 Yearbook. Thanks in advance for your support. (Mr Porter)
6. Be aware that bike thieves are active in the Edinburgh area.  The following advice from the Police may be helpful in keeping our bikes secure.
1. Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket.
2. Register your bicycle securely online at the National Cycle Database, www.bikeregister.com Doing this may help to recover your bike if it goes missing. On registering, you can also download a bike logbook where you can record your bike’s details to keep at hand.
3. Security mark your bike’s frame with a UV pen or other method – the mark should include your home postcode and house number.
4. Insure your bike, either on contents insurance or separately if required.
7. Edinburgh Council has been holding open meetings for parents to discuss the impacts of Covid on school communities and parental engagement. The final meeting is on Tuesday 22 February (from 6.15-7.15pm) and parents are welcome to join through this link: Click here to join the meeting. There is more information about the issues and comments that have been raised by parents in earlier meetings on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. The Parent Council encourages parents to take this opportunity to let the Council hear about your experience of being part of the school community during Covid. If you can’t attend the meeting but have comments to contribute, these can be sent to: Parental.Engagement@edinburgh.gov.uk
8. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please ‘phone or email the school to tell if your child tests positive for COVID. Include test date and whether it was a LFD (Home test) or PCR.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate in line with current Government Guidelines.
3. Taking regular lateral flow tests and getting vaccinated are among our best mitigations to limit the spread of Covid. 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.
4. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
5. If/when, there are changes to COVID mitigations affecting schools I will write to all members of our school community and give you as much notice as possible.  
9. Teenage booster (Diphtheria/Tetanus & Polio and Meningitis ACWY) – this will be on Wednesday 2 March 2022. This is for all S3s and any S4-6s who didn’t receive the booster in S3. Please return any outstanding forms to us as soon as possible. If your child in S4-6 did not receive a form, this means they already received the booster in S3.
10. This is to inform you that the next online Maths Circle (Edinburgh University), will take place on Saturday 19 February. As usual, there will be two slots:
1. 10:00-11:00 (slot for 7-11 years old)
2. 11:30- 12:30 (slot for 11-14 years old)
3. To ensure safeguarding of all participants, the University will require that each minor will be supervised by a parent/guardian/responsible adult at all times during the online event. In general, information about the outreach program can be found at:
11. https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/outreach  You can find some online resources at: https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/outreach/online-resources
12. Dates:
1. 11 February All break for Mid-term holiday
2. 21 February All resume
3. 23 February S4/5 course choice submission deadline
4. 2 March  Teenage booster (Diphtheria/Tetanus & Polio and Meningitis ACWY)
5. 7 March S4 Parents’ evening
6. 16 March S5/6 Parents’ night
7. 22 March Parent Council meeting
8. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
9. 8 April Term ends
13. Well done to:
1. Scarlett Norrie (S1) who won first place a and a £25 voucher for her art work in a recent Scottish Beekeepers’ Association Calligram competition.  In addition, congratulations to S1s, Niamh Thomson, Petra Leetch, Eva Sutherland, Tilda Carmichael and Hannako Stevenson, who were Highly Commended.
2. Dominic Chan (S1), who on Sunday 6 Feb was crowned the champion of British Fencing  in the U13 boys foil category.
3. Iona Patrick (S6) on being selected to represent Scotland in canoeing.  

 

My quote for the week: “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of becoming.“ (Goethe)

 

Best wishes to all for a COVID free and rejuvenating February break.

Donald

Friday 4 February

 I’ve been really impressed during the past week to hear of the many successes across the school in team sports. In particular, I’ve heard of strong performances and sporting behaviour for both Football and Netball.  My sincere thanks to all pupils, staff, parents, coaches etc. who go the extra mile to provide these opportunities.

 Thanks to everyone for doing your bit to ensure that Covid has minimal chance to spread in our school community. Regular testing and getting fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged.

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 27. (This is 15 more than last week)

  

1. Pupils who feel unwell during the school day should report to Welfare. Pupils should not go home directly without checking in first. Our Welfare assistant will contact home to alert you if they cannot continue in school.
2. On Thursday 10 February prelim results and presentation recommendations will be emailed to all pupils and parents/carers in S4-6. This email will come from the address ben.lewis@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk so please look in your spam/junk folder if it does not arrive. If you still have not received it by the morning of Fri 11 Feb, please email the above address to ask for a copy.
3. A reminder that our Parent Council will be holding an online meeting on Thursday 10 February for parents interested in getting involved in an Events and Fundraising Group.  If you would be interested in taking part, or finding out more, let us know through the PC email: jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com
4. The deadline for the online completion of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review – has been extended to 11 February 2022
5. National charity Family Fund is urging low-income families in Scotland, with disabled or seriously ill children or young people aged 0-17, to apply for grants to help them through the remaining winter months and challenging ongoing impact of the pandemic. The charity provides grants for essential items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, warm bedding, sensory toys and equipment, computers and tablets, much-needed family breaks and more.
6. Edinburgh Council has been holding open meetings for parents to discuss the impacts of Covid on school communities and parental engagement. The final meeting is on Tuesday 22 February (from 6.15-7.15pm) and parents are welcome to join through this link: Click here to join the meeting. There is more information about the issues and comments that have been raised by parents in earlier meetings on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. The Parent Council encourages parents to take this opportunity to let the Council hear about your experience of being part of the school community during Covid. If you can’t attend the meeting but have comments to contribute, these can be sent to: Parental.Engagement@edinburgh.gov.uk
7. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please ‘phone or email the school to tell if your child tests positive for COVID. Include test date and whether it was a LFD (Home test) or PCR.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate in line with current Government Guidelines.
3. Taking regular lateral flow tests and getting vaccinated are among our best mitigations to limit the spread of Covid. 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.
4. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
5. If/when, there are changes to COVID mitigations affecting schools I will write to all members of our school community and give you as much notice as possible.  
8. Teenage booster (Diphtheria/Tetanus & Polio and Meningitis ACWY) – this will be on Wednesday 2 March 2022. This is for all S3s and any S4-6s who didn’t receive the booster in S3. Please return any outstanding forms to us as soon as possible. If your child in S4-6 did not receive a form, this means they already received the booster in S3.
9. HPV vaccine – HPV immunisation packs have been issued in key adult this week. Please return these forms to reception by Wednesday 9 February. NHS Lothian will be offering HPV vaccination to all S1 – S3  pupils, as well as catch up for girls in S4 to S6. In accordance with Chief Medical Officer Policy, there is no catch up programme for boys who were not in S1 before the national programme commenced in 2020. If a pupil has already received one dose of HPV vaccination, then they will not be issued with another consent form for further doses
10. Dates:
1. 9 February Deadline to return completed HPV forms to reception
2. 9 February live webinar for S4/5 pupils and parents with our careers' advisor
3. 10 February Parent Council online meeting on Fundraising
4. 10 February Prelim results
5. 11 February All break for Mid-term holiday
6. 21 February All resume
7. 21 February S4/5 course choice submission deadline
8. 2 March  Teenage booster (Diphtheria/Tetanus & Polio and Meningitis ACWY)
9. 7 March S4 Parents’ evening
10. 16 March S5/6 Parents’ night
11. 22 March Parent Council meeting
12. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
13. 8 April Term ends

 

11. Thanks to Euan Hickman (S5) who, on behalf of our school’s sustainability team, has developed this SWAY presentation on the environmental impact of disposable face masks.

 

My quote for the week: ““There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.“ (B Fuller)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald